Halong Bay Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Halong Bay tour packages
- What people love about Halong Bay Tours
- 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
Best of Cambodia & Vietnam
42 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“He was very attentive, knowledgeable, and helpful. He went above and beyond.”
Thomas, traveled in September
The limestone karsts of Halong Bay unfold during an overnight cruise, featuring Surprise Cave's stunning formations and Ti Top Island's panoramic views. Glide through emerald waters past floating villages in a kayak. Fresh seafood dinners await while anchored in peaceful coves under starlit skies.
Duration 17 days Destinations Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,310
15% Off- NZ$2,814You save $496
Epic Asia
59 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The experiences were unforgettable—cultural immersion, breathtaking nature, and bucket-list adventures all rolled into one.”
Tom, traveled in March
Towering limestone peaks and hidden caves dot the emerald waters of Halong Bay during this overnight boat trip. Glide through mystical grottoes by kayak, learn Vietnamese cooking on deck, and unwind with sunset drinks in secluded bays. The UNESCO World Heritage adventure includes traditional meals and comfortable twin/double cabins.
Duration 38 days Destinations Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator INTRO Travel From $7,049
10% Off- NZ$6,344You save $705
Vietnam Express Southbound
317 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 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,245
25% Off- NZ$1,684You save $561
Amazing Vietnam Super Save Package In 10 Days
131 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was amazing the many sights and variation of activities left us pleased that we did the tour.”
Francis, traveled in January
The cultural richness of Vietnam unfolds from Halong Bay's limestone islands to Hoi An's Ancient Town. Boutique hotels like Apricot Hanoi and Palm Garden Hoi An provide luxurious rest. Ba Vi eco-tours, Tam Coc bamboo boat rides, and Mekong Delta sampan cruises reveal local life. Internal flights and English-speaking guides included.
Duration 10 days Destinations Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Operator Realistic Asia From $1,307
10% Off- NZ$1,177+$481 local paymentsYou save $131
Vietnam Experience 15 Day
89 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour has been the absolute best! He's gone above and beyond to give us the best experience we could have.”
Nathalie, traveled in December
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 18 to 50 year olds Operator INTRO Travel From $3,399
10% Off- NZ$3,059You save $340
What people love about Halong Bay Tours
- Best of Cambodia & Vietnam
Great trip. Meet new people, great places to visit, eat great food, meet locals and all is arranged and you just need to relax and go with the flow. Great countries to visit Vietnam and Cambodia
- Epic Asia
Fantastic Trip ... really enjoyed my time and the tour leader (Will) was the helpful. Would recommend booking with intro.
- Vietnam Express Southbound
A dream intro to an incredible country. Our leader was incredible, the country was beautiful and of course, the food was divine. A perfect escape.
Travel Halong Bay your way
Sailing through Halong Bay presents quite a range of options, from cozy 3-star boats up to luxurious 5-star floating hotels. Our travelers keep telling us how much they love the balance of activities and comfort levels across different vessels. The most popular cruises take you kayaking around Trinh Nu Cave, where you'll weave through hidden grottoes with those massive limestone peaks rising above you. If you're up early, you can join the tai chi on deck while the morning mist slowly lifts off the water. The evenings really come alive - you might find yourself making spring rolls at sunset or trying your luck at night fishing right off the deck. Spring for a higher-end boat and you'll get a private balcony cabin with premium meals, while mid-range options focus more on exploration with extra kayaking and cave visits. Most of our customers find the 2-day cruises hit just right, though if you want to see the quieter corners of the bay and visit local pearl farms, the 3-day trips are worth considering.
The best way to really get to know Halong Bay is through our explorer tours, which run from quick overnighters to proper multi-day trips. Our guests particularly enjoy combining Sung Sot cave visits with kayaking through quiet lagoons you can't reach any other way. If you want to see it all, the longer tours take you hiking up to Cat Ba Island's best viewpoints and cycling through villages where fishing families have lived for generations. We've found that tours mixing day explorations with overnight stays give you two completely different experiences - from the lively daytime scene to peaceful evenings on the water. The highest-rated tours tend to be ones that balance active discovery with cultural touches like onboard cooking classes or visits to local pearl farming operations.
Select from our extensive range of 76 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Halong Bay with our expert guides leading the way.
Explore a wide diversity of partially guided tours through Halong Bay. We have 64 adventures that vary from 2 days to 25 days. With the greatest number of departures in September, this is also the most popular time of the year.
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.
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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
There are some solid ways to experience Halong Bay without breaking the bank. Our value tours typically combine overnight cruises with hands-on activities like local village visits and cooking classes. You'll get a comfortable cabin, good meals and knowledgeable guides at a reasonable price point. Most tours include kayaking near the limestone formations, time in caves like Sung Sot and swimming at quiet beaches. Our customers often mention how much they like having both scheduled activities and free time to relax on deck. Many tours connect Halong Bay with time in Hanoi's Old Quarter and the rice fields of Ninh Binh, giving you a fuller northern Vietnam experience while keeping costs manageable.
The luxury cruises in Halong Bay really elevate the experience with exceptional service and comfort levels. These 5-star vessels come with roomy balcony cabins, excellent dining and guides who bring deep local knowledge. Paradise Luxury and Amanda cruises stand out - they run morning tai chi sessions and host lovely cocktail parties as the sun sets. Our travelers particularly enjoy exclusive stops at places like Trinh Nu Cave and Vung Vieng fishing village. These premium boats also access quieter parts of the bay for peaceful kayaking and swimming. You'll find nice touches like proper spa treatments, cooking sessions with the chef and dinners under the stars.
Halong Bay budget tours
Halong Bay tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
119 tours in Halong BayThe group tours focus on creating social experiences while hitting Halong Bay's main sights. You'll mix active time kayaking and exploring caves with chances to meet other travelers during cooking classes and evening activities. Our customers like having the structure but appreciate the freedom to lounge by the pool or join optional excursions. The group format works really well for things like cycling through villages and visiting pearl farms - it's just more fun to share these experiences with others.
Small Group
48 tours in Halong BayOur small-group experiences in Halong Bay strike an ideal balance between discovery and local culture. Starting from Hanoi, travelers join morning tai chi on deck, paddle through secluded lagoons, and explore the bay's limestone formations. Our guides Thanh, Bien Tran and also Chinh earn consistent praise for revealing hidden spots that larger tours typically bypass. These journeys extend beyond the bay, connecting you with experiences like cycling through Mai Chau Valley's emerald rice fields and venturing into Ninh Binh's river caves. Top itineraries combine overnight cruising with hands-on activities, where you'll learn traditional fishing methods, master spring roll techniques or bike to quiet villages across Cat Ba Island. The success of these small groups comes from their thoughtful mix of guided activities and independent exploration, letting guests switch between organized excursions and peaceful moments observing the bay from the deck.
Private / Personalized
27 tours in Halong BayPrivate tours give you complete control over your Halong Bay experience. These customizable trips let you decide when to kayak, take a swim or simply watch the scenery from deck. Many travelers combine their bay cruise with northern Vietnam experiences - like biking through Ninh Binh's rice paddies or visiting ethnic villages near Sapa. The private setup is perfect for photographers who want that sunrise shot over the karsts and families who need flexible schedules. Your guide can adjust daily activities based on what interests you and how energetic you're feeling.
Top Halong Bay travel itineraries to fit your plans
Life on Halong Bay really comes alive during our popular 3-day tours. You'll spend your days kayaking through Bai Tu Long Bay's limestone formations and wandering the vast chambers of Sung Sot Cave. Mornings start with tai chi on deck, while afternoons take you to quiet beaches near Titop Island. Many travelers enjoy visiting local pearl farms to learn traditional cultivation methods. The evenings are particularly special - there's sunset gatherings, hands-on Vietnamese cooking and night squid fishing under clear skies. While our luxury vessels with private balcony cabins get great feedback, the mid-range boats follow similar routes and offer solid value for money.
See all tours
Our 7-day northern Vietnam tours blend Halong Bay with the region's cultural gems. Starting in Hanoi, you'll head to Mai Chau Valley for village visits and gentle cycling through rice paddies. Next comes Ninh Binh, where small boats drift through river caves beneath limestone cliffs. After exploring local temples, you get two full days on Halong Bay - plenty of time to kayak the quiet corners and meet fishing communities. Our customers tell us they love how these routes mix active exploration with cultural moments, from onboard cooking sessions to conversations with hill tribe communities.
The 10-day tours use Halong Bay as the cornerstone of a complete Vietnam experience. From Hanoi, you'll combine an overnight cruise through the bay's hidden corners with Vietnam's cultural highlights. The route takes you cycling in Hoi An's countryside, paddling traditional basket boats and exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City. Our travelers particularly enjoy the Mekong Delta section - visiting floating markets and biking through villages. These tours really shine in how they connect Halong's natural beauty with genuine cultural moments, from learning traditional fishing techniques to cooking in family homes.
Demographics
Solo travelers connect naturally on our small group Halong Bay tours, especially the Vietnam Express series where you'll share comfortable twin cabins and join group meals. The social vibe really picks up during kayaking trips, cave walks and evening squid fishing adventures. Our solo guests often make lasting friendships during sunset deck parties and cooking sessions. Many choose the extended overnight trips to Ninh Binh, which add countryside cycling and local homestays to the mix. You'll explore floating villages with your group and sample regional dishes together.
Our luxury cruises with private balcony cabins create perfect moments for couples in Halong Bay. The premium 2-3 day voyages balance activities with quiet time - start with morning tai chi on deck, paddle to hidden lagoons in the afternoon and enjoy intimate dinners under starlit skies. Couples tell us they love watching the sunrise from their private terrace before joining small groups for cave and beach excursions. The evenings are particularly special with sunset cocktails, couple's spa treatments and peaceful star-gazing from the top deck.
Young travelers find their groove on our multi-day Halong Bay tours that mix active adventures with social time. You'll kayak through caves, swim at secluded beaches and hike to viewpoints while meeting other travelers. The overnight island parties, beach BBQs and group seafood dinners create natural spaces to connect. Our younger guests love switching between organized activities - like sunset deck parties and Vietnamese cooking classes - and free time for poolside chats, village visits or optional excursions. Many tours continue to Ninh Binh or Sapa for cycling, homestays and authentic cultural experiences.
Our senior travelers value the thoughtfully paced luxury cruises that pair comfort with cultural depth. The premium boats feature stable hulls, roomy cabins and guides who share rich knowledge about the bay's heritage and environment. The activity mix works perfectly - gentle morning tai chi flows into guided cave walks, followed by traditional tea ceremonies and cultural shows. Easy transport from Hanoi, craft village visits and plenty of deck time for scenery watching round out the experience. The dining stands out too, with fresh seafood and relaxed introductions to Vietnamese cooking.
Mid-range boats with spacious cabins work really well for families exploring Halong Bay. The tours mix comfort with genuine local experiences that keep everyone engaged. Kids love getting hands-on at floating fishing villages and trying pearl farm demonstrations, while the calm water kayaking suits all skill levels. Our family groups tell us the cooking classes are a big hit - there's something special about parents and kids making spring rolls together while learning Vietnamese traditions. The Cat Ba Island bike rides let families pedal through quiet villages and beaches at their own speed. The schedule includes plenty of free time for swimming, deck lounging and joining extra activities based on everyone's energy.
- Solo Travelers100 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples28 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)6 tours
- Seniors (50+)34 tours
Best time to visit Halong Bay
- Summer 2025
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.
- 80 tours
- popular 99 tours
- 92 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
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 102 tours
- 101 tours
- 101 tours
- 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.
- popular 99 tours
- 69 tours
- 65 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 66 tours
- 62 tours
- 63 tours
Contact our Halong Bay travel experts
Esteban
Expert in Halong Bay at TourRadar
Esteban is one of our seasoned Halong Bay Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Halong Bay tours answered!
- Choose from 149+ Halong Bay tours
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+64 4888 0182What 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.