Cruising between the thousand magnificent karst islands of Bai Tu Long Bay, swimming at natural private beach island, kayaking, hiking and experience local food and tradition. That’s all we experienced for the 3 days 2 nights trip with Signature Cruise on the trip last September. Let check out our review for such a great adventure.
Day 1: Start journey and enjoy a rowing Vietnamese bamboo boat
My partner and I have arrived in Hanoi a couple days before departure date. We have planned to book cruise through online website from March to get a better deal, promotions and we can choose room type as our request. After searching several cruise in Halong bay, we decided to book Signature Cruise, a wooden luxury cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay – the quiet bay in Halong Bay. After breakfast at hotel, we were collected by a limousine bus from our hotel in Hanoi Old quarter. The bus has total 7 people. From there we went to the Hon Gai Harbor by new highway road, It took us 3 hours for transfer including 15 minutes take break on the road.
At Hon Gai harbor, we were transferred to main boat by tender boat, around 5 minutes. Onboard, we were warmly welcome by all cruise team and Vietnamese cruise manager. We cruised through an incredible maze of karst islands while having delicious Vietnamese set menu lunch for 2 hours.
There were around 8 other couples on cruise, It was nice to chill on the sundeck with beer and music in an incredible scenes created by thousand tiny island.
After relaxing in the room for a while we headed to visit Vung Vieng floating village. The weather on September is pretty sunny and hot. We sit on Bamboo boat and the local people rowed for us to around the village. We were excited to see how local people live in the floating house and how they grow some fishes and shellfish.
After an awesome cooking demonstration class, we spent time to watch the sunset and chill with some beer. On the evening its dinner time, then we went to sundeck, chill with music and make some friends under the wind and the beautiful sky.
Day 2: Kayaking and swimming in Cong Dam area
At around 09:AM after breakfast on cruise, we were transferred to day cruise to go further to Cong Dam area. Which is well known for crystal clear sandy beaches
In Cong Dam area, We did kayaking through small islands and jumped to swim at the small island with white sand beach. Enjoy the quiet natural sand beach for around 2 hours. The view and scene from this area were amazing. On the group of 3 days 2 nights tour only have 6 people, other people booked 2 days tour. The tour guide took care of us very well. We might think, for people who wants to enjoy the relaxing time in Halong bay in untouched area. This place is for you. If you book 2d1n tour, this Cong Dam place will not in the itinerary. This destination required longer time cruising and small boat to approach. After the time kayaking and swimming, Our tour guide took us back to the day cruise where lunch and cold tissue were already prepared for us. We took a rest and relaxed on day cruise after lunch, Chitchat and sightseeing the bay while the day cruise took us back to main boat. Back to Signature cruise, we spent the rest of afternoon to relax in bathroom. Bath time with our jazcuzi to dispel tired. In evening, We have a chance to join in squid fishing . Poor for us that we did not catch any squid but its funny time for both me and my boyfriend. We comeback to the room take a rest and get ready for 3rd day activities.
Day 3: Visiting a stunning Thien Canh Son cave - return to Hanoi
In the morning on 3rd day tour, we started a day with Tai Chi class on sundeck. After breakfast, The tourguide took us to visit Thien Canh Son cave, which is bring a wild and mysterious beauty in the middle of the World Heritage. The cave is the biggest natural cave in Bai Tu Long Bay. Its on small island with white sand beach but you only can take picture , can not swim here.
After an hour visit the cave, We head back to cruise, pack the luggage and check out cabin. We had light lunch while cruise back to Hon Gai harbor and returned in Hanoi in the afternoon. It’s sad to say that our 3D2N cruise journey has come to an end.
Comment on our Signature Cruise
The cruise is wooden luxury boat. We love the traditional cruise then decided to book the wooden one instead of many others new steel cruise.
Room type: Senior Cabin on 2nd floor. The room is comfortable and supper clean.
Our room is equipped with full luxury facilities, private Balcony and jacuzzi.
The food was excellence and the staffs were friendly and caring. Highly recommend for everyone who loves the quiet bay and stunning view.
I hope my review for our 3 days trip will help you find a most suitable cruise for your trip in Halong Bay. Wish you have a wonderful time for upcoming Halong bay trip. For more information about other options of Halong Bay Cruises, you can refer and send inquiries via Halongbaycruises.com, their consultants will assist you to find out which suit you best.
