0 - 120,000 đ

How Much Should You Budget for a 2-Day Halong Bay Cruise? A Complete Cost Breakdown

A 2-day Halong Bay cruise is one of the best ways to fully enjoy Vietnam’s world-famous UNESCO Heritage site. Gliding through thousands of limestone karsts, kayaking in emerald waters, and dining on fresh seafood are just a few of the highlights. But one of the most common questions travelers ask before booking is: “How much should I budget for a 2-day Halong Bay cruise?”

The answer depends on the cruise category, travel season, and what’s included in the package. In this guide, we’ll give you a detailed breakdown of the expected costs, from cruise fares to transportation and additional expenses — so you can plan the perfect Halong Bay getaway without surprises.

1. Average Cost of a 2-Day Halong Bay Cruise
Halong Bay cruises come in several tiers — budget, mid-range, and luxury — each offering a distinct level of comfort, cuisine, and service quality. Below is a general overview of what you can expect to pay per person for a 2-day, 1-night journey:

Cruise Type	Price Range (per person)	Inclusions
Budget Cruise	$90 – $130	Shared cabin, basic meals, kayaking, cave visit
Mid-Range Cruise	$150 – $250	Private cabin with window/balcony, buffet meals, cooking class, kayaking, squid fishing
Luxury Cruise	$280 – $500+	Deluxe suite, fine dining, private balcony, spa, premium activities

These rates typically include accommodation, meals, and most onboard activities. However, some optional extras or transfers may incur additional fees.

2. Transportation Costs to Halong Bay
Since most cruises depart from Tuan Chau Marina (near Halong City), travelers need to account for transport costs from Hanoi or other destinations. Here’s an estimate of round-trip transportation expenses:

Shuttle Bus (shared): $25 – $40 per person
Private Car (2–4 people): $100 – $150 total
Limousine Van (luxury shared transfer): $35 – $50 per person

The journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay takes around 2.5–3 hours via the new expressway. Most cruise operators offer shuttle service add-ons during booking, which is both convenient and affordable.

3. Additional Expenses to Consider
While most essentials are covered in the cruise fare, there are a few extra costs travelers should include in their budget for a complete experience.

a. Drinks and Bar Service
Beverages such as soft drinks, cocktails, wine, and beer are usually not included in standard cruise packages. Expect the following prices onboard:

Soft drinks: $2 – $3
Local beer: $3 – $4
Cocktails: $6 – $10
Wine (per glass): $8 – $12

If you enjoy having drinks with dinner or at sunset, it’s wise to budget an extra $20–$40 per day.

b. Spa and Massage Services
Luxury cruises often feature onboard spas offering relaxing treatments.

Massage: $25 – $60 per session
Facial: $30 – $50
If you plan to indulge, set aside an additional $50–$80 for spa services.

c. Tips and Gratuities
Though tipping isn’t mandatory in Vietnam, it’s customary to reward great service. Recommended:

$5–$10 per day for crew
$10–$20 per day for private guides

d. Souvenirs and Shopping
Some Halong Bay cruise itineraries include stops at floating villages or pearl farms, where you might find handcrafted jewelry or local goods.
Budget $10–$30 if you plan to shop.

4. Seasonal Price Variations
Prices for a Halong Bay cruise fluctuate based on the travel season:

High Season (October–April): Clear skies, cool weather, and higher prices.
Low Season (May–September): Occasional rain, fewer tourists, and discounts up to 30%.

If you’re looking to save money, booking during the low season or joining last-minute deals can help reduce costs significantly.

5. How to Find the Best Deals
To make your 2-day Halong Bay cruise both enjoyable and affordable, here are some smart booking strategies:

a. Book Directly with Reputable Cruise Lines
Booking directly on the official website ensures transparent pricing and often includes free transfers or onboard credits.

b. Use Trusted Online Platforms
Websites like Booking.com, Agoda, or CruiseHalongBay.com offer verified reviews, secure payments, and seasonal promotions.

c. Avoid Overly Cheap Deals
If a cruise is priced below $80 for two days, it may involve hidden costs, old boats, or poor safety standards. Always check reviews before confirming.

d. Early Bird or Last-Minute Offers

Early Bird Discounts: Book 2–3 months in advance to save up to 20%.
Last-Minute Sales: If you’re flexible, booking within a few days of departure can offer up to 40% off.

6. Sample Budget for a 2-Day Halong Bay Cruise
Here’s a sample estimated budget for two people on a mid-range 2-day Halong Bay cruise:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (USD)
Cruise fare (2 pax)	$400
Round-trip transport	$80
Drinks and extras	$60
Tips	$20
Miscellaneous (souvenirs, etc.)	$30
Total Estimated Budget	$590

That means you should plan for around $300 per person for a comfortable and worry-free 2-day Halong Bay cruise experience.

7. What’s Included in a Typical 2-Day Itinerary
A well-designed 2-day Halong Bay cruise usually covers:

Day 1:
- Morning pickup from Hanoi
- Check-in at Tuan Chau Marina
- Lunch onboard while cruising through limestone islands
- Kayaking or bamboo boat trip
- Cooking demonstration and sunset party
- Dinner and squid fishing at night
Day 2:
- Tai Chi at sunrise
- Visit to Sung Sot Cave or Titop Island
- Brunch onboard
- Disembark by noon

Understanding what’s included helps you decide if the price is fair for the activities offered.

8. Tips for Managing Your Cruise Budget

Bring some cash for tips and small purchases, as card payments aren’t always available on smaller boats.
Avoid peak holiday periods (Lunar New Year, Christmas) when prices surge.
Check what’s included — some “all-inclusive” packages may exclude drinks or transfers.
Share cabins if traveling with friends to reduce costs.
Book combo packages that include Hanoi–Halong transfers.

Conclusion
A 2-day Halong Bay cruise offers the perfect balance between exploration and relaxation — and with proper budgeting, it’s accessible to all travelers. On average, budgeting around $250–$350 per person covers most expenses, including accommodation, meals, and activities, ensuring a memorable journey through Vietnam’s most iconic seascape.

Whether you opt for a budget, mid-range, or luxury Halong Bay cruise, understanding the cost breakdown helps you plan wisely and enjoy every moment of your trip without financial stress.

If you need to send us an inquiry, please use our Inquiry Form, and a manager will respond to you within 8 working hours.
Or any emergency case. Please contact to our hotline as below
Hotline
+84. 855 452 888 (Viet Nam)
+1 (206) 665 3090 (US)
Email: info@vietgotravels.com
Website: vietgotravels.com
Head Office: No. 23 Lo Su Street, Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi, Viet Nam.
Viet Nam’s branch: No. 35 Hang Quat Street, Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi, Viet Nam.
US: 831 41st Pl, Everett, WA 98201, USA

So, pack your bags, set your budget, and get ready to sail across one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

TIN TỨC KHÁC

Is It Cheaper to Book a Halong Bay Cruise On-Site? The Truth Behind

24/10/2025

Is It Cheaper to Book a Halong Bay Cruise On-Site? The Truth Behind