Luxury Cruise in Halong Bay
In April 2023, we travelled 3 weeks in Vietnam. Our original plan was to visit all of Vietnam but as we were planning it, we decided to focus on the north and center of Vietnam. Therefor allowing more time in both those regions.
Our trip started and ended in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. And we also spent an overnight in Hanoi as we travelled back from Sapa to Halong Bay.
Our complete trip included in this order: Hanoi, Sapa, Hanoi, Halong Bay/LanHa Bay, Tam Coc (Ninh Binh), Hue, HoiAn, Hanoi. And as always, we will make a complete itinerary of the trip.
One particular thing is that we travelled Vietnam while Tina was 9 to 12-week Pregnant. So, it wasn’t always easy, yet we enjoyed it!
Ha Long Bay, actually Lan Ha Bay was our third stop, directly after SaPa and Hanoi. It is one of the most expensive things we did in Vietnam but it was totally worth it.
There are many cruises in this bays with more than 400 cruise ships. So, it wasn’t easy to pick one. But we wanted one that wasn’t to big and still had the Vietnamese vibes. That’s the reason we opted for the V’Spirit Cruise.
In this article, we will tell our story on the cruise and describe day by day what happened on the 3-Day Luxury Cruise in Halong Bay. So, if you too are planning a trip to Vietnam and to Halong Bay, then let ‘s dive in these 3-Day Luxury Cruise in Halong Bay
Here is our complete video from this trip :
Table of Contents
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Halong Bay
Hạ Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular travel destination in northem Vietnam. The name Hạ Long means “descending dragon”.
The bay features thousands of limestone karsts and islets in various shapes and sizes. Hạ Long Bay is a center of a larger zone that includes Bai Tu Long Bay to the northeast, and Cát Bà Island to the southwest. These larger zones share a similar geological, geographical, geomorphological, climate, and cultural characters.
Hạ Long Bay has an area of around 1,553 km2 including 1,960–2,000 islets, most of which are limestone. The limestone in this bay has gone through 500 million years of formation in different conditions and environments. The evolution of the karst in this bay has taken 20 million years under the impact of the tropical wet climate.
However, most of the cruise go pricesisly in Lan Ha Bay.
Lan Ha Bay is made up of around 300 karst islands and limestone sea rocks and can be found southeast of Cat Ba Island. As a geological extension of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is equally as beautiful.
Booking the Cruise
The cruise we did and actually most of them aren’t really going to Halong Bay which is a UNESCO World heritage site. Despite the cruise are going to Lan Ha Bay which is actually next to Halong bay.
We booked the cruise online via a travel agency called “Incredible Asia Journeys”
It was really easy, and communication was really good with them. We exchanged a few emails and in the end opted for the V’Spirit Cruise which was freshly renovated in 2023 making the ship in an amazing shape.
The cost was for 3 days 580 USD for both of us with transfer from Hanoi and to Tam Coc:
- Junior Suite Balcony – Double Sharing: USD 260/person
- Hanoi – Halong Bay Shared Limousine Bus: USD 15/person
- Halong Bay – Ninh Binh (Tam Coc) shared Limousine Bus: USD15/person
And after paying a deposit of 175USD we were set! In terms of timing we booked the cruise the 12th of April for a cruise departing the 18th.
There are 2 main type of cruise, 2-day 1-night or 3-day 2 night. We opted for the later and we would recommend it without a second thought. It allow much more time on the cruise making it more enjoyable.
About the Ship
V’Spirit Cruise is one of the most luxury cruise in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay with only 18 cabins all with balcony that offer travellers the best experience.
The concept of the V’Spirit Cruise is a combination of a the classic style of a junk cruise and a modern cruise with luxury facility. The V’Spirit Cruise looks like a junk boat, but it is a steel cruise with luxury facility that offers an amazing experience and safety in luxury.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Halong Bay is September and October but you can visit it all year round. We personally visited it in April.
Anytime is a great time to visit Halong Bay but some months receive more visitors than the others. The peak season falls on December and January. Other months that also see busy lines of travellers include October, November, February, March and April. During these months, the weather is also most suitable to visit Halong Bay.
The period from May to September is often considered a low season for international travellers in Halong Bay. Besides the glowing sun – which makes it perfect for water based activities, the uncrowded beach and various cruise promotions are all attractive reasons for you to plan your holiday around this time of the year.
The Rooms
Time to discover our room. We booked the Junior Suite Balcony which was the lowest rate room.
The room was 26m² and was beautifully decorated. The double bed was queen size if I am not mistaken and was super comfortable.
The bathroom, which was huge had a shower, a toilet and even a bathtub. But the best part was the small balcony with its little table and chairs.
There was a minibar, a kettle and complimentary water. As well as a little wardrobe and 2 life jackets. And of course, a couple of plugs were around.
The bathroom also had all amenities.
Food onboard
We asked since our reservation for vegetarian options. And that’s what we got. All the food we had onboard the V’Spirit was amazing and delicious. And often just too much.
Breakfasts were light breakfast but were yummy. And had all we would need. Dinners were multi-courses dinner with so much food!
In the afternoon, after the cooking class, there were a small buffet with fruits and pastries. It was really nice and complimentary.
3-Day Luxury Cruise in Halong Bay Itinerary
Day 1:
- 08:15 – 08:45 | Pick-up
- 11:45-12:00: Welcome to V’Spirit Cruises lounge at Tuan Chau International Habour.
- 12:00 – 12:30: Transfer to V’Spirit Cruises by a smaller boat.
- 13:00: Lunch at The Dawn Restaurant while V’Spirit Cruise takes you through some of the most breathtaking sceneries from Halong Bay to its secretive “neighbour” called Lan Ha Bay.
- 14:45: Explore Bright cave on a traditional rowing bamboo boat with locals
- 17:00: Cooking demonstration to get to know Vietnamese cuisine and create your own special flavors.
- 17:30-18:30: Lounge time at the bar
- 19:00: Dinner at the restaurant.
- 21:00: Enjoy evening views of the bay on the top deck, join some game show at the top deck bar to get some nice local gifts. Optional: Try your luck with squid fishing.
Day 2:
- 06:15: Tai Chi session on sundeck.
- 7:00: Light breakfast.
- 8:00 – 8:30: Transfer to the day tour cruise
- 09:00: Arrival at Cat Ba Island, you’ll choose to take a ride by bicycle or electric car to Viet Hai village.
- 11:30 Return to the day tour cruise and lunch.
- 14:00: Fish farms at Viet Hai pier and kayak.
- 15:00: Transfer to Ba Trai Dao, it’s time for more swimming.
- 16:30: Back to the cruise
- 17:30-18:30: Time to take a shower or enjoy the bathtub.
- 19:00: Dinner at the restaurant.
Day 3:
- 06:15: Tai Chi session on sundeck.
- 7:00: Light breakfast on board.
- 7:30-8:45: Explore the Tra Bau area by kayaking, get closer to the rocky islands and admire the stunning nature of the bay.
- 9:00: Return to the cruise, check-out.
- 9:30: Enjoy a last luxury Set menu brunch at the restaurant while cruising back to Tuan Chau port.
- 11:00: Disembark at Tuan Chau port.
Day by Day Guide
Day 1 - Going there
At 6h30 we went for breakfast and took our time as the restaurant had a little view. It was buffet with mixed of local and foreign food.
At 8h10 we went downstair to start our cruise. The minibus was already there and our guide waiting for us. We went in and we then picked up another group of 4. We were altogether 14 on the minibus. At 8h23, we then left toward the coast.
We received a little bottle of water and were asked about our food restrictions. At this time, we reconfirmed we wanted vegetarian options.
The guide then started explaining some facts about Vietnam. He is Jimmy, 33yo, single.
- That due to covid the population rised up because people had to stay at home for 2years and government would bring rice to the houses. In Halong bay there were 530 boats, now only 400 due to covid, because lots of boat bankrupted.
- 1993 Halong Bay opened for tourists. 7 floating villages in the bay for 1500 villagers.
- In Vietnam VAT is 10%, plus 3.5% for any transaction with credit card.
- 113 is the safety hotlines, in 1min police is there.
At 10h20, we made a break until 11h in a big station, with clean toilets, stores selling pearls, coffee shop… and were lots of pearl could have been bought. Halong city is famous for oyster which are cultivate here.
It was 2h30 to reach the destination.
We arrived at the harbour at Dao Tuan Châu. The island is like a ghost town. Lots of construction around but they stopped due to covid. And nobody wants to keep doing them nor buying them. And by 11h15 we were at the marina where our bags got tag and we were told to wait 30min
At 11h35, the V’Spirit transfer boat arrived. People disembarked. The boat then left and came back. We were 26 people on-board the boat and we departed at 12h05.
Day 1 - Arrival on the V’Spirit
By 12h45 we arrived on the V’Spirit. We then went straight to the dinner area where we received a welcoming word and safety information. We also received our room key, and our luggage were waiting in front of the room.
Then lunch was served. It was a buffet with many options and as we asked for vegetarian option, we received additional dishes directly at the table, it was a sauté Bol Choi, corn soup and sauté tofu with tomatoes. It was quite good and a lot actually.
We then chilled a bit in our room, went around the boat. Saw those smaller boat that are selling stuff.
Day 1 - Rowing Boat
At 14h55 we went on the smaller boat with life jackets. And at 15h05 arrive at the bright and dark cave. We then embarked by group of 6 into wooden rowing boat and went around the area and under the cave.
At 16h15 we are back on the small boat and at 16h25 back on the main boat
Day 1 - First evening
Now we can go swimming in the rear of the boat (but the water is qui dirty so instead we went to flew the drone) and met an old Australian guy. Super friendly and interesting. Coming from a 10 days ONG trip in Nepal and stopped in Vietnam on the way back.
At 17h30 spring roll cooking class. It is actually super easy. Then we enjoyed a beer by the upper deck with some fresh fruit.
At this point, 4G is good.
Day 1 - Dinner
At 18h15 went for shower and at 19h dinner. The food was amazing and there were so many dishes. Half of it wouldn’t have been enough.
Day 1 - Squid fishing
At 20h30 end of dinner, we went at the rear of the boat where we try squid fishing. We didn’t get anything, but someone did.
After that we went to our room and ended the day.
Day 2 - Morning
Today we woke up around 6h15 and went at 6h30 Tái Chi on the upper deck. It was quite nice to warm up in the morning but as we were around 12 people it wasn’t that easy to see the instructor if I the back.
At 7h we had what they called the light breakfast. There is coffee, tea, milk, soy milk, toasts, croissants, cucumbers, jams, scrimp salads… It wasn’t too bad but a bit too light.
Anyway, we finished breakfast on our terrace with a coffee and a tea.
Day 2 – Tour boat
At 8h20 departure on the day tour boat. Once on-board we were asked about food restrictions and received one towel each. Then we picked up more people coming with smaller boats.
We sat on the upper deck enjoying the fresh air while picking up people and getting to our next destination. Tina had a watermelon juice. It seemed it was free as the guy presented it ready, but it wasn’t. Lots of people got confused there.
In total there were 39 people on the day tour boat. We then got some information about the program and the area.
- Halong Bay has 1956 island with around 1100 island had a name.
- Best time to come is September October.
- Some drinks where offered, juices, sodas, beers… (not included)
- Story about Vietnam and some history about the guide who was a war refuge during the war and his now banned from joining the only party in Vietnam, communist party.
Day 2 - Cat Ba Island
Around 10h10 we arrived in Cat Ba Island. Where we had two choices to get to Viet Hai village, either take a tuktuk or a bicycle. We opted for the later. Once everyone with a bike, we ride for 15min to the village. The scenery was nice, but it was sometime too much to stop to wait everyone…
At the end, we let the group go ahead and took our time. We rejoined them a bit later in the tour operator store/restaurant. There we received more information about the island.
Day 2 – Viet Hai
Next was a food massage by fish. It is super weird when the come to suck your feet.
We then went to another place to see traditional and old houses and learn about Vietnamese traditions.
Later on, around 11h30 we were back on the bike and headed back to the port to take the boat.
Day 2 - Lunch
At 12h the boat left the port and parked a few meters er away. It was lunch time. There we sat with a Polish family of 3. Super friendly people. The food wasn’t too great though, it was a lot of fried food. And again, too much food. We would have preferred quality over quantity.
At 12h45, we left and after 15min we reached a small water farm.
Day 2 - Kayak
At 13h we went kayaking around the bay for 30 to 40min.
Once back at the farm we saw butterfly fish and Groupus fish. The latter is actually a pet for local.
At 14h we left the fish farm and 20min later we were at a spot where we could swim and where small beaches were around. But the water being that dirty we didn’t do it.
We stayed there for 30min. After that we headed back to our main ships. We paid 120 000 for 1 watermelon juice and 2 bottles of water.
We believe that they could have at least included water…
By 15h35 we were back on our boat. The polish family we met didn’t know where they were gonna go. Their boat wasn’t full enough and they were transfer to another one and only knew the name of the boat.
Day 2 - Evening
Once on-board we took a shower and a bath enyoing the view of the bay.
Once ready we went on the upper deck. Saw one of those little store boat coming. Someone from our shop tried to buy some stuff. 1.5L coca cola 200 000, then 150 000… Which is apparently more than on the ship itself, so not such a great dead. Beer was 50 000 before negotiating.
Following that we enjoyed a Halong beer and a ginger beer. Today there isn’t 4G and wifi onboard isn’t great.
The boat moved a bit and we got 4G back.
Day 2 - Dinner
Dinner was again really nice with many dishes. We tried asking for only some of them but it didn’t go. For them it is really important that the food is more than enough.
We met a couple from Australia during dinner that seems to have travel a lot and even lived in Switzerland. They were here on holiday before business meeting in Singapore.
Day 3 – Morning
Woke up naturally by 5h45. Stretched a bit in the room and went for the TaiChi course at 6h30 on the upper deck. It was nice at the beginning as we were only us and the group of 4 Brazilian. But slowly more and more people were coming.
At 7h we went for the light breakfast. Got some fruits and scramble eggs. Along with watermelon juice and coffee.
Day 3 - Chilling
Super hot today. We can even see the sun. There is less most and haze. Instead of going kayaking again, we opted to chill on the upper deck.
One really downside is that the bay is super polluted, coming from abandoned floating village.
Time to pay the bill 220 000 for the drinks and the boat 9 720 000 (405 usd) plus 291 600 (cb fee).
Day 3 - Brunch
Around 9h45 we had brunch, we though it would be buffet type but it was actually a complete menu set, like the dinner. It was again yummy but too much.
Day 3 – Return to port
Right after brunch, around 10h50 we left the boat for the smaller one. Dropped 2 people in Cat Ba Island and then headed back to the Port where we arrived at 11h45
There, a guy brought us to another one who told us to wait there for 20min. The shuttle to Hanoi left immediately. But at some point, the guy said 10min and left. There were 2 people there like us waiting for the same bus so we guessed we were good.
We then bought water 1.5L 40 000
Day 3 – Halong Bay to Tam Coc
Around 12h15 we board a kind if VIP bus. The bus waited more people to come and at 12h25 we left to pick up mot people and then back to our original departure point. We left at 12h38.
13h38 first break 20min for food toilets. Lots of snacks there. Bought 4 bananas for 20 000.
Lots of Buses stopping here.
At 16h10 we arrived at city center of Ninh Binh, there a tour guide came into the bus and told us that if d have booked until our accommodation, we have to come to him.
We did and he told us to wait until another van arrive. At 16h30 the van was there. We dropped 2 people and by 16h45 we were at our accommodation.
ضرب الحديد ماحدو سخون Strike the iron while it’s still hot. (Take advantage of the opportunity before it passes you by)
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