Tripadvisor has selected cruise tours on Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay as one of the world’s top travel experiences in 2026.
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Cruise journeys through Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay have been recognized by the global travel platform Tripadvisor among the leading experiences worldwide in 2026. These tours allow travelers to explore Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay on 2-day or 3-day itineraries, staying overnight on cruises with comfortable cabins while enjoying a combination of relaxation, dining, and outdoor activities.
For active travelers, the journey offers opportunities to go kayaking, swimming, or cycling through fishing villages when the cruise stops along the route. Those seeking a more restful escape can unwind on the sundeck and take in panoramic views of thousands of limestone islands rising from emerald waters. Many cruises also include experiences such as cooking classes, local cultural performances, and morning tai chi sessions.
Reflecting today’s travel trends, overnight cruises have become an increasingly popular choice for travelers who want to enjoy a “nature-based retreat” rather than staying at traditional resorts.
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Located around 165 kilometers from Hanoi, Ha Long Bay has long been regarded as an icon of Vietnam tourism. The heritage site covers an area of approximately 1,553 square kilometers and is home to nearly 2,000 limestone islands and islets. Thanks to its exceptional landscape, Ha Long Bay was recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1994 and was later named one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011.
The bay is also famous for its impressive caves, including Thien Cung Cave, Sung Sot Cave, and Dau Go Cave. Visitors can kayak through secluded lagoons, explore floating fishing villages, and learn more about the daily life of local fishermen. The best time to visit Ha Long Bay is usually from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is mild and there is less risk of storms.
Lan Ha Bay, meanwhile, lies to the east of Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong and borders the southern part of Ha Long Bay. The area features more than 400 large and small islands covered in lush greenery, while still retaining a peaceful and untouched charm.
Here, travelers can kayak along limestone cliffs, swim at Van Boi Beach or Ba Trai Dao Beach, and visit one of the oldest fishing villages in Vietnam. In addition to overnight cruises, visitors can also choose half-day or full-day itineraries to explore Lan Ha Bay.
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Since April 20, a new tourist cruise route connecting Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay has officially come into operation, opening up a cross-heritage journey between Quang Ninh and Hai Phong.
During the April 30 - May 1 holiday period, Ha Long Bay welcomed 68,570 visitors, including 37,902 domestic travelers and 30,668 international tourists, highlighting the destination’s strong appeal to both local and overseas markets.
Source: Znews.vn