OUR PICKS · TUAN CHAU ISLAND
Ha Long’s main marina, and the departure point for most of the five-star boats. The 15 below note which sailings are day trips and which run overnight, and what the fare covers once you are aboard.
Spend two days aboard the Paradise Elegance, a 17-cabin wooden cruise in Ha Long Bay. You get private air-conditioned accommodation, three meals, Tai Chi, Sung Sot Cave, and optional kayaking, Ti Top Island, spa treatments, cooking, and squid fishing.
“What a different a day made. We had an amazing 24 hours during this overnight cruises. Good schedule, good food and good services.”
Spend about 12 hours traveling from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to Ha Long Bay with guide-led visits to Sung Sot Cave, Hang Luon, and Titop Island. You’ll get a buffet lunch, kayaking or bamboo boat ride, sunset wine, fruit, tea, and Jacuzzi access. Guides such as Johnny and Hien are often praised for energy and clear help.
“Pick up was good, and journey was fine, but we really could have done with just a 5-minute toilet stop rather than 40-minutes at a Pearl factory. We were met on the boat by Johny Walker, who gave an overview on what to expect from the Read more”
Spend three days aboard Paradise Elegance Cruise among Halong Bay’s limestone karsts. You’ll visit Ti Top Island, Tien Ong Cave, Sung Sot Cave, and Cua Van Floating Village, with meals, Tai Chi, a pool, and air-conditioned ensuite cabins included. Hanoi transfers cost extra.
“We were on the 2 night/3 day cruise in the Captain’s View cabin. The programme was fairly busy and sights on 1st and 3rd day were extremely overcrowded. It was fantastic to have a chance to explore the bay on the second day on a smallRead more”
Spend 6 to 7 hours on Halong Bay aboard a modern cruise with a sky deck, pool, buffet lunch, and sunset snacks. You’ll visit Sung Sot Cave, kayak or ride a bamboo boat through Luon Cave, and hike or swim at Titop Island. Guides Mr Bean and Harry are known for attentive service.
“Luxurious boat, great activities, Mr Bean a great MC!”
Spend two days on Ha Long Bay with a small group of up to 22 people. Kayak or take a local rowing boat through Luon Cave, visit Titov Island and Surprise Cave, enjoy included meals, and sleep in an air-conditioned cabin. Guides such as Alex and Bobby have earned strong praise for their care and energy.
“The Lavender Elegance Cruise was more than I expected, the boat is realy nice, the rooms were great, the crew in the boat was nice and Alex the tour operator was awesome. Alex was the person who picked us up from the hotel and helpeRead more”
Sail from Hanoi to Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay aboard a five-star cruise with a private-balcony suite, meals, kayaking, cave visits, swimming, tai chi, and a cooking demonstration. Cruise managers such as Ha, Tom, Alex, and Nancy are praised for attentive service, while Hanoi transfers keep the trip simple.
“This Ha Long Bay excursion was amazing and so beautiful. It is better in person than in pictures. Ha and his team planned the perfect itinerary that included time to have fun, adventure, and relaxation. I would highly recommend to anyone visiting northern Vietnam!”
Spend two days and one night aboard Paradise Sails in Halong Bay, with a private check-in lounge, onboard meals, an English-speaking guide, and stops at Surprise Cave, Luon Cave, Titop or Soi Sim Island. Managers including Blue and Ms Ly are known for attentive service.
“I love the service, especially for Kaye, Mikha & Korina. At first, I was shocked on how exceptional they handled the guests. l actually thought that I was at a 5 star hotel like Marriott. They were so friendly and caring that it actually felt like Read more”
You’ll cruise Ha Long Bay aboard Indochine Premium, launched in 2023, with 37 balcony cabins, a pool, sky bar, spa, and fine-dining restaurant. The two-day route includes Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave kayaking or a sampan ride, Ti Top Island, Tai Chi, squid fishing, and a Vietnamese cooking demonstration.
“The trip was nothing short of amazing! We loved the rooms, ship aesthetic, friendly hospitality, delicious meals, and day activities. We especially liked the kayaking and swimming. I highly recommend the 3d/2n excursion as it allows you to go to a more remote area.”
This five-and-a-half-hour Ha Long Bay cruise visits Sung Sot Cave, Hang Luon, and Titop Island, with a Vietnamese seafood lunch served aboard the boat. You can kayak or take a bamboo boat, swim or hike, and make your own way to Tuan Chau port. Guides may include Kimi, Dylan, Lee, or Whisky.
“Great day and fascinating experience. Definitely a must do. Kayaking lots of fun, crowded but managed to manouver around easily.”
Spend 3 days and 2 nights aboard Grand Pioneers Cruise in Ha Long Bay, with Sung Sot and Luon caves, kayaking near Trinh Nu or Trong Cave, Ba Trai Dao beach time, and a pearl farm visit. Guides and attentive staff, including names such as Yung, Dien, Alice, and Lucie, help keep the trip smooth.
“Excellent accommodation, spotless (Executive suite). Food: excellent, good variety and for the vegetarian in the group (me), they went out of way having options. And more than you would want! Staff, both good service and local guides, exRead more”
Spend about 12 hours exploring Halong Bay on Route 2, with an English-speaking guide, seafood buffet, Titop Island, optional kayaking or sampan boat at Luon Cave, and a sunset party. Guide Thanh is often assigned and is praised for clear explanations and helpful arrangements.
“We had a really good experience going to Ha long bay with Thanh who was our tour guide, he was really helpful and knowledgeable. Definitely recommend”
Join Le Journey Cruise for a 2-day, 1-night Lan Ha Bay trip from Hanoi. You’ll ride from the Old Quarter, kayak or take a bamboo boat through Dark and Bright Cave, visit Tra Bau Floating Village, swim, cook, enjoy Tai Chi, and sleep in a private deluxe cabin.
“The staff were very attentive and caring and the sights were incredible. However, the organisation was odd as we spent most of the first hour aboard sitting in the dining room looking at a buffet lunch which we couldn't eat until after the briefRead more”
Spend 5.5 hours on Ha Long Bay with Emeraude Classic Cruise. You’ll see Fighting Cock Island and Incense Island, explore Sung Sot Cave, kayak or ride a sampan at Hang Luon, and enjoy lunch, drinks, and a cooking demonstration. Minh and Ruby are among the crew members praised for attentive service.
“We rode on the Emeraude-Min. Minh and his crew were great. I would definitely do this again. Very good food and service. I love it.”
Travel from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to Ha Long Bay by bus, then cruise to Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island. Your day includes Vietnamese seafood lunch, kayaking or a bamboo boat, hiking, swimming, and an English-speaking guide such as Ben, Billy, Nam, or Linh.
“Everything is good, tour guide Billy is very informative and attentive. Everything is well plan and food is good too.”
Spend two days aboard the Amanda Luxury Cruise among Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay’s limestone islets. You’ll get a balcony cabin, four meals, kayaking or a bamboo boat, Tai Chi, a cooking class, and optional Hanoi transfers. Weather may switch the swimming stop to Tra Bau fishing village.
“Great hospitality, amazing views, lovely cabin with a private deck.”
An hour around a harbour, a full day with a swim stop, or a cabin and a sunrise.
