Hanoi to Halong Bay Luxury Cruise: An In-Depth Review
Okay, so you are dreaming of Halong Bay. The stunning limestone karsts, the emerald waters. It’s like something out of a movie, and you absolutely want to see it. But, maybe you are not exactly a backpacker anymore, and the thought of a budget tour isn’t really doing it for you. Maybe what you want, very, very much is some pampering while you drink in those postcard views. So, perhaps a luxury cruise from Hanoi, complete with a buffet lunch, sounds right up your street. I recently went on just that, and this is what I found.
Setting Sail: The Transfer from Hanoi
First things first, that transfer from Hanoi. Now, most cruises bundle this in, which is just as well because it’s around a 3-hour drive, possibly a bit longer depending on Hanoi traffic. This part, honestly, it often tends to be a bit less “luxury” than the cruise itself. Think comfy minivan, air-con blasting, which is very good news, but also be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride in certain parts, so you may need to prepare accordingly. What I appreciated about my cruise was that they used a newer vehicle with reclining seats. A detail, is that something that makes a difference on a longer drive? Apparently, yes, it is.
First Impressions: The Cruise Ship Itself
Alright, picture this. You get to the harbor, and there it is, your ship. Now, the word “luxury” can sometimes get thrown about, yet this boat really looked the part. Gleaming white paint, smartly dressed staff greeting you with cold towels and drinks – things that you can certainly get used to, very fast indeed. Stepping aboard, the decor had a clean, modern feel; very, very comfy lounge areas; and that all-important sun deck with the loungers all lined up and ready. My cabin, I thought it was fairly spacious, with big windows, a good air conditioning and even a marble bathroom. That felt pretty fancy to me. So, it does indeed check the luxury box. It seems.
A Culinary Highlight: The Buffet Lunch
Food often tends to be a big part of any trip, and on a cruise, it’s often a main event, like your starring role. The buffet lunch did not disappoint. There was heaps to choose from. A mix of Vietnamese and international dishes that really does mean that there is probably something for everyone. Fresh seafood, salads, spring rolls, noodles, that sort of stuff, very tasty and, more importantly, it was plentiful. Drinks weren’t included in the buffet price, so you would be paying extra for those, a fairly standard cruise thing to expect I felt.
Activities On and Off the Boat
Okay, so it’s not just about eating and sunbathing, though those are perfectly valid cruise activities, yet there were excursions planned. I think this might vary a bit depending on which cruise you select, yet generally you get to visit a cave or two, and that might include some kayaking. The kayaking was really a highlight, so gliding through the calm waters between those karsts. Is that magical? Very much. Be aware that the caves can get really crowded, that might be something you can’t avoid; yet the cruise staff are doing their best to manage the flow.
The Luxury Factor: Is it Worth It?
Now, the big question. All this does not come cheap, is that luxury tag worth the extra cash? I am thinking that it depends on what you want from your Halong Bay visit. If you’re after that pristine Instagram shot and that “I’ve seen Halong Bay” thing ticked off your list, and you’re on a really tight budget, then the budget tours will actually do just fine. Though, if you want to soak it all in, in style; avoid the really big crowds (as much as you possibly can in Halong Bay, anyway); enjoy good food; and generally feel like you’re getting that bit of extra special attention, well then that luxury cruise thing, it might just be perfect for you. Especially for a honeymoon or a very, very special occasion.
Things to look out for when you book.
Booking can be complex, here are some of my points when booking a tour
- Check the Itinerary: Know exactly where the cruise goes. It could be Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay
- What is included in the price: Often they exclude the transfer and drinks!
- Read reviews from trusted sites
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