Halong Bay Tours & Trips
Picture limestone peaks rising from emerald waters creating Vietnam's most photographed seascape. Halong Bay's scattered islands hide hidden caves, calm lagoons perfect for kayaking, protected coves for swimming. Tours include exploring vast chambers and kayaking between karsts through otherworldly scenery. The sunsets here go on forever, giving you memories to last a lifetime.
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Taylor • traveled in August, 2025
This was a fun cruise!! For our first day, we boarded a small transfer boat for a 45 minute ride on the bay to get to the ship. They transferred our luggage for us, but it was on the same boat with us! We went for a lunch buffet, which was great. Then we checked into our rooms. It was a little toasty at first, but we got the AC going and by the end of the day, it was perfect for the rest of our cruise. We went on a brief excursion to a cove where we got in a rice boat and a local towed us around for 45 minutes before heading back to the boat. They had options on the boat of what to do, but it was easy to stay entertained with the beautiful view. The next day was a different, smaller boat for the whole day. We were the only ones from our cruise doing 3 day 2 night but honestly looking at both schedules, we think you need to do the 3 day 2 night! We transferred from Hanoi and the time just wouldn’t be worth it if you didn’t have the 48 hours!! Everyone on board was very nice and welcoming. It’s clear that the staff takes pride in their boat and their work! We enjoyed everything.
Halong - Lan Ha Bay 3 Day 2 Night 5-Star Cruise & Private Balcony Cabin - S
Sujin • traveled in July, 2024
This trip was amazing. We truly enjoyed our time and our guide was an awesome person. She was very helpful, knowledgeable and made sure of our safety at all times.
Vietnam Express Southbound - R
Robert • traveled in March, 2025
Everything went pretty smoothly on this trip, from pickup at the airport to dropoff at the airport. At times, there were long waits, but only because of tourist crowds and the difficulty of pickups in the Old Quarter, so I don't blame the operator for that. Chris stayed in touch with me throughout the trip, letting me know when the bus would be picking me up each day. I went in March, so the weather was mild, but also susceptible to rain/fog. Halong Bay and Ninh Binh were still amazing despite that, but I didn't get the panoramic views that would have been possible on a clear day. My only word of caution would be that the trekking in Sapa is challenging in terms of mileage (my Fitbit rung up 9.6 miles) and the steepness of the descent, so you will need to be a strong hiker. It is also a LONG bus ride (6 hrs each way), but it's worth it to see the terraces and eat some chestnut cakes (banh hat de). You will need to have a little change for the bathrooms during the rest stops (3000 dong). Overall, I was very satisfied. You could easily spend a week just in Hanoi trying all the street foods. Aside from the bun cha and the pho that you've probably had before, there are excellent places for che (fruits and beans in icy coconut milk, the best), banh canh cua (rice noodle soup with crab broth), bun ca (rice noodle soup with fish), and mien luon tron (fried eel vermicelli).
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Table of contents
- The best Halong Bay tour packages
- Travel Halong Bay your way
- Best tour companies for Halong Bay tours
- Popular Halong Bay Cruise Ships
- Best places to start your Halong Bay tour
- Discover Halong Bay tours for every budget
- Halong Bay tours for every type of group
- Top Halong Bay travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Halong Bay
- Contact our Halong Bay travel experts
- What our customers ask about Halong Bay Tours & Trips
The best Halong Bay tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaHalong Bay travel expert at TourRadar
Halong - Lan Ha Bay 3 Day 2 Night 5-Star Cruise & Private Balcony Cabin
68 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was a fun cruise!! We went for a lunch buffet, which was great. The next day was a different, smaller boat for the whole day.”
Taylor, traveled in August
Luxury awaits aboard this Halong Bay cruise with private balcony cabins. The route includes kayaking through Dark and Bright caves, cycling in Viet Hai fishing village, and dawn tai chi sessions. Gourmet meals, cooking classes, and swimming at Three Peach Islets round out the experience.
Duration 3 days Destinations Hanoi, Halong Bay Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Ha Long Bay Lux Cruises Tours From
- US$320
Vietnam Express Southbound
318 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We cruised Ha Long Bay on boats, and the countryside on motorbikes. Also marvelled at fairytale Hoi An.”
Katrina, traveled in May
The majestic 1,600 limestone islands of Halong Bay reveal themselves over two days. Paddle through hidden caves, meet locals at floating fishing villages, and rest on traditional junk boats. The UNESCO World Heritage waters showcase authentic Vietnamese life.
Duration 10 days Destinations Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,540
25% Off- US$1,155You save $385
The Beauty of Northern Vietnam in 8 Days
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was well-organized, there was never a dull moment, yet we still had time to relax and enjoy the scenery.”
Carol, traveled in July
La Pandora Cruise glides through Halong Bay, offering morning Tai Chi sessions and limestone cave tours. The journey includes kayaking hidden lagoons, visits to floating villages, and Vietnamese cuisine while passing 1,600 limestone islands.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hanoi, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch Operator Vietnam Tour Fun From $1,099
55% Off- US$495+$250 local paymentsYou save $604
Spirit of Southeast Asia in 16 Days: A Voyage of Culture & Calm - (Vietnam,Thailand,Bali)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We thoroughly enjoyed our experience exploring Thailand. The hotels in each city were conveniently situated on main roads and in prime locations.”
Pasikali, traveled in May
Board Le Journey Cruise through UNESCO-listed Halong Bay, kayaking around limestone karsts and floating villages. A 12 km trek takes you through Sapa's terraced valleys, with an overnight stay at a traditional Dzay homestay in Ta Van village. The ancient Hoa Lu capital leads to a bamboo boat ride through Tam Coc's caves, then climb 500 steps at Mua Cave for panoramic mountain views.
Duration 16 days Destinations Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch Operator Realistic Asia From
55% Off- US$1,539+$650 local payments
Exquisite Vietnam 11 Days - Sapa/ Halong Bay/ Phu Quoc Island
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality and exceptional service. Such an amazing holiday.”
Collado, traveled in April
Era or La Regina Royal Cruise navigates Halong Bay's 3,000 limestone islets. Crystal waters invite kayaking, while morning Tai Chi energizes deck-side guests before cave exploration. Seafood feasts and luxury cabins await, with options from 3-star Cozy Boutique to 5-star Era Cruise.
Duration 11 days Destinations Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay, Phu Quoc Island, Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Spanish Operator PrestiGo Asia From $1,996
45% Off- US$1,098You save $898
All Included Halong Bay 2 Days 1 Night On 3-Star Cruise
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We left the harbor last after lunch so the cruise out was peaceful with only a few boats.”
Bernice, traveled in March
UNESCO-listed Halong Bay reveals its beauty on a 3-star cruise, showcasing Sung Sot Cave's formations and Titop Island's viewpoint. Pearl Farm culture, kayaking adventures, and Vietnamese cooking classes complement overnight stays in air-conditioned cabins with bay views.
Duration 2 days Destinations Hanoi, Halong Bay Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Old Quarter Travel From
45% Off- US$134
Luxury Halong Bay Cruise and Mountain Resort - 6 Days
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Overall experience was excellent, we had a lovely time, no problem faced.”
Ahmed, traveled in December
Paradise Sails cruise, rated 4.7/5, showcases Halong Bay's finest views. Amazing Cave, emerald waters, and authentic floating villages highlight the journey. Premium cabins provide comfort while fresh seafood and cooking demonstrations complement limestone karst views.
Duration 6 days Destinations Hanoi, Mai Chau, Tuan Chau, Halong Bay, Titov Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Legend Travel Group From $578
55% Off- US$260+$349 local paymentsYou save $318
Vietnam Experience 15 Day
103 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Also the best trip I've ever done so couldn't recommend it enough!”
Mattijs, traveled in November
Luxury awaits aboard overnight cruises through Halong Bay's emerald waters. Hidden bays invite swimming while limestone caves beckon kayakers. Premium cabins provide comfort while taking in the UNESCO-listed seascape, rated 4.8/5 by guests.
Duration 15 days Destinations Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta Age Range Ages 18-49 Operator INTRO Travel From
55% Off- US$2,174
Luxury cruises cut through Halong Bay's emerald waters, stopping at limestone caves and floating villages. Traditional Vietnamese cooking classes, morning Tai Chi sessions, and scenic kayaking fill the days. Families and couples split bookings equally on this adventure.
Duration 3 days Destinations Hanoi, Halong Bay Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderscape Travel From $348
30% Off- US$244You save $104
North Vietnam At A Glance: Halong Bay & Sapa 5 days
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great service, we were well taken care of.”
Joy, traveled in December
A luxury vessel navigates UNESCO-listed Halong Bay's limestone formations, with kayaking and cave exploration included. Fresh seafood dinners and morning Tai Chi complement sunrise views over karst islands from deluxe ocean-view cabins.
Duration 5 days Destinations Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator BestPrice Travel From
30% Off- US$355
Travel Halong Bay your way
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Halong Bay tours
From what our travelers tell us, Intrepid, Realistic Asia and S Viet Travel are the top picks for Vietnam tours, each with their own strengths. Intrepid's guides like Thanh, Bien Tran and also Chinh get mentioned again and again in reviews for making the history and culture really come alive during the tours. Realistic Asia's Northern Vietnam Adventure hits the sweet spot - you're hiking through rice terraces, meeting local families and exploring mountain villages. That's what makes it a proper adventure, not just sightseeing from a bus. What stands out about S Viet Travel is how their team handles all the details. Their agents Hannah and Hien are quick to respond to questions and sort out any issues, which our TourRadar customers really appreciate. They're good at adjusting things on the fly to match what travelers want to see and do. I keep hearing from people who've done these tours that it's the little touches that make the difference - like when guides take you to their favorite local spots or help translate conversations with villagers. These companies seem to understand that's what turns a regular tour into something special.
Popular Halong Bay Cruise Ships
Best places to start your Halong Bay tour
Most people (about 92% of our travelers) start their Halong Bay adventure from Hanoi, though some join from Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and also Siem Reap. Our booking data shows that planning about 70 days ahead gives you the best pick of boats, cabins and dates - particularly useful during the busy October to March period. If you're after a quieter experience, try visiting in the shoulder months of April-May or September-October when the weather's still nice but you'll see fewer tourists around. The luxury boats are worth considering for their roomy cabins and top-tier service, though mid-range cruises deliver great value with similar itineraries. Want something more authentic? Look into extending your trip to Bai Tu Long Bay, where local fishing communities and smaller tourist numbers give you a genuine peek into life on these historic waters.
Discover Halong Bay tours for every budget
Halong Bay tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Halong Bay travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Solo Travelers82 tours- Couples74 tours
- Seniors (50+)36 tours
Best time to visit Halong Bay
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter cruises from December through February really shine when it comes to clear weather activities. The overnight luxury boats get great feedback - our guests start their day with tai chi on deck before heading to Sung Sot Cave when visibility peaks. You'll find traditional cooking demos and nighttime squid fishing under the stars on several routes. While the 5-star vessels with spa services and private balconies are popular this season, the 3-star boats follow similar routes with fewer crowds and solid service too.
- 78 tours
- popular 80 tours
- 75 tours
- Spring 2026
March to May brings ideal conditions and our widest range of tour options. Premium cruises mix morning cave visits with afternoon kayaking near Trinh Nu Cave's rock formations. Many travelers opt for 2-3 day trips that include cycling in Viet Hai Village and guided walks in Cat Ba National Park. Our customers love tours that balance active elements like swimming and hiking with cultural touches - they'll catch a water puppet show in Hanoi before heading out, then visit local fishing villages once on the bay.
- popular 83 tours
- 83 tours
- 70 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer tours between June and August put water activities front and center. Early risers join sunrise tai chi, then spend extra time kayaking hidden lagoons and swimming at quiet beaches. Several well-rated options combine bay exploration with bike rides through Cat Ba Island's shaded national park paths. The overnight cruises work really well - you'll join sunset deck parties and evening cooking classes, perfect for staying active while dodging the midday heat.
- 68 tours
- popular 82 tours
- 80 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
September through November brings clear skies and pleasant temperatures - perfect for longer exploration. Top picks include early cave visits when the light's just right for photos, afternoon stops at pearl farms and sunset drinks with limestone peaks as your backdrop. Many guests book tours mixing traditional junk boats with modern comforts - think upscale meals and spa time between kayak outings. The multi-day trips into quieter Lan Ha Bay get excellent feedback these months, offering both active exploration and peaceful downtime.
- popular 83 tours
- 82 tours
- 71 tours
Contact our Halong Bay travel experts
Sulu
Expert in Halong Bay at TourRadar
Sulu is one of our seasoned Halong Bay Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Halong Bay tours answered!
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+1 844 311 8331What our customers ask about Halong Bay Tours & Trips
When's the best time to visit Halong Bay for great weather and fewer tourists?
You'll love visiting in spring around March-April or fall September-October when temperatures are just perfect at 22-25°C and the humidity won't bother you too much. It's ideal for getting out on the water especially if you're keen on kayaking Lan Ha Bay or exploring inside Sung Sot Cave. You'll see fewer tourist boats than in summer and the visibility is really clear which photographers love. If you're into moody landscapes try an early morning tour in autumn - the misty views around Ti Top Island at sunrise are absolutely stunning.
Looking for a quieter experience? Which hidden bays near Halong should you check out?
Head to Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay they're just as beautiful with those amazing limestone formations but you'll only see about 20-30% of the tourists that pack into Halong. Lan Ha Bay's got this great little place called Viet Hai village where you can really experience local life visit traditional houses and even try those interesting fish-foot massages. If you're into kayaking the Dark & Bright Cave area is fantastic and over in Bai Tu Long there's this gorgeous spot called Three Peaches Beach perfect for a peaceful swim away from the crowds.
What unique activities can you try on Halong Bay cruises besides the usual kayaking and caves?
Start your day with sunrise Tai Chi on the premium cruise decks followed by Vietnamese coffee tasting it's a great way to ease into the morning. When evening comes you can catch traditional water puppet shows performed by local families or try your hand at squid fishing the old-school way. Some cruises throw these amazing sunset cocktail parties up on the top deck with views that'll take your breath away while others offer these really relaxing herbal wood foot baths using local plants. If you're into photography you can join special sunrise shoots at Surprise Cave or try capturing that magical bioluminescent plankton at night.
Should you do a day trip or overnight cruise on Halong Bay? What should help you decide?
Day trips run about 8-10 hours and focus on the must-sees like Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island giving you roughly 4-5 hours actually out on the bay. Overnight cruises let you venture further out to places like Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay plus you get those lovely morning Tai Chi sessions cooking classes and evening activities. Think about what matters to you - luxury overnight cruises give you those nice cabins with private balconies while day trips mean more travel time but they're 40-50% cheaper. Weather makes a big difference too spring and fall are your best bet for clear views and outdoor activities.