Vietnam is blessed by nature with the stunning Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, whose beauties are renowned worldwide. Deciding exactly which bay is more beautiful, or whether to take a Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay cruise is not an easy task.
As far as we experience, Hanoi Explore Travel would like to provide a few recommendations and comparisons to assist you in making the best choice. These comparisons will help you gain a more impartial perspective on the benefits and drawbacks of taking Halong Bay Cruise and Lan Ha Bay Cruises.
More for you:
- Top-Rated Things to Do in Halong Bay – Activities, Map, Route, Tips
- A Detailed Guide To Lan Ha Bay: All You Need To Know Before Travelling
Pick-up and drop-off points of 2 types of cruises?
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In general, pick-up and drop-off ports for Halong Bay cruises are relatively accessible to travelers. If you prefer Lan Ha Bay cruise, you should pick one with pick-up and drop-off ports at Tuan Chau International Marina or HaLong International Cruise Port.
What are the routes of overnight Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay cruises?
Halong Bay Cruises
- Route 1: Thien Cung (Heaven Palace) cave – Dau Go (Wooden Stakes) cave – Stone Dog islet – Fighting Cock Islet – Dinh Huong (Incense Burner) Islet – Ba Hang Cave
- Route 2: Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) – Titop Island – Luon Cave
- Route 3: Cua Van fishing village – Dong Tien lake – Ba Ham lake – Ba Men Temple
- Route 4: Bai Tu Long Bay – Hon Xep Park – Thien Canh Son Cave – Vung Vieng fishing village
Read more:
- Tips for Your BEST Halong Bay 1 Day Cruise Tour
- How to Make a Perfect Halong Bay Day Trip from Hanoi?
- Halong Bay Luxury Cruise – How To Choose The BEST one!
Lan Ha Bay Cruises
- Route 1: Lan Ha Bay – Tra Bau fishing village – Frog Pond – Bright and Dark Cave – Three Peach Islet – Viet Hai fishing village
- Route 2: Ben Beo Pier – Viet Hai fishing village – Bright and Dark Cave – Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches) Islet
- Route 3: Ben Beo Pier – a fishing Village – Monkey Island – Three Peaches Islet – Tai Keo Cave
Advice from Hanoi Explore Travel: If you’re visiting Ha Long for the first time or your family includes older members and kids, you should select Halong bay cruises that take the classic route to visit Surprise cave and Titop island.
For those who have been to Halong before or are simply on vacation and enjoy the unspoilt serenity and water sports, taking Lan Ha Bay cruise will be the better choice.
>>> Read more: What to do 1 Day in Lan Ha Bay
Activities offered on Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay Cruises
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Ha Long Bay Cruise
- Walking to see dry caves (Sung Sot, Thien Cung, Thien Canh Son, Tien Ong…)
- Kayaking on the bay or exploring wet caverns (Luon, Trinh Nu, Thay, Ba Hang…)
- Climbing to the top of Titop Island and Soi Sim Island for a panoramic view and snap photos of Halong Bay.
- Swimming, playing football, volleyball, and other team-building activities at Titop beach and Ban Chan beach
Engaging in night squid fishing on Halong Bay cruise - For swimming, visitors must go onto the beach; jumping down the cruise into the bay is not permitted.
Lan Ha Bay Cruise
- Kayaking on the bay or exploring wet caverns (Light Cave, Dark Cave, Tai Keo…)
- Ascending Monkey Island’s peak to capture panoramic views of Lan Ha Bay
- Going swimming, playing football, playing volleyball, and doing other team-building activities at Ba Trai Dao beach, Cat Co 1, 2, and 3 beaches.
- Squid fishing at night on the Lan Ha cruise
- Walking, riding a bike, taking the tram, or using a motorbike in the fishing village of Viet Hai, Cat Ba National Park
Without having to go to the beach, swimming and jumping down the Lan Ha bay are permitted.
Generally, the Halong Bay management board has a number of regulations that limit activities on Halong Bay cruises. For instance, if you want to swim, you must go to the beach. However, activities on Lan Ha cruises are considerably more open and flexible; for instance, swimming and kayaking are both available at any location during the route.
>>> Let’s visit our website for different types of cruises available for every budget, from backpackers to luxury. Check out for the best deals on Halong Bay’s overnight cruise.
Which bay has more beautiful and new cruises – HaLong Bay or Lan Ha Bay?
Halong Bay Cruises
- Most Halong Bay cruises are not new, because they were constructed and renovated before 2016.
Only a few cruises have been built and launched recently.
Lan Ha Bay Cruises
- The majority of cruises were built or launched after 2018, making them all opulent, contemporary, and furnished with a range of amenities.
- Most of the cruises leaving from Ben Beo pier are old cruises and take day trips to the bay.
Entrance Fee Ticket to Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay, which one is more expensive?
Halong Bay Cruise
- A day-trip admission ticket to Halong Bay costs roughly 250,000vnd each person. However, in 2021, the ticket price was reduced by 50% and in some certain holidays, there are 100% exempt from entrance costs.
- The ticket price of an overnight Halong Bay cruise on the route Sung Sot cave – Titop island is 550,000vnd per person. However, in 2021, the ticket price was reduced by 50% and in some certain holidays, there are 100% exempt from entrance costs.
Lan Ha Bay Cruise
- The entrance cost to Lan Ha Bay Day Tour ranges from 180,000 to 280,000vnd per person
- The ticket price to stay the night on Lan Ha Bay is 700,000VND per person.
- As a result, the entrance cost to Halong Bay is typically double that of Lan Ha Bay. However, the ticket costs are about the same thanks to Halong Bay’s policy of reduced entrance fees, so you may do away with this criterion when considering between Halong and Lan Ha cruises.
Do Halong Bay cruises or Lan Ha Bay cruises offer services more professionally?
Halong Bay Cruise
- Halong bay cruise ports are mainly large and professionally developed ports.
- Additionally, the Halong-Bai Chay international cruise port accommodates very sizable international ships.
Cruise ports in Halong are located conveniently, which is easily accessible to other amusement and entertainment places, restaurants, as well as hotels in Halong.
Lan Ha bay cruise
- Generally, the cruise ports remain simple, poorly-equipped and lack of investment
- Additionally, it is still inconvenient for tourists to reach other places in Lan Ha Bay because of their location. There is not much connectivity between cruise ports and hotels, restaurants, and other entertainment places.
>>> Haven’t decided yet? GET FREE CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY <<<
Suggested Price List for an Overnight Cruise to Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay
Do you want to know how much a cruise to Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay will cost? For your convenience, Hanoi Explore Travel will provide you with a detailed price list of the top 5-star cruises available right now.
Price list is for a person, 2 guests per cabin room. The itinerary lasts 2 days and 1 night, departing at 12 noon and ending at 11 am the next day.
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La Casta Cruise
The La Casta Cruise is a mid-range five-star cruise with great amenities and service quality for the journey to discover Lan Ha Bay.
La Casta suite types (22 rooms)
- 12 Junior Suite (on the 1st floor, 30m2 in size, a private balcony) / 4 connecting suite rooms
- 5 Senior Suite (on the 2nd floor, 30m2 in size, a private balcony)
- 2 Family triple Suite (on the 3rd floor, 40m2 in size , a private balcony)
- 3 Vip Suite with terrace (on the 2nd and 3rd floor, 45m2 in size, a private balcony)
La Casta Regal suite rooms (24 rooms)
- 12 Junior Suite (25m2 in size, on the 1st and 2nd floor, a bathtub and private balcony)
- 4 Family triple Suite (on the 1st floor, 32m2 in size, a private balcony and bathtub)
- 4 Family Connecting Suite (on the 1st floor, 50m2 in size, a private balcony and bathtub)
- 4 VIP Suite/Honeymoon Suite (on 2nd floor, 36/40m2 in size, a private terrace and bathtub)
Facilities and Amenities
- 4 floors
- 22 – 24 rooms with private balcony and bathtub
- Restaurant and Bar
- Sundeck
- Jacuzzi/swimming pool
>>> See more Detail of La Casta 5 Star Cruise <<<
The Elite of the Seas Cruise
- The Elite of The Seas is the first six-star cruise in Vietnam featuring a gold-plated swimming pool.
- There are 35 rooms with contemporary furnishings, a sundeck, and private sun loungers in each room, giving guests complete privacy. Additionally, all rooms have bathtubs with views of the bay.
- On the second floor of the Elite of the Seas Cruise, there is a European-style restaurant.
Suite Room Types
- Junior Suite, on the 1st floor, 28m2 in size, with a private terrace, and an ocean view bathtub
- Senior Suite, on the 2nd floor, 30m2 in size, with a private terrace and an ocean view bathtub
- Elite Executive Suite, on the 3rd floor, 32m2 in size, with a private terrace, an ocean view bathtub and full-length glass window
- President Suite, on the 3rd floor, 60m2 in size, with a living room, a private terrace, and a bathtub…
Facilities
- Seasonal swimming pool with an area of 50m2
- Wine and cigars cellar
- Mini golf course
- Gym
- Kid’s club
Capella Cruise
- Capella Cruise features 30 cabin rooms with private terrace and bathtub
- Entertainment facilities: Poker club, swimming pool, seasonal jacuzzi, water slide, mini golf, Karaoke room …)
- Private Lounge space (4th floor) for meetings or private events
Suite types:
- 10 Oasis Suite, on the 1st floor, 32m2 in size, a private balcony and ocean-view bathtub (8 Twin and 4 connecting suite rooms)
- 5 Harmony Suite, on the 2nd floor, 32m2 in size, a private balcony and ocean-view bathtub (5 Twin and 2 connecting suite rooms)
- 1 Harmony Family Suite, on the 2nd floor, 48m2 in size, a private balcony and ocean-view bathtub (1 super king-size bed + 3 single beds)
- 7 Sky Suite, on the 3rd Floor, 32m2 in size, a private balcony and ocean-view bathtub (1 super king-size bed)
- 1 Sky Family Suite, on the 3rd floor, 45m2 in size, a private balcony and ocean-view bathtub (1 super king-size bed + 2 single beds)
- 2 Sky Terrace, on the 3rd floor, 45m2 in size, two sides view, a private terrace with sunbeds and ocean-view bathtub (1 super king-size bed)
- 2 La Suite De Capella, on the 2nd floor, 57m2 in size, two sides view, sofa, private terrace with sunbeds, ocean-view bathtub & jacuzzi (1 super king-size bed)
- 1 Owner Suite, on the 2nd floor, 92m2 in size, panorama view, sofa, private terrace with sunbeds, ocean-view bathtub & jacuzzi (1 super king-size bed)
Facilities and Amenities
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>>> FIND OUT MORE: Capella Cruise – 5 Star Luxury Cruise on Lan Ha Bay <<<
Le Theatre Cruise
- Le Theatre Cruise features a contemporary style.
- Restaurant with royal European architecture
- The main check-in area impressed visitors with the theatrical lobby and piano.
Suite types
- 12 Junior Suite (on the 1st floor, 25m2 in size, a private balcony) / 3 connecting suite rooms
- 3 Executive Suite (on the 2nd or 3rd floor, 30m2 in size, a private balcony and bathtub)
- 2 Family Suite (on the 3rd floor, a private balcony and bathtub)
- 2 Panorama Suite (on the 2nd floor, 40m2 in size, paranoma view, a bathtub)
- 2 Le Theatre Suite (on the 3rd floor, 40m2 in size, a private balcony and bathtub)
Facilities and Amenities
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>>> FIND OUT MORE: Le Theatre Cruise – Luxury Lan Ha Bay 5 Star Cruise <<<
Ambassador Cruise
- It is a large yacht with a wide range of amenities and several lovely corners for check-in photos. There are also numerous lovely photographs available here as reference for visitors to take their own beautiful photos.
- Taste upscale cuisine and services.
- Unlimited lobsters on menu for dinner
- Outdoor Jacuzzi
- Cooking class by 6-star chef Markus Fisler
- 5-star standard canapes party in the afternoon
- High-quality photography service, giving photo files after guests leave the yacht
Suite Types:
- 18 Ambassador Deluxe (30m2 in size, on the 1st floor)
- 23 Premier Premium (30m2 in size, on the 2nd floor)
- 02 Ambassador Suite (38m2 in size, back view, on the 2nd floor)
- 02 Ambassador Caption Suite (38m2 in size, front view, on the 2nd floor)
- 01 Presidential Suite (90m2 in size, front panorama view, on the 4th floor)
Facilities and Amenities
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>>> FIND OUT MORE: Ambassador Cruise – A Big 5 Star Luxury Cruise in Halong Bay
Stellar of the Sea Cruise – A contemporary European-style cruise
- Aim to provide its passengers with luxurious Western experiences
- Many impressive corners for check-in photos
- Main meals as itinerary (01 set menu lunch, 01 pool BBQ buffet dinner, 01 light breakfast, 01 buffet lunch)
- Free photography with FLYCAM
- Freeflow food and water served for 24/24
- Fruit and local wine party in the afternoon
- 20 minutes by speedboat to visit the bay
- Free laundry for all customers (2 sets/pax)
- Free flowers, cakes, gifts and expenses for events such as birthday, wedding anniversary, marriage proposal
- Four-season swimming pool, mini golf course, sauna, free gym on the yacht
- Herbal foot baths in the evening before bed.
- Free use of SUP, Kayak and bamboo boats.
- Classes to learn about basic golf skills.
Suite types
- 11 Junior Suite (28m2 in size, on the 1st floor)
- 08 Senior Suite (30m2 in size, on the 2nd floor)
- 02 Executive Suite (32m2 in size, on the 2nd floor)
- 01 President suite (60m2 in size, on the 3rd floor)
Facilities and Amenities
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>>> FIND OUT MORE: Stellar of the Seas Cruise – Best Valueable for 5 Star Cruise
Hopefully, the information provided above on a few 5-star cruises will be helpful to you as you get ready for your Halong holiday. Wishing you and your family a safe and enjoyable trip.
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