Best Cruises in Hanoi

If you explore the coastal waters from Vietnam's capital city of Hanoi, you will discover the unique treasures of Vietnam's northern region. Although Hanoi is not directly on the coast, it serves as an ideal starting point for exploring maritime wonders, especially destinations such as Halong.

One of the best things to see and do in Hanoi is to board a cruise ship and enjoy the scenery from the waters. Options range from luxurious services to more intimate experiences, with transfers from Hanoi included to make your trip easier. So you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of northern Vietnam, where unique landscapes and engaging activities await. To make sure you don't miss out on anything, here is a list of the best cruises from Hanoi.

Boarding a cruise in Hanoi is one of the ways to reach Halong Bay, located about 170 kilometres away. Among the options you have to choose from, one of the most recommended are the half-day cruises, which are designed for small groups. The experience usually starts with a transfer from your hotel or nearby meeting point.

Later, you will board a cruise that will allow you to see the wonderful Vietnamese islets. Another site these experiences often visit is the Thien Cung Cave, either by kayak or on a picturesque bamboo boat. There, its stalactites and stalagmites will captivate you with their unique shapes and sizes.

This way you can discover Halong Bay, which was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. On the other hand, this kind of activities are a very good option if you are travelling alone, as, being done in small groups, you will have the chance to meet other travellers.

Interesting details

• Price: from approximately €42 per person.
• Duration: around 10 hours.
• Means of transport: cruiser vehicle.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to explore Halong Bay and visit the Thien Cung Caves. Lunch is usually included.
• Disadvantages of this option: on many of these tours, the professional guide service costs extra.

Exploring the southeast region of Hanoi is an experience that combines history, nature and culture. In addition, the Tam Coc Caves boat tour is the jewel of this captivating itinerary from the Vietnamese capital.

The journey usually begins with a transfer from Hanoi in a comfortable vehicle for small groups. You are usually accompanied by a professional guide who is knowledgeable about the history and culture of Hanoi. During the tour, you will discover the charms of Hoa Lu, which was the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries. There, historical temples mingle with natural landscapes worth photographing.

The trip usually continues to the stunning Tam Coc Caves, which are an integral part of the Trang An scenic complex. The caves have been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a cave system where the majesty of nature unfolds in every corner.

Some tours of this type may include a lunch of Vietnamese delicacies to give you a taste of Vietnamese culture. The day trip usually also includes a cycling tour, where you can admire the surrounding nature and immerse yourself even more in the unique atmosphere of this region.

Interesting details

• Price: from around €41 per person.
• Duration: about 12 hours.
• Means of transport: return transport by bus and boat trip.
• Advantages of this option: This itinerary covers a wide range of activities and will allow you to get to know the Tam Coc caves in a comfortable and fun way.
• Disadvantages of this option: Due to the popularity of Tam Coc Caves and other included destinations, there can be crowds of tourists, especially in high season.

One of the most comprehensive options for exploring the captivating Halong Bay is the 2-day, 1-night cruise from Hanoi. This is the ideal plan if you plan to spend 3 days or more in Hanoi. These cruises usually start with a comfortable bus transfer, before plunging into the serenity of the waters aboard a cruise ship, from where you can admire the exceptional panoramic views.

This trip usually includes all meals, from breakfast to dinner, which will provide you with a complete culinary experience. In addition to relaxing sailing, some packages offer you the chance to take part in activities such as kayaking, tai chi lessons and Vietnamese cooking demonstrations. In addition, when night falls, many of these tours often organise squid fishing activities and even a lively party on board.

Some places of interest you'll visit on board this cruise include Titop Island and the fishing village of Ba Hang. In general, these tours have professional guides who provide you with a lot of information about the sites you visit and coordinate the activities. Undoubtedly, these experiences of at least 2 days, which immerse you not only in the natural beauty of Halong but also in life on board the cruise ship, promise you an enriching adventure in one of Vietnam's natural wonders.

Details of interest

• Price: from approximately €146 per person.
• Duration: 2 days and 1 night.
• Means of transport: air-conditioned bus and cruise.
• Advantages of this option: you can enjoy 2 days in Halong Bay and participate in all kinds of activities on board the cruise. All meals are usually included and you will be accompanied by a professional guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is necessary to be in average physical condition to be able to do all the activities proposed in this tour.

One of the most comprehensive experiences in Halong Bay are the exclusive 1-day cruises. The trip usually starts with a limousine bus service that picks you up directly from your hotel in Hanoi to start the experience in the most comfortable way.

These cruises usually last about 12 hours, so they are organised to make the most of every moment of your adventure in the bay. The staff on these cruises are always attentive and the facilities on the boat are of a very high standard. Buffet lunch is usually included with a wide variety of choices, including vegetarian options.

These programmes usually include a visit to Sung Sot Cave and Titov Island, the bay's main natural attractions. The limousine buses that pick you up from your hotel can accommodate small groups, so the experience is more personalised and you can make the most of the expert guide's commentary on each site you visit.

Details of interest

• Price: from approximately €46 per person.
• Duration: around 12 hours.
• Means of transport: Limousine bus and luxury cruise.
• Advantages of this option: it usually includes a varied buffet, including vegetarian options.
• Disadvantages of this option: there are several activities scheduled for half a day, so the excursion has a very active pace.

If you prefer your boat tours to be more intimate in format, private tours of Halong Bay are a great option. These usually start with pick-up from your hotel or meeting point, which can be in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, the most recommended place for you to stay in the city.

The great thing about these private tours is that during the trip you are usually accompanied by a professional guide, who can provide you with a lot of information about the sites you visit. This will allow you to learn more about the history and culture of the region, while you cruise the unmissable Halong Bay.

During this cruise on the calm waters of Halong, you will also get to see the Thien Cung Cave with its fascinating formations. Often these tours include a fresh seafood lunch served on board, giving you an authentic culinary experience on board the cruise.

Details of interest

• Price: around €234 per person approx.
• Duration: about 10 hours.
• Means of transport: private vehicle and boat.
• Advantages of this option: You will get to know Halong Bay aboard an exclusive cruise ship.
• Disadvantages of this option: many tours only include pick-up from hotels in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. As this is a private tour, the cost is higher.

If you are curious to explore a unique place, the Perfume Pagoda is an ideal place for you to visit. It is definitely one of the best excursions to do from Hanoi. The itinerary is a full day trip, as you will have to board different means of transport.

After the approximately 2 hour and 60 kilometre journey from Hanoi, the tour usually starts with a visit to Ben Duc Village, which is located on the banks of the Suoi Yen River. The trip usually continues with a boat ride to the Ben Trong jetty, which marks the beginning of your visit to the Perfume Pagoda. There are 2 options to reach the shrine: by cable car or on foot. Both will offer you beautiful panoramic views of the surroundings.

During this experience you will not only explore the main temple, but also visit the Thien Tru Pagoda, allowing you to immerse yourself in the spirituality and cultural richness of this sacred site. This is definitely a great option for your stay of at least 2 days in Hanoi.

Details of interest

• Price: from approximately €18 per person.
• Duration: about 10 hours.
• Means of transport: bus and boat.
• Advantages of this option: offers a variety of activities to enjoy and the possibility of connecting with nature.
• Disadvantages of this option: lunch is not usually included.

Embarking on a cruise from Hanoi offers scenic beauty worth photographing. As you cruise the waters of Ha Long Bay, you will witness a unique landscape where thousands of limestone islets emerge, creating a surreal panorama that will leave you in awe.

These cruise excursions not only take you to explore the natural wonders of the region, but also offer you the opportunity to learn about local history. Some itineraries include visits to ancient temples and fortresses where you can learn a lot about Vietnamese history. You can also take part in cultural activities on board, from traditional cooking demonstrations to tai chi classes.

On these cruises you can also explore mysterious caves, enjoy local cuisine or simply relax on deck while admiring the scenery passing by. Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Hanoi is to sail on one of these cruises, where lively music and an attentive crew invite you to join in the celebration under the stars.

To get the most out of a cruise excursion from Hanoi, there are a few key things to consider, which I'll talk about in this section:

• Take care of the sun: before setting sail, make sure you have the essentials to protect yourself from the sun. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing a hat and dark sunglasses are essential steps to protect yourself from the Vietnamese sun and enjoy the journey in comfort.
• Pay attention to the instructions: during the excursion, the staff on board will give you instructions related to the care of the marine environment you will explore. Listening carefully to the safety instructions is vital for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
• Be aware of the weather conditions in Hanoi when booking your tour. Although the rainy seasons usually extend from May to October, you can cruise in Hanoi all year round.

By properly preparing for the weather conditions and following the staff's instructions, you'll be ready to make the most of your cruise in Hanoi.

After taking some of the best city tours in Hanoi, you can't miss the charming villages surrounding the city. One outstanding destination is the Perfume Pagoda, which is located about 60 kilometres south of Hanoi. This shrine is nestled between mountains and forests, offering a unique pilgrimage experience. The journey to the pagoda is in itself a cultural journey involving various means of transport.

Continuing south, you can go to the Ninh Binh region. Here nature impresses with towering limestone peaks rising above rice fields. You can also explore Tam Coc and enjoy a unique boat ride along its meandering rivers surrounded by rock formations.

Also worth a visit is Halong Bay, which is located about 170 kilometres from Hanoi. The bay is famous for its thousands of limestone islets, hidden caves and turquoise waters. Halong is the ideal place to board a cruise, most of which include activities such as kayaking, tai chi classes and Vietnamese cooking demonstrations.

Finally, a visit to the village of Sa Pa, with its terraced rice paddies and Fansipan Peak, the highest peak in Indochina, is a must. The village is nestled in the mountains at an altitude of 1,600m and is an ideal place to connect with nature and the traditions of the locals, who often offer accommodation to travellers.