Halong Bay Cruise Guide
All You Need To Know As First-timers
Halong, one of the world's natural heritages, is a favourite destination of millions of domestic and foreign tourists every year. To enjoy spectacular scenery of thousands of limestone mountains hiding magnificent grottoes floating on the sea water, tourists can go on a boat tour around the bay for sight-seeing. However, it is the experience of fine dining and relaxing rest in the luxurious space of a junk boat, and discovering the bay’s beauty on this floating accommodation for a couple of days that make all the difference. There are now many options for cruise tours, both private and in a group, for you to choose from.
What to Expect on a Cruise Itinerary
A typical Halong Bay cruise from Hanoi now offers various options, including two-day-one-night or three-day-two-night packages. On the first day, travelers are generally transported from Hanoi to Halong and welcomed onboard. They can relax and take in the stunning scenery of the Bay while enjoying a fresh seafood lunch. Shortly after, tourists are taken to iconic destinations in Halong, such as Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Sung Sot Grotto, and views of islets like Trong Mai, Thien Nga, and Su Tu Bien, as well as Ti Top and Tuan Chau Island.
Photo: skyteamtravel.com.vn
Additionally, tourists can visit local fishing villages like Cua Van and Vong Vieng to immerse themselves in the fishing culture and daily lives of the residents. Most cruises now offer excursions to the less-traveled areas of the bay, particularly deeper into Lan Ha Bay. The late afternoon is typically free, allowing guests the opportunity to swim, kayak, or dive before returning to the ship for sunset cocktails and dinner. Some cruises also feature unique dining experiences in cave settings.
What to Expect on a Cruise Vessel
Each Halong cruise offers a range of comfort and luxury that mirrors the quality found in three, four, or even five-star hotels. Passengers can expect elegantly designed accommodations equipped with modern amenities such as LCD TVs, DVD players, minibars, air conditioning, in-room phones, bathtubs, and Jacuzzis. The rooms, balconies, and decks provide breathtaking views of both sunrise and sunset. During leisure time, travelers can indulge in massages, spa services, or partake in entertainment activities like kite-flying or enjoying traditional Vietnamese music performances onboard.
Joining a cruise tour also offers guests the chance to participate in Tai Chi classes on the top deck as they watch the sunrise, or take cooking classes to learn about Vietnamese culinary traditions.
The tour price typically includes meals (cocktails, buffets, and main meals), entrance fees to the world heritage site, sunrise Tai Chi classes, onboard insurance, and transportation from Hanoi to Halong and back. By booking a cruise tour to Halong Bay, travelers can leave behind the stresses of daily life and indulge in a dream holiday.
Some Recommended Cruises
Investing a bit more can significantly enhance your cruise experience, especially in terms of safety, security, and comfort. Halong Bay cruise prices range from approximately $60 to several hundred dollars per night, with the level of luxury varying accordingly. Nevertheless, budget-conscious travelers can still find satisfactory options.
Luxury Cruise: Although prices are similar, luxury cruises offer added value. Well-known options include Bhaya Cruise, Paradise Cruise, and Violet Cruise, featuring superb cabin amenities and exceptional dining. Prices typically start at around $450 for a double room for a two-day-one-night trip.
Mid-range Cruise: Many travelers find mid-range cruises to be a great balance of cost and quality. Notable choices include Pelican Cruise, Sena Cruise, and Rosy Cruise.
Budget Cruise: A few popular budget options include Aclass, Dragon Pearl Junk, and Swan Cruise, with prices under $90 for a night onboard.
Some additional recommendations:
- For the most luxurious experience: Stellar of the Seas or President Cruise
- For the best family experience: Orchid Cruise (luxury), Glory Cruise (deluxe), and Phoenix Cruise (budget)
- For the best value for a triple stay: Aclass, Stellar, Scarlet Pearl, or Genesis Regal Cruise
- For the best charter experience: Bhaya Legend Vessel (options for 1, 2, 3, or 4 cabins)
- For a romantic honeymoon: Bhaya Legend (1 cabin), Paradise Elegance Cruise (Captain Suite), or Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan
How to Book a Cruise
There are numerous options available for booking cruises to Halong Bay. A quick search for "Halong Bay cruises" will yield thousands of choices. While some recommend booking directly with the cruise company for assurance, others advocate for using agents who often provide lower prices, better communication, and efficient processing of bookings.
For more information about Halong Bay cruises, visit reputable travel websites or consult with a local travel agent.
Phoenix Cruise
Halong Phoenix Cruiser is designed with Asian traditional junk combining classic beauty with modern comfort.
Indochina Sails
Indochina Sails is in operation from 2007 and has established a reputation in Halong ever since. It is a wooden cruise, with each vessel holding 15 cabins of 3 types: superior, deluxe and suite cabin.
Paradise Sails - Halong Bay
A fleet of 4 vessels, Paradise Sails (formally Paradise Luxury Cruise) I, II, III & IV were designed incorporating the traditional Vietnamese style.
