Halong Bay Budget Cruises

Halong Bay Budget Cruises is one of the best options for you when you visit Halong Bay.

What is a Halong Bay Budget Cruise?

True once-in-a-lifetime destinations should never be passed by. At Vietnam Escape Tours, we think that’s the case regardless of budget, and that genuine world wonders like Halong Bay should be accessible to everyone with the desire to see them. With that in mind, we present our list of the best Halong Bay budget cruises, ones that ensure this gorgeous seascape of a limestone mountain, secluded islands and hidden beaches is open to all.

Budget cruises in Halong Bay are, fairly obviously, defined by their budget. These are services that run at a low price, keeping amenities to a minimum and letting the beauty of the bay do all the talking. That being said, there is still a lot to find on a 3-star Halong Bay cruise that enhances the natural splendour on offer outside.

Comfortable cabins are a standard on every modern-day cruise, regardless of the passenger’s price range. Cosy beds and windows opening onto the shimmering water beyond are compulsory, as are en suite bathrooms with showers, sinks and occasionally a chic décor. Facilities around the rest of the ship comprise a restaurant and sundeck at an absolute minimum, offered alongside friendly service and consistently delicious food. 

What is Included on a Halong Bay Budget Cruise?

Those taking a low-cost Halong Bay cruise can enjoy a service focusing on natural beauty that won’t break the bank. Here’s what to expect on such a cruise:

A tasteful cabin with limited facilities but a cosy charm. While some may be on the small side, the beds are comfortable, the wardrobes offer enough space and the windows mean that passengers are always in touch with Halong Bay.

A humble en suite bathroom with modern amenities like a shower and sink. The more upmarket room options may even have space for a bath.

3-star facilities which offer more ways to enjoy the bay. Public spaces like restaurants, sundecks and spas are basic but comfortable enough for you to enjoy all of your time on board.

Though it may not be gourmet quality, budget cruises in Halong Bay usually serve fantastic food with a homely touch. It’s hard to go wrong with seafood from Halong Bay and budget cruises rarely do.

A down-to-earth service that always puts the customer first. The formal services of 5-star cruises are replaced with a more charming and personal touch across budget cruises.

A decent amount of activities that showcase the best of the bay from up close. Halong Bay’s cheap cruises often eschew high-cost activities but can still reveal the beauty of the region through kayaking, visits to islands and walks through caves.

What Activities are on a Halong Bay Budget Cruise?

Many people are pleasantly surprised about what they can get for their money on a Halong Bay budget cruise. Here is a general overlook at the value passengers can get for their money.

Day 1: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise (L/D)

Your cruise welcomes you to Halong Bay in proud fashion. Step on board and enjoy a welcome drink; your cruise itinerary will be relayed to you shortly afterwards by the cruise manager.

Your budget Halong Bay tour begins with lunch in the dining room, served ahead of a backdrop of towering karst spires and glistening water. This will be a buffet service of local seafood and delectable cuisine from further afield.

The early afternoon belongs to you on board. Check out the view from the sundeck as we approach the first of our destinations – Sung Sot Cave. This is considered Halong Bay’s most impressive cavern and our guide will be able to explain the science of its splendour through its many rock-strewn chambers.

Return to the cruise after this as sunset begins to descend. A cooking demonstration eases you into the early evening by teaching you how to create delicious spring rolls. Make sure to snap some photos of the sunset on the sundeck before heading to the restaurant.

A multi-course dinner is served in gorgeous fashion in the restaurant, bringing you closer to the culinary heritage of Vietnam through seafood, rice, noodles and an assortment of indigenous vegetables.

Take time after dinner to digest and relax. There will be a selection of board games to enjoy before retiring to your cabin, or you can opt instead for drinks at the well-stocked bar.

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruising (B/L/D)

There’s no better way to start the day than with a class of tai chi. Our onboard tai chi master will help you to loosen mind and body with an early morning session on the ship’s sundeck.

Enjoy your light breakfast in the restaurant before moving onto the day boat. This is a much less-populated vessel that will take you to some of the quieter areas of Halong Bay.

Soi Sim Beach captures this tranquil essence wonderfully. This is a stretch of white sand fringed by coconut trees and adorned by palm-leaf parasols – the perfect place to enjoy the serenity of your Halong Bay budget cruise.

Return to the day boat and sit back in preparation for lunch. This will be served a la carte in an intimate setting, with the gorgeous bay within touching distance right next to us.

Spend the rest of the early afternoon relaxing, as well as enjoying the activity of one more excursion at Cua Van fishing village. This is undoubtedly the largest floating village in Halong Bay and a source of constant amazement to passengers who come to marvel at the colourful houses sitting atop the water. We will explore the village via kayak, giving you plenty of time to soak up the unique atmosphere of one of Halong Bay’s top attractions.

Later in the afternoon, we will re-board our Halong Bay budget boat and sit back into another sunset and cooking demonstration. Admire the change of colour in the sky above Halong Bay in this truly spectacular seascape.

Another multi-course dinner provides you with another look at the premium seafood of Halong Bay, served with a fusion of Western cuisine for that special touch of home.

Spend another evening back at the bar or ease into the peacefulness of Halong Bay atop the silent sundeck.

Day 3: Halong Bay Cruising – Hanoi (B/L)

Tai Chi begins again on the sun deck amongst the morning light of Halong Bay. Feel the release of stress from mind and body as you focus your energy with the help of the teacher.

Light breakfast is served downstairs as the ship begins to sail on its final route of the tour.

Our final stop is to Titop Island, located at the heart of Halong Bay. Here, we have the options of swimming, relaxing on the beach or climbing to the top of the island where a panoramic view over Halong Bay awaits us.

Return to the boat and tuck into the final meal, a wonderful brunch buffet with options both Asian and Western.

Revel in the final few hours of your 3-day budget Halong Bay tour as we make our return to the harbour. Once there, you will be able to step off the boat and wave goodbye to the crew. Thanks for joining us!

Who is a Halong Bay Budget Cruise for?

For those seeking access to Halong Bay on a comfortable vessel, one that puts the beauty of the bay first but still allows for a relaxing time on board.

For those happy to follow the main route through the heart of Halong Bay and its most popular attractions.

For those seeking a homely touch in the service and to connect with people and staff on a personal level.

Our Halong Bay budget cruises offer the perfect mix of affordability and comfort in Vietnam’s number 1 tourist attraction. Peruse the full list below and send us an enquiry if you have any questions!