Travellers' Choice: The Five Best Cruise Trips of Halong Bay by Category

BEST LUXURY CRUISE: STELLAR OF THE SEAS CRUISE

High-class travelers seeking a value-for-money cruise vacation should consider the Stellar of the Seas. Resembling an opulent floating hotel on the breathtaking Halong Bay, the ship is known for its extravagant design, expansive sundeck, and a wealth of modern amenities.

Each cabin onboard is designed with elegance and offers generous space, featuring a balcony or sun terrace. Beyond sumptuous staterooms, Stellar of the Seas boasts a panoramic bar, a luxurious spa and massage center, a seasonal swimming pool, and even a mini-golf course. Dining is a highlight, offering exquisite experiences with light breakfasts, set menu lunches, and poolside BBQ dinners.

What makes Stellar of the Seas even more appealing are its thoughtfully curated itineraries, with options ranging from 2 days and 1 night to 5 days and 4 nights, allowing guests to explore the highlights of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.

Stellar of the Seas Cruise

BEST LAN HA BAY CRUISE: HERITAGE CRUISE BINH CHUAN

When embarking on the Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise, guests can expect an exceptional experience aboard this elegant boutique cruise on Lan Ha Bay.

Featuring a stunning design inspired by the vessels of Mr. Bach Thai Buoi, which significantly impacted the cruise industry, this intimate ship houses 20 tastefully decorated cabins that blend French Indochina classical charm with Vietnamese nuances. Each stateroom is equipped with a spacious balcony or sun terrace, a daily replenished minibar, and an en-suite bathroom.

The onboard experience is enriched with modern facilities, including a sundeck, La Piscine, L'Art de L'Annam Gallery, White Lotus Spa, Bach Thai Buoi Gallery, a wine cellar, a pool bar, and a souvenir shop.

Visitors on this pampered voyage will enjoy the pristine landscapes of Lan Ha Bay, either swimming at Ba Trai Dao Beach or kayaking through the picturesque Dark and Bright Cave.

Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan Cat Ba

BEST DAY CRUISE: JADE SAILS

If you’re looking for a perfect day cruise to fully experience Halong Bay, the Jade Sails Day Cruise is an excellent choice. This modern day cruise stands out with a remarkable travel time of 8 hours, a chic yacht-style design, and 5-star services. The menu primarily features traditional Vietnamese staples. A cooking class provides a unique opportunity to learn how to make Vietnamese spring rolls, while an unforgettable sunset party awaits, complete with beautiful views and refreshing cocktails.

A day tour to Lan Ha Bay wouldn’t be complete without admiring the natural beauty of Dark & Light Cave by kayak or bamboo boat and swimming in tranquil waters.

Jade Sails

BEST VALUE CRUISE: GLORY CRUISE

Few cruises can match the value offered by Glory Cruise. Priced around $110 (or even lower during promotional periods), this cruise takes you to traditional fishing villages where you can observe unique cultural practices and daily activities centered around boats and rafts. You can participate in an onboard cooking class or explore Bat Cave by kayaking. Evening entertainment includes relaxing at the bar or squid fishing on the deck, with a visit to Sung Sot Cave included in the itinerary.

Although this budget-friendly cruise offers access to popular Halong Bay destinations, it’s important to note that food may become repetitive and extra services are more limited. Nevertheless, this cruise is ideal for those looking to experience the wonders of Halong Bay without unnecessary expenses.

2025 updates: Glory remains a highly popular budget-mid-range cruise and can be fully booked year-round. Be sure to book in advance.

Glory Legend Cruise

BEST NON-WOODEN CRUISE: PRESIDENT CRUISE

While most junks and cruises are primarily made of wood, there are larger vessels constructed from steel that offer additional stability and space. President Cruise is a prime example, providing a remarkable experience with its 46 cabins.

Guests can enjoy kayaking, biking, swimming, and cave exploration. The dining experience is a highlight, and being one of the largest cruises in the bay, President Cruise is equipped with a comprehensive array of amenities, including a spa and Jacuzzi for therapeutic relaxation after a long day of excursions.

The premium price may be a splurge, but it’s worthwhile for travelers looking to see many unique locations in a single trip.

President Cruise

Tips for booking a Halong Bay cruise:

There are numerous websites available for booking Halong Bay cruises, and the key is to select a reputable vendor offering competitive prices.

Local travel agents often provide the best deals and invaluable insider knowledge about Halong Bay travel. Many maintain collections of the finest cruises based on their own experiences and guest feedback. Utilizing their services may also allow for tailored recommendations based on your specific needs.

Most cruises maintain official websites, such as Paradise Cruise (www.paradisecruise.com) and Au Co (www.aucocruises.com). Always verify that you are on the official site, as replicas created by agencies can often be misleading. Booking directly through official websites usually allows you to address special requests and concerns directly with the cruise providers, though prices may be higher.

For online travel bookings, Halongbaytours.com is a reputable source for securing your Halong cruise trip. Other popular platforms like Expedia and Booking.com can also be helpful, but may not provide as detailed information as local agencies, requiring you to make comparisons yourself.

During major holidays, such as Lunar New Year, many Halong Bay cruises may be closed or charge a surcharge for special services or events.

Visit Halong Bay - a locally operated online resource for Halong Bay travel - offers cruise ratings and reviews, as well as a comprehensive listing of available options.

Last updated: 10 May, 2025