Top 11 Budget Halong Bay Cruise Deals You’ll Love

Explore the beauty of Halong Bay with Vietpower Travel, your trusted local expert for authentic and affordable journeys. This guide highlights the best budget Halong Bay cruise options, combining scenic routes, cultural encounters, and genuine Vietnamese hospitality. Whether you prefer peaceful Bai Tu Long or the classic Halong route, each cruise delivers great value, comfort, and memorable experiences for every traveler.

1. Top 11 Best Budget Halong Bay Cruise Deals (2025)

1.1. Swan Cruise 

Price: from $145 per person (2D1N)

Primary route: Bai Tu Long Bay → Vung Vieng floating village → Thien Canh Son cave

Core activities: kayaking through quiet lagoons, spring-roll workshop on deck, sunrise Tai Chi.

Why Swan fits the “best budget Halong Bay cruise” search:

• Quieter waters: Bai Tu Long Bay is calmer and less crowded than the main Halong sector, ideal for couples who value privacy and steady photo conditions.
• Culture in focus: At Vung Vieng, you can join a Bamboo Boat Ride rowed by local fishermen (optional). It’s effortless compared with kayaking and gives direct contact with village life and cave scenery.
• Balanced pacing: Time is divided cleanly between activities and relaxation on the sundeck, so first-timers never feel rushed.

Who will love it: couples, photographers, and travelers seeking a serene route with classic limestone landscapes.

What’s typically included: full-board Vietnamese meals, entrance fees, kayaking, guide, sunset gathering, squid fishing.
Common extras: shuttle Hanoi–Halong, beverages, spa services.

Quick take: If your priority is a calm bay and cultural texture at an affordable rate, Swan Cruise is a front-runner among best budget cruises Halong Bay.

1.2. Cozy Bay Classic Cruise 

Price: from $129 per person (2D1N)

Primary route: Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave → Hang Luon → Titop Island

Core activities: kayaking in Hang Luon, hands-on Vietnamese cooking, night squid fishing, beach time or viewpoint climb on Titop.

Why Cozy Bay ranks for budget Halong Bay cruise queries:

• Traditional wooden junk: intimate scale and warm interiors create a homelike setting that parents and children tend to appreciate.
• Family-friendly flow: activity blocks are clear and age-appropriate; crew assists during kayaking and cave walks.
• Tastes of Vietnam: meals are varied, with fresh seafood and classic recipes that travelers often praise in reviews.

Romance add-on: Private Balcony Dining (approx. $85 per couple) transforms an ordinary evening into a candle-lit dinner with open-water views — a rare service in this price tier.

Who will love it: small families, first-timers, and budget-minded honeymooners who want a classic Halong route with friendly service.

What’s typically included: full-board dining, guide, entrance fees, kayak session, evening activities.
Common extras: transfers, drinks, optional balcony dining service.

Quick take: Cozy Bay balances price and comfort with a route that covers the “must-see” trio — Sung Sot, Hang Luon, and Titop — without stretching the schedule.

Discover more posts on the same topic and dive deeper into Vietnam’s coastal beauty and river life. Explore our Vietnam cruise category to find the best cruises and destinations worth sailing to.

1.3. Rosa Cruise 

Price: from $139 per person (2D1N)

Vessel update: refreshed in 2024, with brighter cabins and a generous 200 m² sundeck.

Primary route: main Halong sector with time for Titop Island and a scenic cave visit.

Why Rosa resonates with “best budget Halong Bay cruise” intent:

• Evening atmosphere: sunset cocktail hour on the wide sundeck sets a relaxed mood for couples and friends.
• Local gastronomy: chefs focus on Vietnamese flavors and well-paced menus; guests regularly praise the seafood courses and plating.
• Romantic upgrade: Private Balcony Dining is available on select cabins, bringing a boutique feel to an affordable trip — perfect for proposals, anniversaries, or a low-cost honeymoon.
  Who will love it: couples and food-forward travelers who care about ambiance and presentation as much as price.

What’s typically included: full-board meals, cave visit, kayaking or bamboo-boat segment (depending on conditions), sunset gathering, squid fishing or outdoor movie.
Common extras: transfers, premium drinks, balcony dining surcharge.

Quick take: With its refreshed interiors and food-first identity, Rosa is a strong match for the “best budget Halong Bay cruise for couples” angle.

1.4. Garden Bay Legend Cruise

Price: from $118 per person (2 Days 1 Night)

Vessel type: 10-cabin traditional wooden boat, maximum 20 passengers.

Overview: For travelers who prefer quiet scenery and a close-knit setting, Garden Bay Legend Cruise captures the charm of Bai Tu Long Bay in its purest form. This smaller vessel focuses on peace, cultural discovery, and personalized service — an excellent option for guests who enjoy slower travel and meaningful local connections.

Activities include:

• Kayaking through calm inlets surrounded by limestone peaks.
• Joining a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and tasting your own dish.
• Squid fishing on deck under the evening lights.
• Visiting Vung Vieng floating village, where you’ll meet local families who maintain traditional fishing methods.

Unique quality: Because the cruise accommodates only around 20 guests, the atmosphere feels intimate and relaxed. The staff provide one-on-one attention, allowing travelers to truly immerse themselves in the natural setting of Bai Tu Long. Meals feature fresh local seafood and traditional Vietnamese recipes prepared with care.

1.5. Phoenix Cruiser

Price: from $127 per person (2 Days 1 Night)

Route: Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave – Titop Island – Hang Luon.

Overview: Phoenix Cruiser provides an appealing mix of comfort and affordability, offering the rare experience of private balcony cabins within the budget segment. Its metal hull ensures smooth sailing even in breezier weather, while interiors maintain a light, natural tone inspired by Vietnamese woodwork.

Activities include:

• Exploring the famous Sung Sot Cave, known for impressive rock formations.
• Kayaking or bamboo-boating through Hang Luon’s calm lagoon.
• A relaxed swim or climb to the Titop viewpoint for a panoramic photo of Halong Bay.
• Sunset cocktails and an optional Herbal Foot Massage session — a short Vietnamese-style ritual using lemongrass, sea salt, and ginger to help your muscles recover after a day of activity.

Service and atmosphere: The staff are experienced and attentive, giving travelers a sense of ease throughout the trip. Guests enjoy three full meals daily, with choices that mix Vietnamese and international flavors. Evening activities, including film screenings and squid fishing, add to the friendly onboard spirit.

1.6. Renea Cruise

Price: from $130 per person (2 Days 1 Night)

Theme: Authentic Vietnamese design and local-style dining.

Overview: Renea Cruise brings back the essence of traditional Halong sailing. Built as a wooden junk, the vessel features warm interiors and handcrafted décor that reflect regional artistry. Every detail—from bamboo paneling to decorative lanterns—conveys the charm of northern Vietnamese culture.

Activities include:

• Kayaking through hidden lagoons and small caves.
• Cooking demonstration on deck using local ingredients.
• Visit to Vung Vieng village for cultural exchange with fishermen.
• Optional night squid fishing session for those who enjoy hands-on fun.

Culinary highlight: Meals focus on authentic Vietnamese cuisine with seasonal seafood and balanced flavors. Reviews often praise the chef’s ability to blend homestyle comfort with fine presentation.

Experience essence: With a small number of cabins, Renea Cruise fosters a calm social atmosphere where guests often make new friends. The crew’s local knowledge enriches each excursion, explaining stories of the bay and regional traditions.

1.7. Aclass Legend Cruise

Price: from 1,900,000 VND per guest (approx. $76/person for 2D1N)

Departure: Tuan Chau Marina, Halong City

Type: 3-star traditional wooden cruise – 14 cabins.

Overview: Aclass Legend Cruise is one of the most beloved vessels in Vietpower Travel’s Halong Bay collection. With its three tall sails, classic white hull, and handcrafted wooden décor, this cruise blends traditional Vietnamese design with cozy modern touches.

Itinerary highlights:

• Sung Sot Cave, Hang Luon, and Titop Island exploration.
• Kayaking and swimming in calm coves.
• Cooking class and squid fishing at night.
• Optional Bamboo Boat Ride for guests who prefer to relax instead of paddling.

Cabin style: Warm wooden interiors with large windows; family and connecting cabins are available. Complimentary fruit and cocktails add an inviting detail.

1.8. Aclass Opera Cruise 

Price: from $135 per person (2 Days 1 Night)

Vessel type: mid-size steel boat, 21 cabins, elegant interiors.

Route: Halong Bay Main Area – Titop – Hang Luon – Sung Sot.

Overview: Aclass Opera Cruise offers a graceful blend of modern design and Vietnamese hospitality, making it ideal for couples, honeymooners, and small families. Spacious cabins, a comfortable restaurant, and a relaxed upper-deck bar give the ship a gentle boutique feel.

Activities include:

• Guided kayaking and cave exploration.
• Cooking demonstration with local recipes.
• Evening entertainment, including board games and squid fishing.
• Early-morning Tai Chi session with ocean views.

Why it fits the budget segment: Although it feels upscale, the Opera Cruise maintains competitive pricing through efficient local management. Travelers enjoy attentive service comparable to higher-rated ships while staying within a moderate budget.

1.9. Sonata Cruise 

Price: from 1,100,000 VND – 1,500,000 VND per person ($45–60)

Duration: 6-hour Halong Bay exploration

Departure: Pier 21, Tuan Chau Harbor

Overview: Sonata Cruise represents Vietpower Travel’s newest day-cruise innovation — a 42-meter vessel with three decks featuring a restaurant, lounge, and panoramic sundeck with a mini Jacuzzi pool. Launched in 2024, it delivers an elevated short-form Halong experience while keeping the pricing accessible.

Itinerary:

• Depart late morning and enjoy a buffet lunch of fresh seafood.
• Visit Sung Sot Cave, Hang Luon, and Titop Island.
• Kayaking or bamboo-boat exploration of Hang Luon.
• Late-afternoon sunset party with local music and refreshments.

Unique highlight: A live performance of Vietnamese traditional music accompanies the sunset, creating an emotional closing to the journey.

1.10. Mila Cruise

Price: from $122 per person (2 Days 1 Night)

Theme: immersive culture and family-friendly recreation.

Overview: Mila Cruise combines the joy of discovery with Vietnamese cultural heritage. Evenings onboard come alive with a live Traditional Music Performance, featuring instruments such as the đàn tranh, sáo trúc, and trống cơm. The show allows international guests to experience the rhythm and artistry of Vietnam in a relaxing environment.

Activities include:

• Kayaking and swimming around peaceful coves.
• Cooking demonstration and squid fishing after dinner.
• Optional Mini Golf Course on the sundeck, a playful touch for families and groups.
• Light morning Tai Chi session with open views of the bay.

Who will enjoy it: Families, music lovers, and travelers of all ages who appreciate cultural interaction as part of their Halong Bay experience.

1.11. Ruby Cruise

Price: from $101 per person (2 Days 1 Night)

Vessel type: newly built wooden boat (launched 2022) featuring upgraded cabins and a bright, modern layout.

Overview: Ruby Cruise appeals to younger travelers and photography fans thanks to its fresh design and social atmosphere. Each cabin features wide windows that fill the space with daylight, and the crew maintain a cheerful mood throughout the journey.

Route and activities:

• Sung Sot Cave, Hang Luon, and Titop Island remain the key highlights.
• Kayaking, sunset gatherings, and night squid fishing add variety.
• A Bamboo Boat Ride is occasionally included free of charge, offering a cultural view of floating life on the bay.

Who will love it: Backpackers, digital nomads, and small friend groups who enjoy a lively yet budget-friendly escape filled with photo-worthy scenery.

You can find more posts related to this topic in the category below:

• Paradise Delight Cruise Night Experience in Halong
• Galaxy Classic Cruise Halong Review: Best Choice for First-Time Visitors?

2. How to Choose & Book the Best Budget Halong Bay Cruise

Compare Routes and Inclusions

Each route offers a different kind of experience:

• Halong Bay (Classic Route): The most popular area, covering Sung Sot Cave, Hang Luon, and Titop Island. Great for first-time travelers who like lively activities and easy transfers.
  → Recommended options: Aclass Opera Cruise, Cozy Bay, Rosa Cruise.
• Bai Tu Long Bay (Quiet & Scenic): Quieter waters, fewer boats, and clear views. You’ll visit Vung Vieng Village and Thien Canh Son Cave.
  → Good choices: Swan Cruise, Garden Bay Legend.
• Lan Ha Bay (Peaceful & Natural): Located near Cat Ba Island, known for kayaking and hidden lagoons. Perfect for those seeking a calm environment and local charm.

Best Time to Travel on a Budget

• October to April (High Season): Calm sea, cool weather, and clear skies — perfect for kayaking and outdoor activities. Prices are a bit higher but the conditions are ideal.
• May to September (Low Season): Warmer weather and occasional rain, yet you can find excellent discounts. Great for travelers who want value and fewer crowds.

3. Conclusion

From Swan’s quiet retreat to Sonata’s vibrant day tour, these curated budget Halong Bay cruise selections ensure quality, value, and local authenticity. With Vietpower Travel’s licensed service and expert support, your Halong adventure is both seamless and unforgettable. Discover more journeys and premium sailing options in our Halong Cruise collection today.