Why take a cruise in Halong Bay?
With its bay ranked among the natural wonders of the world, Halong Bay offers an ideal setting for a fascinating holiday and a true change of scene. A cruise in Halong Bay is an invitation to explore the unique beauty of nature and the rich Vietnamese culture aboard traditional vessels. You will sail through emerald waters, discovering spectacular karst formations, picturesque islands and historic sites.
By choosing the all-inclusive package that matches your preferences, you will have the opportunity to experience the holiday of your dreams with a high-quality service. Whether you are travelling as a couple, on your own or with children, this cruise is suitable for all travellers, even offering the chance to meet equally passionate people, whether on board or during the captivating stopovers.
What do our cruises in Halong Bay involve?
Our cruise packages in Halong Bay
The cruises we offer in Halong Bay are all-inclusive cruises that allow you to discover numerous sites in a brand-new way. By opting for our package, you will board a spacious vessel with your own private cabin, while sharing the convivial atmosphere of the ship with other travellers. The professional and attentive crew will make sure your stay is as pleasant as possible. We offer different cruise packages to discover Halong Bay, so you can find the one that best suits your trip. You have the possibility of choosing longer itineraries, lasting two to three weeks, between Vietnam and Cambodia, including one or two days' stopover in Halong Bay. We also offer two cruises of 2 to 3 days specifically dedicated to exploring Halong Bay.
On what type of boat do the cruises in Halong Bay take place?
The cruises in Halong Bay take place on two types of boats. A large proportion of our cruises are carried out aboard traditional cruise vessels, large motor boats accommodating around fifty travellers to provide the best possible experience between the Mekong and Halong Bay. Another part of the cruises are carried out on traditional sailing boats, which can accommodate between two and ten people. These cruises involve shorter itineraries and offer a more personalised and intimate experience. These boats, reminiscent of the colonial style, are spacious, well appointed and fitted with luxurious cabins featuring private bathrooms and balconies. You will also find an upper deck with a bar to make the most of the sailing.
What activities are offered during a cruise in Halong Bay?
During the cruise, a variety of activities is planned to offer a diversified experience on board and on land. These moments include swimming, visiting one of the last floating fishing villages of Halong Bay, kayaking to explore the bay, discovering the most beautiful caves of the bay (Tien Ong and Sung Sot), as well as cooking and tai chi classes.
How much does a cruise in Halong Bay cost?
For 2 people, the price of a cabin can vary depending on the boat, the chosen period and the cabin selected. Here is an estimate of the prices according to the season for our cruises:
Dry season (November to April) | Rainy season (May to October) | |
| 2 to 3-day itinerary | €1,400 | €1,200 |
| Fifteen-day itinerary | €10,500 | €9,000 |
- The price includes: accommodation in a double cabin with private bathroom, transfers from the boat to the tourist sites, port fees and taxes, unlimited tea and coffee on board, passenger third-party liability insurance, and the activities and meals included in the programme.
- The price does not include: private transfers, visa fees, tips for the crew and guides, spa access, and meals not included in the programme.
What are the must-sees to discover during a cruise in Halong Bay?
- Cat Ba: stop over at Cat Ba, the largest island in Halong Bay, where nature reigns supreme. Discover its pristine beaches, its hiking trails winding through lush vegetation, and enjoy the tranquillity of its traditional fishing villages.
- Cua Van: immerse yourself in the daily life of Vietnamese fishermen by visiting the floating village of Cua Van. Discover the authenticity of this maritime community, its stilt houses, its floating markets and its centuries-old traditions.
- Sung Sot Cave: explore the underground mysteries of Halong Bay by visiting Sung Sot Cave, a natural wonder adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. Let yourself be amazed by the play of light that creates a magical atmosphere inside this impressive cavern.
- Ti Top Island: enjoy breathtaking panoramic views by climbing to the top of Ti Top Island. This small island offers a spectacular viewpoint over Halong Bay, rewarding visitors with breathtaking scenery. It is the ideal spot to admire the sunset or simply to relax on the fine sandy beach.
When is the best time to sail for a cruise in Halong Bay?
The climate in Vietnam is tropical, it is very hot all year round, with higher temperatures from March to May. We recommend visiting Vietnam during the dry season, which runs from November to April. Temperatures are milder and the days are sunny. The rainy season, on the other hand, extends from May to October; it is the hottest and most humid season, with rains that can be quite heavy.
| Temperatures | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air min (°C) | 14° | 15° | 18° | 21° | 24° | 26° | 26° | 25° | 24° | 22° | 19° | 16° |
| Air max (°C) | 20° | 21° | 23° | 27° | 30° | 32° | 32° | 32° | 31° | 29° | 26° | 23° |
| Sea water (°C) | 19° | 19° | 20° | 22° | 27° | 29° | 31° | 30° | 29° | 27° | 25° | 22° |
Practical information to know for your cruise in Halong Bay
- British travellers are exempt from a visa for a stay not exceeding 45 days. You will therefore not need one to take a cruise exclusively in Vietnam. To benefit from this visa exemption, your British passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date from Vietnam.
- Plan for tips, a practice deeply rooted in tradition. We recommend budgeting €5 per night per traveller.
- The official language of Vietnam is Vietnamese. As Vietnam was part of French Indochina until the middle of the 20th century, a small portion of the population still speaks French.
- The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong, often denoted VND. The US dollar is sometimes accepted in tourist areas or for large purchases. Note that it is always wise to carry cash, especially if you plan to visit less touristy areas or local markets.
How do you book a cruise in Halong Bay?
To book your cruise in Vietnam, you can make a booking request from our website. Once we have received your request, an adviser will contact you by telephone to understand your project (duration, budget and activities). They will then send you cruise proposals by email. Once the cruise has been found, you can pay a deposit on your client area to validate the booking and reserve the boat.