Traversing Vietnam from South to North in 10 Days – Day 7
Halong Bay is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, because of its picturesque ocean karst topography. Its emerald waters and thousands of lofty limestone islands capped by rainforests mark the northeast Vietnam, located almost 170 km east of Hanoi. Halong Bay consists of around 2000 islands, both settled and uninhabited, with several large caves located inside the islands. There are many organized tours from Hanoi that take you to Halong Bay for a day tour to cruise over the water and explore the islets and caves and bring you back to Hanoi on the same day, but it is highly advisable to take an overnight cruise and have a lifetime experience, like we did.
Highlights of the Day
- Transfer to Halong Bay
- Board the Dragon Legend Cruise
- Kayaking in the Vung Dang Area
- Evening in the Cruise
How to Choose the Perfect Cruise for Your Halong Bay Experience?
There are many cruise operators – you may find them online or directly at Hanoi. I did a detailed research on many of them and have summarized on what points that would help you choose the right cruise for you.
- Timespan of the Cruise
There are mainly four types of cruise tours operating in Halong Bay:
We chose the 2D1N cruise, which fit our itinerary perfectly.
- Day trip cruises: I find it unfair to have spent such short time and hardly explore the marvelous beauty of the Bay. These tours are too rushed, still this may suit you if you are in real short of time and happy to experience even a little of Halong Bay.
- 2 Day-1 Night cruises (2D1N): You have more time to enjoy the scenery of the Halong Bay in these tours. Also, you get to sleep on board and wake up in the middle of the sea with an excellent view. You also have activities involved.
- 3 Day-2 Nights cruises (3D2N): These tours allow you to explore more remote areas of the Bay and have a more relaxing stay.
- 4 Day-3 Nights cruises (4D3N): These tours also allow you to explore more remote areas of the Bay, with more customized activities, and have a more relaxing stay.
- Places You Would Cruise to
Even the whole area is known as Halong Bay, there are actually three Bays – Halong Bay, La Han Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay – and different cruises have different itineraries.
We were more interested in Bai Tu Long Bay, so we chose the cruise accordingly.
- Halong Bay: This is the most touristy and hence crowded among all, so the water is usually dirty. The cruises include stops at Ti Top Island and Surprising Cave here.
- La Han Bay and Cat Ba Island: Lan Ha Bay is on the south-west of Halong Bay. It offers better views of the karst topography along with an optional stay at Cat Ba Island or in the bay. The island is a great combination of thick foliage forest, white sandy beaches, and interesting cliffs and hills.
- Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay: Cruises on these routes mostly involve the best of Halong Bay and take you to the remote east to Bai Tu Long Bay, which is a magical place – an offbeat path to explore.
- Activities in the Cruises
We did not want fishing activity and cooking classes, instead of that, we chose a cruise that highlighted cave exploring, kayaking, swimming in a beach, and Tai Chi.
There are many activities that the cruise operators organize, for example, swimming in a beach, kayaking, visit to pearl farm and floating villages, squid fishing, cave exploring, Tai Chi practicing, cooking classes, biking, and also dining in a cave at an extra price. Double check with the cruise operator and go for the one that involves activities of your interest.
- Check Your Budget
There are luxury cruises, semi-luxury, and also mediocre cruises – with prices ranging from 100 $ to 350 $ and more per person. You should prepare your budget and compare with the best cruises and collate with the above mentioned points before booking one.
- Book from the Right Place
We booked our cruise through online from their website.
There are many tourist scams in Vietnam, including the booking of Halong Bay cruise. I would strongly advice you to avoid booking through any travel agency or hotel or hostel. Please book through the website of your chosen cruise operator or visit their office in Hanoi and book if you decide to book when you are in Hanoi. Though, it is highly recommended to book prior based on availability during peak season to suit your dates.
Top 10 Best Cruise Operators in Halong Bay
This list is based on the research I did for months before deciding one:
- Indochina Junk (including Dragon Legend Cruises)
- The Au Co Cruises
- Pelican Cruises
- Aphrodite Cruises
- Paradise Cruises
- Bhaya Cruises
- Orchid Cruises
- Signature Cruises
- Rosa Cruises
- Legend Cruises
What Did We Chose?
We chose Dragon Legend Cruises – which is managed by Indochina Junk – one of the best cruise operators in Halong Bay.
To me, the most important reason to choose Indochina Junk was that they are a sustainable business associated with environmental protection and also helping the locals living in Halong Bay. They have developed the program “For a Green Halong Bay” in coordination with the Halong Bay Management Board.
They have 5 types of high quality boats:
- L’Amour Junk – the first small deluxe one-cabin traditional sailing boat in Halong Bay, ideal for a couple on a romantic trip.
- Prince Junk – designed after traditional fishing boats of Halong Bay, having either 2 or 4 cabins.
- Red Dragon Junk – designed after an authentic Chinese junk, with 5 deluxe cabins and 2 decks, which is super classy and glorious.
- Dragon Pearl Junk – a the bigger cruise with 11 cabins and 3 decks with both outside and inside dining areas, modeled on traditional Chinese junks.
- Dragon Legend Cruise – the newest member to the Indochina Junk family, featuring 24 luxury cabins, 4 decks with both inside and outside restaurants, a spa, swimming pool, bar, sundeck area and other entertainment options.
Transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay
Usually, the Hanoi-Halong Bay road is congested with traffic, so it takes almost 4 hour to cover the 160 km distance, which also includes a stop of 30 min at Hong Ngoc Shopping Center. We covered this distance luxuriously – thanks to transfer service by Dragon Legend Cruise.
During Vietnam War, the US military used Agent Orange, a herbicide and defoliant chemical, as part of its herbicidal warfare program, affecting millions of people, leading to countless deaths, still births, cancer cases, nervous damage, and mental and physical disabilities in people and upcoming generation.
The van stopped at Hong Ngoc Shopping Center, which is 100 km from Hanoi and almost 60 km before Halong Bay. It is a unique shopping center as it serves a strong purpose of providing free vocational training and creating jobs for people with disabilities, especially the victims of Agent Orange.
The shop is in operation since 1996, with both factory and shopping area arranged in parallel space. So you could actually see how the workers are coming up with the beautiful handicrafts, sculptures, and ornamental carving. Other products sold here are lacquer, ceramic, embroidery, clothing, gemstones, and jewelry.
When in Vietnam, you must purchase Vietnamese traditional clothing – they look so good. For females, it is called “Ao dai” that contains a long tunic worn over pants, and males wear “Ao the” that contains a brocade tunic worn over pants. I found a nice set in Hong Ngoc Shopping Center for 45 $, and picked one for myself. My sister also bought two sets for herself.
You must carry your original passport that would be needed while you check in.
The staff of the Dragon Legend Cruise took care of our luggage and transferred them onboard by themselves. All we had to carry were moneybags and passports. We had paid 50% of the amount online, so we first checked in and paid the rest amount.
What Are Included and Excluded in the Cruise Package?
Inclusive
- Hanoi- Halong- Hanoi ( Luxury Van)
- Welcome drink
- Luxury en-suited cabin with A/C, hot water
- All meals on boat
- Tea and coffee free with breakfast
- English speaking guide on board
- Kayaking
- Tai Chi
- Water puppet show (next day) while visiting Yen Duc village
Exclusive
- Personal expenses
- Extra drinks
- Bank charge (for payment by credit card)
- Spa and Massage Services
The Dragon Legend Cruise
We arrived at the cruise by 12.30 PM and were welcomed by refreshing drinks. We were directed to the second floor to the indoor restaurant where we met the amazing people behind the Dragon Legend Cruise. Our guide explained us the itinerary of the two days and also did safety briefing.
We were then given the keys of our respective rooms. Also, we were asked to come upstairs for outdoor lunch by an hour. There was an offer going on when we booked with the Dragon Legend Cruise. We got 2 double bedrooms with 2 twin bedrooms – all for 6 of us, but for the price of only 2 double bedrooms.
We were served set menu lunch by 2 PM in the outdoor dining room, while cruising into magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay. I was amazed at how well they took care of our vegan food choices – I had mentioned about it while booking online.
After lunch, we explored different areas of the huge cruise while admiring the fascinating limestone karsts on the way.
Kayaking in Vung Dang
Our guide led us to the kayaks by 4 PM and we had an hour’s time to enjoy the Bay on our own.
Bai Tu Long Bay covers a wide eastern part of Ha Long Bay with thousands of small limestone islands emerging from the emerald sea. It also has many small lagoons joining sandy beaches. The best way to explore its unique beauty by yourself is kayaking.
Bai Tu Long Bay consists of 3 main areas: Cong Do area, Vung Ha area, and Cong Dam area. We kayaked through the mystery karst mountains of Vung Dang in Cong Dam area.
Evening in the Cruise
We got back to our cruise by 6 PM, and had time for our own leisure. You can spend time swimming in the pool, or hit the fitness room, or just relax and enjoy spa and massage services.
Post sunset, we all had a great time relaxing inside our lovely cabins, before we decided to have dinner, which was at around 8 PM.
The cruise experience on the first day was outstanding – I highly recommend every traveler when in Vietnam must come to the north and experience at least 2D1N cruise in Halong Bay.
Traversing Vietnam from South to North in 10 Days – Day 8
The cruise experience in Halong Bay is definitely one of the highlights of the Vietnam trip – after what all I have experienced on the first day of the cruise, I can totally agree to it. Second day involved exploring one of the most beautiful caves of the region before bidding goodbye to the cruise. We do not plan to stay in Hanoi after returning; instead, we had our overnight train tickets already booked for Sapa from Hanoi.
Highlights of the Day
- Morning in the Cruise
- Cave Exploring
- Water Puppet Show at Yen Duc Village
- Overnight Train to Sapa
Welcoming the Sunrise over the Halong Bay
Waking up in the middle of the emerald water is like a feeling of real paradise on the Earth.
Exploring Thien Canh Son Cave
Thien Canh Son Cave is one of the most beautiful caves of Halong Bay that offers a wild and mysterious beauty. We were taken there by a small boat from the cruise. The cave is set below forest canopy and a stone cliff, so you have the feeling you are climbing toward heaven.
We disembarked at around 12 PM. Our luggage were transferred to the luxury van. We were taken to Yen Duc, which was an hour away from Halong Bay on the way to Hanoi. It was a convenient stop to relax and visit a rural community.
We passed through the village, and came across charming rice fields, traditional houses and gardens, and friendly locals working their farms.
If you want to spend more time in this typical Vietnamese agricultural village rich in culture and traditions, there is an optional 5-h tour or an overnight stay program at extra cost, which you need to book while you book your cruise.
Overnight Train to Sapa
We were dropped directly at the train station as we had requested while booking.
We reached Hanoi at around 6 PM, and our overnight train to Lao Cai, the nearest railway station to connect to Sapa, was at around 9.30 PM. As it was a private luxury van only for 6 of us, so the driver could actually drop us anywhere we wanted in Hanoi. But as we had luggage, train station was the most convenient place to go then and it was not too difficult to spend time when you are in a group of friends. Also, there are plenty of restaurants next to the station. We had a decent meal for 4 $ per person.
It is better to travel at least one way between Hanoi and Sapa during the daytime so you can enjoy the scenery of the railroute or roadways – we did the same, we booked our return from Sapa to Hanoi by road during daytime.
Overnight trains are the best means of transport if you want to save time and money both. There are two overnight trains to Lao Cai – SP1 leaving at 9.30 PM from Hanoi railway station and arriving Lao Cai railway station at 5.30 AM and SP3 departing at 10 PM and arriving at 6.20 AM. There is a morning train LC3 at 6.10 AM from Hanoi that reaches Lao Cai at 3.40 PM – this is good in case you have enough time to enjoy scenic beauty of the railroute of Northern Vietnam, which is known to be very beautiful. See you for now! Wait for Sapa!
NET EXPENSE FOR 1 PERSON (IN USD)
Let us have a look at the expenses of Days 7-8 in Vietnam – Halong Bay.
- Halong Bay overnight cruise: 350
- Hanoi to Sapa (train): 35
- Food: 5
- Miscellaneous: 2
Total expense (roughly): 392 USD
For an overall idea of itinerary and expense of the trip, whether for solo or couple or group of any number of people, feel free to contact me on Contact Us page. You can also have a look at Traversing Vietnam from South to North in 10 Days – Itinerary and Expenses.
If you are planning for a much-organized, tastefully-curated, stress-free yet exciting vacation, consider booking your holidays at Travel Love Repeat. It is going to be a treat for sure!
Wow those animal vegetables are really impressive! I’d never think of doing a cruise in Vietnam, but you give great options. I’d like to see the other, less touristy bays, they sound incredible!
Try it! Go for it!
Sounds like a place i’d like to go to! Never went to Vietnam before but I think i might put this on my list for when I go!!
Yes Vietnam is beautiful, consider going there soon!
Wow! We’re jealous of you! Experiencing a cruise is one of our fondest dreams. We thought it was only available in the Caribbean, but now that cruises can be enjoyed here in SEA, we may start planning out to realize this dream.
The interior of that van is WOW!
Make the dream come true. If you need any help, do contact me freely.
I love your pictures of the sunset! Cruising on Halong Bay sounds like something I’d love to do and that cruise does look quite exotic! You’ve given a very detailed account which is helpful for someone planning this cruise. That snake in the jar is so eekie!
Thanks so much Medha
Ha long bay was one of my highlights from my time backpacking through Vietnam, although I did my trip on the opposite end of the budgeting scale to you, seems like we both have amazing pictures of sunsets from there. Did you guys do the caving system while you were there?
Yes we went to the cave system. You would find that in my other post.a
Vietnam is one country I’ve yet to visit – well if I’m honest, I’ve not really done much of Asia! I love the pictures you’ve taken here, especially the beautiful sunset. The snake in the jar though, that kinda stuff fascinates me!
You must visit soon!
Very detailed post with lots of great information here. I hope they are able to clean up Halong Bay and that it doesn’t kill a lot of the eco system in the bay. The entire area looks stunning. I can’t believe the size of your rooms on the cruise! I think that would be worth every penny!
Yes, the rooms are so big. It was a great experience overall. Ha long bay is protected under law, so they are not spoilt. But the concern is serious.
Oh wow, I can’t believe that luxurious room is in a cruise ship, so amazing! The whole tour seems like a perfect way to enjoy tue stunning Halong Bay and areas around. Thank you for the beautiful virtual tour, definitely a must do while visiting Vietnam.
Thanks Suma, my pleasure.
The van and the cruise ships are indeed luxurious. You and your friends seem to have had a really great time. Good choice on the tour operator. They seem to have great service….I like your pictures of the Bai Tu Long bay. They look peaceful and relaxing.
Yes, we had a great time.
That looks so perfect! That van is amazing, too. I like that you chose to explore via kayak and such vs. going fishing or taking cooking classes. Although that would have been fun, kayaking is such a way to have peace and quiet as you explore on your own. This sounds like a lovely trip in Halong Bay!
Yes Jennifer, I had a great time there.
That is one very fancy van! I wouldn’t mind driving in there for hours! I think you made a good choice. Also beautiful sunset pictures 🙂
Well Marlies, what do you think about the cruise?
I am totally doing this next time I’m in Vietnam! I went with Indochina Junk too but just did a day trip to Halong Bay. My sister went to Bai Tu Long bay over the summer, and it sounded like such a more authentic experience. The luxury trip looks so worth it though – the rooms, food, everything looked perfect.
Yes Diana, this is a must-do.
Vietnam is on my wishlist since long but always think on from where to start and what all to do. Your detailed posts on Vietnam now makes me tempt to plan a trip for it. This Halong Bay cruise looks worth as it has luxury living while seeing beauties of nature. I am also lover of sunset and therefore your sunset photo has sold me out for this cruising trip.
I will be glad if it is of any use to you.
I did a cruise round Halong Bay back in the day and really enjoyed it. Such a beautiful area.
Yes, it is beautiful indeed.