Choosing among the many Halong Bay cruise routes can feel confusing, especially if it’s your first time visiting the bay. Each route offers different scenery, activities, and crowd levels, making the choice deeply personal.
This guide from Bhaya Cruise clearly explains how the routes differ and what each reveals – whether you prefer iconic landmarks, peaceful landscapes, or cultural immersion – so you can confidently select the itinerary that matches your pace, interests, and travel style in 2025.
Understanding Halong Bay’s Cruise Routes
Halong Bay is divided into several cruising corridors, each designed to manage visitor flow while protecting the UNESCO landscape. These Halong Bay cruise routes determine where boats can anchor, which caves they may access, and how crowded your journey feels.
Choosing the right route matters because it shapes your activities, photo opportunities, and overall experience. From iconic sites to remote, tranquil waters, each pathway offers a unique perspective on the bay’s natural and cultural beauty.
Map of the Main Halong Bay Cruise Routes (2025)
Halong Bay’s cruise network includes four major sightseeing routes, each highlighting different islands, caves, and cultural areas. The Bhaya Cruises team will insert a detailed 2025 route map here for easy visual guidance, helping travellers compare itinerary paths and understand how each option fits their desired travel experience.
Route 1 – The Classic Halong Bay Highlights (Standard Route)
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Route 1 is the most traditional introduction to Halong Bay, ideal for travellers with limited time who still want to see the bay’s essential icons. It follows a compact circuit focused on major caves and famous limestone formations.
While shorter than other Halong Bay cruise routes, it delivers a satisfying overview of Halong’s signature scenery. The route begins at the Cruise Port and moves through dramatic caverns and photogenic islets.
Route 1 is the typical choice for Halong Bay half-day and day-cruise passengers who prioritise convenience, accessibility, and classic stops rather than extended exploration. Expect moderate crowds and a steady pace suitable for all ages.
What You See on Route 1
Itinerary: Cruise Port → Thien Cung Cave → Dau Go Cave → Stone Dog Islet → Ba Hang Cave → Dinh Huong Islet → Trong Mai Islet.
Pros & Cons of Route 1
- Pros: Iconic landmarks near mainland seen in a short timeframe; fits well with day cruises.
- Cons: A short cruising route with limited exploration and higher crowd density during peak times.
Route 2 – The Complete Natural Discovery Route (Extended Highlights)
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Route 2 expands beyond the standard highlights and offers a more complete showcase of Halong Bay’s caves, beaches, and island viewpoints.
As one of the most popular Halong Bay cruise routes, route 2 suits travellers who want slightly more variety without venturing too far from the central bay, especially for the first time cruisers. This route features well‑known stops such as Ti Top Island and Sung Sot Cave, pairing panoramic climbs with the bay’s largest and most dramatic grotto.
Its extended itinerary makes it ideal for overnight cruises with active sightseeing, though crowd levels increase significantly in high season. For travellers wanting classic views plus additional nature-based stops, Route 2 provides a balanced but busy experience.
What You See on Route 2
Itinerary: Cruise Port → Soi Sim Island → Ti Top Island → Sung Sot Cave → Bo Nau Cave → Luon Cave → Trong Cave → Trinh Nu Cave → Me Cung Cave.
Pros & Cons of Route 2
- Pros: Popular and iconic stops with diverse scenery; moderate activity options.
- Cons: Typically the most crowded route in Halong Bay.
Route 3 – Halong Bay’s Cultural Heart
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Among all Halong Bay cruise routes, Route 3 stands out for its cultural depth, quiet waters, and beautifully preserved landscapes.
If you wonder, “What is the best cruise route?” – the answer is Route 3, especially for travellers seeking authenticity instead of crowds. This pathway journeys into Halong Bay’s traditional fishing culture, offering an intimate look into Cua Van Fishing Village, bamboo forests, and serene ecological areas that feel far removed from the busier central bay.
Route 3 blends nature, culture, and exploration at a comfortable pace. From ancient grottoes like Tien Ong Cave to peaceful inlets such as Ang Du and Ba Ham Lake – both located near the border with Lan Ha Bay – travellers can enjoy the landscapes of 2 bays at once: Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.
The route highlights the bay’s softer, more contemplative side and is ideal for photography enthusiasts, culture seekers, couples, and those craving tranquillity.
This itinerary is also at the heart of Bhaya’s premium cruise lines – Bhaya Soul, Bhaya Legend, and the Halong-Lan Ha Bay route by The Au Co – offering refined access to these exclusive destinations. With its balanced activities including kayaking, cave exploration, and calm-water cruising, Route 3 stands as the best choice for 2025 – 2026.
What You See on Route 3
Itinerary: Cruise Port → Cua Van Fishing Village → Bamboo Forest area → Tien Ong Cave → Ang Du → Ba Ham Lake → Ba Men Temple.
Why Route 3 Is the Best in 2025
Least crowded; most pristine landscapes; balanced activities (swimming, kayaking, cave visits); exceptional for photography; ideal for travellers seeking authenticity and serenity.
Route 4 – Further Afield to the Bay’s More Remote Areas
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Route 4 ventures deeper into the bay’s untouched regions and is perfect for travellers with an adventurous spirit or those booking multi-day cruises of three nights or longer.
Considered the most remote of the Halong Bay cruise routes, route 4 introduces quiet caves, ecological zones, and floating villages that few day cruisers reach. The scenery becomes wilder and more expansive, revealing Halong’s ancient limestone formations in their most natural state.
Route 4’s highlight is its peacefulness: fewer boats, less noise, and a more immersive connection with nature. It’s well-suited to photographers, long-trip travellers, and guests who value space and deep exploration.
However, due to its extended distance, the route requires longer sailing hours and may pass near commercial shipping lanes. Cruise options are more limited, typically offered by select overnight and extended‑itinerary vessels.
What You See on Route 4
Itinerary: Cruise Port → Co Cave → Thay Cave → Cong Do Island → Cap La Cave → Tung Ang Ecological Area → Hon Xep Park → Vung Vieng Fishing Village.
Pros & Cons of Route 4
- Pros: Remote scenery, fewer tourists, excellent for long itineraries and nature lovers.
- Cons: Longer travel time; limited cruise availability; sections pass near commercial cargo routes.
A Comparison of Top Cruise Paths in Halong Bay for Tourists
| Route | Key Stops | Crowds | Best For | Activities | Suitability |
| Route 1 | Thien Cung, Dau Go, Trong Mai | High | Limited-time first cruisers, day trips | Cave visits, sightseeing | Day cruise |
| Route 2 | Ti Top, Sung Sot, Luon Cave | Very High | Active travellers, first timers | Hiking, caves, kayaking | Day cruise, 2D1N |
| Route 3 | Cua Van, Tien Ong, Ang Du | Low | Nature & culture lovers, wellness enthusiast, photographers | Kayaking, caves, culture, wellness activities | 2D1N / 3D2N |
| Route 4 | Cong Do, Cap La, Vung Vieng | Low-Moderate | Long itineraries, nature lovers | Kayaking, villages, caves | 3D2N / 4D+ |
How to Choose the Right Halong Bay Route for Your Trip
Selecting the right route depends on your interests – nature, culture, pace, or photography – and how long you plan to cruise.
For First-Time Visitors
First‑time travellers often enjoy Route 1 or Route 2 for their iconic highlights and accessible activities. These routes provide the essential Halong Bay experience with familiar landmarks and manageable timelines suitable for day trips or short overnights.
Read more: Complete Halong Bay Travel Guide: Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors
For Nature Lovers
Nature enthusiasts should choose Route 3 or Route 4 for their quieter waters, wildlife‑rich areas, and pristine landscapes. These longer routes allow deeper immersion and better opportunities for kayaking, exploring ecological zones, and enjoying peaceful bays.
For Couples & Wellness Travelers
Couples and wellness‑focused guests often prefer Route 3 for its calm waters, meaningful cultural stops, and serene cruising spaces ideal for relaxation, photography, and intimate moments surrounded by nature.
For Adventure Seekers
Adventure‑oriented travellers may enjoy Route 2 & Route 4, which offers extended sailing hours, remote caves, untamed scenery, and active exploration through kayaking, hiking, and visits to lesser‑known lagoons and fishing communities.
For Cultural Lovers
Culture‑focused travellers will find Route 3 the most rewarding thanks to its access to heritage sites, fishing villages, traditional caves, and immersive storytelling about Halong Bay’s ancient communities.
Which Cruise Offers the Best Experience in Halong Bay 2025-2026?
Route 3 remains the top choice for 2025-2026, especially aboard Bhaya Soul, Bhaya Legend, and The Au Co, which provide elevated comfort, cultural depth, and exclusive access to serene areas spanning Halong and Lan Ha Bay.
Explore our cruises via: Bhaya Soul Cruises, The Au Co Cruises, Bhaya Legend Cruises.
Tips for Planning Your Cruise Route in 2025 – 2026
Check Weather & Seasonality
Halong Bay weather influences visibility, activities, and sea conditions. Review forecasts and seasonal patterns to plan a smooth and enjoyable cruise.
Consider Cruise Length (Day Cruise / 2D1N / 3D2N / 4 Days+)
Your available time determines which routes are possible. Longer itineraries unlock access to quieter regions and deeper experiences.
Confirm Activities Included
Check your itinerary for kayaking, swimming, cave visits, and cultural stops to ensure they match your interests.
Ask About Off-Peak Timings
Cruising outside peak hours or seasons reduces crowds and enhances the serenity of your chosen route.
Halong Bay offers diverse cruising corridors, each with its own charms – from the iconic beauty of Route 1 to the cultural depth of Route
Halong Bay offers diverse cruising corridors, each with its own charms – from the iconic beauty of Route 1 to the cultural depth of Route 3 and the remote serenity of Route 4. Your choice depends on pace, interest, and how deeply you want to explore this UNESCO seascape.
Plan your journey with Bhaya Cruises and discover the most inspiring corners of Halong Bay – whether you prefer the peaceful beauty of Route 3 or the extraordinary two-bay experience of The Au Co.
