Proudly twice recognized as a World Heritage Site, as an iconic destination in Vietnam to both domestic and foreign tourists, Halong Bay is well-known for characteristic cruise routes that help passengers explore the mystic natural beauty of the bay through fascinating activities onboard.
Nowadays, cruise lines not only focus on the heart of Heritage Site, Halong Bay but also have been broadened to the entire bay including two neighbors possessing the same features from mighty karst formations: Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. Cruises instruction summarized from experienced Halong Bay Cruises Team below is a useful overview of cruise lines all over three bays, which will help you pick the most appropriate cruise route for you.
I. HALONG BAY CRUISES ROUTES
1. Halong Bay: Location and outstanding features
Halong Bay is a small bay with numerous limestone islands situated in the Gulf of Tonkin, belonged to Halong City, Quang Ninh Province, which is around 170km to the Northeast from Hanoi. Halong Bay is limited by Bai Tu Long Bay in the Northeast, Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay in the South and Gulf of Tonkin in the East and Southeast.
The core area of the Heritage Site in Halong Bay is around 434km2 with approximately 775 islands in multiple shapes over the sea. With dense of mighty limestone islands which have been through millions of year, Halong Bay deserves to be one of the most impressive natural masterpieces that Nature ever created on Earth. Not only owning a breathtaking landscape, but Halong Bay also possesses beautiful sandy beaches and natural caves. All cruise lines in Halong Bay will focus on the heart area where locates the main tourist attractions of the bay.
2. How to reach Halong Bay
All Halong Bay Cruises will set sail from Tuan Chau Marina on Tuan Chau Island which is located to the South of Hung Thang Ward, Halong City. There are two ways to reach Tuan Chau Marina, using the shuttle bus from a cruise or using private transfer service.
** If you choose shuttle bus from the cruise:
Almost Halong Bay Cruise Packages will include transfer cost with roundtrip shuttle bus transfer Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hanoi, which means you will use the bus with other guests as well.
- If your cruise uses new transfer route with highway:
The shuttle bus (from both day cruises and overnight cruises) will start to pick up guests from Hanoi Old Quarter (at around 7:30 – 8:00 AM for day cruises and around 8:45 – 9:00 AM for overnight cruises) with the route of Highway Hanoi – Hai Phong – Ha Long for around 2.5 hours driving.
- If your cruise uses transfer route with National Road:
The shuttle bus will start to pick up guests from Hanoi Old Quarter (at around: 7:45 – 8:30 AM) with the route of mainly through National Road No.18 for around 3.5 to 4 hours driving.
Note: In case you’re staying out of Hanoi Old Quarter area, you’d better handle yourself a transfer helping you arrive scheduled pick-up point in the Old Quarter on time.
** If you prefer private transfer service:
You can easily rent a private car with the private driver following to your schedule from vendors around Old Quarter or agents helping you book cruise package. Driving time is also around 2.5 hours but the private transfer will offer privacy to you only.
As one of the most outstanding islands in Halong Bay, Titov Island is a destination that you shouldn’t miss in your trip to this World Heritage Site. Not only owning a sandy beach, an interesting place for beach sports and swimming, Titov Island also has a viewpoint on the top of the mountain which offers a 360-degree overview of mighty Halong Bay. Attracting thousands of visitors every day, Titov Island is the main stop with many highlights in the entire Halong Bay Cruise Experiences.
Situated in the heart of the Heritage Site, on Bo Hon Island, Sung Sot Cave is well-known as the most beautiful and biggest cave in Halong Bay. Possessing an impressive stalagmite and stalactite system, Sung Sot Cave allures visitors by its magnificent beauty inside and a viewpoint at the end of the cave which overlooks to a part of Halong Bay, which makes this place as one of the most favorite stops in Halong Bay Cruise Itineraries.
Located to the North of Dau Go Island, Thien Cung Cave is one of the renowned beautiful caves in Halong Bay. As its name, Thien Cung Cave brings to passengers the feeling of entering a heavenly palace (Thien Cung) with the magical and magnificent surrounding interior. Once you get in, just let your mind freely immerse in wonderful imagination with natural splendid stalagmites and stalactites inside the cave.
With a distinctive geological formation, Luon Cave in Bo Hon Island is one of minority open-air caves in Halong Bay. To enter the cave, visitors will pass under a 100-meter long arch by using kayak or rowing boat. A completely tranquil world of a natural lagoon combined with emerald calm water and verdant mountains surrounding at the end of the arch makes Luon Cave special than any other spots in Halong Bay.
Nestled in Tung Sau Lagoon where water is calm all year round, Tung Sau Pearl Farm is the most well-known pearl farm in Halong Bay which has become a new tourist attraction nowadays. Visiting the farm, visitors will have a chance to enjoy kayaking and indulging in the beauty of Halong Bay as well as witness the entire process in making pearls, which must be an interesting experience in your Halong Bay Cruise trip.
Soi Sim Island is one of the most enchanting islands in Halong Bay remaining diverse pristine nature. This island is a great place for both exploring nature and swimming. Also, a natural preservation center is gonna be opened in the following years to attract more visitors coming here. With great potentials above, Soi Sim Island promisingly becomes an appealing destination in the new Halong Bay Cruise Routes.
Ever listed as one of 16 most beautiful ancient villages in the world in 2012 by Journeyetc.com, Cua Van Floating Village is an iconic place showing the real local fishermen daily life in Halong Bay to everyone all over the world about distinctive culture in the Heritage Site. You can explore sea life in Cua Van Village with the rowed boat by locals leading you to visit floating houses or bamboo rafts for feeding fish, etc.
4. General Halong Bay Cruises Itineraries
** Halong Bay 2 days 1 night Itinerary:
Day 1:
- Shuttle bus/ private car starts to pick up guests from Hanoi the transfer to Cruise Waiting Lounges in Tuan Chau Marina, Halong Bay. Check-in and embark on the cruise.
- Welcome onboard. Receive room keys. Have lunch at the cruise’s restaurant and take a rest.
- Join main interesting activities in the afternoon, which could be optional depending on each cruise’s program such as kayaking, visiting Titov Island or exploring Sung Sot Cave.
- End of main activity, back to the main ship, relax in-room or at the sundeck to see the stunning sunset in Halong Bay then join a traditional cooking class.
- Dinner is served in a restaurant, which could be a set menu or BBQ buffet. Freely relax at the sundeck; in cruise bar and enjoy music or experience squid fishing. End of day 1.
Day 2:
- Wake up early and witness breathtaking sunrise in the Heritage Site then participate in Tai Chi Session – a traditional Asian morning exercise.
- Have a light breakfast and join main interesting activities in the morning, which could be optional depending on each cruise’s program such as kayaking, visiting Titov Island or exploring Sung Sot Cave afterward.
- Back to the main ship, take a short rest and ready for check-out.
- Have a brunch onboard before coming back to the mainland, settle payment for extra service used onboard: beverage or spa treatment, etc.
- Disembark the cruise, back to Waiting Lounge in Tuan Chau Marina, take back the luggage, get on the bus/ private car then back to Hanoi. End of Halong Bay 2 days 1 night cruise program.
** Halong Bay 3 days 2 nights Itinerary:
Day 1:
- Shuttle bus/ private car starts to pick up guests from Hanoi the transfer to Cruise Waiting Lounges in Tuan Chau Marina, Halong Bay. Check-in and embark on the cruise.
- Welcome onboard. Receive room keys. Have lunch at the cruise’s restaurant and take a rest.
- Join main interesting activities in the afternoon, which could be optional depending on each cruise’s program such as kayaking, visiting Titov Island or exploring Sung Sot Cave.
- End of main activity, back to the main ship, relax in-room or at the sundeck to see the stunning sunset in Halong Bay then join a traditional cooking class.
- Dinner is served in a restaurant, which could be a set menu or BBQ buffet. Freely relax at the sundeck; in cruise bar and enjoy music or experience squid fishing. End of day 1.
Day 2:
- Wake up early and witness breathtaking sunrise in the Heritage Site then participate in Tai Chi Session – a traditional Asian morning exercise.
- Have a light breakfast then get on tender transferring to the day boat, which helps tourists go further to the heart of Halong Bay and explore less touristic destinations in the Heritage Site.
- Main activities on day boat: generally exploring untouched islands and swimming, or visiting a pearl farm in the morning and stopping by an ancient floating village and exploring local sea life here in the afternoon.
- Lunch will be served on the day boat. Guests will have time to take a short break before joining the afternoon’s itinerary.
- After almost an enjoyable day on the day boat, a tender will transfer tourists back to the main ship, freely relax and having dinner in the restaurant. End of day 2.
Day 3:
- Wake up early and witness breathtaking sunrise in the Heritage Site then participate in Tai Chi Session – a traditional Asian morning exercise.
- Have a light breakfast and join main interesting activities in the morning, which could be optional depending on each cruise’s program such as kayaking, visiting Titov Island or exploring Sung Sot Cave afterward.
- Back to the main ship, take a short rest and ready for check-out.
- Have a brunch onboard before coming back to the mainland, settle payment for extra service used onboard: beverage or spa treatment, etc.
- Disembark the cruise, back to Waiting Lounge in Tuan Chau Marina, take back the luggage, get on the bus/ private car then back to Hanoi. End of Halong Bay 3 days 2 nights cruise program.
** Halong Bay day tour Itinerary:
- Shuttle bus/ private car starts to pick up guests from Hanoi the transfer to Cruise Waiting Lounges in Tuan Chau Marina, Halong Bay. Revise guests’ information and embark on the cruise.
- Welcome onboard. Have lunch at the cruise’s restaurant and take a rest.
- Join main interesting activities on day boat including exploring Sung Sot Cave, visiting Luon Cave by kayaking or rowed boat then visiting and swimming at Titov Island or Soi Sim Island.
- End of main activities, back to the day boat and guests will have time to relax before going back to the mainland.
- Day boat turns back to Tuan Chau Marina at around 5:30 PM. Get on the shuttle bus/ private car for going back to Hanoi and the expected time for reaching the city center is around 7:30 – 8:00 PM.
** Luxury Cruises:
Being one of the NEWEST and BIGGEST luxurious metal cruises in Halong Bay, President Cruise, which launched in November 2018, totally deserves to be taken for granted about its high-end service quality. Owning signature Michelin Menu, finest facilities, classy entertainment with the live Brazilian Jazz band and professional butlers, President Cruise is a truly top-notch cruise offering a luxurious experience in Halong Bay.
Paradise Cruises
Managed by pioneering cruising company in Halong Bay, Paradise Group, Paradise Cruises Collection including boutique wooden cruise – Paradise Sails and modern metal cruise – Paradise Elegance is proudly in the best cruise lines in Halong Bay with professionalism and excellent service. Experiencing a cruise trip to Halong Bay with Paradise Cruises will definitely create the best memories ever in your lifetime.
Remaining traditional concept, Aphrodite Cruise attracts tourists by its classic and boutique charm which is shown in cruise’s design and interior. With outstanding itinerary helping guests explore breathtaking Halong Bay with high-class service, Aphrodite Cruise is a must-have if you’re setting off a luxury overnight trip in Halong Bay.
** Deluxe Cruises:
Well-known for excellent service and very reasonable price among 4-star cruises in Halong Bay, Stellar Cruise ensures offering the best experience to everyone staying onboard. If you’re looking for a great cruise with an affordable rate, Stellar is always the best option.
With spacious cabins and public areas as well, Pelican Cruise will obviously offer you a comfortable stay during the trip to Halong Bay. Professional service and staff as well as stunning and various types of cooking style from Pelican Cruise make it become one of great value 4-star Halong Bay Cruises.
** Budget Cruises:
As a little sister of Pelican Cruise, Glory Legend Cruise inherits classy service from her elder sister but with a more reasonable price and appropriate amendment for a 3-star boutique cruise. Proudly as one of the best budget cruises in Halong Bay for service, amenity, food, and staff, Glory Legend Cruise is truly a well-worth option for you.
The reasonable price might be the main key making Aclass Legend Cruise outstanding among 3-star cruises in Halong Bay. Moreover, crew onboard will ensure to offer the best experience to anyone taking a trip to Halong Bay with a hospitable atmosphere and enjoyable activities. This is a great budget cruise that you can consider for your Halong Bay trip.
** Day Cruises:
Managed by Paradise Group, a reputable cruising company in Halong Bay, Paradise Explorer Day Cruise promisingly brings to you truly high-end service combining with interesting activities in the World Heritage Site within a day.
Paradise Luxury Day Cruise
As one of a minority among day cruises in Halong Bay accommodating private restrooms as overnight cruises, Paradise Luxury Day cruise will surely bring to you an absolutely comfortable day trip to Halong Bay.
1. Lan Ha Bay: Location and outstanding features
Located to the East of Cat Ba Island, the South of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is a part of the Gulf of Tonkin that belonged to Hai Phong City. With around 7000ha widespread over the sea, owning almost similar geological features to Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay attracts tourists by the unspoiled landscape which is less touristic than Halong Bay’s destinations.
Being a continuous portion of mighty karst formation from Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay possesses approximately 400 islands and islets situating in the area. Many islands here have split the sea to form natural lagoons that are totally isolated from the outside world. Moreover, as a part of Cat Ba Archipelago – a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Lan Ha Bay has pristine nature, untouched areas, and a diverse ecosystem that will surely allure anyone preferring a completely relaxing and peaceful trip.
2. How to reach Lan Ha Bay
Almost Lan Ha Bay Cruises will depart from Got Ferry in Cat Hai Town, Hai Phong City. Nowadays, several new ships have offered new routes that depart from Tuan Chau Marina, Halong City. There are also two ways to reach Got Ferry or Tuan Chau Marina, using the shuttle bus from a cruise or using private transfer service.
** If you choose shuttle bus from the cruise:
- Your cruise departs from Got Ferry:
Normally, any cruise package will include transfer cost with roundtrip shuttle bus transfer Hanoi – Got Ferry – Hanoi, which means you will use the bus with other guests as well. All cruise programs in Lan Ha Bay departing from Got Ferry will start to pick up guests from Hanoi Old Quarter (at around 7:15 – 7:45 AM for day cruises and around 9:00 – 9:30 AM for overnight cruises) with the route of Highway Hanoi – Hai Phong then following Tan Vu - Lach Huyen Bridge to reach Got Ferry in Hai Phong City for around 2 hours driving. Reaching Got Ferry, guests will relax in cruise lounges shortly before getting on the tender then transfer to the main cruise in around 15 minutes.
- Your cruise departs from Tuan Chau Marina:
Almost cruise programs in Lan Ha Bay, which depart from Tuan Chau Marina, will start to pick up guests from Hanoi Old Quarter (at around 7:00 – 7:30 AM for day cruises and around 9:00 – 9:15 AM for overnight cruises) then transfer to Tuan Chau Marina in Halong Bay with the route of Highway Hanoi – Hai Phong – Ha Long for around 2.5 hours driving. Reaching Tuan Chau Marina, guests will be welcomed by the staff then transferred to the main ship anchoring in Gia Luan Area - Lan Ha Bay which located in Hai Phong City on speedboat within around 20 - 30 minutes.
Note: In case you’re staying out of Hanoi Old Quarter Area, you’d better handle yourself a transfer helping you arrive scheduled pick-up point in the Old Quarter on time.
** If you prefer private transfer service:
You can easily rent a private car with the private driver following to your schedule from vendors around Old Quarter or agents helping you book cruise package. Driving time is also around 2 to 2.5 hours driving but the private transfer will offer privacy to you only.
3. Outstanding tourist attractions in Lan Ha Bay
Viet Hai Village is a small village nestled amid mighty jungle and mountains on Cat Ba Island. Remaining pristine nature, picturesque landscape and idyllic local life, Viet Hai Village nowadays has become a new destination for ecotourism in Lan Ha Bay Cruise 3 days 2 nights program with interesting experiences such as cycling, visiting ancient houses and watching how local life’s happening here.
Dark – Bright Cave (ONLY visiting Bright Cave allowed)
With the same geological feature as Luon Cave in Halong Bay, Dark – Bright Cave is a destination that you should not miss in the trip to Lan Ha Bay. Due to security issues, only Bright Cave allows tourists to visit, but you can see Dark Cave on the way exploring Bright Cave by kayaking or bamboo boat rowed by locals. Crossing over the rocky arch, you will see a totally peaceful lake with calm emerald water surrounded by untouched verdant mountains.
Ao Ech area is a natural lagoon in Lan Ha Bay which is nearly isolated to the world by limestone islands. Pristine beauty in Ao Ech has made this place a well-known place for kayaking or swimming. Exploring Ao Ech, tourists will have a chance to truly relax in the peace of natural landscape, the calmness of water and quietness of million-year-old rocky islands surrounding.
Situated in a valley on Cat Ba Island, Trung Trang Cave is a natural cave with around 300 meters in length inside a mountain, which can contain hundreds of people at the same time. Trung Trang Cave attracts people by its natural beauty of beautiful stalactites inside and diverse ecosystem outside, which is an ideal place for any adventure lovers.
Ba Trai Dao Island is actually a natural lagoon that is made from three mountains surrounding shaped like three giant peaches. Each one has a small sandy beach which is a wonderful place for swimming. As an outstanding destination which is a perfect place for relaxing, Ba Trai Dao is a highlight in Lan Ha Bay Cruise program due to untouched beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
4. General Lan Ha Bay Cruises Itineraries
** Lan Ha Bay 2 days 1 night Itinerary:
Day 1:
- Shuttle bus/ private car starts to pick up guests from Hanoi the transfer to Cruise Waiting Lounges in Got Ferry, Hai Phong City or Tuan Chau Marina, Halong Bay. Check-in and embark on the cruise.
Note: If the cruise route departs from Got Ferry, guests will get on tender then transfer for approx 20 minutes to reach the main ship. In case the cruise route departs from Tuan Chau Marina, guests will get on a speedboat with transfer time is around 30 minutes to get on the main ship mooring in Gia Luan Area (Hai Phong City).
- Welcome onboard. Receive room keys. Have lunch at the cruise’s restaurant and take a rest.
- Join main interesting activities in the afternoon, which could be optional depending on each cruise’s program such as kayaking in allowed untouched areas, visiting Trung Trang Cave in Cat Ba Island.
- End of main activity, back to the main ship, relax in-room or at the sundeck to see the stunning sunset in Lan Ha Bay then join a traditional cooking class.
- Dinner is served in a restaurant, which could be a set menu or BBQ buffet. Freely relax at the sundeck; in cruise bar and enjoy music or experience squid fishing. End of day 1.
Day 2:
- Wake up early and witness breathtaking sunrise in beautiful Lan Ha bay then participate in Tai Chi Session – a traditional Asian morning exercise.
- Have a light breakfast and join main interesting activities in the morning, which could be optional depending on each cruise’s program such as: visiting Dark – Bright Cave by kayaking/ rowed boat or kayaking to explore pristine Lan Ha Bay.
- Back to the main ship, take a short rest and ready for check-out.
- Have a brunch onboard before coming back to the mainland, settle payment for extra service used onboard: beverage or spa treatment, etc.
- Disembark the cruise, back to Waiting Lounge in Got Ferry or Tuan Chau Marina, take back the luggage, get on the bus/ private car then back to Hanoi. End of Lan Ha Bay 2 days 1 night cruise program.
** Lan Ha Bay 3 days 2 nights Itinerary:
Day 1:
- Shuttle bus/ private car starts to pick up guests from Hanoi the transfer to Cruise Waiting Lounges in Got Ferry, Hai Phong City or Tuan Chau Marina, Halong Bay. Check-in and embark on the cruise.
Note: If the cruise route departs from Got Ferry, guests will get on tender then transfer for approx 20 minutes to reach the main ship. In case the cruise route departs from Tuan Chau Marina, guests will get on a speedboat with transfer time is around 30 minutes to get on the main ship mooring in Gia Luan Area (Hai Phong City).
- Welcome onboard. Receive room keys. Have lunch at the cruise’s restaurant and take a rest.
- Join main interesting activities in the afternoon, which could be optional depending on each cruise’s program such as kayaking in allowed untouched areas, visiting Trung Trang Cave in Cat Ba Island.
- End of main activity, back to the main ship, relax in-room or at the sundeck to see the stunning sunset in Lan Ha Bay then join a traditional cooking class.
- Dinner is served in a restaurant, which could be a set menu or BBQ buffet. Freely relax at the sundeck; in cruise bar and enjoy music or experience squid fishing. End of day 1.
Day 2:
- Wake up early and witness breathtaking sunrise in beautiful Lan Ha Bay then participate in Tai Chi Session – a traditional Asian morning exercise.
- Have a light breakfast then get on tender transferring to the day boat, which helps tourists go further to untouched areas and explore less touristic destinations in Lan Ha Bay.
- Main activities on day boat: generally cycling to explore Viet Hai village, a mall village nestled in Cat Ba National Park with idyllic local life, and enjoy swimming or kayaking in the afternoon.
- Lunch will be served on the day boat. Guests will have time to take a short break before joining the afternoon’s itinerary.
- After almost an enjoyable day on the day boat, a tender will transfer tourists back to the main ship, freely relax and having dinner in the restaurant. End of day 2.
Day 3:
- Wake up early and witness breathtaking sunrise in beautiful Lan Ha Bay then participate in Tai Chi Session – a traditional Asian morning exercise.
- Have a light breakfast and join main interesting activities in the morning, which could be optional depending on each cruise’s program such as: visiting Dark – Bright Cave by kayaking/ rowed boat or kayaking to explore pristine Lan Ha Bay.
- Back to the main ship, take a short rest and ready for check-out.
- Have a brunch onboard before coming back to the mainland, settle payment for extra service used onboard: beverage or spa treatment, etc.
- Disembark the cruise, back to Waiting Lounge in Got Ferry or Tuan Chau Marina, take back the luggage, get on the bus/ private car then back to Hanoi. End of Lan Ha Bay 3 days 2 nights cruise program.
** Lan Ha Bay day tour Itinerary:
- Shuttle bus/ private car starts to pick up guests from Hanoi the transfer to Cruise Waiting Lounges in Got Ferry, Hai Phong City or Tuan Chau Marina, Halong Bay. Revise guests’ information and embark on the cruise.
- Welcome onboard. Have lunch at the cruise’s restaurant and take a rest.
- Join main interesting activities on day boat including exploring Dark – Bright Cave by rowed boat then enjoying kayaking and swimming at natural lagoons in Lan Ha Bay.
- Back to the day boat and join a Vietnamese traditional cooking demonstration. Several day cruises will offer additional activities such as visiting floating houses in the Bay or sunset party on board.
- Day boat turns back the mainland at around 5:30 PM. Get on the shuttle bus/ private car for going back to Hanoi and the expected time for reaching the city center is around 7:30 – 8:00 PM.
** Luxury Cruises:
Expecting to be launched in late January 2020, Paradise Group proudly introduces a brand-new luxury cruise managing new routes in Lan Ha Bay, Paradise Grand Cruise. As a new member of Paradise Cruises Collection, Paradise Grand not only inherits the finest amenities and excellent service from forerunners in Halong Bay but promises to bring a distinctive experience among high-class Lan Ha Bay Cruises.
Proudly the first cruise company to organize overnight itinerary throughout Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay with the most highlight of this beautiful and wild route to the less touristic ad untouched areas in Heritage Site. Orchid Cruise strives to perfect its luxury line for fresh experiences in Halong – Lan Ha Bay with an upgraded level of premium cruising services.
Being a sister with Orchid Cruise, Azalea Cruise also offers high-end service and less-crowded itinerary with spacious cabins all accommodating a private balcony and a comfortable bed. Azalea also offers fantastic public space, fine dining options and professional crew that surely create a relaxing and enjoyable trip in Halong – Lan Ha Bay for tourists.
Era Cruise is a luxurious cruise that promisingly becomes one of the finest cruises following the route in Lan Ha Bay. Era Cruise offers excellent service with stylish furnishing to definitely satisfy the highest expectation of travelers from luxury and delight spaces, diverse cooking style to amazing 5-star standard and well-trained crew, which ensures to bring incredible services and truly memorable experience in Halong – Lan Ha Bay to you.
Welcoming tourists to experience the new definition of contemporary luxury, Stellar of the Seas Cruise is a brand-new luxurious metal cruise organizing new itinerary in Halong – Lan Ha Bay that focuses on leisure and relaxing activities. Furthermore, with both the mini golf club and outdoor swimming pool onboard besides the sauna and spa lounge and spacious sundeck, Stellar of the Seas is a perfect choice for a relaxing vacation.
La Regina Grand Cruise
La Regina Grand Cruise is the newest member of the well-known La Regina Cruises Fleet that offers fascinating cruise itineraries to pristine Lan Ha Bay. With 27 spacious and well-accommodated cabins with en-suite bathroom and private balconies, La Regina Grand is one of the appropriate options for anyone expecting a high-end experience on Lan Ha overnight cruises.
La Regina Grand Cruise
La Regina Grand Cruise is the newest member of the well-known La Regina Cruises Fleet that offers fascinating cruise itineraries to pristine Lan Ha Bay. With 27 spacious and well-accommodated cabins with en-suite bathroom and private balconies, La Regina Grand is one of the appropriate options for anyone expecting a high-end experience on Lan Ha overnight cruises.
** Deluxe Cruises:
As a new 4-star cruise with the new overnight program throughout Halong – Halong Bay as well, Peony Cruise is in minority of deluxe cruises which offer a very spacious cabin with private balcony and finest amenities. Plus, with super attentive crew, stunning food and excellent service, Peony Cruise promises to bring to you the most unforgettable cruise trip to Heritage Site.
** Day Cruises:
As one of the NEWEST day cruises, possessing modern facilities, distinctive design combined with excellent service, Jade Sail Day Cruise ensures your trip to Lan Ha Bay to become the most superior experience ever.
Offering itinerary exploring pristine and tranquil Lan Ha Bay within a day, along with very spacious capacity and professional staff, Serenity Luxury Day Cruise is one among luxury day cruises which are the perfect scene for your relaxation as well as enjoyable activities.
1. Bai Tu Long Bay: Location and outstanding features
Located to the Northeast of Halong Bay and bordered by mainland – Cam Pha City to the West, Bai Tu Long Bay is a bay that is a home of many islands, many of which to the East of Bai Tu Long Bay are big islands with inhabitants living. Covering around 157.8 km2 over the sea, Bai Tu Long Bay also possesses natural scenic beauty made up by karst formation with numerous limestone islands as its neighbor, Halong Bay.
Limestone islands in Bai Tu Long Bay do not situate densely, plus not crowded and bustling as Halong Bay. However, Bai Tu Long Bay owns for itself an extraordinary beauty, which is totally off the beaten track and peaceful. Hence here is a wonderful destination for anyone loving isolating itineraries that escape from busy life and create truly tranquil and relaxing moments.
2. How to reach Bai Tu Long Bay
All Bai Tu Long Cruises will depart from Hon Gai Port, which is located to the Northeast of Halong City, right under Sun Wheel of Sunworld Halong Park. From Halong City keep driving around 20 minutes then you will reach Hon Gai Port – Bai Tu Long Cruises Embarkation/ Disembarkation Point. There are also two ways to arrive there, using the shuttle bus from a cruise or using private transfer service.
** If you choose shuttle bus from the cruise:
Normally, any cruise package will include transfer cost with roundtrip shuttle bus transfer Hanoi – Bai Tu Long Bay – Hanoi, which means you will use the bus with other guests as well. Almost cruise programs in Bai Tu Long Bay will start to pick up guests from Hanoi Old Quarter then transfer to Hon Gai Port.
- If your cruise uses transfer route with National road:
The shuttle bus will start to pick up guests from Hanoi Old Quarter (at around 7:30 – 8:00 AM for day cruises and around 7:45 – 8:15 AM for overnight cruises) with the route of mainly through National Road No.18 for around 4 hours driving.
- If your cruise uses new transfer route with highway:
The shuttle bus will start to pick up guests from Hanoi Old Quarter (at around 8:30 – 9:00 AM) with the route of Highway Hanoi – Hai Phong – Ha Long then following National Road No.18 in Halong City to reach Hon Gai Port for around 3 hours driving.
Note: In case you’re staying out of Hanoi Old Quarter Area, you’d better handle yourself a transfer helping you arrive scheduled pick-up point in the Old Quarter on time.
** If you prefer private transfer service:
You can easily rent a private car with the private driver following to your schedule from vendors around the Old Quarter or agents helping you book cruise package. Driving time is also around 2.5 hours but the private transfer will offer privacy to you only.
3. Outstanding tourist attractions in Bai Tu Long Bay
Situating in Cong Do Natural Preservation Area, Thien Canh Son Cave is the most beautiful cave in Bai Tu Long Bay. Thien Canh Son Cave is famous for its distinctive natural beauty and scenic landscape surrounding, which attracts thousands of visitors every day. Once visiting here, tourists can easily witness the breathtaking scenery of Bai Tu Long Bay from the entrance as well as the finish point outside Thien Canh Son Cave.
Vung Vieng Fishing Village is located inside the Vung Ha archipelago, an important protected area in Bai Tu Long Bay, which is around 25 km from the mainland. With special entrance, which is a natural rocky arch, Vung Vieng Fishing Village is an attractive destination in 3 days 2 nights program with main activity is visiting and exploring village and locals’ daily life by kayaking or rowed boat.
Cap La Island is a wonderful stop in Bai Tu Long trip with a peaceful atmosphere among quiet limestone islands and calm emerald water. Many overnight cruises in Bai Tu Long choose this place as a destination for kayaking or freely swimming and relaxing in pristine sandy beaches on small islands.
Cong Dam Area is an untouched area quite far away from the mainland, which is totally isolated from crowded routes. Therefore, Cong Dam is well-known for its undisturbed landscape as well as complete calmness. If you are looking for a tranquil place, Cong Dam’s serene beauty will surely blow your mind away.
4. General Bai Tu Long Bay Cruises Itineraries
** Bai Tu Long Bay 2 days 1 night Itinerary:
Day 1:
- Shuttle bus/ private car starts to pick up guests from Hanoi the transfer to Cruise Waiting Lounges in Hon Gai Port, Halong Bay. Check-in and embark on the cruise.
- Welcome onboard. Receive room keys. Have lunch at the cruise’s restaurant and take a rest.
- Join main interesting activities in the afternoon, which could be optional depending on each cruise’s program: kayaking or visiting Vung Vieng fishing village by rowed boat.
- End of main activity, back to the main ship, relax in-room or at the sundeck to see the stunning sunset in Bai Tu Long Bay then join a traditional cooking class.
- Dinner is served in a restaurant, which could be a set menu or BBQ buffet. Freely relax at the sundeck; in cruise bar and enjoy music or experience squid fishing. End of day 1.
Day 2:
- Wake up early and witness breathtaking sunrise in Bai Tu Long Bay then participate in Tai Chi Session – a traditional Asian morning exercise.
- Have a light breakfast onboard then get on the tender to visit Thien Canh Son Cave – the most beautiful cave in Bai Tu Long Bay.
- Back to the main ship, take a short rest and ready for check-out.
- Have a brunch onboard before coming back to the mainland, settle payment for extra service used onboard: beverage or spa treatment, etc.
- Disembark the cruise, back to Waiting Lounge in Hon Gai Port, take back the luggage, get on the bus/ private car then back to Hanoi. End of Bai Tu Long Bay 2 days 1 night cruise program.
** Bai Tu Long Bay 3 days 2 nights Itinerary:
Day 1:
- Shuttle bus/ private car starts to pick up guests from Hanoi the transfer to Cruise Waiting Lounges in Hon Gai Port, Halong Bay. Check-in and embark on the cruise.
- Welcome onboard. Receive room keys. Have lunch at the cruise’s restaurant and take a rest.
- Join main interesting activities in the afternoon, which could be optional depending on each cruise’s program: kayaking or visiting Vung Vieng fishing village by rowed boat.
- End of main activity, back to the main ship, relax in-room or at the sundeck to see the stunning sunset in Bai Tu Long Bay then join a traditional cooking class.
- Dinner is served in a restaurant, which could be a set menu or BBQ buffet. Freely relax at the sundeck; in cruise bar and enjoy music or experience squid fishing. End of day 1.
Day 2:
- Wake up early and witness breathtaking sunrise in Bai Tu Long Bay then participate in Tai Chi Session – a traditional Asian morning exercise.
- Have a light breakfast then gets on tender transferring to the day boat, which helps tourists go further and explore less touristic destinations in Bai Tu Long Bay.
- Main activities in the morning would be optional between swimming, kayaking or visiting a fishing village.
- Lunch will be served on the day boat. Guests will have time to take a short break before joining the afternoon’s itinerary, which is focused on relaxing: sunbathing on sundeck, freely swimming or kayaking to explore Bai Tu Long Bay.
- After almost an enjoyable day on the day boat, a tender will transfer tourists back to the main ship, freely relax and having dinner in the restaurant. End of day 2.
Day 3:
- Wake up early and witness breathtaking sunrise in Bai Tu Long Bay then participate in Tai Chi Session – a traditional Asian morning exercise.
- Have a light breakfast onboard then get on the tender to visit Thien Canh Son Cave – the most beautiful cave in Bai Tu Long Bay.
- Back to the main ship, take a short rest and ready for check-out.
- Have a brunch onboard before coming back to the mainland, settle payment for extra service used onboard: beverage or spa treatment, etc.
- Disembark the cruise, back to Waiting Lounge in Hon Gai Port, take back the luggage, get on the bus/ private car then back to Hanoi. End of Bai Tu Long Bay 3 days 2 night cruise program.
** Bai Tu Long Bay day tour Itinerary:
- Shuttle bus/ private car starts to pick up guests from Hanoi the transfer to Cruise Waiting Lounges in Hon Gai Port, Halong City. Revise the guests’ information and embark on the cruise.
- Welcome onboard. Have lunch at the cruise’s restaurant and take a rest.
- Join main interesting activities on day boat including exploring Vung Vieng Fishing Village by kayaking or rowed boat then visiting Thien Canh Son Cave or joining Vietnam traditional cuisine cooking demonstration onboard.
- End of main activities, guests will have time to relax while day boat’s turning back the mainland. The expected time to be back the port is at around 6:00 PM. Get on the shuttle bus/ private car for going back to Hanoi and the expected time for reaching the city center is around 8:30 – 9:00 PM.
** Luxury Cruises:
Being a modern luxurious metal boat, offering a diverse menu that is harmoniously combined between Asian and Western-style as well as excellent service, Athena Cruise will definitely satisfy tourists who have chosen to explore Bai Tu Long Bay with Athena by the best service and the most enjoyable activities.
Not too flashy as new modern cruises, Signature is a luxurious boutique wooden cruise which impresses tourists by its finest classic style. Focusing on exceptional service, extraordinary cuisine along with 5-star amenities, Signature Cruise accommodates an absolutely sumptuous atmosphere for your Bai Tu Long Bay trip.
** Deluxe Cruises:
Inspired by Vietnam’s local art and culture, Renea Cruise makes itself different from others and very attractive to tourists, especially foreigners by its traditional style. Possessing a warm-hearted and professional guide team, Renea Cruise will surely bring to your Bai Tu Long Bay trip memorable experiences.
As a combination of classic and contemporary style, with luxurious interior, La Regina Royal Cruise is an outstanding deluxe cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay. Offering a very spacious cabin with jacuzzis in all cabin types, La Regina Royal Cruise creates itinerary exploring Bai Tu Long Bay in the most comfortable way.
** Budget Cruises:
With itinerary exploring scenic and peaceful Bai Tu Long Bay, Swan Cruise is a perfect choice for anyone loving excursion at a reasonable cost. Moreover, owning excellent service, attentive and hospitable staff and various culinary, Swan Cruise will afford all guests’ demands who have chosen Swan for their trip to Bai Tu Long Bay.
** Day Cruises:
Swan Day Cruise
If you’re looking for a day trip to Bai Tu Long Bay with an appropriate itinerary, Swan Day Cruise will offer you all, with the enjoyable excursion to the most outstanding destinations in untouched Bai Tu Long Bay.
Deserved to be one of the most extraordinary masterpieces of Mother Nature, Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay have made up a whole World Heritage Site with mighty karst formation and diverse ecosystem in limestone islands which attracts people all over the world by their distinctive features. With all useful information summarizing cruises instruction in all three bays above, Halong Bay Cruises Expert Team do hope that it could help you somehow to figure out which bay and which cruise is the most appropriate to you.
