Yacht charter in Vietnam
Crewed yacht charters in Vietnam primarily centre on the Gulf of Tonkin, encompassing Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay. Cruising here involves navigating through thousands of towering limestone karst islands, calm sheltered channels, and tidal grottoes. It suits charterers looking for dramatic geological scenery, tender excursions, and cultural exploration rather than challenging offshore sailing. Distances between anchorages are short, allowing itineraries to balance quiet natural anchorages with visits to floating fishing communities.
Best time to charter
The primary charter periods run from March to May and September to November, offering moderate temperatures, light winds, and clear skies. Summer months from June to August bring high heat, humidity, and occasional tropical storms or typhoons. December to February is cooler and often overcast, with persistent sea mists across the northern bays. Autumn and spring represent the main cruising seasons.
Anchorages and harbours to know
Lan Ha Bay
A less congested area south of Ha Long Bay, offering sheltered coves, quiet beaches, and numerous spots suitable for kayaking beneath sheer karst cliffs.
Bai Tu Long Bay
Located northeast of Ha Long, this expansive protected marine area features quieter anchorages, pristine limestone formations, and minimal commercial vessel traffic.
Cat Ba Island
The largest island in the archipelago, providing well-sheltered harbour anchorages, dense national park surroundings, and access to ashore hiking routes.
Cong Do Island
A designated anchorage zone in Bai Tu Long Bay, offering deep, protected water surrounded by coral reefs and inland lagoons.
Dau Be Island
Situated on the outer rim of the archipelago, featuring enclosed marine lakes accessible by tender or kayak through tidal caves.
Practical tips
- Getting there: Hanoi (HAN) and Hai Phong (HPH). Ha Long Bay's piers are about 2.5 hours by road from Hanoi, or under an hour from Hai Phong airport.
- Ha Long Bay's piers are about 2.5 hours by road from Hanoi (HAN), or under an hour from Hai Phong airport (HPH).
- Cruising routes and overnight anchorages are strictly regulated by maritime authorities; itineraries must follow pre-approved permits managed by your yacht crew.
- Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered when visiting floating villages, fishing cooperatives, or local temples onshore.
- Specialty provisions and imported wines are limited at regional ports, so specific galley requirements should be confirmed well in advance.