Top 10 Recommended Halong Bay Cruises

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The beauty of Halong Bay has long attracted visitors from all corners of the globe. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of The Seven Natural Wonders of the World the Halong Bay is a destination that is calling out to everyone who finds themselves in South East Asia.

Halong Bay - Cruise Experience
 One of the most popular ways of taking in the amazing views and warm culture is through the many cruises that embark daily on the Bay. Travelers who choose cruises will be able to slalom their way through the giant limestone karsts and thousands of islets, as they marvel at the emerald green water below them. 

Many of the cruises have itineraries that will allow guests to also enjoy many of the other attractions found around Halong Bay such as the beautiful caves, fisherman’s villages and even the some of the surrounding islands. Guests may also learn much about the Vietnamese culture with all inclusive travel guides, cooking lessons, Tai Chi lesson and squid fishing lessons provided by many of the cruise lines.

The following list is for the most highly recommended cruises in Halong Bay based on the top rated and most reliable websites (minimum of 50 reviews).

EMERAUDE CLASSIC CRUISE – Best Halong Bay Cruise Package Deal recommended

Emeraude Cruise recommended Halong Bay cruises
Hai Au Aviation offers you the best package in Halong Bay

Emeraude Classic Cruises in Halong comes aboard a 5-star cruise vessel that takes guests on a single day, one night and two-night cruises around Halong Bay. The Emeraude Classic Cruise is rated an excellent 8.6 on Booking.com and an 8.4 on Agoda.com.

The cruise couples with the top ranked air tour in the area according to Tripadvisor, Hai Au Aviation, to give guests a spectacular aerial view to go with the lovely sea view of the Emeraude.

 The package includes an overnight cruise,  a scenic seaplane ride over the Halong Bay, a one-way shuttle bus from Halong or Hanoi as well as entrance fees and tourist tickets to all the major tourist destinations on the cruise. 

The Emeraude Classic Cruise is stacked useful amenities. Some of the more lucrative amenities are a full-service spa that specializes in native treatment techniques, a world-class restaurant, and a beautiful bar/lounge for those looking for a place to relax and have drinks.

emeraude service recommended Halong Bay cruises

DRAGON LEGEND JUNK INDOCHINA  Best Rated Halong Bay cruise in TripAdvisor

dragon legend junk recommended Halong Bay cruises
Each attraction has the potential to lead to side journeys involving swimming, fishing and kayaking your way to more adventure.

Ranked the #1 tour in Halong Bay by TripAdvisor this IndoChina junk vessel has been long known for being the best luxury 5-star cruise available to travelers. With over 2000 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor there is no question that the Dragon Legend Junk is amongst the top ways to take in the beauty of Halong Bay.

One of the features that makes the Dragon Legend Junk different from other cruises in Halong is off the track cruise experience from Halong to Bai Tu Long Bay, which takes guests to the most remote areas of Halong Bay. Some of the sights which you will be able to enjoy on the Dragon Legend Junk Cruise are:

  • The majestic hidden Thien Canh Son Cave
  • The white sandy beaches of Hon Co Island
  • The remote Vung Vieng fishing village

The Dragon Legend Junk features 24 luxury cabins and 4 decks which give guests access to indoor or outdoor dining areas overlooking the Bay. Each cabin is elegantly decorated with traditional styles and equipped with all the modern amenities required for a pleasant stay.

Tripadvisor.comBooking.comAgoda.com
“Beautiful boat , very short time” – Joseph L., HongKong, China (Jan, 2017)
“Very friendly guides (JD/Kenny). Bai Tu Long is amazing and not as crowded as Ha Long. The food was really good. Cave visit was not really exciting, could have used the time to enjoy the facilities on board.” – Maria, Germany (December, 2016)
“The boat was superb – didn’t expect a heat pump and a bath in the cabin!! Wonderful Staff, went to out of the way beach so avoided the crowds. Would definitely recommend this cruise.” – Slushna. New Zealand (October, 2016)

APHRODITE CRUISE – Best Rated Halong Bay cruise in Booking.com  

Top recommended cruise in halong recommended Halong Bay cruises
The Aphrodite cruise also provides guests with a top-notch itinerary that includes visiting many of the Bay’s most famous attractions.

The 5 Star Aphrodite Cruise is currently the top reviewed cruise on booking.com with an exceptional rating of 9.6. The Cruise is also rated the 9th best cruise in the Halong area by TripAdvisor. This 2 day and one night cruise are ideal for travelers looking to discover the exotic Halong area while still enjoying elegant comfort.

The Aphrodite Cruise has built a name and reputation on providing all the amenities that guests require and more. This facility is perfect for travelers looking for a trip full of rest and relaxation. One of the standout facilities of their cruise is a fully equipped spa and wellness center which includes:

  • Special spa treatments
  • Saunas
  • Massage therapy rooms
  • Hot tubs.

The cabins on the Aphrodite Cruise rated highly amongst reviewers, especially amongst couples– with over a 175 positive reviews. Every room aboard the cruise gives guests a glimpse of the sea through expansive picture windows or from the breezy balconies. A Bridal Suite is also available on the cruise, for couples who’d like to take their honeymoon or romantic vacation to the next level of luxury and comfort.

The cruise also offers a variety of water activities such as: 

  • Snorkeling
  • Kayaking
  • Squid fishing
  • Swimming on the beachfront.

SIGNATURE HALONG CRUISE – Best Rated Halong Bay cruise in Agoda.com  

Top recommended cruise in halong recommended Halong Bay cruises
Each attraction has the potential to lead to side journeys involving swimming, fishing and kayaking your way to more adventure.

Rated a whopping 9.2 on Agoda, the 5-star Signature Halong cruise is one of the most sought after cruises in Halong. The cruise also fares extremely well on Booking.com as the second highest rated cruise at 9.3/10 as well as the coveted 2015 most booked cruise award in Halong Bay. Well-placed for sightseeing and visiting the beaches of Halong, the Signature Halong Cruise provides a great spot for travelers to take a load off and relax in decadence.

The rooms of the Signature Halong are probably the biggest draw factor. Guests experience some of the most elegant and contemporary styled cabins, with high-quality facilities including:

  • Satellite/cable TV,
  • Jacuzzi,
  • Minibar,
  • Fully equipped luxury bathroom,
  • Private balcony
  • Complimentary fruit basket

ECC_Shot_16_Kayaking_Angle_2_C5A9631_Finish recommended Halong Bay cruisesAnother key selling point of the Signature Halong are the wonderful restaurants and bars. Guests won’t have any trouble indulging in all the delicious food and beverages native to the area. Guests will also have plenty of activities to keep them busy with Tai Chi lessons, cooking lessons along with fishing and kayaking available throughout the day.

HALONG SCORPION CRUISE – Best Budget Halong Bay cruise recommended under $100/person 

With three and a half stars the Halong Scorpion Cruise is an absolute steal for under 100 dollars per a person. The Halong Scorpion cruise is rated highly on agoda.com with a respectable 8.5 rating and a number of very positive reviews. It should be noted that cruises in the Halong region for less than 100 USD a person are few and far in between, making the Halong Scorpion Cruise a rare and surprisingly affordable alternative.

Scorpion Cruise recommended Halong Bay cruises
The Halong Scorpion Cruise is a popular pick for both business and leisure travelers alike.

With its very convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations. The service at the Jalong Scorpion is one of their biggest strengths. Even with its low price point the Halong Scorpion Cruise offers a broad range of amenities, such as a family room and playground area. For the comfort and convenience of guests, the hotel also offers:

  • 24-hour room service
  • Babysitting services
  • Free Wi-Fi in all rooms
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Taxi service
  • Ticket service

The Halong Scorpion vessel consists of 8 alluring rooms which contain all the essentials needed to have a comfortable stay. All throughout the day guests may enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the private beach, fishing, solarium, and garden. Whatever your purpose of visit, Halong Scorpion Cruise is an excellent choice for your stay in Halong.

BHAYA CRUISE – Best Mid – Ranged Halong Bay cruise recommended under $200/Person

Bhaya Cruise recommended Halong Bay cruises
Regardless of whether you’re traveling, solo with family, on business or as a couple, the Bhaya Cruises seems to cater to everyone.

Rated the 5th best cruise in the Halong region by Tripadvisor and pulling off a superb 9.1 rating on booking.com the Bhaya cruise is one of the top choices for cruises in the region. The Bhaya Cruise comes to around $200 per a person making it one of the more affordable cruises in Halong as well, compared to its competitors.

The Bhaya is a 4-star cruise that has an overwhelming number of excellent reviews on Tripadvisor and Booking.com. The facilities available aboard the Bhaya are exceptional. Guests will have access to a state of the art spa and wellness center if they choose to relax or cycling or fishing if they are looking for a more active vacation.

Special services such as room service, laundry, housekeeping and VIP room facilities tend to ensure that guests get all the attention they deserve.

The cabins on the Bhaya Cruise feature a modern contemporary style that includes all the newest room facilities that guests need for a convenient and enjoyable stay. The service aboard the Bhaya Cruise is known for making sure every guest has a pleasant journey. 

PARADISE LUXURY CRUISE – Best Luxury Halong Bay Cruise recommended under $400/person 

Paradise Cruise recommended Halong Bay cruises
With everything you could ask for from a luxury cruise, the Paradise Cruise will not disappoint.

The Paradise Cruise gets a fabulous 9.2 rating from Booking.com as well the 4th rank in Halong Bay cruises on Tripadvisor. Coming to around $300 per a person the cruise offers all the luxuries, services and amenities expected with the price tag. A vast majority of the reviews on the sites have come back positive.

The Paradise Luxury ships featuring 17 elegant rooms, 3 sundecks, a spa and wellness outlet and as always some delicious food prepared by highly skilled chefs. Guests will be provided with an English-speaking tour guide and many interesting activities to take up their time including kayaking, tai chi, and swimming.

The cruise sets course around Halong Bay, passing by the beautiful Soi Sim Beach and Coconut Tree Island and visiting the Cua Van Floating Village by rowing bamboo boats with local people or via kayak by yourself. The cruise will also stop by many of the wondrous Halong Bay caves such as the famous Sung Sot Cave, and the Trong Cave which is shaped as a drum. 

PARADISE PEAK CRUISE – Best Luxurious Halong Bay Cruise recommended over $400/person

Paradise Peak Cruise recommended Halong Bay cruises
If the price is not objected and luxury and decadence are what is required, look no further than the Paradise Peak Cruise in Halong Bay.

Another top cruise provided by Paradise Cruises Halong Bay, the Paradise Peak Cruise offers the #2 ranked cruise on offer in Halong Bay according to Tripadvisor. The Paradise peak is in a higher price range than the Paradise Luxury Cruise but it offers notable upgrades to justify the price. A night aboard the Paradise Peak Cruise in Halong costs approximately $500/person. Tours on the Paradise Peak can be booked for either 1 or 2 nights stay.

The Paradise Peak is a high-end boutique boat that features: 

  • 8 plushly designed suites, oozing with luxury
  • An intimate restaurant
  • A beautiful outdoor bar
  • A fully equipped spa. 

Guests will have a personal butler service to answer to their every beck and call, ensuring guests have no trouble getting exactly what they want. Another key distinction between the Paradise Peak Cruise and most of the other 5 star cruises are some of the best chefs in the world, preparing signature dishes which span the globe.

HALONG GLORY LEGEND CRUISE – Best 4-Star Halong Bay cruise recommended

Top 10 Cruises in halong recommended Halong Bay cruisesRated as the top 4-star cruise on Booking.com and the 18th best-reviewed cruise overall on Tripadvisor, the Halong Glory Legend Cruise is right cruise for travelers who are interested in a great value deal. All cabins feature a sleek wooden design coupled with modern amenities that should keep even the pickiest of travelers in comfort.

There are two types of tours provided by Halong Glory Legend Cruises, a 3 day and 2-night cruise or two days and one night tour. Both tours encircle most of the main attractions of Halong Bay. Sights and destinations such as the Sung Sot Cave, the Bai Tu Long Bay and the Vung Vieng fishing village are just some of the spots that you can expect to explore when aboard the Halong Glory Legend Cruise.

Tripadvisor.comBooking.comAgoda.com
“Overall it has been a good trip with Glory legend. Nice boat with good decor. Rooms are a bit small, but then everything has a price. This is not a 5* luxury cruise so I kept my expectations accordingly and in the end, it’s a good value for money.” – Risigh76, Singapore (December, 2016)
“The boat cruise was great – the area is beautiful and the crew are friendly and helpful – the cabin is small but lovely with a huge picture window on the view and your own little balcony – which was the reason for selecting this particular boat – could be a very romantic event for a couple, but the family on our cruise also had a great time.” – Ron, Australia (January, 2017)
“We joined for NYE 2016/7. GREAT service from AMAZING staff. The location is SUPERB for dramatic scenery and the food was top notch. A bar is a bit pricey, but 2 happy hours each day helped. Would definitely recommend!” – Alan, UK (December, 2016)

 

THE AU CO DAY CRUISE – Best Halong Bay Day Cruise recommended

au-co-cruise recommended Halong Bay cruises
The cruise also ranks 6th overall amongst all cruises, including overnight and charter cruises.

The Au Co Day Cruises are considered the very best day cruise available in Halong by Tripadvisor. For the past 3 years running The Au Co Day Cruises have continued to maintain their standards and have received the Tripadvisor certificate of excellence. The cruise is among the most recommended by the site.

For those who don’t have the time or funding to do a 5-star overnight tour of Halong Bay the Au Co Day Cruise will make up for it. The Au Co Day Cruise is a 5-star cruise giving guests the luxuries and services expected on overnight cruises on a fantastic full-day cruise that is unrivaled in Halong Bay. The first thing that will strike you about each of the 32 luxury cabins aboard the Au CO Day Cruise is the sense of space, the abundance of light and the refined elegant interiors.

The cruise also features almost all the main attractions in Halong, including Cat Ba Island and the caves found stretched out across the Bay. If you’re in a hurry in Halong, the Au Co Day Cruise is the best way to make sure you don’t miss out on the glory of Halong Bay. 

Recommendation Halong Bay Cruise

Cruises are an ideal way to soak up all the beautiful scenery and attractions in Halong Bay. Using these top 10 highly recommended cruises in Halong Bay you may now find the best Halong Bay cruise for your particular taste or price range. top_cruises_infographic recommended Halong Bay cruises

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Don’t forget that an aerial view of the Bay is also available to complement your cruise with special Hai Au Aviation cruise packages!