Halong Bay Private Cruises 2026: Private Junks and Whole-Boat Charters
A Halong Bay private cruise means the boat, crew and itinerary are for your group only: no other guests at dinner, on the sundeck or on the tender. You can book a small private junk, from one cabin for a couple to a few cabins for a family, or charter a whole small ship. Private junks usually start from about US$200 per person for 2 days 1 night, and whole-boat prices are quoted on request.
- Group size: from 2 guests on a private junk to 30+ on a chartered ship
- Length: 1 to 3 nights
- Best for: honeymoons, proposals, families and small groups
- Best months: March to May and late September to November
See the private boats in the list below, or read on to decide whether a private cruise is right for you.
L’amour Private Junk: one cabin, one couple, a whole boat
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 Private Cruise in Halong Bay?
On a shared cruise you join other guests on a fixed schedule. On a private cruise the whole boat is booked for you, so meals, the sundeck and every activity are for your group alone.
Private boats follow the same rules as every licensed ship: official routes, designated night anchorages and no sailing when the port authority closes the bay. Within those rules, you can usually adjust timing and menus.
Two Ways to Go Private
|
Private junk |
Whole-ship charter |
| Group size |
2 to about 8 guests |
About 10 to 30+ guests |
| Boat |
Small wooden junk with its own crew |
A small cruise ship for your group only |
| Price |
Per person, lower with more guests |
Whole-boat quote on request |
| Best for |
Couples and families |
Weddings, company trips, big families |
Charters depend on the operator and date, so ask early for peak months.
Prince Private Cruise sundeck: four cabins for one family or small group
Private vs Shared Cruises
|
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 |
If you want a quiet ship but not a whole boat, a small boutique luxury cruise costs less per person.
What Makes a Private Cruise Different
- No other guests: meals, sundeck and tenders are yours alone
- Flexible timing: stay longer at a beach or cave within the licensed route
- Your menu: plan meals around diets, children or a celebration
- Celebrations: proposals, anniversaries and birthdays are easy to arrange
- Quiet waters: many private junks sail the calm Bai Tu Long side
How Much Does a Private Cruise Cost?
A private junk usually starts from about US$200 per person for 2 days 1 night, and the price per person falls as more guests share the boat. A whole-ship charter is quoted for the boat.
- Group size: the biggest factor in the price per person
- Season and holidays: peak dates cost more
- Extra nights: two or three nights add more remote bays
- Private transfer: a private car from Hanoi keeps the trip private
- Special requests: decorations, cakes or special menus add to the cost
Meals on a private junk are served for your group only
How to Plan a Private Cruise
1. Start with group size
Two guests suit a one-cabin junk; families suit a junk with a few cabins; groups of ten or more should ask about chartering a ship.
2. Choose the area
The Bai Tu Long side is the quietest. Read our Bai Tu Long Bay guide.
3. Decide on the occasion
Tell us about proposals or anniversaries early so the crew can prepare.
Local Expert Tips
- Book private junks early; with only a few cabins they sell out on popular dates
- Add a private car from Hanoi to keep the whole trip private
- Pack light: cabins on wooden junks are compact
- Small boats move more in wind; we will tell you if a date looks rough
- For ten or more guests, ask for a whole-ship quote
Traditional wood interiors on L’amour Private Junk
Book Your Halong Bay Private Cruise
Tell us your group size, dates and occasion on WhatsApp +84 886 261 368 or our contact page, and we will quote private junks and charters.
