Price per person in a double cabin, seen in October 2026 in travel guides and operator listings; they vary with the season, the date and the boat.

Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay?

Both bays are the same seascape of limestone pinnacles, in a shared UNESCO listing since 2023. Ha Long Bay has more choice of boats, the most famous caves (Sung Sot) and the shortest trip from Hanoi (about 2h30 to 3h). It is also the busiest: a specialist guide counts more than 500 boats in the same channel. Lan Ha Bay, to the south, has about 300 to 400 islets against nearly 2,000, far fewer boats (5 to 10 per site on a typical morning) and is better for kayaking. Departure is from Cat Ba or Hai Phong, which lengthens the trip a little with a boat or ferry crossing. Lan Ha cruises often cost a little less, but the difference is not systematic. If you want a famous cave and plenty of choice, pick Ha Long Bay; if you want calm, Lan Ha.

One night or two?

One night is enough to see the essentials: kayaking, cave, swimming, sunset. Two nights (3 days) let you go further, with more time and quieter stops, for example on Cat Ba Island. Prices for two nights run from about 200 $ for economy classes to 330-500 $ for mid and high classes; sources differ widely, so compare each boat's offer. For most travellers one night is the right choice.

The typical programme

  • Day 1: departure from Hanoi around 7:30 to 8:30, boarding around noon, lunch while sailing, cave, kayaking or swimming, sunset on deck, dinner, sometimes squid fishing.
  • Day 2: tai chi at sunrise on deck, brunch, a visit to a cave or pearl farm, disembarkation around 10:30 to 11:30, back in Hanoi in the early afternoon (around 15:00 to 16:00).

The exact schedule depends on the boat and the tide: confirm it before booking, especially if you have a flight or a train on the evening of day 2.

What is included or not: the pitfalls

  • Usually included: shared minibus transfer from the Old Quarter, cabin, all meals, kayaking of about 30 to 40 minutes, activities on board, the bay entrance fee (500,000 to 550,000 VND per person for one night depending on the route, official figure from the bay's management; check).
  • Drinks: extra. Beer 3 to 5 $, cocktail 8 to 12 $, bottle of wine 25 to 60 $; a drinks package costs 25 to 45 $ a day.
  • Tips: crew about 3 to 5 $ per person per day, guide 5 to 10 $.
  • Extras: one-hour massage 25 to 60 $, extended kayaking 5 to 10 $, private transfer 40 to 80 $, cabin upgrade 30 to 100 $ at check-in.
  • Extra charges: an environmental fee of 5 to 7 $ is sometimes billed separately, and port fees went up on 1 April 2026 (usually absorbed by the operator).
  • Single traveller: supplement of 30 to 50%. Children aged 6 and over: 50 to 75% of the adult rate.
  • The real price: a "from 145 $" fare often exceeds 200 $ per person once the extras are added.

How to choose

  • Limited budget: economy class, checking recent reviews, cleanliness and cabin size.
  • Couple, first visit: mid-range, with balcony.
  • Honeymoon: luxury.
  • Family: boat with family cabins; check the child rates.
  • Solo traveller: look for a boat with shared tables or group departures; some are designed for couples.
  • Fewer crowds: Lan Ha and a departure from Tuesday to Thursday.

Booking at the best time

Book several weeks ahead between October and December, and in spring, when the bay is at its best. In winter (December to March) it is 10 to 16 °C and swimming is not possible; in summer the typhoon risk can lead to cancellations. Read our advice on the best time to visit Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. If you are hesitating with a day trip, see our comparison of the day cruise. Times, prices and inclusions change: confirm them on the listing before you book.