Halong Bay features up to two passenger ports catering to the bay with diverse fleets of vessels; however, departures do not run continuously at a traveler’s whim. To help you effortlessly navigate your Halong Bay sightseeing schedule, Halong & Lan Ha Bay Cruise Tours has compiled the following guide detailing the operating hours and itineraries for both day-cruise and overnight vessels.

Introduction to Halong Bay Cruise Ports

Currently, visitors wishing to explore Halong Bay can purchase tickets at two prominent international cruise ports: Tuan Chau International Passenger Port and Halong International Cruise Port (Sun Port). While ticket tariffs at both ports are identical, there are a few subtle differences. Below are essential notes to assist travelers in selecting the ideal departure port.

Halong Tourist Boat Port
Sun Port (left) and Tuan Chau Port (right)
  • Tuan Chau International Passenger Port: Situated on Tuan Chau Island, approximately 4km from National Highway 18. Consequently, travelers arriving from Hanoi, Hai Phong, and other northern points will find this port exceptionally convenient compared to Halong International Cruise Port. Furthermore, because major attractions are located in closer proximity to this port, transit times for various routes—such as Route 1 (3 hours) and Route 2 (5 hours)—are comparatively shorter than those from Sun Port.
  • Halong International Cruise Port: Located along the Bai Chay coastal thoroughfare, roughly 1km from the Muong Thanh Luxury Quang Ninh Hotel. As an integral component of the Sun World Halong complex, this port is positioned slightly further from the core attractions of Halong Bay, resulting in slightly extended cruising times: Route 1 (4 hours) and Route 2 (6 hours).

Overview of Cruise Vessels and Halong Bay Departure Schedules

In the past, Halong Bay tourism was primarily synonymous with traditional 48-seat vessels dedicated to daytime excursions. However, the local tourism industry has undergone extraordinary evolution. Today, Halong Bay offers an exquisite array of vessel classes and luxury yachts—ranging from swift daytime explorations and overnight bay cruises to floating fine-dining restaurant experiences and ultra-exclusive private yacht charters—rendering journeys across Halong Bay exceptionally flexible, diverse, and tailored to every bespoke preference.

Tour Type Key Features
Day Cruise Tours
  • Short duration (4–8 hours).
  • Focuses on iconic landmarks and highlights.
  • Morning or afternoon departures.
  • Ideal for travelers with limited time.
Overnight Bay Cruises
  • Extended duration (2 days 1 night or 3 days 2 nights).
  • An immersive retreat and thorough exploration of the bay.
  • Midday departures.
  • Perfect for those seeking serene atmospheres, sunset vistas, and tranquil sunrises over the water.
Restaurant Cruises
  • Centered around gourmet dining on board.
  • Combined with evening night-scenery cruising.
  • Late afternoon/evening departures.
  • Tailored for guests seeking a romantic dinner paired with enchanting nocturnal views.
Private Luxury Yachts
  • Absolute privacy and exclusive charters.
  • Flexible itineraries meticulously customized to your desires.
  • Exceptional, premium five-star amenities and services.
  • Ideal for intimate groups, families, couples, or milestone celebrations (birthdays, marriage proposals, private gatherings…).

1. Departure Times for Halong Bay Day Cruises

Today, daytime sightseeing services on Halong Bay offer a vast spectrum of choices, ranging from traditional 48-seat vessels to sophisticated 5-star luxury yachts, accommodating diverse schedules and preferences across multiple departure windows.

Traditional 48-Seat Shared Halong Bay Cruise Departure Windows

Route Port Monday – Friday Saturday – Sunday
Route 1 Halong Port (SUN) 08:00, 11:30, 13:30 07:30, 11:30, 13:30
Tuan Chau Port 09:00, 10:30, 13:30 07:30, 10:30, 12:30, 13:30
Route 2 Halong Port (SUN) 08:00, 11:30, 12:30 07:00, 11:30, 12:30
Tuan Chau Port 08:00, 10:30, 12:30, 13:30 07:00, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30
Note: If you wish to depart outside of these standard hours, please contact us to arrange the nearest available vessel.

For absolute flexibility, you may also charter a private vessel: Halong Bay Day Cruise & Private Charter Rates (4 – 6 – 8 Hours)

5-Star Shared Halong Bay Cruise Departure Schedule

Five-star luxury yachts in Halong Bay offer flexible departure times designed to seamlessly integrate with your travel itinerary. The majority of vessels depart during the morning (08:00 – 10:00) and midday (11:00 – 12:00), allowing guests to choose between an energetic early start or a leisurely beginning featuring a luxurious lunch upon the azure waters.
 
Departure Window Cruise Name Price (VND/Guest)
07:00 – 08:00 The Halong Catamaran 2 (Morning Tour) 1,090,000
08:00 – 09:00 Dragon Cruise (4-Hour Tour) 900,000
Halong Princess Day Cruise 1,150,000
Luna Halong Cruise 1,250,000
Leona Cruise Halong 1,000,000
09:00 – 10:00 Halong Ambassador Cruise II 1,320,000
Lavoya Boutique Day Cruise 950,000
Sea Octopus Cruise 1,080,000
Jade Sails 1,180,000
Emeraude Sayuri 1,000,000
10:00 – 11:00 Amethyst Cruise Halong 1,150,000
Maia Cruise 1,100,000
Symphony Halong 1,080,000
Pamela Cruise 1,090,000
Taliya Cruise 1,200,000
La Casta Daily Cruise 1,250,000
Iris Cruise Halong 1,250,000
Dolphin Beach Lounge Cruise 1,000,000
Stella Maris 1,000,000
Jewels of the Bay 990,000
Saquila Yacht (Morning Tour) 940,000
11:00 – 12:00 Dragon Cruise 900,000
12:00 – 13:00 Halong Catamaran Premium II 1,160,000
Diamond Cruise Halong 950,000
Olympus Luxury Cruise 900,000
Sea Lion Halong Cruise 1,000,000
VDream Cruise 1,000,000

 

2. Departure Times for Halong Bay Buffet Dinner & Restaurant Cruises

Indulging in a culinary journey aboard a floating restaurant cruise stands out as one of the most captivating and luxurious evening activities in Halong Bay. Rather than a standard dining experience, guests are invited to savor exquisite gastronomy within a romantic ambiance while gliding gently across the glittering, moonlit waters of the bay. This is the peerless choice for couples, families, or celebratory gatherings, seamlessly uniting fine dining with breathtaking nocturnal views of the coastal city.

Restaurant Cruise Departure Schedule & Ticket Tariffs

Departure Window Cruise Name Price (VND/Guest)
17:00 – 18:00 Pamela Cruise by night 770,000
18:00 – 19:00 Sea Octopus Dinner Cruise 780,000
Ambassador Cruise II Dinner Service 790,000
Luna Halong Cruise by night 790,000
Iris Cruise by night 800,000
Paradise Delight 800,000
Princess Day Cruise by Night 890,000
Symphony By Night 800,000
Saquila Yacht (Evening Tour) 940,000
18:30 – 19:30 Dragon Cruise 600,000
19:00 – 20:00 VDream Cruise by night 650,000

3. Departure Times for Other Vessels

  • Private yachts: schedule upon request
  • Overnight cruises: departure at 12:00 PM