Halong Bay vs. Lan Ha Bay

Day Cruise vs. Overnight Cruises

common mistakes

TOP CRUISES

best time

best way

Start

Written by Meetup Local Experts

The Ultimate Guide to

Halong Bay Cruises

book now

Learn the differences between Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, compare cruise types, avoid common mistakes, and choose the perfect experience — all in one guide

SO SPECIAL?

What Makes Halong Bay

Magical Cave, Emerald Water

Thousands of limestone island

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Symbol of Vietnam’s natural beauty

Symbol of Vietnam’s natural beauty

Which One Should You Choose?

Halong Bay vs. Lan Ha Bay

features/experience

Pickup Time

Cruise Start Point

Scenic Highlights

Cave Experience

Cultural Village Visit

Kayaking / Bamboo Boat

Beach / Island Visit

Swimming

Crowd Level

Best For

HALONGBAY

Lan Ha Bay

7:45 – 8:30 AM (Hanoi Old Quarter)

Tuan Chau International Port (Halong Bay)

Stone Dog Islet, Incense Burner, Kissing Rocks

Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave) – walk-in cave

N/A

Luon Cave – kayaking or bamboo boat with locals

Titov Island – panoramic view + beach time

At Titov Beach or Jacuzzi/Pool onboard

More popular route, can be busy

First-time visitors, bucket-list experience

7:00 – 7:30 AM (Hanoi Old Quarter)

Beo Harbour (Cat Ba Island)

Cai Beo Floating Village, Lan Ha Bay limestone formations

N/A

Viet Hai Village (by bike/electric car + fish-foot massage)

Open-sea kayaking & water play (boat jumping, sliding)

N/A (focuses on floating villages and Viet Hai experience)

Open sea swimming + water activities

More peaceful, off-the-beaten-path route

Nature lovers, culture seekers, off-path explorers

Recommends: 

Halong Bay for more cruise options and majestic limestone scene

1
2

Which One Is Right for You?

Day Cruise vs. Overnight Cruises

Cruise Type

Day Cruise

2D1N Cruise

3D2N Cruise

Who It’s For

Short on time,
budget travelers

Most popular,
couples, families

Travelers seeking
full relaxation
& nature

Pros

Quick experience,
affordable

Sunset, sunrise,
more activities

Deeper exploration,
more secluded
stops

Cons

Rushed,
limited activities

Higher cost

Time-consuming,
limited options

Duration

~6–8 hours

1 night
onboard

2 nights
onboard

Recommends: 

2D1N for the perfect balance of time, comfort, and experience.

1
2
3
4

When Booking a Halong Cruise

Mistakes Most Tourists Make

Not Knowing the Difference Between 4*, 5*, and 6* Cruises

Booking Based on Price Alone

That “unbelievable deal” online? It often leads to outdated boats, poor food, and zero customer service. Some travelers have even been scammed by third-party websites selling fake cruise tickets.

Booking at the Last Minute

Cruises are like hotels — the best options go fast. If you wait too long, you may get stuck with a less desirable boat or an overpriced cabin. During high season, top cruises can sell out weeks in advance.

Not Knowing the Route (Halong Bay vs. Lan Ha Bay)

Many tourists don't realize there's a difference. Some cruises claim to go to “Halong” but only cover the outskirts. Others take you to Lan Ha Bay, which is more peaceful and untouched — but you need to choose based on what matters most to you.

Not Booking Round-Trip Transfer from Hanoi

Some tourists forget to book transport and end up paying more to arrange last-minute transfers. Even worse, booking directly with the cruise often means you’ll be charged extra for limousine pickup — or only offered a shared bus with poor timing.

Boutique feel but often run-down. Smaller rooms, basic customer service, and limited food options (especially difficult for those with dietary restrictions). May lack bathtubs or private balconies. Can feel crowded.

Better facilities with bathtubs and private balcony options. More space, higher service standards, and diverse food offerings. A great balance between value and comfort.

Premium experience. Fine-dining service, luxury interiors, spacious private cabins away from public areas. Includes onboard entertainment and private sailing routes in the bay for maximum exclusivity.

4-Star

5-Star

6-Star

5 - 6 star for your max comfort and fully enjoy the Bay.

Recommends: 

Book transfer with Meetup for only $25/round trip

Recommends: 

Recommended 2D1N Cruise Picks

Cruise Type

Velar of the Sea

Aqua Elegance

Ambassador

Sea Stars

Catherine

Grand Pioneers

Launch
Year

~6–8 hours

~6–8 hours

~6–8 hours

~6–8 hours

~6–8 hours

~6–8 hours

Capacity

Key Facilities

Highlight Activities

Starting Price
(per person)

22 cabins

25 cabins

46 cabins

39 cabins

39 cabins

55 cabins

Fine dining, Panoramic bar, wine and cigars cellar, golf club, seasonal swimming pool, beauty spa & massage, children playground

Boutique décor, rooftop lounge/bar, air-conditioned cabins, buffet & à‑la‑carte options

2 bars, twin sundeck, glass bridge, Jacuzzi, 6 spa rooms, piano lounge

Outdoor infinity pool, gym, spa/sauna rooms, mini golf, karaoke, jacuzzi/bathtub, private balconies

All cabins have private balconies; romantic high-end decor, spa, open-air swimming pool, a rooftop bar, mini golf, karaoke, wine & cigars cellar, PRAYER ROOM

Exclusive sailing route, private balconies, casino, karaoke room, pool, playground, VIP waiting lounge

Kayaking, bamboo boat, cave visit, cooking class, squid fishing

Tai Chi, Titov Island, bamboo boat

Sung Sot Cave, Titov Island, Luon Cave kayaking, live music, spa

Private beach, cave visit, onboard dining

Cave visits, kayaking, Tai Chi, cooking class

Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave Kayaking, Meditation, Sunset party

from $203 USD

from $203 USD

from $205 USD

from $268 USD

from $260 USD

from $277 USD

Our price included round trip transfer from Hanoi on luxury limousine

features/
experience

Launch
Year

Capacity

Key Facilities

Highlight
Activities

Starting Price
(per person)

1
2
3
4
5
6

Our price included round trip transfer
from Hanoi on luxury limousine

FIND OUT MORE 

WITH MEETUP CRUISE LIST

coming soon

Best Time to
Cruise Halong Bay

Weather

Notes

Cool, dry, ideal

Peak season, book early

Good deals, but possible storms

Hot, chance of rain

Great time to visit

Pleasant, sunny

Cold, foggy

Unique vibe, fewer tourists

month

Dec–Feb

Mar–Apr

May–Aug

Sep–Nov

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

What’s the best way to book the cruise?

Why Book With Meetup?

  • Local Experts in Vietnam — We’re based here, visit these cruises ourselves, and know which ones are actually worth it.
  • Verified Cruise Partners — No scams, no hidden fees.
  •  Real-Time Availability — We confirm your spot directly with the cruise, so no surprises.
  • 24/7 Support on WhatsApp — Delays? Change of plan? We’re here, even during your trip.
  • Custom Advice — Whether you're traveling with kids, on honeymoon, or eating vegan — we find what fits YOU.

Case 1: You Already Know the Cruise You Want

1. Tell us your departure date and cruise name (e.g. Ambassador, Velar, Sea Stars…)

2. Fill in the form with:

3. We’ll check real-time availability and hold your spot.

4. Our local expert will WhatsApp you within 12 hours with confirmation or similar options in case it's fully booked.

  • Number of passengers
  • Cruise type: Day cruise, 2D1N, 3D2N
  • Any special requests: bathtub, balcony, dietary needs, private transfer…

Case 2: Not Sure Which Cruise to Pick?

1. Just tell us:

  • Your budget per person
  • Travel date
  • Number of people
  • Cruise type: Day cruise or overnight
  • Preferences: vegan food, balcony, luxury feel, family-friendly, etc.

2. Our travel team will handpick a shortlist of cruise options that match your style — no guesswork.

3. You’ll receive a WhatsApp message from our local expert within 12 hours with personalized recommendations.

READY TO GET STARTED?

Click below and let us know your details. We’ll take care of the rest

Send information

Or contact whatsapp Hotline: +84 905 515954 (Megan) if you need
further information or arrange Vietnam completed package

Thanks for choosing Meetup Travel!
Local’s Spirit 
Authentic & Premium

menu

HALONG BAY VS LANHA BAY

DAY CRUISES VS OVERNIGHT CRUISES

COMMON MISTAKES

TOP CRUISES

BEST TIME

BEST WAY

START