Visitors traveling to Vietnam always include Halong Bay as one of their leading places to visit. The UNESCO World Heritage Site here is famous for its beautiful scenery and rich past. By the third day, the cruise tour will show you distinctive areas and give you many great activities to do. Arrange your visit and enjoy the beautiful wonders of this natural wonder.
Where to go on a classic Halong Bay route
Cruises differ and so do their itineraries. However, most times you find yourself on these popular attraction routes:
Day 1: The very first day includes a visit to Titop Island and Luon Cave.
The first place we visit on the first day is Titop Island which is famous. Approaching the island in your boat, you’ll meet a white beach and some strange shaped rocks. You should not leave Ti Top without hiking to its famous top. The 400-step hike ends with a beautiful outlook over the Bay of Halong. To relax, just lay on the beach and experience the serenity of Halong Bay.
People who like surprises will find Luon Cave to be perfect for an adventurous getaway. Sailing here on a boat or taking a kayak through the attractive green waters is possible. As you sail, you might see monkeys having fun by swinging in trees. The sight of the amazing lagoon encircled by cliffs can be quite heart-stopping inside the cave.
Day 2: Trinh Nu Area – Drum Cave – Pearl Farm
Set out in the early part of the day to explore the Trinh Nu Area which is known as the Maiden’s Cave. While walking through the gardens, you can hear about the young woman who turned into a statue and became the guardian of the bay. Entering the cave by kayak or boat, you will immediately be amazed by the amazing stalactites and stalagmites all around you. Afterward, get back on your boat and sail to Drum Cave. The cave is notable for its wonderful echoes which are caused by the striking of the stalactites.
Visiting Drum Cave is followed by an exploration of the Pearl Farm which is close by. You are going to see how pearls are produced using these methods. The guided tour will describe the process of how the gems are both formed and harvested. Visiting some farms allows you to get involved by opening oysters. Being so involved makes the whole trip more exciting and memorable for you to chat about with friends later.
Day 3 includes visiting Sung Sot Cave.
Visiting Sung Sot Cave should be at the top of your list if you are visiting Halong. It is also called Surprise Cave because it uniquely mixes wonderful geology, a rich history and amazing views. The cave features two large chambers and both are more extra ordinary than the other. There is a large cave laying on the main street with tall ceilings and beautiful rocks. Equally, the other chamber holds attention with its unusual formations which help create a charming environment.
Top Recommended Halong Bay Cruises
Picking the appropriate cruise matters greatly for a smooth sailing journey. So, we’ve put together a list of the top 3 Halong Bay cruises for you to see.
The Paradise Elegance 5*
- Launch occurred in 2016.
- Total number of cabins is 31.
- Prices are starting at $165/pax.
Passenger on Paradise Elegance Cruise are treated to a beautiful and luxurious way to experience Halong Bay. Mostly, a ship will have four kinds of cabins and four decks that can accommodate up to 62 passengers. There are four separate rooms in Le Parfum Spa located in the main deck for guests’ privacy. Le Marin Restaurant and Le Piano Lounge are found on the salon deck, one of the boat’s highlights. There is a 15m2 outdoor pool with a canapé catering service waiting for you at the sundeck.
Athena Luxury 4.5*
- It was launched in 2016.
- The ship has 21 cabins.
- Price available for $164 per person.
If you seek luxury and an exclusive experience, Athena Cruise Halong Bay is the right option for you. You should definitely go to the sundeck on the ship which includes spa and sauna rooms, to relax. As an additional perk, the coffee lounge looks directly out at the scenic surroundings. As well as comfortable facilities, you can participate in onboard cooking classes or go squid fishing during the night.
Hermes Cruise 5*
- The project started in 2023.
- There are 18 cabins on board the ship.
- Cost: each person $184
Choose the Hermes Cruise if you need a calm, private and exclusive cruise. Because rooms are limited, their size ranges from 28 square meters to 64 square meters. Up to four decks may be on board and some provide amenities like an art gallery or a stage for outdoor music events.
Hermes provides you with lounge chairs and a jacuzzi for enjoying the sunlight
Going on a classic Halong Bay tour feels like being part of a natural work of art. This route connects lovely views with the rich traditions of cultures. Exploring Ha Long Bay, whether on a boat or in a cave, is a special experience at every step. If you wish for fun or quiet relaxation, Halong Bay has what you need.