Best Halong Bay Cruises 2026 | Reviews & Complete Comparison

With dozens of operators and a wide range of boats, choosing the right Halong Bay cruise can be confusing. This guide gives honest, practical reviews and comparisons of the best cruises in Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Lan Ha Bay – helping you pick the right route, ship type, cabin and duration for your trip in 2026.

What Defines the Best Halong Bay Cruises?Luxury, Mid-Range & Budget Options

Luxury Cruises: comfort, extras, and price

Best for: Couples, honeymooners, families wanting comfort, and travelers who prioritize service & privacy.

Luxury cruises deliver elegant cabins, fine dining, spacious decks, and premium extras such as private balconies, onboard spas, and curated excursions. Expect attentive service and fewer passengers per boat. These cruises are ideal for honeymooners, families seeking comfort, and travelers who prioritize convenience and privacy.

Mid-Range Cruises: Best value options

Best for: Most travelers – great value without sacrificing comfort.

Mid-range vessels often strike the best balance between price and comfort. Cabins are modern, meals are generally good, and itineraries include the major highlights plus kayaking and cultural stops. If you want a high-quality experience without premium prices, this is the most popular choice.

Budget Cruises: Essentials at low cost

Best for: Backpackers, students, and budget-conscious travelers.

Budget cruises are the practical choice for travelers on a tight budget. Basic cabins and simpler dining are standard, but the scenery and core activities (caves, kayaking, swimming) remain the same. These are great for backpackers and groups who prioritize time on the water over onboard luxury.

Best Halong Bay Cruise Routes: Halong, Bai Tu Long or Lan Ha

Halong Bay: Classic must-sees

Best for: First-time visitors who want iconic scenery.

Halong Bay is the UNESCO-famous route with iconic spots like Sung Sot Cave and Titop/ Ti Top Island. It’s busier but offers the quintessential Halong experience – perfect for first-timers

Bai Tu Long Bay: Quiet, untouched routes

Best for: Travelers wanting peace, nature, and fewer crowds.

Bai Tu Long Bay offers fewer boats, quieter lagoons, and a more intimate feel. Choose this route if you prefer nature, solitude, and authentic floating villages.

Lan Ha Bay: Great for kayaking and families

Best for: Active travelers, kayakers, families.

Lan Ha Bay is slightly south and often less crowded than classic Halong itineraries. Its calm lagoons, sandy coves (Ba Trai Dao), and excellent kayaking make it a strong pick for families and active travelers.

Best Halong Bay Cruise Itinerary: Day Cruise or Overnight Cruise

Day Cruises (4-7 hours): What to expect

Best for: Halong cruise port passengers, Hanoi day trippers, short itineraries.

Day cruises are perfect for limited schedules – cruise-port passengers or Hanoi day-trippers. They include a selection of highlights (caves, short kayaking) but miss sunset and sunrise moments

Overnight Cruises (1 or 2 nights): Why stay longer

Best for: Anyone wanting the true Halong Bay experience.

An overnight stay on board unlocks sunset views, sunrise panoramas, evening activities (squid-fishing, Tai Chi), and a more relaxed pace. For most visitors, a 1-night cruise is the sweet spot.

Comparing Halong Cruise Ship Styles: Wooden Junk vs. Steel Vessel

Traditional Wooden Junk: Charm & Limits

Best for: Travelers wanting authenticity.

Wooden junks deliver classic Vietnamese charm, often with smaller cabins and simpler facilities. They’re atmospheric but may be less stable in rough weather

Modern Steel Ship: Comfort & Facilities

Best for: Comfort seekers, older travelers, families.

Steel-built vessels provide smoother sailing, bigger cabins, and modern amenities (spa, fitness, bigger dining areas). They’re usually better for older travelers and families with small children.

Best Halong Bay Cruises for Different Travelers

Family-Friendly Cruises

Best for: Families with children.

Look for larger cabins, flexible meal options, and safe kayaking areas. Crew that accommodates children is a plus.

Honeymoon/Romantic Cruises

Best for: Couples seeking romance.

Choose balcony suites, private dinners, and smaller, quieter ships for a romantic escape.

Adventure and photography-focused cruises

If photography or kayaking drives you, prioritize routes with dramatic karst clusters and longer time on the water – Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long often win here.

How To Choose the Best Halong Bay Cruise Cabin

Cabin types and deck positioning

Upper-deck cabins offer views and light; lower-deck cabins are quieter and often cheaper. Balcony cabins are highly recommended if you value sunrise and private views.

Inclusions, safety, reviews, and departure port

Compare what’s included (meals, activities, transfers), check safety records and guest reviews, and confirm the departure port – Tuan Chau Marina vs. Halong Cruise Port – as logistics can affect your schedule.

• Itinerary stops (caves, islands, kayaking spots)
• Cruise route (Halong / Bai Tu Long / Lan Ha)
• Cabin size & location
• Meals & dining quality
• Guest reviews
• Safety record
• Departure port (Tuan Chau Marina or Halong Cruise Port)

Final Recommendations on the Best Halong Bay Cruises

For first-time visitors, a mid-range or luxury overnight cruise in Halong or Lan Ha Bay offers the best balance of comfort and scenery. For travelers who prefer quieter surroundings, Bai Tu Long Bay is the ideal choice. And for those short on time – especially cruise-port passengers – a 4-6 hour day cruise still provides an unforgettable glimpse of the bay’s beauty.