Top Ha Long Bay Multi-day Cruises - page 21

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:

• Top 1 Tier: All-Inclusive OVERNIGHT Halong Cruises
• Paradise Elegance Cruise 2 Days 1 Night Halong Bay Tour
• Paradise Elegance Cruise 3 Days 2 Nights Halong Bay Tour
• Indochina Sails Halong Bay
• Luxury Aspira Cruise from Halong with Kayaking, Cave, Cooking Class

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

• Overnight Tours

• Day Trips

• Kayaking Tours

• Scuba Diving 

• Dinner Cruises

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: 

• All-Inclusive 2 Day/1 Night Halong Luxury Cruise, Meals, Cave, Kayaking, Swimming

• Cozy Bay Classic Cruise 2D1N, Kayak, Swim, Titop, Cave, by Expressway

• 2-Day, 1-Night Halong Bay Discovery Cruise From Hanoi

• From HN: Best-Selling Halong Bay Luxury Cruise | Optional Choices

• 1-Night Halong Bay Cruise—Titov Island, Surprise Cave, Kayak, Meals

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.

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.

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.