We had an incredible trip to Halong with 6 couples on the Amanda Cruise ship after the Hera boat had a maintenance issue on one of our rooms. Fortunately we got an upgrade. Tom (Cruise, haha, his English name) was the cruise manager with his wife as part of the crew. The hospitality and food on board was amazing. We enjoyed all of the activities (except Tip top island which was packed). Tom and his team was exceptional!
Fantastic luxurious trip to Halong bay which was enjoyable from start to finish. Everything was so easy to organise, we were picked up in a high end bus from our hotel and taken to the most beautiful boat. The boat was nicer than some of the hotels we stayed in in the cities. The highlight of the trip were the staff. They were kind, helpful, funny and very personable. We loved the activities and I even managed to catch a squid when fishing! You will not be hungry on this boat, with delicious food and a buy one get one free happy hour on the first night too! Brilliant trip, would highly recommend to anyone.
Stunningly beautiful islands and rocks of Halong Bay, kayaking, swimming, cave tour and really good food served on ship made the 3 hour journey from Hanoi worth the trouble. Andy the cruise manager had the itinerary organised, was helpful, funny and full of knowledge on local and vietnamese culture and history.
The boat was beautiful and the cabins were very nicely furnished. The activities were well planned and executed. All the staff were very nice and made it an unforgettable experience for us.
One negative was the stops made by the bus on way and back to Hanoi. They seemed to be tourist traps so would appreciate if you could take those out.
We had an amazing 2D1N overnight experience with La Casta Cruise in Lan Ha Bay, and it was one of the absolute highlights of our Vietnam trip.
If you’re looking for a luxury overnight cruise in Lan Ha Bay (quieter alternative to Halong Bay), La Casta is an excellent choice.
The cabin was spacious, spotless, and beautifully designed, with a private balcony overlooking the limestone karsts. Waking up to the calm waters of Lan Ha Bay was unforgettable. The ship itself is modern, well-maintained, and feels premium without being overly flashy.
The food was outstanding — fresh seafood, authentic Vietnamese dishes, and well-presented multi-course dinner. Breakfast and brunch were generous and delicious. Definitely above expectations for a cruise
What truly stood out was the service. The crew was warm, professional, and attentive throughout the journey. Everything ran smoothly from pickup in Hanoi to drop-off.
Lan Ha Bay itself felt less crowded than Halong Bay, which made the experience more serene and relaxing.
Highly recommend La Casta Cruise for couples, families, or anyone wanting a comfortable and memorable overnight cruise in Northern Vietnam. Worth every bit.
Amazing service, activities, food. Great value. The cruise was so well organized and the accommodations were good. Our 3 day 2 night cruise included a full day exploring Ha Long Bay on another Athena day boat. It included free kayaking and a visit to a pearl farm.
Overall great time!
Everything was very nice, and the quality/price ratio was very good!
The personnel were very friendly; the boat is in a good condition and clean; the food was delicious (the breakfast could have been a little bit more, but they served lunch pretty soon, so it was ok).
The Ha Long Bay, the scenery, the caves the water, everything was superb!
I recommend to anyone at least once in a lifetime to take this cruise!
Tour is well organized and great value for money.
Tam was an excellent tour guide and shared lots of knowledge about Vietname Language, History and Culture.
First Island in Halong Bay on Day 1 was pretty crowded as expected but the cave visit afterwards was good.
Sunset that night was picturesque and it was definetly worth staying overnight as the next morning it felt like we were the only boat out in the Bay which gave the whole scenery an amazing vibe.
Pearl factory next morning was interesting and a bit of kajaking on top for those who like rounded up the overall experience.
Tam also provided extra help in further organizing next steps of my trip.
This is a great experience. A must if you are in Hanoi. The trip is 100% worth. The transfer from Hanoi is not included and we paid and extra of 30Usd, 2 ways.
The cruise is amazing, the rooms really beautiful and well designed, they even have the bathtub facing a window. You’ll be rushing all the time, due to the activities planned for every moment.
The drinks are not included, however they have the for a competitive price. Tips are not included. The la escape and the surroundings at the bay are breathtaking, you’ll have an unforgettable experience.
It’s impossible to see Halong Bay’s 1,600 limestone islands and islets in just one day; Halong Bay multi-day cruises let you explore more of Halong Bay’s natural attractions at a leisurely pace. Typically lasting 2-3 days, these cruises offer a choice of cabins, onboard meals, and a wide range of amenities and activities. Some even take you to the off-the-beaten-path Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay. Plus, staying overnight on Halong Bay lets you experience sunrise and sunset over the stunning landscape.
People Also Ask
What are the best Ha Long Bay multi-day cruises?
There are plenty of high-quality Ha Long Bay cruises to choose from. Looking at ratings and reviews given by previous travelers, these are the best cruises available right now:
Ha Long Bay cruises start from US$50 for a basic overnight cruise with food, activities, and often a cooking class. On the high end of the scale, expect to pay US$1,400–US$2,000 for a more luxurious retreat that lasts five days and includes a deluxe cabin.
Where do Ha Long Bay cruises go?
Ha Long Bay cruises sail around the limestone islands and formations of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stop-off points vary. depending on which tour you choose and how many days it is, but classic stops include Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave), Titop Island, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay.
What is included on Ha Long Bay multi-day cruises?
Food, onboard overnight accommodation, and activities are included on most Ha Long Bay multi-day cruises, while alcoholic drinks are often extra. Check whether transfers are included as this can vary from tour to tour. You’ll find that the higher-priced tours will include more extras and activities than the budget-friendly cruises.
How many days in Ha Long Bay is enough?
It depends on your budget and what you want to see and do. If you're pressed for time, a 2-day Halong Bay tour covers all the classic sights with plenty of time for relaxing. Or, you can take your time and go for a 5-night tour, spending more time exploring the islands.
What are fun things to do other than Ha Long Bay multi-day cruises?
There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Ha Long Bay aside from multi-day cruises. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:
What are the most affordable multi-day cruises in Ha Long Bay?
Ha Long Bay multi-day cruise prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now:
What should I know before booking Ha Long Bay multi-day cruises?
Many Ha Long Bay multi-day cruise packages include—or can provide—round-trip transfers from Hanoi. This is helpful if you’re staying in the capital, but you might be able to save some money by booking a cruise package without transfers if you can travel independently. It’s also best to check which parts of the greater Ha Long Bay area the cruise visits: Those that stick to Ha Long Bay offer a busier experience, as many other tourists and cruise vessels are around, while multi-day tours that venture to outer bays and waterways can be more peaceful.
What are the best tips for enjoying Ha Long Bay multi-day cruises?
Make sure you book a Ha Long Bay multi-day cruise that meets your accommodation preferences. Some cruises offer luxurious rooms with private bathrooms and large windows to admire the views of the bay, while others are more basic and may suit travelers on a lower budget. Similarly, food options vary: higher-priced cruises tend to offer better quality and variety of food. Meals are often Vietnamese, with some international options. If you have any dietary requirements, ensure you book a cruise that can cater to you.
What is the best time of year to book Halong Bay multi-day cruises?
Ha Long Bay is a year-round destination, but seasonal weather can affect the optional activities you can participate in. During the warmer months—April to October—you may be able to swim and kayak from your boat or at sheltered beaches. However, July to September can be wet and humid, potentially obstructing views. You probably won’t want to swim from December to February, but you can still visit the island caves.