Best Budget Halong Bay Cruises 2025 - Affordable & Trusted

Want to experience Halong Bay without breaking the bank? We’ve rounded up the best budget cruises that offer amazing services, safe, and honest pricing; no scams and no stripped-down service. Whether you’re a backpacker, student, or value-seeking traveler, these cruises deliver the essentials of Halong Bay with the local insight you need.

Why Choose a Budget Halong Bay Cruise?

Exploring Halong Bay doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you’re traveling on a budget, whether as a backpacker, student, solo traveler, or family, there are still great cruise options that offer authentic experiences and essential comforts at a reasonable price.

Unlike mass-market “cheap tours” with poor service or surprise fees, our handpicked budget cruises are selected for their safety, reliability, and value. You’ll enjoy comfortable cabins, meals onboard, and engaging activities just like higher-end cruises, but at a lower cost.

What’s Included in a Budget Cruise?

Most of our budget-friendly Halong Bay cruises offer:

A clean, comfortable private cabin
All meals onboard (usually 1 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, 1 brunch for a 1-night tour)
Sightseeing fee and activities (Titop Island, Sung Sot Cave, kayaking, etc.)
English-speaking guide on board

You’ll still enjoy the best parts of Halong Bay without overpaying or falling for tourist traps.

Trip Duration

17 Jul, 2025

Budget Cruises

Top 20+ Cheap Halong Bay Cruises With Great Value

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Garden Bay Legend Cruise

9.1 Excellent 9 reviews

Bai Tu Long Bay: Cap La Island, Vung Vieng Village

10 cabins - Wooden - Launched in 2014
Why choose?
- Cozy wooden junk boat offers tranquil cruise with only 10 cozy cabins
- Explore the pristine beauty of the less-explored Bai Tu Long Bay
- Serving BBQ dinner on the sundeck with a gorgeous panoramic view
from US $118/pax
Verdure Lotus Classic Cruise

8.9 Very good 5 reviews

Lan Ha Bay - Cat Ba Island: Tra Bau, Dark & Bright Cave,...

16 cabins - Metal - Launched in 2017
Why choose?
- Vast panoramic sundeck for enjoying Lan Ha Bay’s beauty
- Large cabin size of over 34m2, all rooms have private balconies
- Well-decorated boat with refurbished German furniture
from US $117/pax
Lavender Elegance Cruise

9.0 Excellent 7 reviews

Halong Bay

12 cabins - Wooden - Launched in 2018
Why choose?
- Fair price for visitors on a tight budget
- Friendly and professionally trained staff
- A cozy junk boat that features a traditional fishing boat design
from US $196/pax
Swan Cruise

9.3 Excellent 13 reviews

Halong Bay - Bai Tu Long Bay: Cap La, Thien Canh Son Cave,...

18 cabins - Metal - Launched in 2015
Why choose?
- Regarded as one of the best budget cruises to Bai Tu Long Bay with 98% guest satisfaction
- Gorgeous steel boat with traditional styling and well-appointed cabins
- The itinerary explores many hidden gems of Bai Tu Long
from US $127/pax
La Muse Cruise

9.0 Excellent 6 reviews

Halong Bay - Bai Tu Long Bay: Thien Canh Son Cave
Why choose?
- Immerse yourself in the pristine Bai Tu Long Bay for a 6-hour exploration
- Enjoy all these extraordinary experiences and excellent service at a budget price
- Traditional ship with a modern coffee lounge and 2 dining areas
from US $52/pax
Mila Cruise

9.2 Excellent 8 reviews

Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay: Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island

22 cabins - Metal - Launched in 2014
Why choose?
- An affordable and newly renovated budget cruise offering outstanding services
- Diverse selections of family-friendly cabins for overnight stay
- Exploring both Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay during a 3-day cruise
from US $122/pax
Cozy Bay Cruise

8.8 Very good 6 reviews

Halong Bay: Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Pearl Farm

11 cabins - Wooden - Launched in 2018
Why choose?
- Impeccable service and warm hospitality from the crew
- Budget cruise with exquisite style and tastefully designed furniture.
- Offer the greatest activities to fully explore Halong Bay.
from US $159/pax
La Regina Classic Cruise

9.2 Excellent 6 reviews

Bai Tu Long Bay: Thien Canh Son Cave, Vung Vieng Village

22 cabins - Wooden - Launched in 2023
Why choose?
- Traditional wooden junk with 22 cozy cabins and four broad decks
- Best ratings for the money value from many budget travelers
- Extraordinarily unexplored route through the pristine Bai Tu Long Bay
from US $114/pax
Ruby Cruise

9.0 Excellent 3 reviews

Halong Bay - Luon Cave - Titop Island - Sung Sot Cave

12 cabins - Wooden - Launched in 2022
Why choose?
- One of the top budget cruises in Halong Bay with great service
- A cozy boat follows the traditional Vietnamese style and customs
- Two cruise ships provide many cabin options for customers
from US $101/pax
Hera Grand Luxury Cruise

9.1 Excellent 6 reviews

Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay

11 cabins - Wooden Boat - Launched in 2016
Why choose?
- Exquisite junk boat with locally crafted wooden furnishing
- Experience the “Footstep of Heritage” fashion show with traditional costumes
- Free herbal footbath after dinner
- Enjoy outdoor dinner on the sundeck
from US $119/pax

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are cheap Halong Bay cruises safe?

Yes, as long as you book through a trusted operator. All cruises on our page feature meet government safety standards and are regularly inspected. They are also highly reviewed on trusted platforms like Tripadvisor, Booking.com, etc.

Be sure to avoid last-minute street deals in Hanoi’s Old Quarter if you don't want to risk.

2. What’s included in a budget Halong Bay cruise?

Most budget cruises include the accommodations, all meals, sightseeing tickets, an English-speaking guide on board, and activities during the tours.

Round-trip transfers from Hanoi and drinks are often excluded, so check your booking carefully.

3. What’s the difference between a budget and luxury Halong Bay cruise?

Luxury cruises feature larger cabins, finer dining, and more premium service on board (spa, pool, etc).

Budget cruises offer the same core activities (kayaking, cave visits,...) and travel routes, but with simpler amenities and smaller accommodations. So you will not miss out on anything Halong Bay has to offer on a cheap cruise.

4. Which is the best & trusted budget Halong Bay cruises?

For those who are seeking a trip to Halong Bay at a reasonable price and with great service. These are the ideal budget cruises:

Swan Cruise: Highly rated on TripAdvisor, a modern boat to the pristine Bai Tu Long.
Garden Bay Legend: Offers a tranquil cruise with only 10 cozy cabins.
Verdure Lotus Classic: Cheap cruise but has large cabins of more than 30m2.
Mila Cruise: Budget junk with a contemporary and elegant style.
La Muse Day Cruise: A day cruise that is great value for money.

5. Is it better to book a cheap cruise online or in Hanoi?

Booking online through a reputable platform gives you more transparency. You can check the legitimacy by authentic online reviews and know what is included and what is not.

Buying on the street in Hanoi may seem cheaper, but it can come with hidden fees, lower-quality boats, or scams, which is risky.

If you are not sure how to book, you can contact our local team with more than 6 years in the Halong cruise industry for advice.

Need help choosing the right cruise?

Our local experts are here to assist you quickly and easily

(+84) 906-293-823

sales@besthalongcruises.com

Let’s Plan Your Cruise

Questions & Answers (1)

Ask a Question

Joanna Mooney

Hello, can I ask if there are any budget cruises that include the transfer service in the price? Thank you.

08 Oct, 2024 Reply

Best Halong Cruises

Hi Joanna. For now, budget cruises do not provide transfer service in their price. You can contact Best Halong Cruises for transportation with a price from US $20 per pax.

08 Oct, 2024