Is It Worth to Take a Halong Bay Cruise? Possible Alternatives for a Fantastic Cruise Trip

There is much discussion about whether Halong Bay is actually a breathtaking wonder of the world or if it has become an overloaded tourist trap with cruise parties and floating garbage. So answering the question "Is Halong Bay worth it?" will be tricky. And if you're thinking about a Vietnam tour, including a Halong Bay cruise, here are a few things to consider.

1. Halong Bay Location and Unique Features

Halong Bay is a stunning natural marvel in northern Vietnam, around 170 kilometers from Hanoi, heading east. It is lined with 1,600 limestone islands and islets and occupies more than 1,500 square kilometers. This magnificent bay was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. The majority of the islands and karst limestone pillars in the bay remain uninhabited and undisturbed by human activity. For many visitors, this destination feels like something out of a movie. The reality is that Halong Bay is home to a diverse spectrum of wildlife, and its surrealistic beauty has served as the enchanting background for many well-known films—Indochine (1992), Pan (2015), and Kong: Skull Island (2017), to name a few.

2. Why should you cruise Halong Bay?

There are several ways to enjoy the breathtaking splendor of Halong Bay, but the most popular is embarking on a cruise tour, which may be a day trip, a 2-day, 1-night voyage, or a 3-day, 2-night voyage. Normally, these cruise tours will include the entrance fees, meals on board, and activities following their itineraries. Cruising by the islands and karst rocks lets you admire their otherworldly features from a closer distance.

A Halong Bay cruise trip offers a variety of outdoor activities, from discovering intriguing caverns to swimming in the bay's green waters, kayaking through calm lagoons, and hiking to the island's summits. The heritage bay offers one-of-a-kind outdoor adventures with towering vistas.

Halong Bay used to feature many floating villages, where local fishermen have lived for generations. Then, a project to relocate the fishermen has been implemented to address UNESCO's recommendation that the population in the core area of ​​Halong Bay grew too quickly, affecting the heritage. This project also helped residents living on the bay have stable houses, access to healthcare, schools, and high-tech fields on shore. However, when you board a cruise, you will still have a chance to visit one of the floating villages, where the locals develop fish farms and continue their traditional way of life.

Another experience you will have on a cruise tour is savoring local seafood. Make sure you try Halong grilled chopped squid, grilled oysters, fresh spring rolls, and steamed shrimps. The cruises will also offer menus of Asian and international cuisine and vegetarian dishes as well.

Halong Bay has a quiet and serene atmosphere that gets you away from the bustle of city life. Whether you want to relax on a boat trip or on a hidden beach, a Halong Bay cruise is perfect for unwinding and refreshing.

3. The downsides of taking a Halong Bay cruise

Consider these drawbacks before planning your vacation to Halong Bay:

+ Halong Bay can become busy between October and April. Though you may enjoy privacy in your own cabin and stay on board with modern facilities and delicious meals, the attractions in the bay, such as Sung Sot Cave, Titov Island, and Luon Cave, will get crowded during this time.

+ The increasing mass tourism in Halong Bay is having an impact on the ecology. The large number of tourists and cruise ships visiting the area daily leads to pollution in the fragile ecosystem.

+ Brace yourself for unpredictable weather in the bay, as unexpected storms and heavy rains might impede outdoor activities and boat tours. Remember that weather conditions can be unpredictable, so prepare appropriately.

4. Is it worth to take a Halong Bay cruise?

Yes, absolutely. No one can deny the aesthetic beauty of Halong Bay, and depending on when you travel, you will have a calm and memorable experience that isn't marred by hordes of visitors. It's also important to note that the cruise tour you pick will have a significant impact on the sort of experience you enjoy, so choose wisely. Do your research to find a cruise that suits your needs and has responsibilities for protecting the heritage. And travel with respect to the environment as well.

These are some of the best cruises suggested in Halong Bay, including Ambassador Cruise, Paradise Elegance Cruise, Hermes Cruise, Athena Cruise, Mila Lux Cruise, and Alisa Cruise.

5. Alternatives to Halong Bay cruises

If you are still concerned about the mass Halong Bay, there are a few options to get a more authentic Halong Bay experience without the crowds.

Is it worth to take a Lan Ha Bay cruise?

Located south of Halong, Lan Ha Bay is equally stunning as the star-neighboring bay, with dramatic and rugged features, but has fewer cruise ships sailing each day. During a two- or three-night cruise in Lan Ha, guests can go kayaking in secluded lagoons, swimming on isolated sandy beaches, or visiting an age-old cave on Cat Ba Island. Lan Ha Bay is less populous and polluting than Halong Bay, which is due in part to the lack of regular cruise vessels. As a result, visitors enjoy a more tranquil atmosphere and have more time to reconnect with nature.

Some recommended cruises in Lan Ha Bay for a wonderful voyage are Ambassador Signature Cruise, Orchid Trendy Cruise, Paradise Grand Cruise, Elite of the Seas Cruise, Stellar of the Seas Cruise, Scarlet Pearl Cruise, Capella Cruise, Nostalgia Cruise, and Peony Cruise.

Is it worth to take a Bai Tu Long Bay cruise?

Another alternative you can try is Bai Tu Long Bay, north of Halong Bay. Far from the heritage core, this bay area offers off-beaten-path cruise trips for those seeking something new and away from groups of tourists. Bai Tu Long Bay cruises are slightly more expensive but smaller, with fewer guests on board, making them more private and exclusive. There will undoubtedly be less touristy and litter up here.

Here are the best Bai Tu Long Bay cruises you can consider: Signature Royal Cruise, Signature Cruise, Dragon Legend Cruise, La Regina Royal Cruise, and Renea Cruise.

Is Cat Ba Island worth visiting?

Cat Ba is the largest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago, encircled by Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. It is also home to Cat Ba National Park, which has a broad range of vegetation and wildlife, including some endangered species. The island also features small fishing villages, where the traditional way of life remains and there are many chances of sampling fresh seafood. From hiking in the jungle to visiting secluded grottoes tucked away among the towering cliffs or relaxing on gorgeous beaches, Cat Ba is an excellent getaway from the chaos of Halong.

6. Is Halong Bay eco-friendly?

Pollution is a serious concern in Halong Bay, though the water's purity now, particularly at Lan Ha Bay, assures that it has much improved, making swimming there safer and more enjoyable after the pandemic. Local authorities are encouraging tourists and cruise lines to "say no" to plastic garbage, and the Halong Bay Management Board has also put into effect a plan for collecting trash in the bay. Many cruise operators are undertaking actions to responsibly reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainable development. They also invest in and apply solutions to environmental protection while operating cruises and hotel systems.

We suggest you ask the tour operator some questions relating to their environmental practices or the situation of plastic use on board. You can also do some research on TripAdvisor and find reviews from other tourists about their operation.

7. General information for getting to Halong Bay

Most travelers will get to Halong from Hanoi, taking two hours and a half by road. If you book a cruise tour, budget or luxury, you can book the round-trip transfer between Hanoi and Halong as a package, so there are no worries about transportation. Just note that the cruise’s shuttle bus will pick up and drop off at hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter only. Tourists can also book a private vehicle for convenience.

Currently, there are two main ports where all cruises will embark and disembark in Halong, which are Tuan Chau Marina and Halong International Cruise Port.

If you want to take a flight to Halong Bay, you can book a one-hour transfer by seaplane from Noi Bai International Airport to Tuan Chau Marina.

If you fly from another region, you should depart for Van Don Airport, then take a bus or taxi to Halong; the distance is around 50 km. However, there are not many flights to Van Don, so you need to check carefully to take the right flight.

Everyone travels differently and encounters different things. Expectations can influence how you feel when confronted with reality; the weather can affect how much you enjoy a place; and the people in your immediate vicinity can make or break it. It happens the same for a Halong Bay visit. If you’re planning a cruise trip in Halong or looking for its alternatives, contact our Halong Bay Cruise Experts to see all of the day tours and overnight cruises available.