Why take a cruise in Halong Bay?
With its bay ranked among the world's natural wonders, Halong Bay offers an ideal setting for a fascinating and exotic vacation. A cruise in Halong Bay is an invitation to explore the unique beauty of nature and the rich Vietnamese culture from the side of the boat. You will sail through emerald waters, discovering spectacular karst formations, picturesque islands and historical sites.
By opting for the all-inclusive package that suits your preferences, you will have the opportunity to live the experience of your dreams with quality service. Whether you are traveling as a couple, alone or with children, this cruise is suitable for all travelers, even offering the opportunity to meet equally passionate people, whether on board or during 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 many sites in a unique way. By choosing our package, you will board a spacious ship with your own private cabin, while sharing the friendly atmosphere of the ship with other travelers. The professional and attentive crew will ensure that you have a most enjoyable stay. We offer various cruise packages for exploring Halong Bay, so you can choose the one that best suits your trip. You can choose longer sailing itineraries, lasting two to three weeks, between Vietnam and Cambodia, including one or two days' stopover in Halong Bay. But we also offer two 2- to 3-day cruises specifically dedicated to exploring Halong Bay.
What type of boat is used for cruises in Halong Bay?
There are two types of boat used for cruises on Halong Bay. A large proportion of our cruises are on board traditional cruise ships, large motorboats accommodating around fifty passengers to give you the best possible experience between the Mekong and Halong Bay. Another part of the cruises are on traditional sailing boats, accommodating between two and ten people. These cruises are shorter trips and offer a more personalized and intimate experience. These colonial-style boats are spacious, well appointed and have luxurious cabins with private bathrooms and pulpits. There is also an upper deck with a bar to make the most of the sailing.
What activities are on offer during a cruise in Halong Bay?
During the cruise, a variety of activities are planned to offer a diverse experience on the side of the boat and on land. These include swimming, visiting one of the last floating fishing villages in Halong Bay, kayaking to explore the bay, discovering the most beautiful caves in the bay (Tien Ong and Sung Sot), and 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 desired period and the chosen cabin. Here is a dead reckoning of the prices for our cruises, depending on the season:
Dry season (November to April) | Rainy season (May to October) | |
| Two to three-day tour | 1,400 USD | 1,200 USD |
| Fortnightly tour | 10,500 USD | 9,000 USD |
- The price includes: accommodation in a double cabin with private bathroom, transfers from the boat to tourist sites, port charges and taxes, unlimited tea and coffee on the side of the boat, passenger liability insurance, and activities and meals included in the program.
- The price does not include: private transfers, visa fees, tips for the crew and guides, access to the spa and meals not included in the program.
What are the must-sees to discover during a cruise in Halong Bay?
- Cat Ba: Stop off at Cat Ba, the largest island in Halong Bay, where nature reigns supreme. Discover its pristine beaches, hiking trails winding through lush vegetation, and enjoy the tranquility 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 age-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. Marvel at the play of light that creates a magical atmosphere inside this impressive cavern.
- Ti Top Island: Enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view by climbing to the top of Ti Top Island. This small island offers a spectacular point of view over Halong Bay, rewarding visitors with a breathtaking landscape. It is the ideal place to admire the sunset or simply relax on the fine sandy beach.
When to sail on a cruise in Halong Bay?
Vietnam has a tropical climate, it is very hot all year round, although temperatures are higher from March to May. We recommend that you visit Vietnam during the dry season, which runs from November to April. Temperatures are milder and the days are sunny. The rainy season lasts from May to October, and is the hottest and most humid season, with rain that can be quite violent.
| Temperatures | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | 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°C | 27°C | 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 for your cruise in Halong Bay
- French travelers are exempt from visa requirements for a stay of no more than 45 days. You will therefore not need one to take a cruise exclusively in Vietnam. To benefit from this visa exemption, the French passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date of your stay in Vietnam.
- Allow for tips, a practice rooted in tradition. We advise you to allow 5 USD per night per traveler.
- The official language of Vietnam is Vietnamese. As Vietnam was part of French Indochina until the middle of the 20th century, a small part of Vietnam still speaks French.
- The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong, often denoted by VND. The US dollar is sometimes accepted in tourist areas or for large purchases. Note that it is always good to have cash, especially if you plan to visit less touristy areas or local markets.
How do I 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 advisor will contact you by telephone to understand your plans (duration, budget and activities). They will then send you cruise suggestions by email. Once you have found the cruise you want, you can pay a deposit in your customer area to confirm the charter and secure the boat.