Holidays on the bay

What are the holiday dates on Ha Long Bay in 2026-27?

Christmas Eve is Thursday 24 December 2026, New Year's Eve Thursday 31 December, and the Tet break runs from Thursday 4 to Wednesday 10 February 2027.

New Year's Day on Friday 1 January makes a long weekend, and Christmas Day is a Friday too. Lunar New Year's Day falls on Saturday 6 February 2027, the first day of the Year of the Goat. VnExpress International reported on 2 October 2026 that the government chose a seven-day Tet break for public-sector workers, back at work on 11 February.

Earlier in the season, Vietnamese Culture Day on Tuesday 24 November 2026 is a day off for public-sector workers, per Vietnam News. The table shows which dates touch the cruise surcharges.

Which Ha Long Bay cruises charge a holiday surcharge?

Most overnight cruises. The Elite cruise names its dates (24 and 31 December, 5 to 8 February 2027), the 6-star cruise prints $5 per person at Tet, and four other listings add a surcharge at Christmas, New Year and national holidays.

The amount is printed on one listing only: $5 per person for Tet on the 6-star cruise. The others name the dates, not the figure, so ask when the team gets in touch to confirm your booking. The Elite cruise says it contacts you within 24 hours of booking. Among the day cruises, only the Ha Long Bay day cruise lists a New Year surcharge.

Christmas Day itself is not on the Elite cruise's list, and neither is 1 January. If your dates are flexible, 25 December and 1 January fall outside its listed dates. Peak-season charges are a different line again; see our 2026 prices post.

Christmas or New Year on the water: a panoramic pool, a balcony cabin and sunrise tai chi, with taxes in the price.

★ 4.9 · 2 days · from $125

Explore the Elite cruise with pool → Tour details

What is Christmas or New Year's Eve like on a Ha Long Bay cruise?

It is a normal cruise program on a holiday night: the sunset party, dinner on board, squid fishing after dark, then tai chi on deck in the morning.

The listings do not print a special Christmas or New Year's Eve program, so plan on the standard one. On the Elite cruise that means kayaking or a bamboo boat, a cooking class, the sunset party, dinner and squid fishing, then breakfast and brunch the next day. Bring something warm for the deck: December averages about 17.8°C in Ha Long, and evenings are cooler.

For the season itself, see our winter post.

Jorge, on the Elite cruise (Nov 2026): “Everything was really well organized. They have everything under control. Excellent food in terms of both quantity and quality. The ship is like new, and the cabins are super luxurious.”

Can you cruise Ha Long Bay over Lunar New Year 2027?

Yes. Two listings print Tet terms for 2027, which tells you those boats sail over the holiday: the Elite cruise's surcharge from 5 to 8 February and $5 per person on the 6-star cruise.

Tet is Vietnam's biggest holiday, and the seven-day break for public-sector workers runs from 4 to 10 February. The Elite cruise's window is narrower than the break: 5 to 8 February only. The 6-star cruise is flagged as likely to sell out, which is a good reason to book early.

Renato, on the 6-star cruise (Nov 2026): “Was the highlight of our trip. We did two nights. Very relaxing. The crew was very attentive and the activities were perfect.”

Can you celebrate a birthday or honeymoon on a Ha Long Bay cruise?

Yes. Four overnight listings offer a birthday cake and a honeymoon cabin setup if you tell them in advance.

The rules differ a little. The Bai Tu Long Bay cruise bakes the cake for the date of birth in your passport and wants a day's notice. The 3-day Ninh Binh trip does it if your birthday is the day you board the boat. The 6-star cruise offers honeymoon and anniversary cabins at no extra cost.

Viktoriia, on the Ninh Binh and Ha Long trip (Nov 2026): “Amazing tour! Cruise was wonderful. Special thanks to crew on the cruise, who organized Birthday surprise for my mum! It was very kind and special! Wonderful trip!”

How early should you book a holiday cruise on Ha Long Bay?

As soon as your dates are set. Every tour here cancels free up to 24 hours before, so an early booking costs you nothing if plans change.

The overnight listings ask for passenger details in advance, and the 6-star cruise is flagged as likely to sell out. Book the cruise, then build the Hanoi days around it. If you need the transfer, add it at the same time: it is $25 per person on most overnight boats.

Our picks for the holidays are below. For how the cruises compare on route and boat class, read which Ha Long Bay cruise to choose.

Frequently asked questions