You’ll Love These 15 Boat Tours & Cruises In Hanoi

Hanoi’s charm isn’t limited to its bustling streets and ancient temples; its proximity to some of Vietnam’s most stunning water landscapes makes it a must-visit for boat lovers. Whether you’re after a quick day trip or a luxurious overnight cruise, Hanoi offers a variety of boat tours and cruises that showcase the region’s dramatic limestone formations, secret caves, and tranquil waters. We love how many options include activities like kayaking, swimming, and cave exploring, with some tours even offering cooking classes or tai chi sessions. For example, the Hanoi: Ha Long Bay Day Cruise is popular for its inclusions like seafood lunch and sunset party, giving you a taste of Vietnam’s stunning coast in just one day.

Hanoi’s water-based excursions stand out because they combine natural beauty with authentic experiences, like riding traditional bamboo boats or exploring caves with shimmering stalactites. The region’s unique limestone karsts and islands promise unforgettable photo moments and peaceful escapes. Whether you prefer a lively group cruise or a private journey, there’s something here for every type of traveler.

Quick Overview

Our list features a broad range of boat tours and cruises in Hanoi, from 2-day luxury adventures to quick day trips. Options include luxury 5-star cruises with balconies, intimate private tours, and budget-friendly day excursions. Many trips focus on iconic sites like Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and Luon Cave, with activities such as kayaking, swimming, and cooking classes. Notably, several tours include transfers from Hanoi, making planning easier, and multiple reviews highlight their excellent value, comfort, and well-organized itineraries. Below, we explore each experience in detail to help you find the best fit.

1. Hanoi: Ha Long Bay Day Cruise – Swimming, Meal, Kayaking

A great choice for travelers looking to escape Hanoi for a day, this Ha Long Bay day cruise offers a packed itinerary at an affordable price—just $41 per person. It includes entrance fees, modern bus transportation, a seafood lunch, and a deluxe cruise. You’ll explore Sung Sot Cave, marvel at Titop Island, where you can trek for panoramic views or swim at Titop beach, and paddle around Luon Cave in a kayak. The highlight is the sunset party—enjoying wine, fruits, and light foods while drifting in UNESCO-listed Halong Bay. The reviews praise the smooth organization and the chance to experience the bay’s natural beauty without staying overnight. Best suited for those short on time but eager to see the highlights.

Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, value-packed introduction to Halong Bay’s stunning scenery.

2. Hanoi: 2-Day Halong & Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise with Balcony

For around $188, the 2-Day Halong & Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise delivers a luxurious experience. This cruise features a spacious boat with modern amenities, a large sundeck, and fine dining options. Over two days, you’ll enjoy kayaking, swimming, tai chi, and even a cooking class. The itinerary includes exploring caves, relaxing onboard, and fishing at night, giving a full immersion into the bay’s natural wonders. Guests often comment on the comfortable cabins, attentive staff, and variety of activities. The reviews highlight how this cruise balances relaxation and adventure, perfect for couples or travelers seeking a bit of pampering.

Bottom Line: A top-tier choice for those wanting a relaxing yet activity-rich cruise experience.

3. Halong Bay Cruise 2 days 1 night from Hanoi included transfer

If you prefer to travel in style and spend a night on the water, this 2-day, 1-night cruise offers comfortable cabins, guided tours, and delicious Vietnamese meals. You’ll visit Thien Cung Grotto, relax on beach activities like swimming or kayaking, and even participate in a cooking class. The tour’s strength lies in its detailed itinerary and the chance to experience more of Halong Bay’s landforms, especially for travelers who want more than a quick visit. Reviewers appreciate the professional staff and well-organized schedule, making it a reliable choice for first-timers.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a comprehensive overnight experience in the bay.

4. PRIVATE TOUR HALONG BAY ONE DAY with Cave, Kayaking, Bamboo Boat

Looking for an exclusive experience? This private 1-day tour is tailored to small groups or couples. Departing at 8:30, you’ll explore the most picturesque limestone islands, visit Heavenly Cave, and paddle a traditional bamboo boat. The itinerary is designed to minimize tourist crowds, giving you a more personalized and intimate experience. The tour includes seafood lunch, with reviews highlighting the friendly guides and efficient logistics. Its flexible nature makes it ideal for travelers seeking privacy and a chance to customize activities.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a private, less crowded adventure with authentic touches.

5. Hanoi: 3-Day Ninh Binh, Ha Long, & Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise

This 3-day package offers an all-in-one experience covering Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and Lan Ha Bay. For $313, it combines scenic boat rides, cave visits, bike rides, and a luxurious cruise with private balcony. Top reviews commend the smooth organization, delicious food, and variety of activities like kayaking, swimming, and Tai Chi. It’s suited for travelers who have multiple days and want a comprehensive taste of northern Vietnam’s highlights, while still enjoying the comfort of a 5-star cruise.

Bottom Line: Great for multi-day travelers who want variety and comfort.

6. Halong Bay 2D1N Traditional Boat All Inclusive Suppring Cave, Titop, Luon Cave

This 2-day, 1-night traditional boat tour offers an authentic experience with luxurious touches. It features visits to Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island for panoramic views, and Luon Cave for kayaking. The tour emphasizes personalized service and comfortable cabins, praised in reviews for their excellent staff and tasty seafood meals. It’s an ideal choice if you want a relaxed yet immersive adventure with fewer travelers.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a balance of authentic experience and comfort over two days.

7. All-Inclusive 2 Day/1 Night Halong Luxury Cruise, Meals, Cave, Kayaking, Swimming

At number 7, this luxury cruise is a top choice for those wanting all activities included. You’ll stay in spacious rooms, enjoy caves, kayaking, swimming, and a Thai cooking class. The tour’s reviews are glowing, with many mentioning the excellent staff, great food, and value for money at just $50 per person. It’s perfect for small groups seeking a comprehensive, stress-free adventure in Halong Bay.

Bottom Line: An excellent pick for travelers wanting all the fun and comfort without extra costs.

8. Hanoi: 2-Day Lan Ha & Halong Bay 5 Stars Cruise with Balcony

This luxury 2-day cruise offers a balcony, kayaking, and swimming in a quieter side of the bay. Reviews mention the friendly crew, well-maintained boat, and beautiful scenery. It’s ideal for travelers who want a relaxing two-day escape with the option to indulge in massage or spa treatments onboard. The itinerary covers Dark Cave and scenic viewpoints, making it suitable for those who appreciate both adventure and comfort.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers looking for a quieter, luxurious cruise experience.

9. [Ha Long Bay] Luxury Cruise Day Tour From Hanoi, Caves & Buffet

This luxury day cruise offers a spacious three-floor boat, a buffet lunch, and visits to Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island. It includes kayaking, a sunset party, and indoor jacuzzi, making it suitable for travelers who want a luxurious, all-in-one day trip. The reviews emphasize the excellent service and delicious food. It’s a good choice if you prefer comfort and style over long trips.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a stylish, hassle-free day in Halong Bay.

10. Halong Bay Day Tour By Diamond 5-Star Cruise, Buffet, Caves, Pool

This 5-star day cruise combines luxury with fun activities like a swimming pool, caves, and a sunset party. It features large restaurants and a panoramic deck for viewing. Reviewers mention friendly guides and great food, along with the convenience of pickup by limousine. It’s well-suited for travelers wanting a full day of comfort and scenic exploration with extra touches like jacuzzi.

Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers who want a premium experience with all the amenities.

11. Doris Cruise 5 star cruise 3 days visiting Halong – Lan Ha Bay

For those with time, the Doris Cruise offers a 3-day, 2-night journey featuring less-visited spots like Viet Hai Village and Three Peaches Beach. The cruise offers bicycling, kayaking, and bamboo boat rides, with luxurious cabins and personalized service. Reviewers describe it as a “fun and well-organized” trip, highlighting the excellent staff and unique destinations.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a multi-day, immersive experience with a touch of adventure and exclusivity.

12. Best seller Halong bay 6 hours cruise

A budget-friendly, well-reviewed option, this 6-hour cruise offers a brief but beautiful taste of Halong Bay’s highlights. It covers Sung Sot Cave, Surprise Cave, and scenic islets, with lunch included. Travelers appreciate its efficient schedule and professional guides. It’s a good pick if you’re short on time but want to see key attractions.

Bottom Line: Ideal for a quick, comfortable overview of Halong Bay’s top sights.

13. Halong Pandora 5 Star Cruise 2D1N-All Inclusive, cave, transfer

This 5-star cruise is designed for luxury lovers. It features en suite cabins with private balconies, all meals included, and visits to both Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. The itinerary includes kayaking, sunset parties, and a cooking class. Passengers praise the comfortable rooms and attentive staff, making it perfect for those seeking a high-end, all-inclusive experience.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a luxurious, all-inclusive multi-day cruise.

14. Halong Bay 2 Days 1 Night Cruise

Offering a classic overnight experience, this 2-day cruise hits all the highlights including Titop Island, Surprise Cave, and kayaking. It features 4 meals and round-trip transfers from Hanoi. Reviewers mention the comfortable rooms and well-organized schedule, making it a reliable choice for first-timers.

Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers seeking a balanced, hassle-free overnight in Halong Bay.

15. Highlight Ninh Binh Full Day Tour Tam Coc Boat, Mua Cave, Hoa Lu

Although primarily a land-based tour, this full-day trip includes boat rides in Tam Coc, climbing Mua Cave, and exploring Hoa Lu. At $47, it offers a great blend of cultural sights and scenic boat trips. It’s ideal for travelers who want a more active day with historical insights and landscape views. Reviewers highlight the smooth logistics and engaging guide.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a lively day combining land and water experiences.

How to Choose Your Perfect Hanoi Boat Tour & Cruise

When selecting a boat tour in Hanoi, think about your budget, time constraints, and what kind of experience you desire. If you want an overnight luxury escape, the Doris Cruise or Pandora Cruise are excellent choices. For a quick day trip, the Ha Long Bay Day Cruise offers a well-rounded experience at an affordable price. Budget travelers should consider the Best seller Halong Bay 6 hours cruise, which provides a scenic snapshot without breaking the bank.

Also, consider what activities are most appealing: if kayaking is a must, tours like the All-Inclusive 2 Day/1 Night Cruise include it. For those seeking exclusivity, private tours or small-group experiences might be better. Always check the reviews and itinerary details to match your travel style.

Final Thoughts

Hanoi offers a diverse selection of boat tours and cruises tailored to different interests and budgets. If you’re after a luxurious multi-day experience, the Doris Cruise or Pandora Cruise are top options. For those with limited time, the Ha Long Bay Day Cruise provides a comprehensive taste of the bay’s beauty. Whatever you choose, booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your spot on these popular journeys. With so many options, Hanoi’s waters promise memorable moments for every traveler.