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Vietnam Cruises
4.71 (737 reviews)
35
Sailing
25 - 60 Max Group Size
When do you want to go?
2026
I'm flexible
Passengers
Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
Vietnam sail & cruise trips at a glance
35trips
2–38days
£320pp
Apr, Oct, Nov
Explore Vietnam sail & cruise trips
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Why go on a sail & cruise trip
Sail & cruise travel suits travellers who want to cover more ground with less packing and unpacking. Wake up close to the day’s scenery, step ashore for guided or independent exploration, then return to the comfort of the boat for meals and relaxed evenings. The range of destinations is broad, from the Dalmatian Coast and island ports in Croatia to Turkey’s turquoise bays and harbours. For more remote landscapes, expedition cruising opens up ice-filled seascapes in Antarctica and Greenland, with time on deck to watch for wildlife and dramatic coastline. For nature lovers, sailing in the Galapagos focuses on the archipelago’s volcanic scenery and resident animals. With options across Europe, South America and more, sail & cruise trips bring together scenery, culture and time on the water in a single holiday.
Plan your perfect trip to Vietnam
How long in Vietnam?
When is the best time for a Vietnam cruise?
March to April and October to November are the sweet spots for a Vietnam cruise, with warm days, calmer water and clearer views across the karsts. Summer is hot and humid, and from July to September storms can bring short notice cancellations. Winter is cool and often misty, which softens the views but makes for the quietest sailings.
Temperature figures are day-and-night averages for Ha Long Bay, so afternoons feel warmer on deck and nights cooler out on the water. Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay follow the same pattern.
Before you go
A few practical tips to help you make the most of your time on the water in Vietnam's bays.
Life on board
Most sailings are two days with one night aboard, in cabins ranging from three-star to six-star, with an English-speaking guide and a cruise manager looking after the group. Days follow a set rhythm of excursions, meals and free time on deck, and onboard activities such as cooking classes, night squid fishing and morning tai chi vary by boat.
What to pack
Pack light, as cabin storage is limited, and consider leaving larger luggage at your Hanoi hotel. Bring swimwear, a quick dry towel, sandals with good grip for wet steps and cave paths, sun protection and a light layer for breezy evenings on deck, plus a warmer jacket from December to February.
Food & drink
Meals are served on board, and a two-day sailing includes two lunches, one dinner and one breakfast, with fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes the focus. Drinks beyond those included are paid for on board, and bottled water is the norm rather than tap water.
Safety on the water
Follow the crew's briefing on kayaking and small boat transfers, and take care on the steps to Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island, which are steep and can be slippery. From July to September, storms can lead the authorities to suspend sailings at short notice, so it is worth leaving a spare day in your plans if you are sailing in summer.
Frequently asked questions
Which Vietnam cruise should I choose?
Start with cabin level and which bay you want to see. For three-star comfort, Royal Palace Halong Cruise and Halong Bay Cozy Cruise are both two-day sailings, and Cozy keeps groups to 25. Crown Legend and Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba Cruise step up to four-star cabins. Dragon Legend and Ambassador Halong Bay Cruise are five-star, and Elite of the Seas is six-star.
How many nights should I spend on a Vietnam cruise?
One night is the classic choice, and most sailings are two days with a night aboard. Two nights let you go further: Stellar of the Seas and Heritage Halong & Lan Ha Explorer both spend three days around Lan Ha Bay. Halong Bay Luxury Cruise Escape pairs a night aboard with a night in a bungalow on Nam Cat Island. For the longest stay, Heritage Halong & Cat Ba Cruise spends four days on the water and on Cat Ba Island.
Should I cruise Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay?
Ha Long Bay has the headline sights: Sung Sot Cave, the climb up Titop Island and kayaking through Luon Cave, all covered on sailings such as Hera Classic Halong Cruise. Lan Ha Bay is quieter, with the Dark and Bright Cave by bamboo boat, the beaches of Ba Trai Dao and cycling to Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island, and Dragon Legend and Le Theatre both anchor there. Bai Tu Long Bay is the least visited of the three, with kayaking around Cap La Island and the Thien Canh Son Cave on Hon Co Island, on Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise and Swan Cruise.
Do Vietnam cruises include transfers from Hanoi?
Most do, with a hotel pick-up in Hanoi's Old Quarter and a drop-off at the end. A few start at the bay instead. Rita Halong & Lan Ha Bay Cruise and Le Theatre Halong Cruise meet at Tuan Chau, and Swan Cruise boards at Halong International Cruise Port. Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba Cruise offers transfers from either Hanoi or Cat Ba Town.
What is included on an overnight Vietnam cruise?
A two-day sailing includes your cabin, two lunches, one dinner and one breakfast. Kayaking or a bamboo boat ride is included, along with the cave and island visits on the route. An English-speaking guide covers the sightseeing and a cruise manager runs the boat. Many sailings add a cooking class, night squid fishing or morning tai chi. Extra drinks, spa treatments and tips are paid separately.
When is the best time for a Vietnam cruise?
March to April and October to November bring warm days, calmer water and the clearest views. Summer is hot and good for swimming. From July to September, though, storms can suspend sailings at short notice, so a spare day in your plans helps. Winter is cool and misty, with the fewest boats on the water.
Are Vietnam cruises suitable for children?
Most sailings welcome children from age four. A few, including Halong Bay Budget Cruise and Halong Bay Cozy Cruise, have no minimum age. Every sailing is rated easy. The steps up to Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island are steep, so younger children may need a hand.
How many people are on a Vietnam cruise?
Most sailings take groups of up to 60. If you prefer something smaller, Halong Bay Cozy Cruise caps groups at 25. Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay From Hanoi takes just 15.
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