Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most breathtaking destinations in Vietnam. Renowned for its emerald waters, towering limestone islands, and mystical caves, it attracts millions of visitors every year. If you’re planning to visit Halong Bay, a cruise is the best way to experience its beauty. In 2019, several cruises stood out for their exceptional services, offering a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with options for kayaking, swimming, cave exploration, and full meals. In this article, we will explore the top Halong Bay cruises of 2019 that provide these experiences.
1. Why Choose a Halong Bay Cruise?
Before diving into the specifics of each cruise, let’s understand why a Halong Bay cruise is an ideal choice. A cruise allows you to explore the bay’s remote areas, hidden lagoons, and untouched beaches that are inaccessible by road. The tranquil environment of the bay combined with the luxurious amenities offered on these cruises makes for a relaxing yet adventurous experience.
A. Unique Perspective of Halong Bay
Cruising through Halong Bay provides a unique perspective of the stunning landscape. The towering limestone pillars, dotted with lush greenery, offer a mesmerizing view that is best enjoyed from the deck of a cruise ship. As you sail through the calm waters, you’ll have the opportunity to capture panoramic views of the bay, something that is not possible from the shore.
B. All-Inclusive Experience
Many cruises in Halong Bay offer all-inclusive packages that cover accommodation, meals, and activities such as kayaking, swimming, and cave exploration. This ensures that you have a hassle-free experience, with everything taken care of from the moment you step on board.
C. Adventure and Relaxation Combined
A Halong Bay cruise is a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. You can start your day with an adventurous kayak trip through the bay’s hidden lagoons and end it with a relaxing swim in the calm waters. The cruises also offer onboard activities such as Tai Chi classes, cooking demonstrations, and sunset parties, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment.
2. Top Halong Bay Cruises of 2019
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of choosing a Halong Bay cruise, let’s explore the top cruises of 2019 that offer a comprehensive experience, including kayaking, relaxation, swimming, cave exploration, and full meals.
A. Paradise Elegance Cruise
Paradise Elegance Cruise is a top choice for travelers seeking a luxurious experience in Halong Bay. Launched in 2017, this cruise quickly became one of the most sought-after options in the bay. The cruise ship is a modern steel vessel with a classic design, offering 31 spacious cabins with private balconies.
i. Kayaking and Swimming
Paradise Elegance offers an exciting itinerary that includes kayaking in the pristine waters of Halong Bay. Guests can paddle through hidden lagoons and explore secluded beaches that are not accessible by larger boats. After a kayaking session, you can take a refreshing swim in the bay’s crystal-clear waters.
ii. Cave Exploration
The cruise also includes a visit to the famous Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Halong Bay. As you explore the cave’s intricate formations, you’ll be amazed by the natural beauty of the stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millions of years.
iii. Full Meals
Dining is a highlight of the Paradise Elegance experience. The cruise offers a gourmet dining experience with a variety of Vietnamese and international dishes. Meals are served in the elegant dining room, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the bay while indulging in delicious food.
B. Orchid Cruise
Orchid Cruise is another top-rated option in Halong Bay, known for its luxurious amenities and exceptional service. The cruise ship features 14 spacious cabins, each with a private balcony and modern amenities. Orchid Cruise is perfect for those looking for a more intimate experience in the bay.
i. Kayaking and Swimming
Orchid Cruise offers guests the opportunity to kayak through the tranquil waters of Halong Bay. You can explore hidden caves and lagoons, paddle through floating fishing villages, and even visit some of the bay’s less-visited areas. After kayaking, take a dip in the bay’s refreshing waters to cool off.
ii. Cave Exploration
One of the highlights of the Orchid Cruise itinerary is a visit to the Dark and Bright Cave, a stunning natural wonder that is accessible only by boat. You can explore the cave’s interior and marvel at its unique rock formations, which have been shaped by the forces of nature over thousands of years.
iii. Full Meals
Orchid Cruise offers a fine dining experience with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The onboard restaurant serves a variety of Vietnamese and international dishes, with a menu that changes daily to reflect the freshest produce available. Meals are served in a stylish dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty of Halong Bay while dining.
C. Indochina Sails
Indochina Sails is one of the longest-running cruise operators in Halong Bay, known for its traditional wooden junk boats and excellent service. The cruise ship features 23 cabins, each with a classic design and modern amenities. Indochina Sails offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making it a popular choice for travelers.
i. Kayaking and Swimming
Indochina Sails offers a variety of activities, including kayaking and swimming in the calm waters of Halong Bay. Guests can paddle through hidden lagoons, explore secluded beaches, and even visit floating fishing villages. The cruise also offers snorkeling for those who want to explore the underwater world of the bay.
ii. Cave Exploration
The cruise includes a visit to the Thien Cung Cave, one of the most famous caves in Halong Bay. The cave is known for its intricate formations and colorful lighting, which create a magical atmosphere. As you explore the cave, you’ll be amazed by the natural beauty of its stalactites and stalagmites.
iii. Full Meals
Dining on Indochina Sails is a delightful experience, with a menu that features a variety of Vietnamese and international dishes. The cruise offers both buffet and à la carte options, with meals served in the elegant dining room. The cruise also offers cooking demonstrations, where guests can learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes.
D. Bhaya Classic Cruise
Bhaya Classic Cruise is a popular choice for travelers looking for an authentic Halong Bay experience. The cruise ship features traditional wooden junk boats with a classic design, offering 20 cabins with modern amenities. Bhaya Classic Cruise is known for its excellent service and attention to detail, making it a top choice for travelers.
i. Kayaking and Swimming
Bhaya Classic Cruise offers guests the opportunity to kayak through the pristine waters of Halong Bay. You can explore hidden lagoons, paddle through floating fishing villages, and even visit some of the bay’s less-visited areas. After kayaking, take a dip in the bay’s refreshing waters to cool off.
ii. Cave Exploration
The cruise includes a visit to the Surprise Cave, one of the most famous caves in Halong Bay. The cave is known for its impressive size and intricate formations, which have been shaped by the forces of nature over thousands of years. As you explore the cave, you’ll be amazed by its natural beauty.
iii. Full Meals
Bhaya Classic Cruise offers a fine dining experience with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The onboard restaurant serves a variety of Vietnamese and international dishes, with a menu that changes daily to reflect the freshest produce available. Meals are served in a stylish dining room with panoramic views of Halong Bay.
3. What to Expect on a Halong Bay Cruise
When booking a Halong Bay cruise, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure that you have the best experience possible. Here are some tips on what to expect and how to make the most of your cruise.
A. Itinerary
Most Halong Bay cruises offer a similar itinerary that includes a visit to the bay’s most famous attractions, such as caves, islands, and fishing villages. However, the length of the cruise and the specific activities offered can vary. Some cruises offer a one-day itinerary, while others offer two or three-day itineraries that allow you to explore the bay in more depth.
B. Onboard Amenities
Halong Bay cruises offer a variety of onboard amenities to ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Most cruises offer spacious cabins with private balconies, allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the bay from the comfort of your room. Other amenities may include a spa, fitness center, and sun deck.
C. Meals
Meals are an important part of the Halong Bay cruise experience, and most cruises offer a variety of dining options. You can expect to enjoy a range of Vietnamese and international dishes, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Some cruises also offer cooking demonstrations, where you can learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes.
D. Activities
In addition to kayaking, swimming, and cave exploration, most Halong Bay cruises offer a variety of onboard activities to keep you entertained. These may include Tai Chi classes, cooking demonstrations, and sunset parties. Some cruises also offer evening entertainment, such as live music and cultural performances.
4. Tips for Choosing the Best Halong Bay Cruise
With so many options to choose from, selecting the right Halong Bay cruise can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you choose the best cruise for your needs.
A. Budget
Halong Bay cruises are available at a variety of price points, from budget-friendly options to luxurious experiences. Consider your budget when choosing a cruise, and look for one that offers the best value for your money. Keep in mind that more expensive cruises often include additional amenities and activities, so it’s important to consider what’s included in the price.
B. Length of Cruise
Consider how much time you have available when choosing a Halong Bay cruise. If you’re short on time, a one-day cruise may be the best option. However, if you have more time to spare, a two or three-day cruise will allow you to explore the bay in more depth and enjoy a wider range of activities.
C. Type of Cruise
There are several types of Halong Bay cruises to choose from, including luxury cruises, traditional junk boat cruises, and budget-friendly options. Consider what type of experience you’re looking for when choosing a cruise, and look for one that matches your preferences.
D. Reviews and Recommendations
One of the best ways to choose a Halong Bay cruise is to read reviews and recommendations from other travelers. Look for cruises with positive reviews and high ratings, and pay attention to what other travelers have to say about their experiences.
5. Conclusion
Halong Bay is a destination that offers unparalleled natural beauty, and a cruise is the best way to experience it. In 2019, several cruises stood out for their exceptional services, offering a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious experience or a budget-friendly option, there’s a Halong Bay cruise that’s perfect for you. By choosing one of the top-rated cruises mentioned in this article, you can look forward to an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful places on earth.