What's the Best Ha Long Bay Cruise? We've Tried 20+ to Find Out

Hey friends 👋, we're Liam & Sarah from Two Peas Abroad!

Since moving to Hanoi in 2023, we've somehow ended up on over 20 Ha Long Bay cruises (yes, really 😅). From fancy luxury boats to very questionable karaoke boats, we've seen it all, so here are our personal favorites.

Ha Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay vs Bai Tu Long Bay

If you're planning your first trip to Ha Long Bay, here's the truth: there are actually three different bays to choose from, and they offer totally different experiences.

They might all look the same on Instagram, but trust us, they're not:

• Ha Long Bay: The most famous. Iconic limestone scenery, but can get busy with day cruises and larger boats.
• Lan Ha Bay: Just south, technically part of Cat Ba Island. Same jaw-dropping views, fewer boats. Our go-to for most trips.
• Bai Tu Long Bay: The quietest of the three. Peaceful, less touristy, and more off-the-grid feeling. Cruises go in a different direction, so you'll want to choose a tour that specifically covers this bay.

You really can't go wrong, it just depends what you're after. If you're short on time, stick with Ha Long or Lan Ha. If you're after seclusion and don't mind paying a little more, Bai Tu Long is seriously worth it 🛶

Below are our personal favourites for each type of cruise. Whether you're after a party boat, a romantic luxury escape, or just a solid overnight trip that won't wreck your budget.

Best 3-Day, 2-Night Ha Long Bay Cruises

If you've got the time, 3-day cruises are the absolute best way to experience the bays. You'll go further, do more activities, and actually have time to relax without feeling rushed. Perfect for couples, families, or anyone who wants a slower, more scenic escape. Expect kayaking through caves, hidden lagoons, beach stops, and cooking classes.

1) Sunlight Cruise

• 💲 Price: Budget
• 📍 Bays: Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: Couples, families, anyone who wants a smaller and more personal boat
• 🛶 Activities: Swimming, kayaking, island hopping, multiple cave explorations, cooking class, squid fishing & karaoke
• 💬 Why we love it: Gorgeous traditional-style ship, next-level food, and smaller than most cruises – feels more personal.

👉 See cruise photos, prices & dates

2) Aqua Of The Seas

• 💲 Price: Luxury
• 📍Bays: Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay
• 💑 Best for: Couples, honeymooners, luxury travelers, anyone who wants to feel pampered
• 🛶 Activities: Swimming, kayaking, island hopping, fishing village, Tai Chi, cave exploration, cooking class, squid fishing & karaoke
• 💬 Why we love it: Super luxury, huge bathtubs for 2, hot tubs on the subdeck, spa on board and delicious food.

👉 See cruise photos, prices & dates

🔍 Quick Comparison

Best 2-Day, 1-Night Ha Long Bay Cruises

If you're short on time, 2-day cruises are the perfect sweet spot. You still get the iconic limestone cliffs, kayaking, caves, and a sunset party, all wrapped into one unforgettable night onboard. Great for anyone with a tight itinerary who still wants the full Ha Long Bay experience.

1) Hermes Cruise

• 💲 Price: Luxury
• 📍 Bays: Ha Long Bay
• 💑 Best for: Couples, honeymooners, spa lovers, anyone after a 5-star feel
• 🛶 Activities: Kayaking at Luon Cave, Ti Top Island, Sung Sot Cave, sunset party, cooking class, karaoke & squid fishing
• 💬 Why we love it: High-end feel without the insane price. Huge balconies, spa, rooftop bar, and two outdoor pools. Best ‘treat yourself' pick.

👉 See cruise photos, prices & dates

2) Oriental Cruise

• 💲 Price: Budget
• 📍 Bays: Ha Long Bay
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: Backpackers, budget-conscious travelers, small groups
• 🛶 Activities: Kayaking, Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, cooking class, squid fishing, sunset party, karaoke
• 💬 Why we love it: One of the most affordable overnight cruises and it still includes top-tier stops like Surprise Cave and Ti Top Island. Solid value.

👉 See cruise photos, prices & dates

3) Starlight Cruise

• 💲 Price: Mid-range
• 📍 Bays: Ha Long Bay
• 👫 Best for: Couples, first-timers, anyone wanting a balance of comfort + value
• 🛶 Activities: Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave (bamboo boat), Ti Top Island, kayaking, Tai Chi, sunset party, cooking class, squid fishing
• 💬 Why we love it: Smooth balance between luxury and affordability. Great cabins, jacuzzi tubs, and a super friendly crew.

👉 See cruise photos, prices & dates

🔍 Quick Comparison

Best Day Cruises (No Overnight)

Not enough time to spend a night on board? No worries. These day cruises pack in the best of Ha Long Bay. Think caves, kayaking, beach stops, and buffet lunches, all in one action-filled day. Ideal for travelers on a tighter schedule who still want the wow factor.

1) Hercules Premium Cruise

• 💲 Price: Budget
• 📍 Bays: Ha Long Bay
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: Families, casual travelers, those wanting a taste of luxury at a budget price
• 🛶 Activities: Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave (kayaking or bamboo boat), Ti Top Island, sunset party on deck
• 💬 Why we love it: Insanely good value. Buffet lunch, cave explorations, and even a swimming pool onboard, all for less than $40. Easy win.

👉 See cruise photos, prices & dates

2) Diamond Luxury Cruise

• 💲 Price: Budget
• 📍 Bays: Ha Long Bay
• 👫 Best for: Couples, photo lovers, first-time visitors
• 🛶 Activities: Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave (kayak or bamboo boat), Ti Top Island, buffet lunch, sunset tea & cake
• 💬 Why we love it: One of the biggest 5-star boats with space to spread out. Great views, great food, and a relaxed vibe. Feels more premium than the price suggests.

👉 See cruise photos, prices & dates

3) Alova Luxury Cruise

• 💲 Price: Budget
• 📍 Bays: Ha Long Bay
• 🚌 Best for: Small groups, time-crunched travelers, people staying in Hanoi
• 🛶 Activities: Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Ti Top Island, kayaking or bamboo boat, buffet lunch
• 💬 Why we love it: Super efficient. Great for anyone with one day to spare in Hanoi. Includes Hanoi-Halong transfers, solid lunch, and all the best bits of the bay.

👉 See cruise photos, prices & dates

🔍 Quick Comparison

Best Party Cruises (Ages 18–30ish)

If you're more about squid fishing with a beer in hand than sipping wine in silence, these are your people. Expect kayaking by day, karaoke by night, and group vibes that make it easy to meet other travelers. Yes, there's sightseeing, but you're also here for the sunset parties and the unforgettable nights under the stars.

1) Sunlight Cruise

• 💲 Price: Budget
• 📍 Bays: Ha Long Bay
• 🍻 Best for: Social backpackers, solo travelers, budget party crowd
• 🛶 Activities: Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, kayaking at Luon Cave, sunset party, cooking class, karaoke, squid fishing
• 💬 Why we love it: Not super fancy, but who cares when you're bonding over beers, singing karaoke at midnight, and waking up to sunrise views over the bay? Great energy, solid itinerary, and unbeatable price for 2D1N.

👉 See cruise photos, prices & dates

2) Erina Cruise

• 💲 Price: Mid-range
• 📍 Bays: Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay
• 🍸 Best for: Couples or friend groups wanting luxury vibes + a bit of fun
• 🛶 Activities: Dark & Bright Cave kayaking, cooking class, sunset happy hour, jacuzzi, squid fishing, tai chi at sunrise
• 💬 Why we love it: If you want a more boujee party experience, Erina brings it. Think rooftop bar, sunset cocktails, and chill group energy without the dorm-style chaos. Ideal if you're past the backpacker stage but still want to vibe.

👉 See cruise photos, prices & dates

🔍 Quick Comparison

Best Bai Tu Long Cruises (Least Tourists)

Want all the beauty of Ha Long Bay without the boat traffic jam? Bai Tu Long is your secret escape. This lesser-known bay sits just northeast of Ha Long and offers the same limestone cliffs and emerald waters, minus the crowds. These cruises are ideal for those chasing calm, nature, and the sound of waves rather than party playlists.

1) La Regina Classic Cruise

• 💲 Price: Budget
• 📍 Bays: Bai Tu Long + Ha Long Bay
• 🧘‍♀️ Best for: Travelers seeking quiet scenery, cave exploration, and a meaningful local experience
• 🛶 Activities: Thien Canh Son Cave, Vung Vieng Floating Village, kayaking, cooking class, tai chi, squid fishing
• 💬 Why we love it: If you want to feel like you're in a remote slice of paradise, this is it. The route is peaceful, the food is great (halal and vegan friendly!), and the vibe is slow-paced. It's ideal for couples or solo travelers avoiding tour bus energy.

👉 See cruise photos, prices & dates

2) Signature Cruise

• 💲 Price: Mid-range
• 📍 Bays: Bai Tu Long + Ha Long Bay
• 🛏️ Best for: Couples and families who want luxury without the Ha Long Bay crowd
• 🛶 Activities: Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Thien Canh Son Cave, cooking class, kayaking, tai chi, sunset party
• 💬 Why we love it: This is a proper 5-star cruise through a peaceful route. Big clean cabins, jacuzzi bathtubs, excellent service, and a slower itinerary perfect for relaxing. If you want serenity with luxury, this one's a gem.

👉 See cruise photos, prices & dates

🔍 Quick Comparison

Best Luxury Cruises (Worth the Splurge)

If you're ready to go all out, these luxury Ha Long Bay cruises deliver serious wow factor. Think marble bathrooms, fine-dining restaurants, sunset cocktails, and private balconies, all while floating through some of Vietnam's most iconic scenery. Perfect for honeymoons, anniversary trips, or just treating yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime escape.

1) Grand Pioneers Cruise

• 💲 Price: Luxury
• 📍 Bays: Ha Long Bay
• 🛏️ Best for: Travelers who want that 'floating five-star hotel' vibe
• 🛶 Activities: Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave kayaking, tai chi, cooking class, sunset party
• 💬 Why we love it: Possibly the most modern, polished cruise in Ha Long Bay. With 55 luxury rooms, Cloud Nine restaurant, an outdoor pool, and an eco-friendly design, this cruise is high-end without feeling stuffy. The service is incredible, especially for special occasions.

👉 See cruise photos, prices & dates

2) Rosy Cruise (3D2N)

• 💲 Price: Luxury
• 📍 Bays: Ha Long Bay + Lan Ha Bay
• 🛏️ Best for: Those who want more time and a mix of adventure + spa vibes
• 🛶 Activities: Lan Ha Bay kayaking, Viet Hai Village cycling, bamboo boat to Light Cave, tai chi, swimming, cooking class
• 💬 Why we love it: This 3-day route gives you time to unwind and explore further than most. The crew goes above and beyond, and the spacious bathtubs with bay views make it feel like a floating honeymoon suite. Worth it if you want the full experience.

👉 See cruise photos, prices & dates

3) Catherine Cruise

• 💲 Price: Luxury
• 📍 Bays: Ha Long Bay
• 🛏️ Best for: Travelers wanting luxury with stunning interiors
• 🛶 Activities: Luon Cave kayaking, Titop Island hike, Sung Sot Cave, tai chi, cooking class
• 💬 Why we love it: It's elegant, romantic, and well-designed. Think traditional flair meets five-star comfort. The rooms are massive, the food is creative, and there's even a mini-golf area onboard. This one screams “treat yourself.”

👉 See cruise photos, prices & dates

🔍 Quick Comparison

Final Thoughts

Whether you're after a luxury retreat or a wild party boat, there's a Ha Long Bay cruise with your name on it. Just pick your bay, your budget, and your vibe, and you'll have an epic time ⛵

PS: If you book through our links, it supports our blog at no extra cost - and helps us test even more cruises 😎