Best 6 Halong Bay Tours You Should Know - The Best Travel Guide

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Halong Bay is a popular tourist attraction in the North of Vietnam, recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site, covering an area of 434 square kilometers including 775 islands. Besides, it is considered as a unique triangle with three peaks, Cau Go Island (West), Ba Ham Lake (South), Cong Tay (East). Coming to Halong Bay, you can immerse in beautiful beaches and sail to explore the culture of local people in Vietnam in general and Halong Bay in particular. For each traveler, they have different interests as well as concerns. Therefore, in this article, we recommend 6 Halong Bay tour you should know in 2018 which can make your journey become easier.

I. Best Halong Bay tours for family

Duration: 2 days

Having a family vacation is the thing that should be at least once in your life. You intend to travel with your family but you have some issues such as children, family-wide accommodation, this will be the package for you. We want to introduce 2 kinds of Halong bay tour for the family as follows:

1. Private Halong Bay boat tour for family

Price: VND 3,500,000 - VND 4,000,000/person

(below 4-year child will be free if sharing 1 cabin with 2 adults)

All about Halong Bay: Click here

As you travel with family, choosing a private boat is a reasonable choice. Its schedule can change in accordance with the interests of the members. Rated at 4 stars by Tripadvisor, Paloma provides the luxury services for the family. Their 2 days 1-night package has a lot of activities by Family Executive Suite Cruise as follows:

Kayaking
Swimming
Visiting caves
Visiting fishing village
Sunbathing
Sunset party
Visiting Bai Tu Long Bay

The boat has 2 cabins for 4 people with a balcony accommodating 3 people and 1 below the 12-year child.

Contact information of Paloma company:

Address: No 24, Lane 33B, Pham Ngu Lao Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City, Vietnam.

Tel: (+84) 24 3933 2255

Email: info@palomacruise.com

Website: https://www.palomacruise.com/

Besides, you can consider Golden Bay Cruise Day Tour

Contact information of Golden Bay Cruise Day Tour

Address: No 7, Luong Van Can Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Tel: (+84) 24 3938 1010

Email: sale.goldenbaycruise@gmail.com

Website: https://goldenbaycruise.com/

Or Secret Halong

Contact information of Secret Halong

Address: 3rd floor, Nikko Building, No 27, Nguyen Truong To Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Tel: (+84) 16 7825 3555

Email: contact@secrethalongcruise.com

Website: https://secrethalongcruise.com/contact

2. Shared Halong Bay tour for the family

Price: VND 3,500,000 - VND 4,000,000

In case you do not want to have a Halong tour by private boat, you can order the tour combining with other families or groups. You can connect with more people, get acquainted and enjoy a great vacation together. You can consider Treasure Junk - a company with traditional and professional services.

The main activities in this Halong Bay tour for the family:

Kayaking
Eating great seafood
Using traditional junk
Sunbathing
Visiting Bai Tu Long Bay
Sightseeing on boat
Watching cooking by their chef
Overnight on boat
Visiting floating house

The contact information of Treasure Junk

Address: No 78, Ma May Street, Hanoi City, Vietnam
Tel: (+84) 24 3935 0053
Email: info@treasure-junk.com
Website: treasure-junk.com

Besides, you can consider Signature Halong

The contact information of Signature Halong

Address: No 10, Tue Tinh Street, Nguyen Du Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

Tel: (+84) 24 3935 1268

Email: info@signaturehalongcruise.com

Website: https://signaturehalongcruise.com

Or Alisa Premier Cruise

Contact information of Alisa Premier Cruise

Address: No 23, Hang Voi Street (Floor 3rd & 4th), Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Email: info@alisapremiercruise.com

Website: https://alisapremiercruise.com

II. Best Halong Bay tours for backpacker

Price: VND 2,500,000 - VND 3,000,000/person

Duration: 3 days

Experience: This Halong tour is an ideal option for the backpacker even you are a solo traveler. You can immerse yourselves in the beauty of Lan Ha Bay or other wild places in Halong. You can consider the unique schedule of Central Backpackers.

Hostel before making your own plan.

Contact information of Central Backpacker Hostel

Address: Dap Nuoc, District 1, Catba Town, Quang Ninh Province.

Tel: (+84) 24 3928 2899

Email: centralbackpackerscatba@gmail.com

Website: http://www.centralbackpackershostel.com/

Besides, you can consider Apricot Cruises rated 4,5/5 star by TripAdvisor

Contact information of Apricot Cruises

Address: No 34/131, Hong Ha Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Tel: (+84) 42 3655 5666

Email: info@apricotcruises.com

Website: https://apricotcruises.com/

Or Scorpion Cruise

Contact information of Scorpion Cruise

Address: No 9, Bai Chay Beach, Halong, Quang Ninh

Tel: (+84) 333 640 858

Email: contact@scorpioncruise.com

Website: http://scorpioncruise.com/scorpion-cruise-day-tour.html

The activities are indispensable in the Halong Bay tour for the backpacker:

Visiting Cat Ba National Park
Eating seafood on the seaside
Cruising by a boat around the beautiful bay
Cliff jumping, kayaking, swimming
Visiting Lan Ha Bay by cruise and local fishing village
Trekking through the forest (bring the hiking shoes)
Having lunch on a floating house

This package is really suitable for young people having lots of time, lots of energy, passion for exploring new places. However, you should know some disadvantages of this Halong Bay tour as follows:

The menu is fixed and you can not change it
The menu is almost the same for 3 days
There is no police station or hospital because it is a pristine bay.
Sleeping places may be uncomfortable for some travelers.

III. Best Halong Bay tours for a couple

Duration: 2 days

Halong Bay is an ideal destination for a honeymoon with a romantic beachfront. Couples can witness the sunset and sunrise together, take a walk on the beach to warm up the emotion. To have a romantic trip, most couples choose 2 days 1 night to enjoy and explore this beautiful place. Besides, some couples want to have other activities such as fishing with local fishermen or beachside camping, their honeymoon can last up to 4 days 3 nights and even more.

The activities are indispensable in the Halong Bay boat tour for the couple:

Spending the night on the boat
Kayaking to watch Halong Bay
Exploring the coastal fishing villages
Eating seafood
Visiting numerous caves
Watching sunrise and sunset

1. Private Halong Bay tour for the couple

Price:VND 8,000,000/ person

Normally, we have one honeymoon in our life. Therefore, we believe that you can spend a huge budget on an unforgettable memory. We want to give you a prestigious company having luxury services according to Tripadvisor. It is Indochina Junk. The thing builds Indochina Junk's reputation is their quality service being over all other tours in Halong Bay. Some people still hesitate about its high price. Do not worry, we will show you how it worth is. L'Amour Junk Halong Cruise only includes a luxury cabin, will being the perfect choice for couples who want maximum privacy on this honeymoon. The private bathrooms are designed with stunning sea views through the windows. To admire the majestic nature while having a romantic dinner with wine and candles, the L'Amour Junk Halong Cruise has an outdoor dining area. In addition to the regular services provided by the company, you will also have the chance to watch a water puppet showed by local artists and call on Vung Vieng fishing village by a rustic boat. You and your lover will witness a romantic place while enjoying a drink, a tea or a cocktail on the sundeck. Besides, the staffs are very professional and friendly, making your trip meaningful. Nevertheless, on a special day, your room will be decorated with a unique and romantic style with rose, wine, and sparkling candles. You also have the honeymoon cake and several cute gifts from the company. In case you want to have a really special honeymoon with your lover, you can ask the staff to follow your ideas. And of course, you have to pay extra fees.

Contact information of Indochina Junk

Address: No 58, Au Trieu, Halong Bay, Vietnam

Tel: (+84) 964 343 322

Email: info@indochina-junk.com

Website: https://www.indochina-junk.com/

Besides, you can consider Signature Halong

The contact information of Signature Halong

Address: No 10, Tue Tinh Street, Nguyen Du Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

Tel: (+84) 24 3935 1268

Email: info@signaturehalongcruise.com

Website: https://signaturehalongcruise.com/en/

2. Shared Halong Bay tour for the couple:

Price: VND 4,000,000 - VND 5,000,000/person

There is an old saying that new friends will make your trip more memorable. In addition to the private tour for one couple, Indochina Junk also has a shared tour. Dragon’s Pearl Junk is highly recommended with the same schedule on L'Amour Junk. The price of a cabin for a couple oscillates about US $187.

The second prestigious company we want to introduce is Bhaya. You can use Bhaya's services for a unique honeymoon with many year-round promotions. Unlike the schedule of Indochina Junk, you will admire the beauty of Lan Ha Bay, spend a night in this Bay and return the next morning. With this schedule, you can also experience many exciting activities such as squid fishing and watching chefs preparing traditional Vietnamese dishes on the deck.

Contact information of Bhaya

Address: Halong Bay, Tuan Chau Island, Vietnam

Tel: (+84) 933 446 542

Email: sales@bhayacruises.com

Website: bhayacruises.com

Besides, you can consider Gray Line Cruise

The contact information of Gray Line Cruise

Address: No 125, Hong Ha Street, Hanoi

Tel: (+84) 24 3717 3366

Email: contact@graylinehalong.com

Website: https://www.graylinehalong.com/

IV. How to get the best Halong Bay tour with your best friends?

1. Best Halong bay tours for the budget group

Duration: 2 days

Price: VND 2,000,000 - VND 3,000,000/person

Experience: If you have a desire to travel Halong but you do not have too much money? This Halong bay tour is suitable for you. Because you are foreign travelers, you will have some difficulties such as communication, strange culture, and bargain. Instead of backpacking tourism, booking a tour via travel companies is highly recommended. There are the variety of packages at reasonable prices you can choose including 1 day, 2 days 1 night, 3 days 2 nights, and 4 days 3 nights. As I mentioned before, with a modest amount, you should choose 2 days 1 night tour. If you find another tour at a lower price, you need to check it carefully because you may be charged extra charges such as food, transportation, entrance tickets or even not sleeping on the boat.

You can consider The Sinh Tourist - the cheap price travel agent. The price is about US $120/person depending on the type of boat and the number of tourists on the boat. As this is a very popular tour, its schedule is almost the same with 2 days 1 night package of other agents as follows:

Hanoi - Halong transfer
Sightseeing on boat
Visiting fishing village
Visiting Thien Cung & Dau Go Grottoes
Enjoy seafood
Kayaking
Sleeping on the boat

Contact information of The Sinh Tourist:

Address: No 46 - 248, De Tham Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Tel: (+84) 28 3838 9593

Email: info@thesinhtourist.vn

Website: https://www.thesinhtourist.vn/landscapes/hl/1/ha-long

Because Halong Bay is quite wide and has many scenic spots, 2 days 1 night tour is popular. But if you want to reduce travel time, you can consider the 1 day Halong tour of The Sinh Tourist or Central Backpacker Hostel.

Price: VND 800,000 - VND 1,000,000

You will experience numerous activities as follows:

4 hours sightseeing on the boat
Visiting Thien Cung & Dau Go Grottoes
Visiting fishing village
Having lunch with seafood

The price includes:

Hanoi-Halong transfer
Entrance fee
Boat trip
Lunch
English travel guide

Besides, you can consider Seasun Cruise

Contact information of The Sinh Tourist:

Address: 1st floor, No 46, Nguyen Van To Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Tel: (+84) 24 3938 6471

Email: halongseasuncruise@gmail.com

Website: http://halongseasuncruise.com/

And Alisa Premier Cruise

Contact information of Alisa Premier Cruise

Address: No 23, Hang Voi Street (Floor 3rd & 4th), Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Tel: (+84) 24 3689 5999

Email: info@alisapremiercruise.com

Website: http://alisapremiercruise.com/en

Or Gray Line Cruise

Contact information of Gray Line Cruise

Address: No 125, Hong Ha Street, Hanoi

Tel: (+84) 24 3717 3366

Email: contact@graylinehalong.com

Website: https://www.graylinehalong.com/

2. Best Halong bay tours for relaxed traveler

Duration: 3 days

Price: VND 7,000,000 - VND 7,500,000/person

Experience: If you want to spend all your holiday to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery in Ha Long Bay, this package is completely for you. You can choose the service of Indochina Junk or Bhaya for your vacation. These two companies have 3 days 2 nights packages tailored to each client's purpose. This package has some main activities as follows:

Kayaking (optional)
Paddling (optional)
Visiting caves
Swimming, sunbathing
Enjoying fresh seafood

If you want to have an opportunity to watch the water puppet show or visit the fishing village, the Indochina Junk’s tour will be the better choice. If you are interested in the traditional Vietnamese cuisine and hiking on Ti Top Island, you should choose the service of Bhaya.

You can get a detailed schedule of Indochina Junk at Indochina Tour

You can get the detailed schedule of Bhaya at Bhaya Tour

Besides, you can consider Paradise Cruises

Contact information of Paradise Cruises

Address: Unit 201, 2nd Floor, Hanoi Towers, No 49, Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Tel: (+84) 24 3941 6666

Email: info@paradisecruise.com

Website: https://www.paradisecruise.com/contact-us

And Swan Cruises

Contact information of Swan Cruises

Address: Room 205, Alley 3B, Dang Thai Than Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Tel: (+84) 24 3933 5599

Email: info@swancruiseshalong.com

Website: http://swancruiseshalong.com/

3. Best Halong Bay tours for the adventure group.

Duration: 2 days

Price: VND 2,500,000 - VND 3,000,000/person

Experience:

“Real freedom lies in wildness, not in civilization” - Charles Lindbergh.

If you love to explore the wilderness, adventure such as climbing, trekking, this is the Halong Bay junk tour for you. Halong is famous for its visitors because of the beauty of the islands and the variety of islets around the bay, containing several significant caves. Besides, Halong Bay is well-known for numerous outdoor activities. You can experience the interesting thing by using the Asia Outdoor company’s services. This company has a professional organization, specializing in providing outdoor activities. You can put all your beliefs on this company. This will be a perfect trip by the combination of real adventures and beautiful sights of Halong Bay.

Contact information of Asia Outdoor company:

Address: No 210, 1/4 Street, Group 17th, Cat Ba Island, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City, Vietnam

Tel: (+84) 225 368 8450

Email: catba@asiaoutdoors.com

Website: https://www.asiaoutdoors.com.vn/

The main outdoor activities of this Halong Bay tour

Kayaking full day
Exploring Lan Ha Bay
Rock climbing
Standing up paddle boarding

The price includes:

Transfer fee
Entrance fee
English travel guide
Lunch, dinner & breakfast
Kayak
PFD
UIAA Certified climbing equipment
Overnight on a junk boat

V. Must-know tips before booking a Halong Bay tour

1. Getting Visa before booking a Halong Bay tour

Option 1: Application for the visa to Vietnam at the Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam:

- Passport is valid for at least 6 months (Passport is not torn or blurred)

- Fill in the form as instructed by the staff of the Embassy / Consulate of Vietnam.

- Pay the visa fee at the embassy in accordance with the regulations, the 1-month visa is regulated as US $25 and the 3-month visa is US $50.

In some cases, foreigners must have a letter of entry issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department that permits entry and receipt of visas at Vietnamese embassies or consulates in foreign countries. The document on receipt of a visa to Vietnam is granted by the Immigration Department issued by one of the relatives of the foreigner in Vietnam.

Option 2: Application for the visa to Vietnam at the international airport

- Passport is valid for at least 6 months (Passport is not torn or blurred)

When applying for a visa to Vietnam at an international airport, you need to have an entry and exit letter issued by the Ministry of Public Security of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam by an individual or an organization guaranteeing the foreigner. When you apply for a visa to Vietnam Nam at the international airport, you will need to present your validated passport, submit the entry form and fill in the form as instructed by the export manager. Entering the airport and completing the fee in accordance with the regulations.

2. Exchanging money when having a Halong Bay tour

Exchanging money is always a top concern for tourists when preparing for a trip abroad. We would like to give you some prestigious addresses you can exchange money in Hanoi.

Quoc Trinh Gold Shop

Address: 27 Ha Trung, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tel: (+84) 24 3826 8856

Opening hours: Sunday to Friday 08:00 – 22:00

Kim Linh Jewelry

Address: 67 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tel: (+84) 24 3825 3649

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 8:30 – 18:00

Tu Binh Jewelry

Address: 54 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tel: (+84) 24 3824 9799

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 08:30 – 17:00

Hanoi Money Exchange

Address: 19B Hang Be, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tel: (+84) 24 3990 1733

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 18:00

Phu Van Jewelry

Address: 25 Luong Ngoc Quyen, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tel: (+84) 24 3926 1764

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 18:00

Manh Hung Jewelry

Address: 51 Ha Trung, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tel: (+84) 24 3938 2251

Opening hours: Daily 08:00 – 19:00

*Note: Opening hours may vary. Call first before visiting

3. Bringing some food and drinks before booking a Halong Bay tour

The Halong Bay tour we mentioned above only serves main meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You should bring plenty of food and drinks to make sure you are not fooled into buying something. In addition, coming to a strange place, if you are the guests with poor digestion, you should pay attention to food security more. For a good trip, you should bring some basic medicine such as diarrhea medicine, headache medicine, and allergy medication.

4. Buying travel insurance when booking a Halong Bay tour

When traveling for a long time, the purchase of travel insurance is no longer strange to customers. Many people recognize the importance of travel insurance but many people do not pay attention to this type of insurance. In the face of current airway problems, you should buy travel insurance to be more secure about your safety. Group insurance should not be able to export insurance for each guest. So, there are many companies that embezzle international travel insurance fee. Travelers do not know until the incident has already occurred. To make sure that your travel insurance available, you must ask clearly the travel agent.

5. The season to have the best Halong bay tour

Before choosing a tour in Halong Bay, you should notice about Vietnam’s weather which can affect relatively to your journey.

Halong tourism is divided into two distinct seasons including summer from April to October every year - the time to attract domestic tourists, winter from November to March - the time to attract international tourists. From April to October, the summer is extremely sultry and uncomfortable due to the influence of the tropical climate, so domestic tourists come to Halong to take a bath and rest. However, from November to March of next year, it is usually the time to attract more international tourists, because the weather is cool and domestic tourists are less than in other seasons.