Choose the best boat for you Halong Bay day cruise – An ultimate guide

Exploring Halong Bay, to witness the natural wonders, is an experience that should not be missed. This article by Vivu Halong provides information about the most popular cruise lines, their routes, and the features of each kind of vessel to help you pick the most suitable tour.

Type of boats for Halong Bay day cruise

Currently, four types of boats take visitors to the bay, sorted by their capacity: 48-passenger boats, 72-passenger boats, 99-passenger boats, and larger ships, with a capacity for hundreds of people.

48 passenger boat

Boats with a capacity of 30-48 passengers are available for a variety of sightseeing tours around Ha Long Bay, with itineraries lasting 4, 6, or 8 hours. These trips include locations such as Hon Chó Đá, Hon Trống Mái, Thiên Cung Cave, and Dau Go Cave.

The boat rental prices are 3,000,000 VND for a 4-hour tour and 4,000,000 VND for a 6-hour tour. The vessels have two floors with the first floor being the restaurant area with full tables and chairs for guests to eat and relax. The second floor gives passengers a great view and ample opportunity for taking “Instagrammable” pictures.

The boats come in two types: wooden or iron hulls. All of them are managed by the Bay Management Board and government agencies, with the newer iron-clad boats being preferred by most customers. The interior of the wooden-clad boats has a dark color tone, and while in the past the boats may have had brown sails for decoration, now they are only adorned with the national flag on the roof.

72-passenger boat

The 72-passenger boat is a new-generation vessel designed for tourists wishing to explore the bay. Composed of steel material and a steel frame, it is highly sturdy. Depending on the type, it can be divided into two or three floors. The bottom floor is a restaurant area serving lunch to visitors, while the second floor is a seating area for sightseeing.

The top floor is designated for sunbathing and picture-taking. This boat can hold up to 72 people, making it suitable for large groups. It is also equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning in the dining hall. Concerning the itinerary, the four-hour, six-hour, and eight-hour tours are available, with the six-hour tour being the most popular.

Some of the boats that are currently in service include the Alova Boat and the Arcady Boat.

99-passenger boat

The 99-passenger boat is the preferred option among the three types of Halong Bay cruise ships available for tourists due to its superior interior and material facilities that give it the feel of a 5-star restaurant on the sea.

This boat is divided into three floors, two of which are restaurant floors and the top floor is used for tourists to check in and sightseeing.

The 99-passenger boat can provide service for all destinations in a day and the most popular journeys are 7-hour, 8-hour, and dinner tours on the bay. Tourists will have the opportunity to experience many activities and have longer visit times while enjoying the best facilities on board.

The 99-passenger boats currently available are:

• Huy Loc
• La Casta Daily
• Queen
• Cozy Bay
• Halong Excursion Luxury
• Catamaran
• Jade Sails

Grand cruise for hundreds of passengers

Cruises with a capacity of up to 500 people are what makes them luxurious and special. They take those who board them to Ha Long Bay and provide 10,000 square meters of facilities spread across five levels.

On levels 2, 3, and 4, there are restaurants where buffet meals, banquets, and galas can be requested. The top level (4 or 5) is an entertainment area with a bar, club, pool, and lounge, allowing travelers to relax and unwind.

For the Ambassador Cruise, the first level also has sleeping accommodations if desired.

There are two tour options – a 6-hour tour and a 4-hour evening food tour – and two ships currently running

• Sea Octopus Cruise
• Ambassador Cruise

Tour options for Halong Bay day cruise

4 hour day cruise

• Departure: Halong International Port, Tuan Chau International Port
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Departure time: 08:30 AM (morning tour), 12:00 PM (afternoon tour)
• Route: Route 2
• Attractions: Fighting Rock, Surprising Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave…
• Experience activities: cave exploration, kayaking, bamboo boat ride, island climbing…

For those with only half a day to spend at Halong Bay, there are day tours of various durations, including 4-hour tours. Tourists may choose between a morning or afternoon departure from either Halong International Port or Tuan Chau International Port.

Over the course of the 4-hour tour, tourists will board wooden boats with a capacity of 48 guests and will have the opportunity to visit Stone Dog Islet, Incense Burner Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, Ba Hang Village, and Thien Cung Cave. Some activities included in the tour are cave visits, kayaking, and bamboo boat rides.

More information can be found at https://vivuhalong.com/en/tours/halong-bay-day-tour-4-hour-cruise/

6-hour day cruise

• Departure: Halong International Port, Tuan Chau International Port
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Departure time: 08:30 AM (morning tour), 12:00 PM (afternoon tour)
• Route: 2
• Attractions: Rooster Fighting Rock, Surprising Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave…
• Experience activities: cave exploration, kayaking, bamboo boat ride, island climbing…

For those seeking a more comprehensive Halong experience, the 6-hour tour provides just that. Departing from either Halong International Port or Tuan Chau International Port, this tour allows for a full 5-6 hours of exploration. Taking the Route 2 path, travelers will be able to witness many attractions such as Fighting Rock, Surprising Cave, Titop Island, and Luon Cave, as well as partake in activities like cave exploration, kayaking, bamboo boat ride, and island climbing.

This tour is ideal for those who have the time to fully explore the beauty of Halong Bay.

More details can be found at https://vivuhalong.com/en/tours/halong-bay-one-day-tour-wonder-bay-cruise/

7-8 hour cruise

• Departure: Halong International Port, Tuan Chau International Port
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Departure time: 08:30 AM (morning tour), 12:00 PM (afternoon tour)
• Route: Route 2
• Attractions: Rooster Fighting Rock, Surprising Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave…
• Experience activities: cave exploration, kayaking, bamboo boat ride, island climbing…

The 7-8 hour Halong Bay tour is a long journey filled with exciting experiences and activities. During the tour, travelers will have the opportunity to explore Fighting Cock Island, Surprising Cave, Titop Island, and Luon Cave, as well as partake in kayaking, bamboo boat rides, and island visits. Furthermore, the trip includes a buffet lunch, allowing guests to take a break and admire the scenery. Departure is at Halong International Port or Tuan Chau International Port, between 9:30 and 10:00 AM. The tour follows Route 2.

More details can be found at https://vivuhalong.com/en/tours/halong-bay-day-cruise-8-hour/

4-hour dinner cruise

• Departure: Halong International Port, Tuan Chau International Port
• Duration: 4 hours
• Departure time: 6:30 PM
• Sightseeing route: the coastal area around Halong City.
• Sightseeing spots: Port, Bai Chay Bridge, Sun Wheel, Hon Gai, Halong…
• Experience activities: dinner and admire the beauty of Halong city at night.

The 4-hour dinner cruise tour provides travelers with an exclusive experience to explore the beauty of Halong City in the evening. Departing from Halong International Port or Tuan Chau International Port, the tour will take visitors along the coastal area, passing by the Lighthouse, Port, Bai Chay Bridge, and Sun Wheel.

Along the journey, tourists will have the chance to savor various Asian and European dishes, as well as Halong seafood specialties crafted by experienced chefs.

Moreover, this journey will also be filled with vibrant cultural and artistic programs to enrich the experience.

Notes for choosing Halong Bay day cruise boat

When planning a Halong Bay day cruise, tourists should keep the following factors in mind to ensure a pleasant and memorable trip:

• Book the tour in advance to avoid any unavailability, especially during the summer and weekends.
• For large groups, it is important to be aware of what expenses are included and not included when renting a private cruise, such as admission tickets, kayak fees, lunch, and if the tour guide is included.
• Examine the dining agreements in order to avoid any additional service fees, and check the menu, dishes, and prices.
• Make sure to read the safety regulations and follow the instructions of the staff while on board.
• Tour booking should only be done through a reputable and professional travel agency that provides clear and detailed service advice.

Vivu Halong is a trusted local travel agency of day cruises and tour bookings in Ha Long Bay, with a great variety of journeys, packages, and boats. For more information, get in touch with our Hotline at +84.789.455.888 / +84.961.250.100.