| 5-star | 6-star (top end) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price, 1 night / 2 days, per person | about 250 to 450 USD | about 450 to 980 USD and more |
| Cabin | 28 to 40 m², balcony | 33 to 60 m² and more, suite, sometimes bathtub |
| Meals | tasting menus | tasting menus, wines, sometimes private chef |
| On board | a little spa, cooking class, tai chi | pool, spa, butler, full drinks package |
| For whom | couples, families with a comfortable budget | honeymoons, special occasions |
Prices per person in a double cabin, noted in October 2026; they vary by season, date and ship.
Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay?
Luxury ships sail in both bays. Lan Ha, to the south, is calmer and has far fewer boats; a luxury ship sailing there offers more silence and kayaking. Ha Long Bay has more choice and the most famous caves. See the comparison Lan Ha: which cruise to choose and Ha Long Bay.
What luxury really buys
- The cabin: bigger, with a private balcony, often the only real difference between 4-star and 5-star.
- Few cabins: fewer passengers, less waiting at activities.
- Dining: table-served menus, seafood, often with a vegetarian option to request in advance.
- Service: a larger crew, an English- or French-speaking guide on the most expensive ships; ask the company which language the guide speaks when you book.
- Itinerary: fewer sites shared with budget boats.
What is and is not included
The transfer from the Old Quarter, meals and kayaking are almost always included. Drinks, spa, massages and tips are extra unless there is a package. The bay entrance fee is often included; check. The "from" price is for the cheapest cabin: a suite costs noticeably more.
Operators' own sites: what they state (read 12 November 2026)
| Operator and ship | Bay | Format and facts from its own site |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage Binh Chuan (Heritage Cruises) | Cat Ba Archipelago and Lan Ha Bay | 20 suites for 40 to 60 guests; every cabin has a private balcony and a bathroom with a Jacuzzi; 2 days/1 night, 3 days/2 nights and 4 days/3 nights programmes; spa, pool, gym, art gallery, wine cellar and 24-hour room service; private charter possible |
| Paradise Elegance (Paradise Cruises) | Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay | balcony cabins; 2 days/1 night or 3 days/2 nights |
| Paradise Grand (Paradise Cruises) | Lan Ha Bay | rooms with a private balcony, described as having the operator's largest sundeck; 2 days/1 night |
| Paradise Legacy (Paradise Cruises) | Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay | suites; 2 days/1 night |
Neither operator's page showed prices on 12 November 2026, and the Hanoi transfer is not described there: ask for the transfer time and the final price in writing before paying. Prices in this guide come from travel guides, not from the operators. A cruise that sails in Lan Ha Bay and the Cat Ba Archipelago, like these, is the quieter option compared with the busiest Ha Long routes.
A bookable 5-star cruise (November 2026)
| Cruise | Price from | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Day Lan Ha and Halong Bay 5-Star Cruise with Balcony | €164 per person | 4.7/5 (5,636 reviews) |
With over 5,600 reviews, this is a well-tested 5-star two-day cruise with a balcony cabin. It is the entry point to luxury: for the 6-star ships described above, check the operators' own pages and compare the cabin.
How to choose
- Fix the date: October-November and March-April are the best months; see when to visit Hanoi.
- Choose the cabin (balcony or suite) before the ship.
- Ask for recent photos and reviews from the last six months.
- Check cancellation: typhoons and haze can cancel a departure; prefer free cancellation.
- Compare with the day cruise if the budget is a question.
Going further
Vietnam in November, Hanoi in 3 days and where to stay in Hanoi.
FAQ
How much does a luxury cruise in Ha Long Bay cost? About 250 to 450 USD per person per night in 5-star, 450 to over 980 USD in 6-star.
One or two nights in luxury? One night covers the essentials; two nights give more calm and stops.
Which month should I choose? October-November and March-April, according to guides.
The Hanoi Authority editorial team, 12 November 2026.
