We’ve all seen a Halong Bay cruise on social media and in travel magazines, that picture-perfect scenic view and the classic junk boats. Doing the day cruise in Halong Bay is one of the main highlights of my visit to Hanoi.
Let me share with you my personal experience, some travel tips and a guide in choosing and then booking the best value Halong Bay cruise.
It is a popular day trip destination from Hanoi. Most of the visitors come from Hanoi airport and travel to Halong Bay via land travel.
Read More: Hanoi Attractions: 10 Best Things To Do In Hanoi, Vietnam
Is the Halong Bay cruise worth it?
Based on my personal experience, Halong bay cruise excursion is definitely worth it. The whole day excursion is a great taster if you want to have a perfect day trip from Hanoi. Since Halong Bay is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in Vietnam, the natural beauty of the region is truly beyond words.
Should I book the Halong Bay cruise in advance?
It is advisable to book your cruise in advance due to its popularity and demand from travellers that are visiting Hanoi and Halong Bay. In the peak season, there are a few days waiting time before you can book and go on a day trip to Halong Bay Cruise.
How do I choose a Halong Bay cruise?
In choosing the best value cruise will vary depending on a few things and your personal preference. You need to consider the following:
- Hotel pick up and drop-off
- How big or small is the tour group?
- Tour Inclusions
- Travel time
- Does it come with a guide?
- Cruise activities and itinerary
- On-board meals included?
These are the things I checked first before booking our Halong Bay cruise day trip excursion from Hanoi.
How to book a Halong bay cruise?
There are two options on how to book your cruise whether it is an overnight or a day trip:
- You can book it online through a reputable travel excursion source. You can check my recommended Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay Tour from Klook.
- You can also book your cruise via the local travel agents in Hanoi. There are a lot of travel agents that offer various excursions from Hanoi. Again, this something worth doing in advance. You can contact your Hanoi hotel and ask if they can be able to recommend or arrange something for you. Just be sure to ask them all the inclusions based on my recommendations on how to choose a cruise as mentioned above.
You are guaranteed to have a great time on your Halong Bay cruise whether you would like to cruise overnight, for a few days or just a day trip from Hanoi. I hope that this guide helps you on deciding which one suits you the best for your Vietnam Itinerary.
Have you been to Halong Bay?
Share with us your travel experience below!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ryazan Tristram
Travel Writer & PhotographerRyazan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Hotel Management. She also has more than 10 years of work experience gained from working in the hotel and travel sectors in Asia and Europe. Her work has been featured and published in BBC, Huffington Post, Reader’s Digest, Discovery Channel, World Travel Guide, MSN, CNBC, GMA, Daily Mail UK, Lonely Planet, and many more. She is currently living in the UK as a dual citizen (British-Filipina). Join her in travelling around the UK, Europe, and beyond with a mission to promote sustainable tourism and share travel guides, travel tips, foodies, history, and culture.
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Cruising is always a fun and everything you find on board. This place fantastic, looks like heaven on earth.