Northern Vietnam · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
Half the north only makes sense from the water — the bay, the river caves at Trang An, the lagoons off Cat Ba. The 15 below range from a two-hour row to a three-day cabin, each priced and clear about swim time.
Cruise Ha Long Bay from Hanoi with cave walks, kayaking, Titop beach, seafood lunch, and sunset drinks for $41 per person.
“Sunny really showed all the places very well and his humorous is very funny and keep us very lively. Thank you Sunny.”
Review of a $33 Ninh Binh day tour from Hanoi covering Hoa Lu, Tam Coc by boat, village cycling, Mua Cave, lunch, and transport.
“We booked our full-day tour in Ninh Binh at the very last minute after hearing so many incredible things from other travelers—and it ended up being one of the absolute highlights of our Vietnam trip, right up there with Sa Pa and Ha Long Bay. Yes, it is touristy, but honestly, it’s easy to see why. The boat ride through the river, surrounded by towering limestone mountains and lush scenery, is simply jaw-dropping. Photos really don’t do it justice. Being there in person feels peaceful, surreal, and unforgettable all at once. The day was well organized and gave us a great overview of what makes Ninh Binh so special. If…”
Amanda Cruise explores Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay with caves, kayaking, Ti Top Island, meals, Hanoi transfers, and overnight cabins.
“Visiting Ha Long Bay was a dream of mine and Roxanne and team deliver a very luxurious experience. Although there were a couple of issues along the way Roxanne and team handle them effectively and professionally! The team in the yacht were exceptional. Thank you for making my dream come true! I would highly recommend their service!!!”
A practical review of Cozy Bay’s Halong Bay day cruise, with Hanoi transfers, buffet lunch, cave, Ti Top hike, kayaking, and sunset views.
“Tim was really good. Made the trains run on time. One day was optimal for the activities planned by the crew.”
Review of a 2-day Halong and Lan Ha Bay 5-star cruise from Hanoi, with balcony cabin, kayaking, caves, meals, and practical booking tips.
“The boat is great and there is a nice atmosphere on board. Food is fish based so if you don't like it request a diff menu.”
Spend two days aboard Mon Chéri Cruise among Ha Long and Lan Ha bays, with caves, kayaking, meals, sunset views, and an overnight suite.
Review of Doris Cruise from Hanoi, with private balcony, kayaking, Lan Ha Bay, meals, transfers, and practical value advice.
“Mona was really helpful and sweet with us and food was excellent in quality. We like our guide mona the most ❤️. View was excellent. Rooms were great and luxurious. We felt best here . And our guide Mona was really cooperative and sweet . Management was really great .”
Review of Aspira’s 2-day Ha Long Bay cruise, with balcony cabin, kayaking, meals, cave visits, practical costs, and honest drawbacks.
“Nice room with Almost useless balcony!!! But still a great view, loved all the hard working staff, no entertainment, the food was Ok!!! Drinks? Better with BYOB ( not real stuff!!! As Expected!!) Great experience with the sceneries but a little pricey for a 23 hours cruise 🚢 Cost an average $500usd for 2 including transfer from Hanoi/Catbi airport”
Review of CozyBay Cruise’s affordable 2-day Ha Long Bay trip from Hanoi, with private cabin, meals, kayaking, caves, and Titop Island.
“Value for money. We did everything the other boats did. The boat was nice, but can do with a bit of a facelift. The crew and host were lovely. The food on board was amazing. They serve a lot of food. We had a wonderful time and recommend it to all budget travellers.”
Review of the 2-day Hera Cruise in Halong Bay, with Hanoi transfers, kayaking, caves, Ti Top Island, meals, Tai Chi, and cabin details.
“Its a unique kind of honeymoon as well de stress from normal work life. A good vibes seeing the nature and well caves.”
Review of a $43 Ninh Binh day trip from Hanoi with Hoa Lu temples, cycling, Trang An boat ride, Mua Cave hike, lunch, and hotel pickup.
“This itinerary is well organized but it could be improved a little since the main course is the hike to see the dragon. This tour gives you about 45 min to go up and down and this feels a bit rushed, given the difficulty of the hike. The positives: Read more”
Review of Carnival Cruises’ Ha Long Bay day tour, with caves, kayaking, Titop Island, buffet lunch, a Jacuzzi, and Hanoi transfers.
“Luxury boat, extremely clean, happy staff, great buffet and great outings(speedboat, caves, kayaking, swimming) in a beautiful area. An absolute recommended cruise!”
Spend one night aboard the luxury Aspira Cruise, with Lan Ha Bay views, balcony cabins, kayaking, Tai Chi, and gourmet meals.
“Fantastic trip, beautiful cabin, amazing staff and lovely food! We had a wonderful and relaxing time.”
Spend a quieter night in Bai Tu Long Bay with Renea Cruises, enjoying kayaking, cave visits, meals, sunset views, and a comfortable cabin.
“Cong, our tour guide was fantastic! Answered all questions and provided a lot of information about all the places we visited. So personable and friendly wirh everyone. Food was fabulous! Thank you chef! Enjoyed all the activities and slept Read more”
Spend two days aboard Sapphire Cruise in Halong and Lan Ha Bays, with a balcony cabin, kayaking, swimming, meals, and Hanoi transfers.
“Power is a wonderful host. Very hospitable and lively. Enjoyed our stay thoroughly Good food and relaxing atmosphere. Recommended.”
Pick a bay, a valley or a bowl of noodles.
