Halong Bay Private Cruise: List of Small Boats

When we think of Halong Bay, we dream of discovering it aboard a cruise. Small cruises are ideal for romantic private trip for couples and families, friends in Halong Bay.

A Wonder of Humanity

Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, over an area of 1.553 km2 where grows nearly 3.000 islands in limestone rocks, Halong Bay is endowed with exceptional beauty. In 1994, it was classified in the list of Natural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Today, Halong Bay has become a world famous destination that everyone dreams of seeing with their eyes.

Which bay should you choose: Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay? And which route to choose?

Halong in general is a vast area which consists of three areas: Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay. During your cruise in the bay, a big question arises: which bay should you choose for your cruise in Halong?

To answer this question, we will briefly outline the strengths and weaknesses of each area. From there, you could make a good choice according to your desires.

Halong Bay: Located in the center of Halong, this place, which has exceptional beauty, classified in the list of Natural Wonders of Humanity. But for years, with the growth of tourists in Vietnam, this area has become too touristy.

Bai Tu Long Bay: This area is right next to Halong Bay, towards Hon Gai Port. It is known as the place where we shot the famous film Indochine with Catherine Deneuve. The activities are varied: visit a cave, swim on the beach, kayak, visit a fishing village. In particular, the bay remains less touristy than Halong Bay. For people who like authenticity, this would be a good choice.

Lan Ha Bay: located in the area of Cat Ba Island, this bay is endowed with magnificent small mountains, with dozens of fishing villages. This is the most authentic sector of Halong. It is ideal for families, couples, small groups of friends looking for a quiet and authentic place.

>> Read more: How to choose among Halong bay, Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long?

What route should we go?

After choosing the right spot for your cruise, you can choose the right itinerary according to your availability. In each sector, cruise companies often offer 2 days/1 night and 3 days/2 nights itineraries aboard a cruise for visiting. On the other hand, you can make a tailor-made request with a duration of more than 3 days. According to our experiences, a cruise with a maximum duration of 3 days is sufficient.

What boat should we choose for cruising in Halong Bay?

In all Halong Bay, there are around 300 companies with 600 cruises which have different sizes between 1 cabin to 40 cabins, and different comfort levels. So it's up to you to choose according to your needs.

As part of this article, Authentik Vietnam makes a list of all the small cruises in Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long, Lan Ha, these lovely boats are suitable for families, couples, small groups looking to take a cruise private at will.

A. Small cruises in Halong Bay (most popular)

1. Gray Line Cruise* cruise 3 cabin (private)

B. Small cruises in Bai Tu Long bay (less popular, more authentic)

1. Bhaya Legend-4* cruise: 1, 2, 3 cabins (private)

2. The Amira-4* cruise: 3 cabins (private/collective)

3. The Amour-4* cruise: 1 cabin (private)

4. The Prince-4* cruise: 2 cabins (private)

5. The Prince-4* cruise: 3 cabins (private/collective)

6. The Prince-4* cruise: 4 cabins (private/collective)

C. Small cruises in Lan Ha Bay (the most authentic)

1. Majonq-3* cruise: 1 cabin (private)

2. Four Seasons-3* cruise: 4 cabins (private/collective)

3. Cat Ba Princess-3* cruise: 2 cabins (private)

4. Cat Ba Prince-3* cruise: 3 cabins (private/collective)

5. Cat Ba Legend-3* cruise: 2 cabins (private)

6. Cat Ba Imperial-3* cruise: 4 cabins (private/collective)

7. Cat Ba Ocean No 06-3* cruise: 2 cabins (private)

8. Cat Ba Ocean No 08-3* cruise: 4 cabins (private/collective)

9. Cat Ba Ocean No 09-3* cruise: 3 cabins (private)

A. Small cruises in Halong Bay (most popular)

1. Gray Line Cruise* cruise 3 cabin (private)

She is a beautiful traditional style wooden boutique boat with 3 cabins suitable for a family of 6 adults and 2 children or a group of friends of 3 couples, offering the ultimate Halong Bay experience. It serves customers activities such as kayaking. The itinerary takes passengers to visit Titov Island with a beautiful panoramic view of Ha Long Bay, Surprise Cave, the most beautiful cave in bay, Drum (Trong) Cave with beautiful views from inside to outside and customers can swim in the bay. Passengers also have the opportunity to attend a short demonstration of local cuisine, a Tai-Chi exercise, squid fishing according to the chosen cruise duration of 2 days/1 night or 3 days/2 nights.

>> Read more: Visit Halong Bay: Travel Guide 2020

B. Small cruises in Bai Tu Long bay (less popular, more authentic)

1. Bhaya Legend-4* cruise: 1, 2, 3 cabins (private)

These are beautiful traditional style wooden cruises in small size of 1, 2, 3 cabins which offer the ultimate Bai Tu Long bay experience. They customize everything about your trip, from the menu to the itinerary with six crew members on hand to ensure a seamless journey from start to finish, including your very own butler and guide. Bhaya Legend is an ideal choice among private tour operators in Halong Bay. It serves customers activities such as kayaking, swimming, fishing. The classic route is in Bai Tu Long Bay guiding passengers to Cua Van Fishing Village, Tien Ong Hidden Cave, Ang Du Geological Park, Ho Ba depending on chosen cruise duration of 2 days/ 1 night or 3 days/2 nights.

2. The Amira-4* cruise: 3 cabins (private/collective)

It is a small wooden boat in the traditional style of 3 spacious cabins suitable for couples, families with children or a group of friends who love authenticity, tradition and intimacy.

Depending on the chosen cruise duration of 2 days/1 night or 3 days/2 nights, the cruise takes you to visit the authentic part in Bai Tu Long bay: Thien Canh Son cave, Cong Do area, Cap La area, Vung Vieng floating fishing village. It serves customers activities such as kayaking, swimming, fishing.

3. The Amour-4* cruise: 1 cabin (private)

It is a small wooden cruise with traditional sails of a single cabin of the company Indochina Sails. She is the first small luxury cruise in Halong Bay. It is ideal for a couple on a romantic trip. Depending on the chosen cruise duration of 2 days/1 night or 3 days/2 nights, it will take you to visit the authentic part in Bai Tu Long bay: Thien Canh Son cave, Cong Do area, Cap La area, Vung Vieng floating fishing village. On-board activities for guests include kayaking, swimming and fishing.

4. The Prince-4* cruise: 2 cabins (private)

It is a small wooden cruise in the traditional style of 2 cabins of the company Indochina Sails. It is suitable for a small family or 2 couples of friends in Bai Tu Long Bay. You can choose to go 2 days/1 night or 3 days/2 nights, depending on your schedule, the ship will take you to visit famous spots in Bai Tu Long such as: Thien Canh Son cave, Cong Do area, Cap La area, Vung Vieng floating fishing village. Guests can go kayaking, swimming, and fishing while on board.

5. The Prince-4* cruise: 3 cabins (private/collective)

The Indochina Sails company's tiny wooden cruise has 3 cabins and is decorated in a traditional manner. It is suitable for a large family or 3 couples of friends in Bai Tu Long Bay. The ship will take you to tour well-known locations in Bai Tu Long such as: Thien Canh Son cave, Cong Do area, Cap La area, and Vung Vieng floating fishing village, depending on your schedule. You can choose to go 2 days/1 night or 3 days/2 nights. While on board, guests have access to kayaking, swimming, and fishing.

6. The Prince-4* cruise: 4 cabins (private/collective)

It is a small wooden cruise with 4 cabins built in the traditional manner by Indochina Sails. For large families, family groups, or four pairs of friends in Bai Tu Long Bay, it is appropriate. Depending on your schedule, the ship will take you to explore famous Bai Tu Long locales like the Thien Canh Son cave, the Cong Do area, the Cap La area, and the floating fishing village of Vung Vieng. Both three days and two nights are options for your trip. Kayaking, swimming, and fishing are available for visitors to do while on board.

>> Read more: Bai Tu Long Bay, beautiful cousin of Halong

C. Small cruises in Lan Ha Bay (the most authentic)

1. Majonq-3* cruise: 1 cabin (private)

This is a small wooden cruise in the style of traditional sails with 1 cabin. It is ideal for a couple on a romantic trip. Depending on the chosen cruise duration of 2 days/1 night or 3 days/2 nights, the boat will take you to visit the authentic part in Lan Ha Bay: Viet Hai village, Hang Ca cave, floating villages and fish famrs. It serves customers activities such as kayaking, swimming, fishing.

2. Four Seasons-3* cruise: 4 cabins (private/collective)

It is a four-cabin wooden cruise in the traditional style. It is suitable for a large family/family group or four couples of friends in Lan Ha Bay. The boat will take you to visit the authentic parts of Lan Ha Bay, depending on the cruise duration of 2 days/1 night or 3 days/2 nights: Viet Hai village, Hang Ca cave, floating villages, and fish farms. It caters to customer activities such as kayaking, swimming, and fishing.

3. Cat Ba Princess-3* cruise: 2 cabins (private)

4. Cat Ba Prince-3* cruise: 3 cabins (private/collective)

These two tiny wooden cruises have two and three cabins, respectively, in keeping with traditional style. In Lan Ha Bay, they are suitable for families, groups of families, or two, three couples of friends. Depending on whether you choose a 2-day or 3-day cruise, the boat takes you to see the real Lan Ha Bay, including Viet Hai village, Hang Ca cave, floating villages, and fish farms. Customers can have some other activities, such as kayaking, swimming, and fishing.

5. Cat Ba Legend-3* cruise: 2 cabins (private)

It is a modest wooden boat with just two cabins, built in the traditional manner. In Lan Ha Bay, it is appropriate for a family or two couples of friends. Depending on the length of the cruise - 2 days/1 night or 3 days/2 nights - the boat takes you to see the real Lan Ha Bay, including Viet Hai village, Hang Ca cave, floating villages, and fish farms. Other options for customers include kayaking, swimming, and fishing.

6. Cat Ba Imperial-3* cruise: 4 cabins (private/collective)

It is a tiny wooden cruise with four cabins in the classic manner. It is suitable for large family/family group or four couples of friends in Lan Ha Bay. The boat brings you to visit the genuine Lan Ha Bay, including Viet Hai hamlet, Hang Ca cave, floating villages, and fish farms, depending on the duration of the tour (2 days/1 night or 3 days/2 nights). Customers may also go kayaking, swimming, and fishing.

7. Cat Ba Ocean No 06-3* cruise: 2 cabins (private)

It is a tiny wooden boat with two cabins in the traditional design. It is ideal for a family or two couples visiting Lan Ha Bay. Depending on whether you choose a 2 days/1 night or 3 days/2 nights cruise, you will be able to explore the original parts of Lan Ha Bay such as Viet Hai hamlet, Hang Ca cave, floating village, and fish farms. It caters to consumers' interests in kayaking, swimming, and fishing.

8. Cat Ba Ocean No 08-3* cruise: 4 cabins (private/collective)

It's a tiny wooden ship with four rooms in the classic manner. It is perfect for a large family/family group or four pairs of friends at Lan Ha Bay. Depending on the length of the tour (2 days/1 night or 3 days/2 nights), the boat takes you to the authentic Lan Ha Bay, including Viet Hai hamlet, Hang Ca cave, floating villages, and fish farms. Customers may also go kayaking, swimming, and fishing.

9. Cat Ba Ocean No 09-3* cruise: 3 cabins (private)

In line with the traditional design, this little wooden ship has three cabins. These are perfect for groups of families or three couples of friends at Lan Ha Bay. The boat allows you to visit the beautiful Lan Ha Bay, including Viet Hai hamlet, Hang Ca cave, floating communities, and fish farms, depending on whether you choose a 2-day or 3-day tour. Other activities available to customers include kayaking, swimming, and fishing.

Related articles:

>> Halong Bay cruise in 3 days and 2 nights

>> Top 10 in Halong Bay: the must-sees and things to do

>> How to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay: 6 best ways to travel