Halong Bay Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,644 reviews)- Choose from 100+ Halong Bay tours
- 650+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
Table of contents
- The best Halong Bay tour packages
- What people love about Halong Bay Tours
- Travel Halong Bay your way
- Top operators in Halong Bay
- Best places to start your Halong Bay tour
- Discover Halong Bay tours for every budget
- Halong Bay tours for every group
- Top Halong Bay travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Halong Bay
- Halong Bay travel guides - curated by our experts
- Contact our Halong Bay travel experts
The best Halong Bay tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaHalong Bay travel expert at TourRadar
Amazing Vietnam Super Save Package In 10 Days
109 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was well-paced, allowing us to explore each stop without feeling rushed. The scenic views were simply breathtaking.”
Grace, traveled in December
The cultural richness of Vietnam unfolds from Halong Bay's limestone islands to Hoi An's Ancient Town. Boutique hotels like Apricot Hanoi and Palm Garden Hoi An provide luxurious rest. Ba Vi eco-tours, Tam Coc bamboo boat rides, and Mekong Delta sampan cruises reveal local life. Internal flights and English-speaking guides included.
Duration 10 days Destinations Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Operator Realistic Asia From $789
10% Off- US$710+$290 local paymentsYou save $78
Vietnam - Cat Ba Odyssey 5 Days Northern Wonder
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very convenient and well organized.”
Martyna, traveled in May
Serenity Cruises departs Beo Harbour into the emerald waters of Halong Bay. Viet Hai Village welcomes visitors by electric car, while pristine waters offer swimming and kayaking, plus unique fish-foot massages. The package includes 3* hotel stays in Hanoi and Cat Ba, with rates approx. $230 per day covering 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
Duration 5 days Destinations Hanoi, Cat Ba Island, Baie de Lan Ha Age Range 1 to 90 year olds Operator Wonderscape Travel From $1,159
50% Off- US$580You save $579
5 DAYS MAJESTIC HA LONG BAY AND HA NOI ADVENTURE
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was an amazing experience. I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting the area.”
Romulo, traveled in November
The stunning 3,000 limestone formations and hidden grottoes of Halong Bay await during this overnight cruise adventure. Secluded swimming coves, towering karst caves, and delicious meals complement comfortable cruise accommodation.
Duration 5 days Destinations Hanoi, Halong Bay Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Hoi An Express From $554
46% Off- US$299You save $254
Geluxe: Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay & Trekking Pu Luong
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We had a lot better time than we thought we would and that was a lot down to our CEO. We'd definitely use G Adventures again.”
Andrew, traveled in March
Traditional junk boats carry visitors through Halong Bay's highlights, with kayaking beneath Luon Cave's thousand-year-old formations. Vietnamese feasts, spring roll making, and fossilized shell viewing complement the dramatic limestone backdrop during this overnight cruise.
Duration 11 days Destinations Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Da Nang, My Son Sanctuary, Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $3,399
20% Off- US$2,719You save $679
Hanoi to Ha Long Bay - 3 Days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Vietnam is awesome country in South East Asia, i love Halong bay, crowded city in hustles, busy horn, especially food in the local.”
Onikatajeju, traveled in April
Luxury vessels glide past Halong Bay's 989 named islands. Thien Canh Son Cave's formations, Vung Ha's hidden lagoons, and Vung Vieng fishing village showcase local life. Sunrise Tai Chi and authentic Vietnamese cuisine enhance the experience.
Duration 3 days Destinations Hanoi, Halong Bay Age Range 1 to 70 year olds Operator LVP Travel From
20% Off- US$459
What people love about Halong Bay Tours
- Amazing Vietnam Super Save Package In 10 Days
All the hotels were amazing and located on the main Street of the city, so I had time to explore the city at night. My itenarary was well managed not too busy and tiring. Loved every thing of my holiday. My tour guide Hannah was always available to guide me even before and during the trip. She always replied me instantly be it any hour of the day. Thank you so much An and Hannah for such a lovely vacation.
- Vietnam - Cat Ba Odyssey 5 Days Northern Wonder
I had one of the best experiences of my life and I would definitely book another tour with Wonderscape Travel
- Geluxe: Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay & Trekking Pu Luong
Here's an honest, unbiased review of my trip to Vietnam and Cambodia with G Adventures. First of all, I've never been on any adventure trip before, however I went with my wife, her sister and her husband, as three of us are turning 60 this year and we thought we'd do something a little different for a change. Booked with G Adventures, as my sister is a travel agent and said they'd never had any problem with them. First of all, we initially flew to Singapore for three nights and did Raffles, the Marina Bay Hotel and the cables cars etc. TIP - 1. they've got a modern underground, which is easy to use. 2. Raffles Long Bar opens at 11am, so get there sharp before the queues start. 3. Singapore is expensive, so beware. We then flew up to Hanoi where we met up with our tour guide (CEO) Phi Hoang and the other ten travellers. From then on we travelled down through Vietnam by bus, train and plane, as well as a night on a boat at Ha Long Bay. TIP - 1. Visit Train Street in Hanoi, it's fun having a train almost take your nose off ! 2. Do the bike ride in Hoi An, experience the free-for-all main roads, before heading out into the fields. Everybody in the group loved it. 3. There's a vegetarian brunch at a Monastery - I love my meat, but it was one of the best meals I've had. 4. Yes, the toilets are basic on the overnight train journey, but the cabins are clean, so pack plenty snacks and have fun. My wife and her sister were a little apprehensive beforehand, but it was a laugh and Phi came round all the cabins taking photos of us. 5. Don't miss the Cu Chi tunnels in Saigon - a must do experience. Try and do the war museum afterwards, which is very informative. We then headed by bus into Cambodia where we did the Killing Fields at Phnom Penn - a very sobering experience. We also did the sunrise at Angkor Wat, an amazing series of temples only a 15 minute drive from our hotel in Siem Reap. We then had a long bus journey to Bangkok where we spent the night, before flying home the following day. Phi was with us the whole trip and was an outstanding guide. If you're lucky enough to get him as your CEO then you'll have a superb time. He speaks excellent English, keeps you updated every day on what's happening, as well as setting up a Whatsapp group where he adds more information, as well as posting photos he takes of the group. He also arranges an evening meal every night at a local restaurant, which you can attend or you can do your own thing. At every activity though, you feel he's always floating around, keeping everybody safe and watching out for any issues. On that note, I never felt threatened or in danger in any of the countries we visited. The locals were always friendly and helpful. We stayed in quite a few hotels. Some were more basic than others, but all were clean, had hot water and air-con. TIP - it's very hot and humid, so pack plenty insect repellent. We had a lot better time than we thought we would and that was a lot down to our CEO. There's several long bus journeys in the trip, but there's regular stops along the way to break things up. We'd definitely use G Adventures again.
Travel Halong Bay your way
Sailing through Halong Bay presents quite a range of options, from cozy 3-star boats up to luxurious 5-star floating hotels. Our travelers keep telling us how much they love the balance of activities and comfort levels across different vessels. The most popular cruises take you kayaking around Trinh Nu Cave, where you'll weave through hidden grottoes with those massive limestone peaks rising above you. If you're up early, you can join the tai chi on deck while the morning mist slowly lifts off the water. The evenings really come alive - you might find yourself making spring rolls at sunset or trying your luck at night fishing right off the deck. Spring for a higher-end boat and you'll get a private balcony cabin with premium meals, while mid-range options focus more on exploration with extra kayaking and cave visits. Most of our customers find the 2-day cruises hit just right, though if you want to see the quieter corners of the bay and visit local pearl farms, the 3-day trips are worth considering.
The best way to really get to know Halong Bay is through our explorer tours, which run from quick overnighters to proper multi-day trips. Our guests particularly enjoy combining Sung Sot cave visits with kayaking through quiet lagoons you can't reach any other way. If you want to see it all, the longer tours take you hiking up to Cat Ba Island's best viewpoints and cycling through villages where fishing families have lived for generations. We've found that tours mixing day explorations with overnight stays give you two completely different experiences - from the lively daytime scene to peaceful evenings on the water. The highest-rated tours tend to be ones that balance active discovery with cultural touches like onboard cooking classes or visits to local pearl farming operations.
Select from our extensive range of 78 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Halong Bay with our expert guides leading the way.
Explore a wide diversity of partially guided tours through Halong Bay. We have 58 adventures that vary from 2 days to 26 days. With the greatest number of departures in March, this is also the most popular time of the year.
More travel styles:
Top operators in Halong Bay
From what our travelers tell us, Intrepid, Realistic Asia and S Viet Travel are the top picks for Vietnam tours, each with their own strengths. Intrepid's guides like Thanh, Bien Tran and also Chinh get mentioned again and again in reviews for making the history and culture really come alive during the tours. Realistic Asia's Northern Vietnam Adventure hits the sweet spot - you're hiking through rice terraces, meeting local families and exploring mountain villages. That's what makes it a proper adventure, not just sightseeing from a bus. What stands out about S Viet Travel is how their team handles all the details. Their agents Hannah and Hien are quick to respond to questions and sort out any issues, which our TourRadar customers really appreciate. They're good at adjusting things on the fly to match what travelers want to see and do. I keep hearing from people who've done these tours that it's the little touches that make the difference - like when guides take you to their favorite local spots or help translate conversations with villagers. These companies seem to understand that's what turns a regular tour into something special.
- 5.0 (1,733 reviews)
"the team at tour radar especially long pham were wonderful to deal with. the communication was excellent and even though it was tet they always had people picking us up on time and the tours were excellent.
- Tours
- 3 tours
- Age range
- 1 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- Hiking & Trekking
- Response time
- 2h
- Response rate
- 96%
- Average price
- $197
- 5.0 (72 reviews)
"The whole experience was fabulous from the moment we landed they were there waiting and everything just flowed
- Tours
- 3 tours
- Age range
- 1 to 80 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 9h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $213
- 4.5 (355 reviews)
"Driver to pick us came in late andDoes not speak English. The hotel room we stayed after Halong trip was not cleaned yet when we got in the room. They were trying to check out at 12 pm onnFeb 10, and we stated that we are checked till February 11 although we are leaving 11pm. Enjoyed the Halong cruise and half said Hanoi city tour.
- Tours
- 1 tours
- Age range
- 1 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 5h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $138
Best places to start your Halong Bay tour
Most people (about 92% of our travelers) start their Halong Bay adventure from Hanoi, though some join from Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and also Siem Reap. Our booking data shows that planning about 70 days ahead gives you the best pick of boats, cabins and dates - particularly useful during the busy October to March period. If you're after a quieter experience, try visiting in the shoulder months of April-May or September-October when the weather's still nice but you'll see fewer tourists around. The luxury boats are worth considering for their roomy cabins and top-tier service, though mid-range cruises deliver great value with similar itineraries. Want something more authentic? Look into extending your trip to Bai Tu Long Bay, where local fishing communities and smaller tourist numbers give you a genuine peek into life on these historic waters.
Discover Halong Bay tours for every budget
There are some solid ways to experience Halong Bay without breaking the bank. Our value tours typically combine overnight cruises with hands-on activities like local village visits and cooking classes. You'll get a comfortable cabin, good meals and knowledgeable guides at a reasonable price point. Most tours include kayaking near the limestone formations, time in caves like Sung Sot and swimming at quiet beaches. Our customers often mention how much they like having both scheduled activities and free time to relax on deck. Many tours connect Halong Bay with time in Hanoi's Old Quarter and the rice fields of Ninh Binh, giving you a fuller northern Vietnam experience while keeping costs manageable.
The luxury cruises in Halong Bay really elevate the experience with exceptional service and comfort levels. These 5-star vessels come with roomy balcony cabins, excellent dining and guides who bring deep local knowledge. Paradise Luxury and Amanda cruises stand out - they run morning tai chi sessions and host lovely cocktail parties as the sun sets. Our travelers particularly enjoy exclusive stops at places like Trinh Nu Cave and Vung Vieng fishing village. These premium boats also access quieter parts of the bay for peaceful kayaking and swimming. You'll find nice touches like proper spa treatments, cooking sessions with the chef and dinners under the stars.
Halong Bay budget tours
Halong Bay tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
117 tours in Halong BayThe group tours focus on creating social experiences while hitting Halong Bay's main sights. You'll mix active time kayaking and exploring caves with chances to meet other travelers during cooking classes and evening activities. Our customers like having the structure but appreciate the freedom to lounge by the pool or join optional excursions. The group format works really well for things like cycling through villages and visiting pearl farms - it's just more fun to share these experiences with others.
Small Group
43 tours in Halong BayOur small-group experiences in Halong Bay strike an ideal balance between discovery and local culture. Starting from Hanoi, travelers join morning tai chi on deck, paddle through secluded lagoons, and explore the bay's limestone formations. Our guides Thanh, Bien Tran and also Chinh earn consistent praise for revealing hidden spots that larger tours typically bypass. These journeys extend beyond the bay, connecting you with experiences like cycling through Mai Chau Valley's emerald rice fields and venturing into Ninh Binh's river caves. Top itineraries combine overnight cruising with hands-on activities, where you'll learn traditional fishing methods, master spring roll techniques or bike to quiet villages across Cat Ba Island. The success of these small groups comes from their thoughtful mix of guided activities and independent exploration, letting guests switch between organized excursions and peaceful moments observing the bay from the deck.
Private / Personalized
26 tours in Halong BayPrivate tours give you complete control over your Halong Bay experience. These customizable trips let you decide when to kayak, take a swim or simply watch the scenery from deck. Many travelers combine their bay cruise with northern Vietnam experiences - like biking through Ninh Binh's rice paddies or visiting ethnic villages near Sapa. The private setup is perfect for photographers who want that sunrise shot over the karsts and families who need flexible schedules. Your guide can adjust daily activities based on what interests you and how energetic you're feeling.
Top Halong Bay travel itineraries to fit your plans
Life on Halong Bay really comes alive during our popular 3-day tours. You'll spend your days kayaking through Bai Tu Long Bay's limestone formations and wandering the vast chambers of Sung Sot Cave. Mornings start with tai chi on deck, while afternoons take you to quiet beaches near Titop Island. Many travelers enjoy visiting local pearl farms to learn traditional cultivation methods. The evenings are particularly special - there's sunset gatherings, hands-on Vietnamese cooking and night squid fishing under clear skies. While our luxury vessels with private balcony cabins get great feedback, the mid-range boats follow similar routes and offer solid value for money.
See all tours
Our 7-day northern Vietnam tours blend Halong Bay with the region's cultural gems. Starting in Hanoi, you'll head to Mai Chau Valley for village visits and gentle cycling through rice paddies. Next comes Ninh Binh, where small boats drift through river caves beneath limestone cliffs. After exploring local temples, you get two full days on Halong Bay - plenty of time to kayak the quiet corners and meet fishing communities. Our customers tell us they love how these routes mix active exploration with cultural moments, from onboard cooking sessions to conversations with hill tribe communities.
The 10-day tours use Halong Bay as the cornerstone of a complete Vietnam experience. From Hanoi, you'll combine an overnight cruise through the bay's hidden corners with Vietnam's cultural highlights. The route takes you cycling in Hoi An's countryside, paddling traditional basket boats and exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City. Our travelers particularly enjoy the Mekong Delta section - visiting floating markets and biking through villages. These tours really shine in how they connect Halong's natural beauty with genuine cultural moments, from learning traditional fishing techniques to cooking in family homes.
Demographics
Solo travelers connect naturally on our small group Halong Bay tours, especially the Vietnam Express series where you'll share comfortable twin cabins and join group meals. The social vibe really picks up during kayaking trips, cave walks and evening squid fishing adventures. Our solo guests often make lasting friendships during sunset deck parties and cooking sessions. Many choose the extended overnight trips to Ninh Binh, which add countryside cycling and local homestays to the mix. You'll explore floating villages with your group and sample regional dishes together.
Our luxury cruises with private balcony cabins create perfect moments for couples in Halong Bay. The premium 2-3 day voyages balance activities with quiet time - start with morning tai chi on deck, paddle to hidden lagoons in the afternoon and enjoy intimate dinners under starlit skies. Couples tell us they love watching the sunrise from their private terrace before joining small groups for cave and beach excursions. The evenings are particularly special with sunset cocktails, couple's spa treatments and peaceful star-gazing from the top deck.
Young travelers find their groove on our multi-day Halong Bay tours that mix active adventures with social time. You'll kayak through caves, swim at secluded beaches and hike to viewpoints while meeting other travelers. The overnight island parties, beach BBQs and group seafood dinners create natural spaces to connect. Our younger guests love switching between organized activities - like sunset deck parties and Vietnamese cooking classes - and free time for poolside chats, village visits or optional excursions. Many tours continue to Ninh Binh or Sapa for cycling, homestays and authentic cultural experiences.
Our senior travelers value the thoughtfully paced luxury cruises that pair comfort with cultural depth. The premium boats feature stable hulls, roomy cabins and guides who share rich knowledge about the bay's heritage and environment. The activity mix works perfectly - gentle morning tai chi flows into guided cave walks, followed by traditional tea ceremonies and cultural shows. Easy transport from Hanoi, craft village visits and plenty of deck time for scenery watching round out the experience. The dining stands out too, with fresh seafood and relaxed introductions to Vietnamese cooking.
Mid-range boats with spacious cabins work really well for families exploring Halong Bay. The tours mix comfort with genuine local experiences that keep everyone engaged. Kids love getting hands-on at floating fishing villages and trying pearl farm demonstrations, while the calm water kayaking suits all skill levels. Our family groups tell us the cooking classes are a big hit - there's something special about parents and kids making spring rolls together while learning Vietnamese traditions. The Cat Ba Island bike rides let families pedal through quiet villages and beaches at their own speed. The schedule includes plenty of free time for swimming, deck lounging and joining extra activities based on everyone's energy.
- Solo Travelers96 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples29 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)6 tours
- Seniors (50+)26 tours
Best time to visit Halong Bay
- Spring 2025
March to May brings ideal conditions and our widest range of tour options. Premium cruises mix morning cave visits with afternoon kayaking near Trinh Nu Cave's rock formations. Many travelers opt for 2-3 day trips that include cycling in Viet Hai Village and guided walks in Cat Ba National Park. Our customers love tours that balance active elements like swimming and hiking with cultural touches - they'll catch a water puppet show in Hanoi before heading out, then visit local fishing villages once on the bay.
- popular 100 tours
- 91 tours
- 84 tours
- Summer 2025
Summer tours between June and August put water activities front and center. Early risers join sunrise tai chi, then spend extra time kayaking hidden lagoons and swimming at quiet beaches. Several well-rated options combine bay exploration with bike rides through Cat Ba Island's shaded national park paths. The overnight cruises work really well - you'll join sunset deck parties and evening cooking classes, perfect for staying active while dodging the midday heat.
- 84 tours
- popular 92 tours
- 85 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
September through November brings clear skies and pleasant temperatures - perfect for longer exploration. Top picks include early cave visits when the light's just right for photos, afternoon stops at pearl farms and sunset drinks with limestone peaks as your backdrop. Many guests book tours mixing traditional junk boats with modern comforts - think upscale meals and spa time between kayak outings. The multi-day trips into quieter Lan Ha Bay get excellent feedback these months, offering both active exploration and peaceful downtime.
- popular 95 tours
- 95 tours
- 92 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter cruises from December through February really shine when it comes to clear weather activities. The overnight luxury boats get great feedback - our guests start their day with tai chi on deck before heading to Sung Sot Cave when visibility peaks. You'll find traditional cooking demos and nighttime squid fishing under the stars on several routes. While the 5-star vessels with spa services and private balconies are popular this season, the 3-star boats follow similar routes with fewer crowds and solid service too.
- popular 89 tours
- 86 tours
- 41 tours
Halong Bay travel guides - curated by our experts
Contact our Halong Bay travel experts
Rufus
Expert in Halong Bay at TourRadar
Rufus is one of our seasoned Halong Bay Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Halong Bay tours answered!
- Choose from 145+ Halong Bay tours
- 699 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
- 24/7 customer support
Call us
+1 844 311 8331