Cruises.com.au Blog

After an intense introduction into the crazy, dirty, fabulous world of Vietnam, a 2 day cruise on a luxury junk on Halong Bay in the South China Sea was much anticipated. My husband and I had read the guidebooks and were enticed by the ‘must-see’ description of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre of Halong Bay. We envisaged towering mountains erupting out of the emerald green sea, lounging on decks, soaking in the scenery with a Tiger beer, romance, adventure and most of all a swim in the South China Sea. We had big expectations. We weren’t disappointed.

Situated in the Northeast region of Vietnam, 3 hours from Hanoi, Halong Bay is made up of 1,969 limestone and schist islands rising spectacularly from the dark, emerald waters. Cruising is the best way to experience Halong Bay with many tour operators offering cruising options, from day trips to overnight and longer. The standard of cruises varies in price and quality, from larger, more crowded vessels to smaller boutique vessels. We chose the luxury 2 day/1 night cruise for USD$97pp on the PintaCruiser from Columbus Cruise Company. But whatever your budget, time or preference, there will be a suitable cruise for you. Most tour companies include a return transfer from Hanoi.

The traditional sailing junk is a large wooden vessel with up to 5 masts on which square sails are set. The image of these junks with sails raised is stunning against the beautiful backdrop of Halong Bay. Our junk had 3 decks, with bedrooms on the lower level, an elegant dining area on the next and a large, upper deck with loungers and palm trees. Our double room was comfortable in rich mahogany tones with petals sprinkled on our bed.

Most tours follow a similar itinerary, starting with lunch while cruising to the spectacular stalagmite caves, Sung Sot, where a short steep climb to the entry is worth the effort. The afternoon is spent cruising remote bays, enjoying spectacular scenery and watching the water change colour as sunshine, haze and dusk in turn punctuate the South China sea. Our much-anticipated swim in the warm water was the perfect prelude to a wonderful Vietnamese dinner.

A morning cruise to Vong Vieng, a floating fishing village, was the start point of the cruise’s optional activity and highlight of our tour – a sea kayak through water tunnels, secluded lagoons and the expansive, majestic setting of Cat Ba National Park.

With the sun on our back, emerald sea at our feet and enchanting scenery, our Halong Bay experience was complete. The guidebooks had got it right.

Lisa Schofield, Cruises.com.au contributor