Halong Bay Budget Cruises 2026: Cheap Day Trips and Overnight Cruises
A Halong Bay budget cruise is the lowest-priced way to see the bay with a licensed operator: either a day cruise with lunch and entrance fees, or a simple overnight trip with a private-bathroom cabin. Budget day cruises usually cost about US$50 to US$80 per person, and budget overnight cruises about US$110 to US$150 for 2 days 1 night.
- Two options: day cruise (back to Hanoi the same day) or 2 days 1 night
- Main sights: Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave and Ti Top Island on most ships
- Best for: tight budgets, short trips and backpackers
- Best months: March to May and late September to November
Compare every budget cruise in the list below, or read on to see how to get good value safely.
Diamond Era, one of the lowest-priced day cruises on the classic Halong Bay route
Good to know (2026): prices change by season, date and promotion, so the figures on this page are approximate; the live price is on each cruise page. Overnight ships anchor only in designated areas, and every trip is cancelled when the port authority closes the bay for storms. Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay was suspended by local authorities in late 2025.
What Is a Budget Cruise in Halong Bay?
A budget cruise uses a simpler, smaller or older ship, or a large day boat that carries many guests. The official routes and sightseeing fees are the same for every licensed ship, so you still see the same caves and islands.
What you give up is space and extras: smaller cabins, fewer facilities and busier decks.
Day Cruise or Overnight Cruise?
|
Budget day cruise |
Budget overnight cruise |
| Typical price |
About US$50–80 |
About US$110–150 |
| Time on the water |
About 4–7 hours |
About 22–24 hours |
| From Hanoi |
A long 10–12 hour day |
Drive split over two days |
| Extra moments |
None |
Sunset, night at anchor, sunrise |
| Best for |
Very short trips |
Better value per hour |
If you can spare one night, the overnight trip gives far more of the bay for the money. More in day cruise vs overnight cruise.
Halong Phoenix Day Cruise near Ti Top Island, a stop on almost every day trip
Budget vs Deluxe vs Luxury vs Private
|
Budget |
Deluxe |
Luxury |
Private |
| Typical price, 2D1N per person |
About US$110–150 |
About US$120–170 |
About US$150–350+ |
About US$200+ or whole-boat quote |
| Ship size |
Small or older ships |
Mid-size, about 20–30 cabins |
Mid-size to large |
1–4 cabins, or a chartered ship |
| Cabins |
Window, simple bathroom |
Window or balcony |
Balcony, bathtub, suites |
The whole boat is yours |
| On board |
Restaurant, sundeck |
Sundeck bar, small spa on some |
Spa, bar, often pool or jacuzzi |
Depends on the boat |
| Best for |
Tight budgets |
Best value |
Comfort and special trips |
Privacy and flexibility |
For a newer ship and a better cabin at a fair price, see deluxe cruises.
What to Expect on Board
- Day cruise: lunch on board, cave and island visits, kayak or bamboo boat at Luon Cave on many ships
- Overnight cabin: window cabin with a private bathroom
- Dining: set menus or buffet
- Facilities: restaurant and sundeck; usually no pool or spa
- Guests: busier decks than on deluxe or luxury ships
How to Avoid Hidden Costs
- Transfer: the Hanoi shuttle is often an extra
- Drinks: rarely included, and cost more on board
- Kayak or bamboo boat: check whether it is included
- Single travellers: usually pay a supplement on overnight ships
- Holidays: late December, Lunar New Year and Vietnamese holidays cost more
Halong Heritage Signature, a large new day cruise ship launched in 2026
Stay Safe on a Cheap Cruise
A very low price from a street seller or an unlicensed boat is not a bargain. Licensed ships hold route permits, safety equipment and insurance. After a day boat capsized in a sudden storm in July 2025, Quang Ninh tightened weather checks, AIS tracking and rescue patrols. Wear your life jacket whenever the crew asks.
Who a Budget Cruise Suits Best
- Ideal for: backpackers, short trips and travellers who mainly want the scenery
- Consider deluxe if: you want a newer ship and a more comfortable cabin
- Consider an overnight trip if: you can spare one night
Local Expert Tips
- Compare the total price, including transfer and drinks, not only the headline rate
- Travel on weekdays; weekends and holidays fill up and cost more
- Bring cash for drinks and tips
- Pack sunscreen, a hat and a light jacket
- Check the weather forecast the day before; trips can be cancelled for storms
Amanda Cruise sundeck: budget overnight cruises still include sunset on the bay
Book Your Halong Bay Budget Cruise
Send us your dates on WhatsApp +84 886 261 368 or our contact page. We compare total costs on several licensed ships, and our Best Price Guarantee applies.
