The Dreamscape of Hạ Long Bay, Việt Nam
Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay?
First things first, if you are planning a Luxury Cruise on Halong Bay, you should know that it’s very busy. Second, the neighbouring Bays of Bai Tu Long (East) and Lan Ha Bay (South) may provide better options.
- Less tourists
- Fewer boats
- Same scenery
- Cheaper options, especially on a backpacking budget
Which Luxury Cruise Halong Bay to choose?
We chose a tour that spent more time in Bai Tu Long Bay. More serene. Less developed. but just as beautiful. It was just the sort of luxury cruise on Halong Bay we wanted to experience.
Like many travellers, we always dreamed of visiting Hạ Long Bay, Việt Nam. Stunning pictures of its emerald waters and towering limestone karsts inspired us to plan this adventure. However, we worried about overcrowded tourist boats and pollution. Would the reality live up to the dream?
Determined to make the most of our experience, we opted for a luxury Hạ Long Bay cruise. Spending two nights onboard gave us the chance to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the Bay, enjoy a quieter route through Bai Tu Long Bay, and savour unique activities like dining in a candlelit cave.
The tour surpassed our expectations at every level. The only disappointment (but not unexpected) was the weather. We visited in May and every day was cool and cloudy, so very tough to get amazingly clear photos.
A Seamless Journey to Hạ Long Bay
Our adventure began in Hanoi with a comfortable morning transfer. The seven-seater minibus provided free Wi-Fi and USB charging ports, perfect for staying connected during the four-hour journey. Along the way, we made two stops: one at a local workshop showcasing handicrafts and another for a traditional Vietnamese water-puppet show.
Exploring Bai Tu Long Bay
Sailing through Bai Tu Long Bay, we felt like we had entered another world. The mist added a mystical quality to the towering limestone formations, while the calm waters created a sense of serenity. Tiny fishing boats buzzed around us, their crews skilfully hauling nets under the blazing sun. The juxtaposition of our comfortable cruise with the demanding lives of local fishermen was humbling.
Our first afternoon included kayaking around a massive limestone monolith. Each turn revealed new perspectives, and by the time we encountered choppier waters, our teamwork as paddlers had improved. Returning to the junk, we were rewarded with cocktails on deck and an unforgettable evening ahead.
Dining Inside a Karst Cave
One of the highlights of the trip was a candlelit dinner in a limestone cave. The staff transformed the space into a magical setting, complete with white tablecloths and soft lighting. Every course showcased local flavours and fresh ingredients, from seafood spring rolls to a tangy mango dessert. This dining experience elevated this luxury cruise on Bai Tu Bay from memorable to extraordinary.
Discovering Hidden Gems
The next day, we visited a floating fishing village tucked away in a sheltered cove. Friendly locals greeted us, showing us their homes and explaining their daily routines. The ingenuity and resilience required to thrive in such a unique environment left us in awe.
Later, we hiked up to a viewpoint that offered panoramic views of Bai Tu Long Bay. The climb was steep but worth every step. Standing at the summit, we took in the vast expanse of emerald waters and limestone islands, feeling like we had uncovered a secret paradise.
Relaxation and Reflection
As the cruise wound down, we spent our final morning cherishing the tranquillity of the Bay. Lounging on the deck with a cup of Vietnamese coffee, we watched the sun rise over the karsts. The peacefulness of the moment was a perfect ending to our journey.
Our luxury Hạ Long Bay cruise provided more than just stunning scenery. It offered a chance to connect with nature, experience local culture, and create unforgettable memories. For anyone considering a visit, this is the ultimate way to explore one of Việt Nam’s most iconic destinations.
Later, we hiked up to a viewpoint that offered panoramic views of Bai Tu Long Bay. The climb was steep but worth every step. Standing at the summit, we took in the vast expanse of emerald waters and limestone islands, feeling like we had uncovered a secret paradise.
Key Takeaways for Your Luxury Cruise on Halong Bay:
This was an unforgettable travel adventure, exploring Bai Tu Long Bay on a luxury cruise. Indochina Junk provided an incredible experience.
As we also wanted to visit Sa Pa in the north and enjoy the journey there on a night train, we actually booked the whole package through them. We had the same guide on the whole tour, which proved very handy as his knowledge gave additional insights that we would otherwise have missed. Read all about that adventure here.
Key takeaways are:
- Choose an itinerary that includes Bai Tu Long Bay for a quieter, more exclusive luxury cruise
- Don’t miss unique activities, like kayaking around the bay, visiting secret coves and beaches.
- Choose a tour that offers the “Dine in a Cave” option
- Prioritise cruises offering smaller group sizes for a more intimate and luxurious atmosphere. Our boat was medium-sized and had about 20 passengers and probably 6 crew.
- Irrespective, book a Luxury Cruise on Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay – the dreamscape is surreal!