Our 1-night/2-day cruise was absolutely wonderful. We were on the Pearl Dragon (22-room boutique ship) and our crew were phenomenal. The room, food, amenities and service were incredible and above and beyond what we expected. The tour operator also coordinated transportation for us from Hanoi and to Ninh Binh before and after the cruise for an additional cost which we appreciated. This was an absolutely phenomenal experience all around and we would highly recommend.
Very friendly and kind crew, some of whom can speak good English. The food was very well prepared. The offered excursions were well taken care of and explained. The hut itself was neat and clean, not very big but it is on a boat. Had fun extra free activities on the boat. Overall, I had an unforgettable experience with the beautiful surroundings.
We had a great time with Tea on the boat. He explained everything very thoroughly and in a very entertaining way. You can feel that he loves his job and has fun doing it. The region is breathtaking, the many islands offer an extraordinary scenario. The weather was not very good, but the excursions were exciting nonetheless.
beautiful cruise on the Casta Cruise. staff on board fantastic, and meals excellent. avoid cabins 304, 305, 306, they can be noisy in case of karaoke at the bar just above. Only downside: little navigation through the islets, the boat rather makes round trips like all the others for that matter...
Would love to experience it again, very nice staff
The staff was very friendly and informative throughout the entire stay, so you always knew what was next on the schedule. When asked if we would like a specific dish or not, we specified Vietnamese food. This request was also fulfilled. Linh was attentive and served us during our stay at the restaurant.
From the moment we arrived at the port, the treatment by the staff was excellent. It was our honeymoon and the staff went out of their way for us and had many thoughtful gestures.
The boat was very beautiful both on the outside and on the inside and the scheduled activities were very good as well.
We highly recommend it and would do it again without a doubt!
This cruise experience far exceeded expectations 👍 The entire ship is very clean, and the public areas and cabins are fresh and comfortable. All staff members were very enthusiastic and polite. Especially want to thank Miss Lisa; her service was particularly attentive and meticulous, always responsive, and made the whole experience very comfortable. A very pleasant trip, I will come again if I have the chance!
We did this cruise for one night. We booked a senior suite but got an upgrade to the president suite. That was a special experience; what a wonderfully big and luxurious place. But apart from this little thing, everything else was also arranged fine. Tight organization, friendly staff, and great food. Ha Long Bay is also beautiful. This is a preliminary highlight of our Vietnam trip!
We booked 2 day 1 night cruise but after stepping into our cabin we extended by another night. I would recommend 3 days 2 nights to everyone as the 2nd day of activities is exceptional and you appreciate the beauty of the trip from visiting the oyster farm to see how the pearls are developed to the traditional village. All the staff are very accommodating and nothing is too much trouble from your pick up and drop off from your accommodation.
A must trip when visiting Vietnam. I would strongly recommend choosing their transport to and from the ship.
I really loved this time spent on board the cruise. The reception, the organization… everything was truly exceptional! And that’s not even mentioning the culinary specialties: it was just incredible! 🤩🔥
So, I highly recommend that everyone go there. You really won't be disappointed! 👌🏾✨
Booking experience was very easy. Driver let us know when he was on the way and sent on reg for us to look for. The transfer was very comfortable and well prepared. The boat exceeded our expectations with the crew being so attentive and seeing to our every need. I would highly recommend this cruise to anyone travelling to see ha long bay!
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 cruise prices start from around US$120 for a basic overnight cruise, including food and activities but excluding transfers. On the high end of the scale, expect to pay north of US$1,000 for a 3-day or 4-day deluxe retreat on a luxury boat with an onboard spa, room service, and round-trip transfers from Hanoi.
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 lasts, but classic stops include Surprise Cave (Hang Sung Sot), Titop Island, and Hang Luon Cave—actually a lagoon reached by kayaking under a cliff.
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 drinks are often extra. Check whether transfers are included as this can vary from tour to tour. Higher-priced tours may include more extras and activities than the budget-friendly cruises and always offer better food.
How many days in Ha Long Bay is enough?
You should spend at least two days in Ha Long Bay to get a sense of the bay at sunset and after dark, experience sleeping on the water, and try your hand at night-time activities such as squid fishing. A 3-day cruise lets you see even more of the bay, including less-crowded stops that don’t figure on day-cruise itineraries.
What’s the difference between Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay cruises?
Most travelers use the term Ha Long Bay to refer to everywhere in the sprawl of more than 1,000 karst islands near Hai Phong. But the greater Ha Long Bay area actually includes three distinct bays: Ha Long Bay proper, home of Surprise Cave and Titop Island, Lan Ha Bay, around Cat Ba Island, and Bai Tu Long Bay to the northeast. Ha Long Bay is the busiest; Bai Tu Long Bay is the quietest; Lan Ha Bay cruises often include time in villages, jungle, or caves on Cat Ba Island. Many multi-day cruises combine two bays, so check the itinerary for specific stops.
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?
The cheapest Ha Long Bay multi-day cruises do not include transfers from Hanoi, so check pickup details before you book to avoid surprises. Be cautious when booking the lowest-priced option on a page with multiple choices: The pictures will likely show the top-end boat. Look out for surcharges and exclusions such as beverages: The term “all-inclusive” is exceedingly flexible in Vietnam. 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 proper offer a busier experience, 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 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. Pack for the weather and 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.
Should I book a 2-day/1-night or 3-day/2-night Ha Long Bay cruise?
A 2-day/1-night cruise is the most popular choice and generally checks off the classic highlights—caves, kayaking, and a cooking class—often with extras such as squid fishing, karaoke, or tai chi. A 3-day/2-night itinerary moves at a slower pace and generally reaches quieter areas, ideal for travelers who want deeper exploration and more sunrises and sunsets on the water. Longer 4- and 5-day options are also available.
Do Ha Long Bay cruises include transfers from Hanoi?
It depends. Many multi-day cruises include—or offer as an add-on—round-trip transfers from Hanoi, which is convenient if you’re based in the capital: Note that some only serve Hanoi Old Quarter, the most popular tourist area. Always confirm transfer details on the specific listing before booking, and be aware that in Vietnam the term “limousine” means a “limousine bus”, a type of spacious and comfortable minivan, not the popular red-carpet transportation.
Should I choose a luxury, mid-range, or budget Ha Long Bay cruise?
It depends on your budget and travel style. Budget cruises (from around US$120) cover the essentials—meals, a basic cabin, and core activities. Mid-range cruises offer spacious cabins with private bathrooms and bay-view windows, and higher-quality food. Luxury boats may feature top-end amenities such as cinemas, spas, pools, and room service, and can cost north of US$1,000.
What activities are included on a Ha Long Bay multi-day cruise?
Most multi-day Ha Long Bay cruises include a kayak adventure (often with bamboo boats as an option for the less active), a visit to a cave, and beach stops, with swimming in season: Cruises that visit Cat Ba Island may also offer cycling. Onboard activities often include a simple cooking class, an early morning tai chi session, and squid fishing. The exact lineup varies by boat and cruise duration, so review the itinerary carefully before you book, and be aware that a handful of budget operators charge extra for activities.
