Chartering a Cruise in Halong Bay: A Complete Guide

Picture this: instead of squeezing onto a packed boat, you and your loved ones have an entire Halong Bay cruise all to yourselves. From traditional, budget-friendly wooden junks with a rustic charm to sleek, high-end yachts that feel like “floating hotels” on the bay — any of them can become your private retreat. Chartering a yacht gives you a chance to enjoy privacy, flexibility and a “tailored” experience according to your group’s wishes.

This could be a family bonding trip, a sweet honeymoon, a formal company event, or simply a journey of a group of close friends wanting to create a truly different memory. At that time, the whole of Halong Bay seems to belong to you – where you want to go, when to stop, how long to spend watching the sunset or kayaking, it is all up to you to decide.

💡 A small but important note: the cruise booking process can be confusing for many people because there are so many options. But don't worry, if you book through a reputable local agent like us, everything will become much easier. Not only will you be supported from A to Z, you will also have the opportunity to receive additional incentives such as free shuttles, room upgrades or even special discounts. These are very difficult to get when booking directly with the cruise line.

A perfect postcard moment from Halong Bay, Vietnam.

Source: Unsplash @marinalobato

1. What Chartering a Cruise Really Means

When you charter a cruise ship in Halong, it means that the entire ship is reserved for your group – from the sleeping cabins, dining areas to the dedicated crew. You set the plan: stay longer in a quiet cove, catch the full sunset, or kick off the morning with a kayak; everything can be adjusted to suit your group.

Not only that, the meals, activities and atmosphere on board are all tailored to suit your group. If you are a family, you can request a menu suitable for children; if it is an anniversary trip, the space can be decorated more warmly and romantically. And best of all, charters are not just for luxury trips – from traditional wooden boats that are economical for students to luxury yachts for special occasions, there is always an option that fits your budget and your needs.

2. Types of Charter Cruises

From Budget to Luxury: Your Choices at a Glance

Feature	Budget Charter	Midrange Charter	Luxury Charter
Price Range (per day)	~$500–$800 (15–20 people)	~$1,000–2,000 (20–30 people)	$3,000–5,000+ (small groups up to 40)
Boat Style	Wooden junk, basic facilities	Modern steel boat, stylish design	Boutique yacht, Indochine décor, high-end amenities
Cabins	Simple, fan/AC, shared bathrooms (sometimes)	Comfortable, en-suite bathrooms, some balconies	Spacious suites, balcony/jacuzzi, family cabins
Food	Vietnamese home-style meals	Buffet or set menu (local & international)	Fine dining, à la carte, premium wine
Activities	Basic kayaking, cave visit	Kayaking, cooking class, tai chi	Private beach BBQ, spa, Cat Ba biking, sunset cocktails
Ideal For	Backpacker groups, students	Families, casual groups, value seekers	Honeymooners, corporate events, weddings
Cruises Recommended	Private: L’Amour Junk (1 cabin), Prince Junk (2–4 cabins) Charter Option: Phoenix Cruise, Treasure Junk	Private: Bhaya Legend (1–5 cabins) Charter Option: Paloma Cruise, Peony Cruise, Mon Cheri Cruise	Charter Option: Scarlet Pearl Exclusive, Orchid Premium, Au Co Cruise Luxury Private/Charter: Emperor Cruise, Heritage Bình Chuẩn

3. Why Book Through Us

Booking a private cruise in Halong Bay is already a memorable experience, but having a local team of travel experts by your side from start to finish makes the journey even smoother and more fulfilling. These are the reasons why so many travelers choose to place their trust in us:

• We work directly with the boats to secure negotiated rates. This often means better value than booking directly and thoughtful perks like transfers from Hanoi, welcome drinks, or occasional activity upgrades.
• We know which ships run reliably, which ships should be avoided in which windy seasons, and which schedules are suitable for families with young children, groups of friends who like to exercise or companies that need private space. You just need to tell us your wishes, and we will “tailor” the rest.
• What makes it even more special is the personalized itinerary. From a small birthday cake, a bouquet of flowers for a proposal, to subtle branding for a company trip — we discuss these with the captain and the kitchen in advance to make thoughtful arrangements. These small touches often don’t cost much, but they make your trip truly memorable.

A little girl enjoying her time on the sundeck of a Halong Bay cruise.

Source: Instagram @halongbaycruise (via user upload)

4. Itineraries for Charter Cruises

One of the great things about chartering a yacht is that you get to choose your own itinerary. 

• If you’re short on time, a day charter (4–8 hours) is a great option. You can visit a famous cave, try kayaking through limestone cliffs, and end with a relaxing sunset on the deck – perfect for birthday parties, family reunions, or small corporate events.
• For those who want to fully enjoy the night atmosphere on the bay, the 2 days 1 night program will bring the most "classic" experience: afternoon anchoring to admire the scenery, evening gathering around a cozy seafood dinner, trying squid fishing under the yellow light, the next morning welcoming the sunrise with a cup of hot coffee and participating in a fun small cooking class with the chef.
• If you want to explore deeper and do not want the trip to end too soon, then 3 days 2 nights is the ideal choice. The schedule often extends to more peaceful areas such as Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long - where there are few ships visiting, private beaches and enough time for you to relax and experience more activities, from kayaking, swimming to cycling to explore fishing villages. 

Taking in the breathtaking view of Halong Bay.

Source: Instagram @halongbaycruise (via user upload)

Recommended private boats (non-sharing, tailor-made)

• Bhaya Legend (1–3 cabins). Purpose-built private junks with customizable routes across Halong/Lan Ha; ideal for couples or families.
• L’Amour – Indochina Junk (1 cabin). Genuine one-cabin private junk for Bái Tử Long; intimate pace and classic design.
• Prince Junk – Indochina Junk (2–4 cabins). Small private charter for families or two couples; Bái Tử Long focus with flexible day-by-day flow.
• Heritage Bình Chuẩn (yacht-style). Full-boat charters available; itineraries, dining, and timing can be customized for your event or group. 

A tranquil scene of Halong Bay, where small boats meet majestic cliffs.

Source: Instagram @halongbaycruise (via user upload)

5. Costs of Chartering

The cost of a charter trip is usually calculated based on many factors boat size and cabin count, the season (high or low season), the level of luxury, as well as the number of days you want to travel. Therefore, each quote will be “tailored” for each group, so you only pay for what your group really needs.

Interestingly, if you travel in a group, the cost per person is often equivalent, or even cheaper, than booking multiple individual cabins on a shared cruise. In addition to having private space, you also have flexibility in the schedule and menu, which is hard to find on shared cruises.

Another plus is that when booking through a reputable local agent, the overall cost is often more affordable, because we can negotiate directly with the ship, choose a reasonable departure date and combine services such as shuttles or additional activities to optimize costs for the whole group.

6. What’s Typically Included

Most essentials are already included, from the boat and crew to meals and sightseeing tickets. However, drinks, spa services, or special event decorations are usually extra, so it’s best to double-check these details in advance.

Feature	Included (typical)	Excluded (typical)	Notes / Local tip
Private use of boat & crew (cabins, captain, fuel, service)	✓		Entire vessel is yours; no sharing.
All onboard meals (lunch–dinner–breakfast)	✓		Menus can be tailored if dietary notes are sent in advance.
Bay entrance & sightseeing tickets	✓		For planned stops (caves, lagoons, villages).
Activities (kayak/bamboo boat, light cooking moment, squid fishing*, sunrise tai chi*)	✓		*Season/tide dependent; your captain times these for calm water and fewer boats.
English-speaking guide/host	✓		Other languages available on request on some boats.
Safety gear & standard insurance	✓		Lifejackets, first aid; safety briefing at embarkation.
Drinks (alcohol/soft drinks beyond table water/tea/coffee)		✓	Bar lists vary by boat; settle onboard or pre-package.
Transfers Hanoi ↔ pier		✓	Often better value when bundled.
Spa/massage		✓	Add onboard (when available) or schedule a shore session on Cát Bà.
Special décor / events (proposal setup, flowers, cake)		✓	Arrange ahead so crew can prepare discreetly.
Beach BBQ / special permits		✓	Weather & park rules apply; we secure permits when conditions allow.
Tips / personal expenses		✓	Customary but discretionary.
Holiday surcharges / VAT		✓	Shown clearly on your quote for peak dates.

Exact inclusions vary by boat and route; we confirm them in writing with your quote and can bundle transfers or small extras to keep the per-person cost efficient.

7. Pros & Cons of Chartering

Chartering an entire yacht certainly offers a lot of special experiences. One of the biggest perks is the absolute privacy – no sharing space with strangers, the whole ship is yours alone. This means you can be flexible with your schedule, want to stop longer at a beautiful beach or change meal times, all at your own convenience. With such a journey, group members can also easily bond with each other, because every moment is reserved for friends, family or colleagues. Another interesting point is that if you go in a large group, the cost per person is sometimes cheaper than booking many individual cabins on a combined ship.

However, chartering also has a few points to consider. Usually, you will have to prepare a higher initial cost, because instead of just booking a room, you are booking the whole ship. Besides, the group needs to have a certain organization, from finalizing the number of guests to accommodation and activity needs. One more consideration is that charters rarely have last-minute deals like shared cruises, as most private cruises are fully booked.

If you want a truly private, memorable, and fulfilling trip for your group, charters are definitely worth considering. 

8. How to Book a Charter Cruise

It’s far simpler when everything is sorted out at the very start of your trip. You can book your tour in one of two ways:

• Book directly with the cruise line. If you already know the exact boat you want, this can be quick. Otherwise, you will be limited in your options when booking directly with the cruise line, prices are rarely negotiable, and if there are any changes, you will have to contact many different parties - quite time-consuming and confusing.
• Book through a reputable local agent (like us). Usually, this is the easier option. The advantage here is that you have multiple cruises to compare, often getting better prices, and can get handy add-ons like shuttle transfers, upgraded cabins/menus, or activity tweaks. Most importantly, you only need to work with one party - we will take care of everything from the time you plan until the end of your trip.

Whichever option you choose, it is important to always confirm what is included in the price, the specific route and the maximum capacity of the boat before paying. Having these basics clear from the start will help your charter trip run smoothly and without any unexpected problems.

9. Tips to Ensure Your Charter Flight is Booked Smoothly

To make your private cruise trip in Halong complete, there are a few small tips you should keep in mind.

• Book early during peak season: If you are going in October-December or March-May, you should book your cruise at least 1-2 months in advance to have more options and better prices.
• Many cruises allow you to hold your cruise for 24-48 hours. This is a useful time for the whole group to agree on the departure date and number of guests without fear of losing your spot.
• Clearly confirm “included” and “not included”: Before paying, make sure you understand what the charter price includes (meals, kayaks, bay tickets, etc.) and what it does not include (drinks, transfers, VAT).
• Don’t forget to ask clearly about the beverage policy. Some cruise ships allow wine or beer on board but will charge a service charge (corkage), while others require direct purchase from the ship’s bar, so knowing in advance will help you be more proactive.
• Check the capacity and bed arrangement: Each cruise has a certain passenger limit, ask carefully about the maximum number of people, extra beds, as well as the child policy to avoid additional costs.
• Check the weather & cancellation policy carefully: In Halong, it is normal for the boat to be stopped due to storms or strong winds. Ask clearly about the refund/exchange policy and backup plan for peace of mind.
• For events: If you want to organize a birthday party, anniversary, or vegetarian/halal food, inform the boat in advance so that it can be properly prepared.

10. FAQs

• Can 2 to 4 people charter a small private boat?  

The answer is absolutely yes, because there are small boats designed for small groups only. However, you should note that the cost per person will be higher than when traveling with a large group, but in return the experience is extremely private and romantic.

• Can we bring our own drinks?  

In fact, many ships are very lenient about this, you can bring wine or beer with you, just pay a small service charge (corkage). Some high-end ships require guests to drink from the bar on board, so it is best to ask carefully before departure to be proactive.

• Is it safe during the rainy season?  

Safety is a priority. The Harbor Authority and your captain make decisions based on the weather; sailings may be delayed, rerouted, or rescheduled due to storms. In that case, your trip will be postponed or rescheduled

• Do luxury charters allow weddings on board?  

The answer is yes, and many cruises even specialize in special events such as weddings, anniversaries, and proposals. Imagine exchanging rings in the middle of a bay, surrounded by limestone mountains and sunset – an unforgettable memory.

Chartering a private yacht in Halong is the most special way to fully enjoy the beauty of this world heritage. Whether you are a group of young people looking for a budget trip, a family wanting privacy, or a couple wishing for a lifetime memory on a luxury yacht, Halong always has the right option for you.

💡 Tip: If you book through us – a reputable local agent – ​​you will be supported from A to Z: from negotiating a good price, arranging detailed schedules to additional incentives such as shuttle bus, cabin upgrade or small gifts on board. Booking directly is simple, but booking through us will make your trip much easier and often comes with benefits that you will hardly find elsewhere.