River Cruises from Hanoi

What our customers ask about River Cruises from Hanoi

• What is the typical length of river cruise tours from Hanoi?

  Most river cruises from Hanoi run between 14 and 24 days, with 15 days being the most popular choice. You'll find options like CroisiEurope's 14-day trip that starts in Hanoi, takes you through Halong Bay and down to the Mekong Delta. These tours include stays at nice hotels like the 4-star Sofitel Metropole in Hanoi and comfortable ships like the RV Indochine when you're on the river.

• How many places do river cruise tours usually visit when starting from Hanoi?

  You'll typically visit between 12 and 17 different places across 2-4 countries. The trips usually start with a few days in Halong Bay, then head south to places like Sa Dec, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap. One traveler told us: "The variety of destinations made this an incredible journey, from the limestone karsts of Halong Bay to the floating villages of the Mekong."

• What do you usually do in Hanoi before the cruise starts?

  You'll spend your first 2-3 days getting to know Hanoi. Most tours take you to see the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and let you explore the Old Quarter. You'll stay at nice hotels like the Apricot Hotel and Spa before heading to Halong Bay. As one traveler put it: "Starting in Hanoi gave us the perfect introduction to Vietnamese culture before embarking on our cruise journey."

• What kind of places will I stay during a river cruise from Hanoi?

  You'll split your time between nice hotels and river boats. In Hanoi, you'll stay at 4-5 star hotels like the Metropole Hanoi or Apricot Hotel. When you're on the water, boats like the Emerald Harmony have comfortable rooms with their own balconies. Along the way, you'll stay at places like the Shinta Mani in Siem Reap. One traveler told us: "The accommodation exceeded expectations throughout the journey."

• When is the best time to take a river cruise from Hanoi?

  Plan your trip between October and March. The weather is nice then - around 68-77°F (20-25°C) - and it doesn't rain much. This weather is perfect for walking around Hanoi and cruising on Halong Bay and the Mekong River. Companies like CroisiEurope and Emerald Cruises run more trips during these months.

• Where do you go first after leaving Hanoi on a river cruise tour?

  Your first stop will be Halong Bay, about 3.5 hours from Hanoi. You'll spend 2-3 days cruising around the bay's famous limestone islands, staying on nice boats like the Au Co cruise ship. One traveler mentioned that "the transition from Hanoi's bustling streets to Halong Bay's serene waters is a perfect start to the journey."