Last updated 5 October 2026 by the Ava Travel team in Hanoi. Boat types and prices come from the 96 cruises we sell, checked on our booking pages on 4 October 2026.
The short answer: a Halong Bay “junk” is a wooden cruise boat built in the style of the old Asian sailing junks, with a timber hull and the famous ribbed sails (today mostly decorative; the boats run on engines). Of the 96 overnight cruises we sell, 14 are wooden junks. They are smaller and cheaper than modern steel cruise ships: 12 cabins in the middle of the range against 24, and a middle price of $136 per person against $167. The cheapest is Annam Junk from $102.
Wooden junk or modern cruise ship?
| Wooden junk | Modern cruise ship | |
|---|---|---|
| Boats we sell | 14 | 78 |
| Typical size | 12 cabins | 24 cabins |
| Middle price, 2 days (Oct-Apr) | $136 | $167 |
| Balcony in every cabin | 2 of 14 | 51 of 78 |
| Feel | Timber, lanterns, small group | Hotel style, more facilities |
| Best for | Atmosphere, couples, small groups, budget | Balconies, families, spa and pool |
The other 4 boats we sell are smaller steel boats. Prices are the lowest per person for two adults sharing a cabin, all meals included, transfer from Hanoi extra ($35 return by shuttle).
All 14 wooden junks we sell
| Junk | Bay | Cabins | Oct-Apr | May-Sep | 3 days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annam Junk | Halong | 7 | $102 | $102 | $202 |
| Syrena | Halong | 17 | $115 | $110 | $222 |
| Hera Classic Boutique | Halong | 19 | $114 | $112 | $229 |
| Oriental Sails | Halong | 18 | $125 | $110 | $235 |
| Phoenix | Halong | 22 | $127 | $122 | n/a |
| Bhaya | Halong | 20 | $130 | $120 | $247 |
| Renea | Bai Tu Long | 11 | $132 | $130 | $270 |
| Signature | Bai Tu Long | 12 | $140 | $127 | n/a |
| Amanda Legend | Halong | 5 | $142 | $127 | $270 |
| Calypso | Lan Ha | 20 | $142 | $135 | $267 |
| Dragon Pearl | Bai Tu Long | 10 | $165 | $155 | $310 |
| Prince | Bai Tu Long | 4 | $220 | $220 | $382 |
| Bhaya Premium | Halong | 4 | $255 | $255 | $512 |
| Heritage Line Ginger | Lan Ha | 12 | $430 | $345 | n/a |
Our picks
- Cheapest real junk: Annam Junk, $102 all year, only 7 cabins. Basic but genuine.
- Smallest and most private: Prince (4 cabins, Bai Tu Long) or Amanda Legend (5 cabins, Halong, from $142).
- Quietest water: the Bai Tu Long junks, Dragon Pearl, Renea and Signature, with a floating village visit.
- Junk with a balcony: only Bhaya Premium and Heritage Line Ginger have a balcony in every cabin, at the top of the price range.
- Families: Phoenix and Signature sell family cabins.
Honest downsides of a wooden junk
- Smaller cabins and few balconies. Only 2 of the 14 have a balcony in every cabin.
- Fewer facilities. Most have no spa, pool or large lounge; the sundeck is the living room.
- The sails are for show. Junks motor between stops like every other boat; you will rarely sail under canvas.
- Small boats sell out. With 4 to 12 cabins, book early for December to April.
Frequently asked questions
What is a junk boat in Vietnam?
A wooden boat built in the style of the traditional Asian sailing junk, with a timber hull and ribbed sails. On Halong Bay the word is used for wooden overnight cruise boats, which today run on engines.
How much is a junk boat cruise in Halong Bay?
On the 14 wooden junks we sell, 2 days 1 night costs from $102 to $430 per person, with a middle price of $136, two sharing, all meals included. Most are between $115 and $165.
Are junk boats safe?
Licensed overnight boats, wooden or steel, must carry life jackets for every guest and register passengers with the port authority, and all boats stay in port when a storm closes the bay. Choose a boat sold by a licensed agency rather than a dockside offer.
Junk or cruise ship: which is better?
A junk is better for atmosphere, small groups and budget; a modern ship is better for balconies, families and facilities. The bay, the caves and the kayaking are the same. For ships with a balcony see the best cruises with a balcony.
Book a junk cruise with Ava Travel
Open any junk above to see the real cabin photos and the price for your date, then pay securely online; we confirm your cabin and pickup within one hour. Compare every boat on all Halong Bay cruises, see the 10 best for 2026, or WhatsApp +84 904 251 545.
