Halong Bay Cruise Small Boat is an authentic, private, and romantic way of experiencing Halong, Lan Ha, and Bai Tu Long Bays. With fewer than 10 cabins, these Halong Bay small cruises offer personalized service, tranquil scenery, and flexible itineraries, ideal for couples, families, and groups of small groups. In 2025, Impress Travel crafts your perfect small luxury cruise in Halong Bay, taking you closer to floating villages, hidden caves, and unforgettable sunsets. Experience the bay your way with expert-guided excursions and ease into your schedule.
Choosing a Halong Bay Cruise Small Boat in 2025 means enjoying your journey with fewer crowds and more personal space. With only 1–10 cabins on board, these Halong Bay small boat cruises offer a quiet, exclusive atmosphere, perfect for couples, families, or friends seeking privacy. You’ll have the freedom to explore less-visited areas, join flexible activities like kayaking in hidden lagoons or cooking classes onboard, and relax on your private sundeck with stunning bay views.
What makes a small Halong Bay cruise stand out is the superior service and deeper cultural experience. You can visit floating villages like Vung Vieng, enjoy traditional meals cooked from local produce, and get to interact with friendly crew members who look after you. These cruises are also the greener option, having smaller environmental footprints and more natural interaction for you. For the comfort, culture, and sustainability-seeker, Halong Bay cruise small group tours are the way to go.
|
Cruise Name |
Number of Cabins |
Build Year & Style |
Special Features |
Target Guests |
|
Orchid Premium Cruise |
5 cabins |
Built in 2019 – Modern steel boat |
Balcony rooms, ocean-view bathtub, outdoor pool, sky bar, spa, cooking class |
Couples, honeymooners, and small groups |
|
Bhaya Legend Cruise |
1–5 cabins |
Traditional wooden junk |
Private itineraries, personal butler, kayaking, beach BBQ, Tai Chi, cave visits |
Families, romantic couples, and luxury travelers |
|
L’Amour Junk |
1 cabin |
Classic wooden junk |
Romantic sea-view cabin, private sundeck, outdoor dining, intimate setup |
Honeymooners, romantic getaways |
|
Prince Junk |
4 cabins |
Traditional wooden junk |
Family-friendly layout, large sundeck, kayaking, floating village tour, fishing |
Families, small friend groups |
|
Dragon’s Pearl |
10 cabins |
Chinese-style wooden junk |
Spacious decks, group BBQ, outdoor dining, kayaking, classic wooden décor |
Corporate groups, private charter travelers |
|
Heritage Line Violet |
6 cabins |
Built in 2009 – Classic luxury wooden boat |
Spa & steam bath, balcony rooms, library lounge, fine dining, Taichi on deck |
Cultural lovers, couples, and luxury seekers |
|
Cat Ba Ocean 06 & 09 |
2–3 cabins |
Traditional wooden boat – Lan Ha Bay-based |
Kayaking, Viet Hai village biking, floating house visits, cave exploration, and motorbike experience |
Adventure travelers, eco-conscious guests |
Prince Junk Cruise (Source: justfly)
Day 1: Halong Port – Luon Cave – Trinh Nu Beach
Morning
Your Halong Bay Cruise Small Boat tour begins around 11:30 AM at Halong International Port. After a warm reception and refreshing welcome drinks, you will be informed of the cruise itinerary and safety instructions briefly.
While the boat sets sail within the bay, enjoy a local Vietnamese lunch onboard, with stunning views of limestone karsts in all directions, a perfect lead-in to your Halong Bay small boat cruise tour.
Afternoon
Post-lunch, the cruise heads to Luon Cave, one of the must-see spots in Halong Bay. You’ll have the choice of kayaking through a natural rock arch surrounded by sheer cliffs or relaxing in a bamboo boat paddled by locals.
Later, the boat anchors at Trinh Nu Beach, a hidden cove ideal for swimming or relaxing on the soft sand, framed by dramatic karst formations and clear waters.
Evening
As sundown casts the bay in golden glows, return to your ship for a dinner à deux at night on the sundeck or the dining room, subject to conditions. Dine with elegance while listening to the gentle beat of waves.
At night, join the crew in an enjoyable and creative activity: night squid fishing, a typical evening excursion on most small cruise Halong Bay tours.
Kayak Through Hang Luon Rock Tunnel (Source: mia)
Day 2: Tai Chi – Sung Sot Cave – Return to Port
Morning
Rise early for a sunrise Tai Chi session on the sundeck, where the first light reflects off the water and cliffs that engulf you. This peaceful morning ritual is a highlight on many Halong Bay cruise small group tours.
Following breakfast, visit the breathtaking Sung Sot Cave, Halong Bay’s largest and most spectacular cave, with sweeping rock formations and chambers giving onto spectacular vistas of the bay.
Late Morning
By approximately 10:30 AM, your Small Boat Halong Bay Cruise returns to the port, concluding your 2-day experience with adventure, serenity, and culture. This tour is ideal for visitors in search of a short but full break, filled with Mother Nature and peculiar experiences in a small Halong Bay cruise environment.
Tai Chi on Prince Junk Sundeck (Source: vietnam)
Day 1: Noon Boarding – Thien Canh Son Cave – Sunset Drinks
Afternoon
Board your Halong Bay Cruise Small Boat at Halong Port by noon and set sail towards Bai Tu Long Bay’s untouched waters. Enjoy a mouthwatering lunch onboard amidst the dramatic limestone karsts that stretch across the horizon. Post-lunch, proceed to Thien Canh Son Cave, a beautiful limestone grotto renowned for its awe-inspiring vistas and serene atmosphere, far from the crowds.
Unwind on the private balcony deck as the sun goes down, with fresh drinks in hand and soaking in the stunning views.
Evening
Experience a traditional Vietnamese meal served either in the luxurious dining room or al fresco on the deck under the night sky, an intimate dinner affair that encapsulates the character of a small luxury cruise in Halong Bay. Following dinner, relax on board or participate in optional activities.
Thien Canh Son Cave (Source: vietnamdiscovery)
Day 2: Floating Village – Kayaking – Beach BBQ
Morning
Start the day with breakfast onboard before taking a small boat to explore Vung Vieng Floating Village. Observe the unique lifestyle of fishermen living on the water, a cultural highlight of any Halong Bay cruise, small group.
Then, kayak through peaceful, crystal-clear lagoons through limestone cliffs and untouched nature.
Afternoon
Lunchtime at midday, enjoy a BBQ lunch at a serene beach, a memorable one on this fine, small Halong Bay cruise tour. Then experience a hands-on cooking class on board, tasting some of the classic Vietnamese dishes from the chef, or relax with a book and tea on the sun deck.
Evening
Relax and soak in the serene atmosphere on board your intimate Halong Bay cruise vessel. The night is free for unwinding or engaging in gentle activities offered by the staff.
Practical Cooking Class on Board (Source: justfly)
Day 3: Tai Chi Sunrise – Farewell Cruise
Morning
Begin your final day of cruising with a refreshing practice of Tai Chi on the sundeck at sunrise, joining your mind and body with the serene environment of the bay.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast while viewing the lovely islets of Bai Tu Long Bay.
Late Morning
The tiny boat wanders back to Halong Port, and you have one final chance to survey the stunning landscape and peaceful waters. Around 10:30 AM, your Halong Bay small boat cruise comes to an end.
Breakfast Facing Bai Tu Long Islets (Source: vietnammoi)
With over 15 years as a professional Destination Management Company (DMC), Impress Travel is experienced at planning Halong Bay Cruise Small Boat experiences that you’ll never forget. We customize every aspect of your journey, from deciding on the perfect route through hidden bays, creating exceptional onboard dining, to arranging special activities like romance dinners and cultural performances. Our expert cruise advisors offer personal one-to-one guidance to help you find the perfect small Halong Bay cruise that meets your style, whether you want a relaxing family holiday or an exclusive private sanctuary.
Our commitment to first-class service is apparent in the glowing reviews on TripAdvisor from satisfied travelers who have enjoyed our carefully selected Halong Bay small boat cruises. Ready to experience the beauty of Halong Bay in your way? Contact Impress Travel now and tailor your Halong Bay private retreat! Call us at (+84) 912 379 189 or email info@impresstravel.com. Find out more and book your ideal trip now at Cruise Halong Bay.
The best season for short cruises in Halong Bay is from April to October, with warm sunshine and warmth, ideal for kayaking, swimming, and sightseeing. It’s the most touristy time, however, so if you don’t want as many tourists, go in March or November, when the weather is still beautiful but less crowded.
Since the cabins in Halong Bay cruise mini-boats are few, especially for personal or small group tours, it is wise to book 2 to 3 months in advance during peak travel seasons. Getting an early booking assures you of more favorable cabin choices as well as enables you to customize your itinerary for a privately personalized tour.
If you are susceptible to motion sickness, select cabins on the lower deck in the middle of the boat, where the motion will be calmer. For breathtaking views and honeymoon moments, balcony cabins on the top deck enjoy unobstructed views out over the bay’s limestone karsts and sunrise or sunset.
Pack light, casual clothing, and do not forget swimwear for water activities like swimming or kayaking. Do not miss sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Bring your passport or ID along for check-in, and carry some cash with you, as many small boat cruises in Halong Bay may not accept credit cards. A portable charger will ensure your gadgets remain charged to capture every moment.
Relish the tranquility of peaceful mornings and starry nights aboard a Halong Bay Cruise Small Boat, sailing over jade waters surrounded by scenic limestone karsts. The small Halong Bay cruises offer unbeatable comfort, isolation, and personalized discovery, perfect for couples, families, and groups of friends. To experience the finest small Halong Bay cruise and organize your ideal vacation, book in advance with Impress Travel. Discover your perfect retreat today at cruise Halong Bay.
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
Tour from Hanoi to Halong bay is one of the most amazing package tour in the North Vietnam. Our tours bring you to explore the seascape of Ha Long Bay is synonymous with Vietnam. Cruises sail emerald green waters among thousands of rugged islands and islets, stopping at spectacular caves through which visitors can wander, viewing impressive, centuries-old formations.
You will take an experience of stunning scenery, sumptuous sea food and excellent service with 6 hours cruise tour among the bay that is also a great option for travelers to discover the nature wonder. We ensure you will have memorable trip to visit one of seven World nature wonder.
Tour explores the most magnificent beauty of nature in the world ( Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay). You will not only see many fantastically shaped islands, beautiful beaches, and great natural caves, but you will also learn more about its history and local people and join to ocean activities.
This tour is 3 days and 2 nights staying on cruises. To explore further paths to hidden corner of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay or Halong Bay & Bai Tu Long Bay. To take part in marine activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, rock climbing or swimming at the pristine and untouched beaches.
This tour with 4 days/3 nights on boat/cruises to explore Halong Bay & Bai Tu Long bay off the beaten track where is not touristic area, the feeling so tranquil of the fresh atmosphere. And discover the local people where you can see and learn about negative fishermen and floating fishing village around Tonkin Gulf.
