Choosing a Ha Long Bay Cruise?
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Halong Bay, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven World Natural Wonders, is one of Vietnam’s most celebrated attractions. Located in Quang Ninh Province, this iconic bay is renowned for its stunning limestone karsts and isles that dot the seascape in various shapes and sizes. In ancient Vietnamese, “Halong” directly translates to “descending dragon.” Legend has it that when Vietnam faced invasions from the north, the Jade Emperor dispatched the Mother Dragon and her offspring to protect the nation. The locals, in gratitude, named the location where the dragons descended “Halong.” This article is going to show you how to Choose a Ha Long Bay Cruise!
Book a Cruise Online or During My Visit?
Once you arrive in Vietnam, you’ll find a plethora of options to explore Halong Bay, catering to all budgets. In and around Hanoi and Cat Ba Island, most hotels and hostels provide access to various tours, including both day trips and overnight cruises. Additionally, as you explore the local streets, numerous travel companies will likely offer similar tour options, ensuring you have plenty of choices to secure the best deal for your adventure in Halong Bay. Unfortunately they will probably pushing you on a cruise where they recieve the highest comission, not necesarly the one that is best suited to you.
One advantage of buying online with someone like getyourguide is you they are anxious for a good review. If there is something amiss with your cruise, you have someone who will try and put things right.
Whether you buy your cruise online or when you arrive, use this guide to understand your options and which cruise is right for you.
What activities are available on Board?
Most Halong Bay cruises offer similar activities such as kayaking, caving, swimming, cooking classes, squid fishing, and karaoke on board. However, some tours provide unique experiences like dining in a cave, fishing with locals, or participating in environmental clean-up efforts to collect rubbish and waste from the bay.
Decide Your Halong Bay Cruise Length
Nearly all overnight cruises in Halong Bay offer both a 2-day 1-night and a 3-day 2-night itinerary. The 2-day 1-night cruise is a popular choice, providing a classic experience where you spend one night on board and have ample time to explore the key sights. For those wishing to unwind and delve deeper into the bay’s beauty, the 3-day 2-night itinerary is preferable. On this longer cruise, you’ll spend the second day on a smaller boat exploring more secluded parts of the bay before returning to the main ship in the late afternoon.
Day Cruise
Many large tour groups opt for a day trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay, embarking early for the lengthy drive and boarding a boat upon arrival, before heading back to the city by evening. While this option suits those with limited time, it’s not typically recommended if you want to fully experience the bay’s beauty. An overnight stay on a boat is highly advised once the day visitors depart, offering a quieter and more immersive experience.
The standard day trip is conducted on a double-decker junk that can carry 46 passengers. Although most junks feature an upper deck for relaxation, securing a lounger can be challenging when the boat is at capacity, and many of the loungers do not have cushions.
Two Day, One-Night Cruise
For many, a one-night cruise strikes the perfect balance, providing a taste of Halong Bay’s serene atmosphere without significantly cutting into time allocated for other Vietnamese adventures. Most overnight cruises kick off at noon, aligning well with travel schedules from Hanoi that allow guests to board just in time for lunch. The afternoon might include visits to key attractions like caves, beaches, or floating villages. Dinner comes after anchoring for the night, with one more stop the following morning before returning to port and disembarking around 11 a.m.
Three Day, Two-Night Cruise
Opting for a two-night cruise allows you to venture further from the more crowded areas of the bay, especially as the one-night cruise boats make their way back to port. This option is ideal for those wanting to explore quieter coves by kayak and swim undisturbed. Often, passengers will switch to a smaller day boat for mid-cruise expeditions, returning to the main ship for the night. Some cruises offer continuous two-day journeys aboard the same vessel, venturing into the bay’s lesser-known areas for an extended exploration.
Which Route should I choose?
Halong Bay covers approximately 1,553 km² (600 sq mi), with nearly 2,000 islets, mostly limestone, which have undergone 500 million years of formation across various conditions and environments. The development of the karst landscape has been influenced by 20 million years of tropical climate, contributing to the area’s rich biodiversity, including tropical evergreen, oceanic, and sea shore ecosystems. The bay supports 14 endemic floral species and 60 faunal species, making it a significant site for both ecological and archaeological studies.
While most are familiar with Halong Bay, the area also includes Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, each offering unique experiences. Bai Tu Long Bay remains relatively untouched and is ideal for those seeking solitude, while Lan Ha Bay is known as a kayaking paradise due to its serene waters and less trafficked routes.
Ha Long Bay
Halong Bay, the most celebrated of Vietnam’s bays, is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also recognized as one of the World’s Wonders. It’s likely you’ve come across it if Vietnam is on your travel agenda.
The majority of cruises in the region follow the Halong Bay route, catering to all types of travelers, from those on a budget to those seeking opulence. This route is particularly popular among those desiring a lavish experience, as it features nearly all of the five-star vessels equipped with luxurious amenities like jacuzzis on deck and 360-degree floor-to-ceiling views of Halong’s stunning landscapes. If indulgence is what you’re after, the Halong Bay route is definitely the way to go.
Activities and Places in Ha Long Bay
The activities available on the Halong Bay route largely mirror those offered on other routes, but there are a couple of unique highlights.
- Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave): Often referred to as the “Surprise Cave,” Sung Sot Cave is renowned for its vast caverns and intricately patterned stalactites and stalagmites that create an awe-inspiring spectacle.
- Kayak at Luon Cave: Kayaking through Luon Cave offers an intimate experience of Halong Bay’s serene beauty, allowing visitors to glide through tranquil waters surrounded by towering limestone walls.
- Ti Top (Titov) Island: A trek to the summit of Ti Top Island provides panoramic views of Halong Bay’s emerald waters and scattered islets, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers.
- Bohon Island: Known for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes, Bohon Island is a less frequented destination in Halong Bay offering peaceful exploration opportunities.
- Me Cung Cave (Maze Cave): Me Cung Cave, or “Maze Cave,” is less traveled but deeply fascinating due to its historical significance and the archaeological remnants of prehistoric human activity found within.
- Pearl Farm: Visiting a pearl farm in Halong Bay offers insight into the meticulous process of pearl cultivation and provides the chance to see how pearls are harvested and processed from mollusks.
Drawbacks on Visiting Ha Long Bay
The main drawback of Halong Bay is its inevitable crowds. If you’re seeking a more secluded experience, consider selecting cruises that schedule their shore excursions during off-peak hours, use private piers for boarding, or better yet, venture to the more remote Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay. These locations offer landscapes just as stunning as Halong Bay but with significantly fewer tourists.
Getting There: To get to Halong Bay, you would need to travel from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Port. Most cruises will offer transport from Hanoi for an additional charge.
A selection of Ha Long Bay Cruises
One Day Budget Cruise (£40): Sung Sot Cave, kayak at Luon Cave, and trek Ti Top (Titov) Island.
Two Day Cruise (£90): Sung Sot Cave, kayak at Luon Cave, trek Ti Top (Titov) Island, and Bohon Island.
3 Day Cruise (£260): Sung Sot Cave, morning Tai Chi session, kayak at Luon Cave, Me Cung cave, Pearl Farm, trek Ti Top (Titov) Island.
Lan Ha Bay
Situated south of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay serves as a less crowded alternative, boasting a landscape that is virtually indistinguishable from its famous neighbor, though it is not designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site.
You can embark on a Lan Ha Bay cruise either from nearby Cat Ba Island, which offers more budget-friendly options, or choose a cruise that includes transport from Hanoi, which generally comes at a higher cost. For backpackers and travelers interested in a dynamic cruise itinerary, it’s recommended to stay on Cat Ba Island and take a cruise from there. Cruises departing from Cat Ba tend to be more economical and offer a broader range of activities, such as rock climbing and kayaking among bioluminescent plankton.
Whether you’re setting sail from Hanoi or Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay generally features fewer boats and more adventurous excursions compared to Halong Bay. These excursions may include trekking in Cat Ba National Park, cycling, exploring a historical war cave on Cat Ba Island, and snorkeling to observe the diverse marine life, from vibrant coral reefs to various crustaceans.
Lan Ha Bay might not cater to those seeking luxury, as the cruises here are typically more basic and rugged. However, if you’re after a livelier social scene and a younger demographic, this bay is an excellent choice among the three bays.
Activities and Places in Lan Ha Bay
- Cat Ba Island: The largest island in Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba offers a mix of rugged natural landscapes and vibrant local life, with activities ranging from hiking in Cat Ba National Park to exploring the island’s numerous caves.
- Kayaking: Paddle through the tranquil waters of Lan Ha Bay, navigating through its myriad of limestone karsts and hidden lagoons that offer a more secluded experience compared to its popular neighbor, Halong Bay.
- Cai Beo Floating Fishing Village: One of the oldest floating villages in Vietnam, Cai Beo offers a glimpse into the traditional water-based life of the local fishermen and an opportunity to learn about their unique cultural heritage.
- Snorkeling and Diving: The clear waters of Lan Ha Bay are ideal for snorkeling and diving, where adventurers can explore vibrant coral reefs and encounter a diverse range of marine life.
- Beach Hopping: Lan Ha Bay features numerous pristine beaches such as Ba Trai Dao Beach, where visitors can relax on soft white sands, swim in the clear blue waters, and enjoy the picturesque scenery away from the crowds.
Getting There: The journey begins with a 2-hour bus ride from Hanoi to GOT Port, followed by a quick 10-minute speedboat ride to Cat Ba Island, where you can access Lan Ha Bay. Many Lan Ha Bay cruises offer pickups from Hanoi, allowing you the flexibility to start your trip directly from the capital or to spend more time exploring Cat Ba.
Lan Ha Bay is ideal if you:
- Are starting from Cat Ba Island, as it is the primary departure point for cruises to Lan Ha Bay.
- Seek adventurous excursions such as extended hikes, rock climbing, and night kayaking.
- Prefer a cruise with a vibrant social atmosphere, as Lan Ha Bay tends to attract a younger crowd and backpackers.
Situated to the east of Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay is a quieter, less-known alternative that offers a retreat from the more frequented tourist sites.
A selection of Lan Ha Bay Cruises
One Day Cruise £70: Cai Beo, Viet Hai Village, Swim and Kayak.
2 Day Cruise £125: Dark and Bright Cave by kayaking, Tai Chi, Trung Trang Cave
3 Day Cruise £215: Dark and Bright Cave by kayaking,Cooking class, Squid Fishing, Cong Tau lagoon, Dau Be Island, Viet Hai Village
Bai Tu Long Bay
Like Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay features a limestone karst landscape that mirrors that of Halong Bay. A significant advantage of Bai Tu Long Bay is its underdevelopment compared to its sister bays, resulting in fewer tourists and a more tranquil experience.
The cruise options here, while comfortable, are generally not as luxurious as those found in Halong Bay and tend to be slightly pricier (by about $30-50) due to the limited number of vessels operating in the area. If you’re seeking a serene getaway to escape bustling city life, Bai Tu Long Bay is an excellent choice.
For visitors planning a trip to Bai Tu Long, it’s advisable to opt for a longer itinerary, such as two days or more, to truly appreciate the bay’s beauty without feeling rushed, especially considering its somewhat remote location.
This bay is particularly well-suited for small groups or families, offering activities like cooking classes, squid fishing, and kayaking, similar to those available in Halong Bay but with fewer people around. Additionally, Bai Tu Long is home to Vung Vieng Fishing Village, offering a genuine glimpse into Vietnamese fishing culture, albeit less crowded than Cua Van in Halong Bay.
Another draw of Bai Tu Long Bay is its pristine beaches, perfect for those seeking solitude. Ban Chan beach, for example, provides ample space for beach volleyball or simply relaxing by the sea.
Activities and Places in Bai Tu Long Bay
- Vung Vieng Fishing Village: Nestled in Bai Tu Long Bay, Vung Vieng Fishing Village offers visitors a rare peek into the traditional lives of the fishermen in a stunningly preserved area, emphasizing sustainability and cultural preservation.
- Thien Canh Son Cave: Hidden within the islets of Bai Tu Long Bay, Thien Canh Son Cave features spectacular stalactite formations and offers a tranquil escape from the more touristy areas, providing a glimpse into the geological and historical past of the region.
- Ban Chan Beach: This remote beach in Bai Tu Long Bay is perfect for those looking to relax in a serene setting, with its fine white sand and crystal-clear waters framed by picturesque karst limestone mountains.
- Cong Do Area: Known for its biodiversity, including a coral reef, the Cong Do area in Bai Tu Long Bay is an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts looking to explore vibrant marine ecosystems.
- Cap La and Tra San: Offering one of the best kayaking and swimming experiences in Bai Tu Long Bay, the Cap La and Tra San areas are known for their secluded waterways and striking limestone karst landscapes, perfect for adventurous travelers.
Getting There: To reach Bai Tu Long Bay, travelers need to journey from Hanoi to Hanoi’s International Cruise Port, Hon Gai Harbour. Most cruises offer transportation from Hanoi for an additional fee.
Bai Tu Long Bay is the ideal choice if you:
- Desire tranquil beach time without the hassle of crowds.
- Have ample time to explore at a leisurely pace.
- Seek the most secluded and serene setting among the three bays.
A selection of Bai Tu Long Bay Cruises
One Day Cruise £95: Thien Canh Son Cave, Mat Quy islet and Teapot islet, Cong Do, Dragon’s Head islet, Toad islet
2 Day Cruise £110: Kayak Cap La Island, Tai Chi, Thien Canh Son Cave, Hon Co Island, Cooking Lesson.
3 Day Cruise: Kayak, Tai Chi, Viet Hai Village, Kayak Ao Ech
What Boat should I choose?
The next decision in planning your Halong Bay trip involves selecting the right type of boat for your journey.
Modern or Traditional for a Ha Long Bay Cruise?
Modern Halong Bay cruises typically utilize two types of vessels: steel ships and wooden junks, each offering either modern or traditional décor styles. If you appreciate mid-century modern aesthetics or traditional Asian maritime design, consider exploring options like Orchid Premium Cruise, Heritage Cruise, Stellar Cruise, or Glory Legend Cruise. On the other hand, newer vessels are generally constructed from steel and feature contemporary Western-style interiors, resembling floating hotels with stylish, up-to-date decorations. For a more detailed understanding, it’s advisable to visit the cruise line websites where you can find specific information about the boat’s facilities, cabins, dining options, and additional services.
Large or Small for a Ha Long Bay Cruise?
Day cruises in Halong Bay typically accommodate larger groups, often up to 100 persons, and can feel somewhat impersonal. In contrast, overnight cruises usually operate with smaller vessels, hosting between 20 to 60 persons, which many find preferable. The smaller cruise ships offer a more intimate experience, minimizing waiting times for disembarking during activities and creating a more personal atmosphere throughout the journey.
