Asia Travel Mates
Cruises in Vietnam & Indochina
Discover Vietnam and Indochina by water — from the limestone landscapes of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay to the waterways of the Mekong Delta. Explore selected cruises, cabins, itineraries and destinations, with practical information to help you choose the right journey.
Destinations
Cruise Destinations in Vietnam & Indochina
Vietnam and neighbouring Indochina destinations offer very different cruising experiences — from overnight bay cruises among limestone islands to river journeys through rural communities and historic cities.
Halong Bay Cruises
Explore overnight cruises among the limestone islands and karst landscapes of Halong Bay, with itineraries ranging from short escapes to extended journeys.
Overnight · Day View Halong Bay cruisesLan Ha Bay Cruises
Discover the quieter waters, islands, beaches and kayaking areas of Lan Ha Bay through selected overnight cruise itineraries.
Quieter · Kayaking View Lan Ha Bay cruisesMekong River Cruises
Experience the waterways of southern Vietnam through river journeys connecting the Mekong Delta with local communities, markets and riverside landscapes.
River · Multi-day View Mekong cruisesMekong Cruises between Vietnam & Cambodia
Selected river journeys connect Vietnam and Cambodia, offering a slower way to travel between the Mekong Delta and destinations such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Cross-border View Vietnam–Cambodia cruisesFeatured Cruises
Selected Cruise Vessels
Explore individual cruise vessels and operators available through Asia Travel Mates. Each cruise profile provides information about the vessel, cabins, facilities, destinations and available itineraries.
Oriental Sails
A classic wooden junk offering overnight journeys through Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, with cabins, onboard dining and scheduled excursions.
View Oriental Sails
Indochine Cruises
A family of cruise vessels offering a range of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay experiences, from classic to premium categories.
View Indochine Cruises
Heritage Line
Selected premium vessels sailing Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay with a focus on design, comfort and quieter routes.
View Heritage Line
Paradise Cruises
Overnight and multi-day Halong Bay cruises with a range of cabin categories and itineraries across the bay.
View Paradise Cruises
Mekong River Cruises
Multi-day river journeys through the Mekong Delta and, on selected routes, between Vietnam and Cambodia.
View Mekong cruises
Looking for something else?
We can recommend cruises based on your dates, group and preferred style — including private charters and custom combinations with land journeys.
Discuss your cruiseExperience
Choose Your Cruise Experience
Cruises in Vietnam and Indochina come in very different formats. The categories below describe the main types you will see across the site.
Overnight Cruises
1–3+ night journeys with accommodation onboard. The most common format in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.
Day Cruises
Shorter cruises designed for travellers with limited time — typically 4–6 hours on the water.
Luxury Cruises
Higher-end vessels with larger cabins, premium dining and additional onboard facilities.
Private Cruises
Private or customised cruising for couples, families and groups — including full charters.
River Cruises
Journeys along the Mekong and other waterways, connecting cities, villages and border crossings.
Family Cruises
Cruises with cabin configurations, activities and safety measures suited to families with children.
Multi-Day Journeys
Longer journeys combining cruising with land-based travel — for example, Halong Bay plus Ninh Binh, or a Vietnam–Cambodia river route.
Honeymoon & Couples
Cruises with private cabins and quieter itineraries suited to couples and honeymoons.
Slow & Scenic
Longer, more relaxed itineraries for travellers who prefer fewer stops and more time on the water.
Itineraries
Cruise Itineraries
Explore individual cruise journeys by duration, destination and route. Each itinerary provides the day-by-day schedule, activities, meals, overnight arrangements and practical travel information.
Oriental Sails 2 Days 1 Night
A classic overnight Halong Bay cruise — Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave, sunset and sunrise on the bay.
Overnight · Introduction View itineraryOriental Sails 3 Days 2 Nights
An extended Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay journey with two nights onboard, kayaking, sightseeing and a full day on the water.
Extended · Quieter View itineraryAccommodation
Cruise Cabins & Rooms
Cabin categories vary between cruise vessels. Explore individual room types, occupancy, facilities, bedding arrangements and other accommodation details before choosing your cruise.
Deluxe Cabins
Standard cabins with private bathroom, A/C and windows or balcony depending on vessel.
Double Cabins
Cabins with one double bed — typically for couples or solo travellers.
Twin Cabins
Cabins with two single beds — well suited to friends travelling together.
Family Cabins
Larger cabins or connecting rooms suitable for families with children.
On Board
What to Expect on a Vietnam Cruise
Cruise formats vary, but most overnight journeys in Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay and on the Mekong share a similar structure.
Onboard Accommodation
Cabins typically include air conditioning, private bathroom with hot shower, and either a window or a private balcony. Overnight stays are common on 2-day, 3-day and longer cruises.
Dining
Meals are usually included on overnight cruises. Expect Vietnamese and international dishes, seafood on the coast, and set or buffet-style service. Vegetarian options are often available with advance notice.
Activities
Common activities include kayaking, swimming, cave visits, Tai Chi, cooking demonstrations, squid fishing, beach stops, village visits and guided sightseeing.
Cruise Facilities
Depending on the vessel: restaurant, bar, sundeck, lounge, spa, kayaks, tender/sampan and Wi-Fi. Not every facility exists on every cruise — check the individual cruise profile.
Halong Bay
Halong Bay Cruises
Why Cruise Halong Bay?
Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most recognised cruise destination in Vietnam — hundreds of limestone islands rising from emerald water. Cruising is the most comfortable and most scenic way to explore it.
- Limestone karsts and cave systems
- Overnight anchoring on the bay
- Kayaking, swimming and cave visits
- Sunrise and sunset from the sundeck
How Long Should You Cruise?
The right duration depends on your available time. The table below shows what each duration is typically best suited to.
| Duration | Best suited to |
|---|---|
| Day cruise | Travellers with limited time |
| 2 Days / 1 Night | A first overnight Halong Bay cruise |
| 3 Days / 2 Nights | More relaxed exploration, quieter areas |
| 4+ Days | Extended regional journey |
Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay Cruises
Lan Ha Bay sits south of Halong Bay, sheltered by the Cat Ba Archipelago. It shares the same dramatic limestone scenery but is generally quieter, with fewer boats and more opportunity for kayaking, swimming and beach stops.
- Landscape: Limestone karsts and quiet waterways
- Islands: Cat Ba Archipelago
- Beaches: Small sandy coves, often uncrowded
- Kayaking: Excellent conditions, fewer boats
- Caves: Smaller cave systems than Halong Bay
- Access: Often combined with Halong Bay itineraries
Mekong River
Mekong River Cruises
The Mekong is one of the great river systems of Asia. Cruises on the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, and on the cross-border route between Vietnam and Cambodia, offer a slower, more scenic way to travel through the region.
Vietnam Mekong Cruises
River journeys within the Mekong Delta — Cai Be, Can Tho, Chau Doc and surrounding waterways.
Vietnam–Cambodia River Cruises
Cross-border journeys connecting the Mekong Delta with Phnom Penh and — on longer routes — Siem Reap.
Saigon to Phnom Penh
A classic cross-border route along the Mekong, usually over 3–5 nights.
Phnom Penh to Saigon
The reverse routing — useful for travellers starting in Cambodia and ending in Vietnam.
Longer Mekong Journeys
Extended routes of 7+ nights combining the Mekong with land travel in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Custom Mekong Routes
Discuss bespoke river journeys with our team — private charters and combinations with land travel.
By Duration
Cruises by Duration
If you know how much time you have, start here. Each duration below links to the itineraries currently available.
Day Cruises
4–6 hours on the water. Suitable for travellers on a tight schedule.
2 Days / 1 Night
The classic overnight Halong Bay format — one night on board.
3 Days / 2 Nights
Two nights on board, with a full day of cruising and activities.
Extended Journeys
4+ day cruise journeys, often combining cruising with land travel.
For Travelers
Cruises for Different Travelers
Different travellers want different things from a cruise. The categories below describe what to look for depending on who you are travelling with.
Couples & Honeymoons
Prioritise private balconies, quieter routes and cabins with ocean or bay views. Longer cruises often feel more private than day trips.
Families
Look for triple or connecting cabins, shorter activity blocks, and cruises with clear safety arrangements for children.
Private Groups
Small-ship charters or full-boat bookings for groups of friends, extended families or celebrations.
Luxury Travelers
Premium vessels with larger suites, more facilities, and better dining — often at noticeably higher prices.
First-Time Vietnam Visitors
Halong Bay overnight cruises are the most common first cruise in Vietnam. 2D/1N is a good introduction.
Slow & Scenic Travel
Longer itineraries, quieter anchorages and more time on deck. Lan Ha Bay and Mekong routes suit this style.
Decision Guide
How to Choose a Vietnam Cruise
Six questions to work through, in this order, to narrow down the right cruise for you.
1. Choose Your Destination
Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Mekong Delta, or a Vietnam–Cambodia river route. Each has a very different feel and duration profile.
2. Choose Your Duration
Day cruise for a taste, 2D/1N as a first overnight, 3D/2N for a slower experience, or 4+ days for an extended journey.
3. Choose Your Cabin
Cabin location, size, bedding and balcony vs. window all affect both comfort and price.
4. Check the Included Services
Meals, transfers, activities, excursions and drinks. Not all are included by default — always confirm.
5. Check the Departure & Transfer Arrangements
For Halong Bay, this usually means the Hanoi ↔ port transfer. For the Mekong, it means the start and end cities on the river.
6. Check the Full Itinerary
Read the day-by-day itinerary page before booking so you know exactly how the time is spent.
Browse cruise itinerariesPlanning
Planning Your Cruise
Practical information to arrange the trip around the cruise itself.
When to Cruise in Vietnam
Spring and autumn are usually the most comfortable periods for Halong Bay. The Mekong Delta is warm year-round, with a wet season from May to October.
How to Get to the Cruise Port
Most Halong Bay cruises depart from Halong International Cruise Port, roughly 3.5 hours by road from Hanoi. Mekong cruises typically start in Saigon, Can Tho or Chau Doc.
What to Pack
Light layers, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, sun protection, a light rain jacket, and any personal medication. A small day bag is useful for excursions.
What Is Usually Included?
Cabin, meals as per the itinerary, guided activities, entrance fees, and onboard entertainment. Transfers from Hanoi are often optional or extra.
What Is Usually Not Included?
Drinks, tips, personal expenses, optional excursions, and — on many cruises — the Hanoi transfer. Always check the individual cruise profile.
Weather & Sea Conditions
Cruise schedules can change due to weather, especially during typhoon season (July–September). Flexibility is recommended during these months.
Cruise Safety
Reputable operators in Vietnam follow standard safety practices — life jackets, safety briefings and clear evacuation procedures. Confirm details with the operator if you have concerns.
Booking & Cancellation
Booking conditions vary by operator and season. Cancellation terms should always be confirmed before payment. We can help with the specifics for your dates.
Best Time to Book
Peak season (October–April) sells out early, especially at premium categories. Booking 2–4 months in advance is usual for popular vessels.
Combine
Combine a Cruise with a Vietnam Journey
A cruise is often the centrepiece of a longer Vietnam trip. The combinations below are the ones we arrange most often.
Hanoi + Halong Bay Cruise
Old Quarter Hanoi with a 2D/1N or 3D/2N Halong Bay cruise. The classic short Vietnam trip.
Hanoi + Halong Bay + Ninh Binh
Add the karst landscapes of Ninh Binh — often called “Halong Bay on land” — to the cruise.
Hanoi + Halong Bay + Central Vietnam
Combine the north with Hoi An, Hue and Da Nang on a longer Vietnam journey.
Ho Chi Minh City + Mekong Cruise
Saigon with a short Mekong Delta cruise — a good introduction to southern Vietnam.
Vietnam + Mekong + Cambodia
Combine Vietnam and Cambodia with a cross-border Mekong river cruise between them.
Build Your Own Combination
Tell us your dates and interests — we will combine cruising with land travel to suit your trip.
Our Service
Cruise Travel with Asia Travel Mates
We help travellers plan cruises in Vietnam and Indochina as part of a broader, tailor-made journey. Here is what that typically includes.
- Local destination knowledge — we know the routes, the ports, and the quieter options.
- Cruise selection — we match vessel, cabin category and itinerary to your dates and preferences.
- Itinerary planning — cruise time is planned alongside your wider Vietnam or Indochina trip.
- Transfers — private airport, hotel and port transfers arranged where useful.
- Hotel coordination — pre- and post-cruise hotels matched to your route.
- Pre- and post-cruise travel — extensions to Ninh Binh, Hoi An, Siem Reap and elsewhere.
- Private arrangements — private charters, family cabins and small-group bookings.
- Vietnam–Cambodia combinations — cross-border river journeys and overland routes.
- Support during the journey — we remain reachable while you are travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vietnam Cruise FAQs
What are the main cruise destinations in Vietnam?
The main cruise destinations are Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay in the north, and the Mekong Delta and the Vietnam–Cambodia river route in the south. Halong Bay is the most visited; Lan Ha Bay is quieter; the Mekong is a very different, river-based experience.
How many days should I spend on a Halong Bay cruise?
A 2-day, 1-night cruise covers the main highlights — Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island. A 3-day, 2-night cruise adds a full day on the water and reaches quieter areas. Longer journeys (4+ days) are usually part of a broader northern Vietnam itinerary.
What is the difference between Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay cruises?
Both share the same limestone scenery. Halong Bay is larger and busier, with more vessels and the classic landmarks. Lan Ha Bay, to the south, is quieter, with fewer boats and more opportunities for kayaking and beach stops.
Are meals included on overnight cruises?
On most overnight cruises in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, meals are included as part of the cruise price — typically lunch, dinner and breakfast. Drinks are usually not included. Always check the individual cruise profile.
Are Hanoi transfers included?
Not always. Many cruises list the Hanoi transfer as an optional add-on rather than part of the base price. We can arrange private transfers where they are not included.
What cabin types are available?
Common categories are double (one double bed), twin (two single beds), deluxe (standard cabin) and family cabins (larger or connecting). Higher-end vessels may offer suites. Availability varies by cruise.
Can families travel on Vietnam cruises?
Yes — most cruises accept children, with age-based pricing. For families, look for triple cabins, connecting cabins or suites, and check the operator’s safety arrangements for children.
Can I combine a cruise with a Vietnam tour?
Yes. The most common combinations are Hanoi + Halong Bay, Hanoi + Halong Bay + Ninh Binh, and Saigon + Mekong Delta. We regularly build cruises into longer private journeys — see the “Combine a Cruise with a Vietnam Journey” section above.
Can I travel from Vietnam to Cambodia by Mekong cruise?
Yes. Several river cruise operators run cross-border routes between the Mekong Delta in Vietnam and Phnom Penh (and, on longer routes, Siem Reap) in Cambodia. These journeys typically take 3–7 nights.
What should I bring on a Vietnam cruise?
Light layers, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, sun protection, a light rain jacket, and any personal medication. A small day bag is useful for excursions.
What happens if weather affects the cruise itinerary?
Cruise schedules can change due to weather, especially during typhoon season (roughly July–September). Reputable operators will adjust routes or cancel a sailing for safety. Flexibility is recommended during those months.
How do I choose between different cruise itineraries?
Start with your available time, then your destination. If you only have two days, choose a 2D/1N. If you want a slower experience, choose 3D/2N. If you want a river journey, focus on the Mekong options. Then compare the day-by-day itineraries for the cruises you are considering.
Find Your Cruise
Find Your Cruise in Vietnam
Explore cruise vessels, itineraries and cabin options — or contact Asia Travel Mates to discuss a cruise combined with a private Vietnam or Indochina journey.