| Option | Length | Price per person (seen) | Best for | Detailed page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day excursion | 12 to 13 hours | about $40 to 75 | one day only, first visit | day cruise |
| 2 days, 1 night | 2 days | about $105 to 450 depending on class | most travellers | 2-day cruise |
| Luxury 5 and 6 stars | 2 days or more | about $250 to over 900 | honeymoon | luxury cruise |
| Lan Ha Bay | 1 to 2 days | about $45 to 130 for a day | those who want more calm | Lan Ha, which cruise |
Price per person, in a double cabin for overnight trips, seen in October 2026.
Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay?
Ha Long Bay has the widest choice of boats, the Sung Sot cave and the shortest trip from Hanoi (2.5 to 3 hours), but it is also the busiest. Lan Ha Bay, further south, has fewer boats and is better for kayaking, with departure from Cat Ba or Hai Phong. Both bays share the same UNESCO listing since 2023.
One night or two?
One night is enough for sunset, kayaking, a cave and sunrise. Two nights add quieter stops, for example on Cat Ba Island. For most travellers, one night is the right choice.
What is included and what is not
The transfer, cabin, meals, kayaking and the bay entrance fee are usually included. Drinks, tips, massages and some extras cost more: allow $25 to 45 a day for a drinks package. Be wary of very low prices, which almost always cut corners on the boat, the meal or the time on the water. Our pick of the 2-day cruise is listed on GetYourGuide. For the journey, see Hanoi to Ha Long; to compare with Ninh Binh, see Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay.
Ha Long Bay cruise 2 days: the usual choice
For most travellers the 2-day, 1-night cruise is the right choice: about $145 to 250 per person on a 4-star boat, with transfer from Hanoi, meals and kayaking. The day excursion, at $40 to 75, shows you the pinnacles and a cave but includes 5 to 6 hours on a bus.
Ha Long or Lan Ha: which to choose
Ha Long has the widest choice of boats, the Sung Sot cave and the shortest trip from Hanoi (2.5 to 3 hours); it is also the busiest bay. Lan Ha, further south, has fewer boats and suits kayaking better, with departure from Cat Ba or Hai Phong. For a couple, a calmer bay like Lan Ha; for a family or a small budget, the day or the night in Ha Long.
Best Ha Long cruise by profile
- Couple: 2 days/1 night in a cabin with a balcony, or a luxury cruise for a honeymoon.
- Family: 2 days/1 night on a 4-star boat with kayaking and meals included.
- Small budget: the day excursion, checking what is included.
How much does a cruise cost?
From about $40 for the day to over $900 for a luxury boat; prices noted in October 2026, to be confirmed when you book. Allow $25 to 45 a day for a drinks package.
How to choose the boat
Check the transfer, the cabin, the meals, the kayaking and the bay entrance fee, then be wary of very low prices, which almost always cut corners on the boat, the meal or the time on the water.
FAQ
1-day or 2-day cruise?
For most travellers, 2 days and 1 night; the day trip suits you if you only have one day but includes 5 to 6 hours on a bus.
Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay?
Ha Long for the choice of boats, the Sung Sot cave and the shortest trip; Lan Ha for fewer crowds and kayaking.
How much does a cruise cost?
About $40 to 75 for the day, $145 to 250 for 2 days on a 4-star boat, $250 to over $900 for luxury (October 2026).
How do I choose the boat?
Check what is included (transfer, meals, kayaking, bay entrance) and be wary of very low prices.
The Hanoi Authority editorial team, October 2026.
