Ha Long Bay & Mekong Delta Boat Cruises 2026: Complete Travel Guide

Planning traditional boat cruises in Vietnam? You must-try Ha Long Bay & Mekong Delta boat cruises in 2026. From limestone karsts and overnight junk boats to the Mekong Delta’s floating markets and river homestays Vietnam cruises offer an unforgettable experience. This Vietnam travel guide 2026 compares Ha Long Bay cruise operators, Mekong Delta sampan tours, pricing, and booking strategies. Whether you’re seeking luxury cruises in Ha Long Bay or authentic Mekong River homestays, we’ll help you choose the right itinerary, avoid peak-season crowds, and maximise your budget.

Quick Comparison: Ha Long Bay vs Mekong Delta Cruises

Category	Ha Long Bay	Mekong Delta
Boat Types	Traditional wooden junks, overnight cruisers with private cabins	Day-trip sampans, river houseboats, family homestays
Capacity	10-30 passengers (private junks); larger ships 50+	2-12 passengers (sampans); homestays 4-8 guests
Duration	Day trips, 1-2 night cruises, 3+ day expeditions	Half-day tours, 2-3 day homestays with floating markets
Price Range	2,000,000-15,000,000+ VND per person	800,000-5,000,000 VND  per person
Best Season	October-December, March-April	December-April (dry season)
Access Point	Hanoi (2 hours to Tuan Chau/Bai Chay Marina)	Ho Chi Minh City (2-4 hours to My Tho/Can Tho)
Ideal For	Couples, photographers, luxury travellers	Cultural immersion, families, food enthusiasts

Ha Long Bay Cruises 2026: Luxury, Overnight, and Day Trips

Top Ha Long Bay Cruise Operators 2026

• Paradise Cruises: Premium overnight junks featuring Sung Sot Cave and Titov Island excursions. Departures from Tuan Chau Marina.
• Bhaya Legend: Luxury cruises exploring Lan Ha Bay with 2-3 day itineraries and onboard spa services.
• Ambassador & La Regina Cruises: Boutique junks with personalised service, ideal for small groups seeking private Ha Long Bay experiences.

Sample Ha Long Bay Itinerary: 2-Day Overnight Cruise

Day 1:

• 12:00 PM: Depart Tuan Chau Marina
• 1:30 PM: Onboard lunch while cruising past limestone islands
• 3:00 PM: Kayaking or bamboo boat ride
• 4:30 PM: Visit Sung Sot Cave (UNESCO site)
• 7:00 PM: Sunset dinner, squid fishing demonstration

Day 2:

• 6:30 AM: Tai chi on deck
• 7:30 AM: Breakfast with bay views
• 9:00 AM: Explore Titov Island or the second cave
• 11:00 AM: Return to the marina

Inclusions: Private cabin, 3 meals, guided excursions, lifejackets, transfer from Hanoi (verify with operator).

Ha Long Bay Cruise Prices (Updated 2026)

Cruise Type	Duration	Price (VND)	Best For
Day Cruise	6-8 hours	2,000,000-3,500,000	Budget travellers, Hanoi day-trippers
Overnight Junk	2 days/1 night	5,000,000-9,000,000	Couples, first-time visitors
Luxury Cruise	2-3 days	12,000,000-20,000,000+	Honeymoons, photographers

Mekong Delta Cruise & Homestay Experiences: Floating Markets Vietnam

Top Mekong Delta Cruise Experiences

• Cai Rang Floating Market (Can Tho): Vietnam’s largest floating market. Arrive by 5:30 AM for authentic wholesale trading on the Mekong River.
• My Tho & Ben Tre Sampan Tours: Half-day trips through fruit orchards, coconut candy workshops, and narrow canals. Ideal for families and short visits.
• Mekong Delta Homestays: 2-3 day immersions with local families, including dawn market visits, village cycling, and home-cooked meals.

Sample Mekong Delta 2-Day Homestay Itinerary

Day 1:

• 7:00 AM: Depart Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho pier
• 9:30 AM: Sampan cruise to Thoi Son Island, fruit tasting
• 12:00 PM: Lunch at Riverside Homestay
• 3:00 PM: Bicycle village tour, craft demonstrations
• 7:00 PM: Family dinner, overnight in a traditional stilt house

Day 2:

• 5:00 AM: Motorboat to Cai Rang Floating Market
• 7:30 AM: Market breakfast (pho, coffee from boat vendors)
• 10:00 AM: Return to homestay, check out
• 12:00 PM: Arrive Ho Chi Minh City

Inclusions: Homestay room, 4 meals, boat transport, English-speaking guide, market access.

Mekong Delta Tour Prices (Updated 2026)

Tour Type	Duration	Price (VND)	Highlights
My Tho Sampan	Half-day	800,000-1,200,000	Canals, fruit orchards, village demo
Can Tho Market	Full-day	1,500,000-2,500,000	Cai Rang market, Binh Thuy temple
Homestay Package	2-3 days	3,500,000-5,500,000	Floating market, village immersion

Best Time to Visit Ha Long Bay and Mekong Delta: Vietnam Travel Guide 2026

Ha Long Bay Peak Season: October-December offers calm seas, clear skies, and optimal photography light. March-April (spring) is also excellent. Avoid from May to October (typhoon risk, heavy rain, cruise cancellations).

Mekong Delta Peak Season: December-April (dry season). Floating markets Vietnam are most active 5:00-7:00 AM year-round.

Shoulder Season Savings: September and May offer 15-25% discounts but prepare for weather disruptions.

Booking Checklist

• Verify pier location (Tuan Chau for Ha Long, My Tho/Can Tho for Mekong)
• Confirm inclusions: meals, transfers, kayaking, cave fees
• Request a written itinerary with exact timings
• Check vessel registration and insurance documents
• Purchase Vietnam travel insurance covering cruise cancellations

Safety & Accessibility: Vietnam Cruise Essentials

Safety Standards:

• All licensed operators provide lifejackets and safety briefings
• Verify crew certifications and emergency protocols
• UNESCO-protected Ha Long Bay enforces strict environmental regulations

Accessibility:

• Overnight junks: Steep stairs, narrow cabins (call ahead for mobility accommodations)
• Mekong sampans: Low decks, assist needed for boarding
• Homestays: Basic facilities, squat toilets common (request Western toilets)

Conclusion: Ha Long Bay vs Mekong Delta – Which Cruise to Choose?

Ha Long Bay & Mekong Delta boat cruises offer distinct adventures , from limestone landscapes with luxury overnight junks to floating markets and river homestays. Book Ha Long Bay cruises during October-December for optimal weather, and Mekong Delta tours in the dry season (December-April) to catch dawn market action. Prioritise licensed operators, verify inclusions in writing, and secure travel insurance for cancellations. Whether choosing traditional junk boat rentals or authentic Mekong River homestays, booking (60+ days) unlocks the best prices and availability for 2026. Customise your Vietnam tour packages from Pickyourtrail for a memorable experience. 

FAQ’s

1. How much does a 2-day Ha Long Bay cruise cost?

A: 5,000,000–9,000,000VND per person for standard junks; 12,000,000–20,000,000+ VND for luxury. Book early for discounts; prices rise 20–30% in peak season.

2. What’s the best time to visit the Cai Rang Floating Market?

A: Go between 5:00–7:00 AM (Can Tho) for full activity. Best weather: December–April (dry season).

3. Can I visit Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta in one trip?

A: Yes. Spend 2 days in Ha Long Bay and 2–3 days in the Mekong Delta; fly between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (2 hrs).

4. Are Ha Long Bay cruises safe during typhoon season?

A: May–October has storm risks. Licensed operators reschedule or refund; safest months: October–April.

5. What’s included in a Mekong Delta homestay package?

A: Private room, 4 meals, sampan rides, village tour, and guide. Excludes tips and transfers (800,000–1,500,000).