Ha Long Bay Cruise Guide: How to Choose the Right Boat
Day trip, one night or two? Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay? What to know before booking a cruise among Vietnam’s limestone islands.
By Arjun Sethi1 min read
More than 500 boats sail Ha Long Bay, and the experience varies enormously. Here is how to pick the right cruise for your style and budget.
Day trip vs overnight
Day trips spend four to five hours driving from Hanoi, so you get only a few hours on the water. An overnight cruise lets you kayak at sunset, see the bay in morning mist and visit caves before the day boats arrive.
Which part of the bay?
- Ha Long Bay: the classic route with Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island, busier.
- Lan Ha Bay: quieter lagoons and beaches, departing from Cat Ba.
- Bai Tu Long Bay: the most remote, with fewer boats and floating villages.
What really matters on board
- Cabins with private balconies
- Kayaks included in the price
- Maximum 20 cabins for a calmer atmosphere
Cruises can be cancelled by the coast guard during storms, mostly between July and September — keep a flexible day in Hanoi.
