Preparing for a Cruise Trip to Halong Bay: What to Expect
Halong Bay, with its breathtaking karst landscape, is one of Vietnam’s most iconic tourist destinations. While the easiest and most classic way to explore the bay is on a cruise, there are several aspects that may differ from your expectations. A well-prepared trip often makes for a happy one. Here’s what you need to know:
The 2-Day Cruise: Misleading Duration
Most cruises advertise a “2 day 1 night” itinerary, but you’ll likely spend just around 24 hours on the boat. The travel time from Hanoi to Halong Bay is 7-8 hours round trip. Typically, you’ll board the cruise around noon on the first day and disembark around noon on the second day, with many cruises ending even earlier, around 10:00-10:30 am. Knowing this in advance will help set realistic expectations.
The 3-Day Trip and Boat Transfers
If you opt for a 3-day trip, expect to be transferred to a day boat for sightseeing on the second day. This is standard practice for most cruises (except for a few like Au Co Cruise and Indochina Junk liner). During this time, the main junk returns to the pier to drop off and pick up guests. Families with children should prepare a day pack with essentials like formula and diapers.
Shared Dining Tables
Due to limited space in the onboard restaurant, most cruises seat guests at shared tables of 6 or 8. While some higher-end cruises allow you to request a private table, mid-range and budget cruises usually do not. This setup can be a great opportunity to meet new people and share a delicious Vietnamese meal.
Hanoi Old Quarter Pick-Up
Most cruises offer shuttle bus pick-up and drop-off services exclusively in the Hanoi Old Quarter. Hotels outside this area, such as the Sheraton Hotel, Intercontinental West Lake, and others, might incur extra charges or service denial. To determine if your hotel is in the Old Quarter, check if it’s in the Hoan Kiem district. If you’re staying outside the Old Quarter, you can take a taxi to a designated pick-up point, like 72 Hang Trong.
The Beaches in Halong Bay
While Halong Bay is stunning, it’s not known for its beaches. The area is famed for its unique rock formations rather than pristine sandy beaches. There are some areas where swimming is allowed, like Ban Chan Beach and Titov Beach, but beach activities are not the primary attraction.
Cruise Cancellations
Cruise cancellations can happen at the last minute due to weather conditions, including hurricanes, mist, or strong breezes. These decisions are made by the Halong Bay Management for safety reasons, and permits to sail are given between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm daily. This means you might find out about a cancellation while en route or even after checking in. Accepting this as part of the travel experience and knowing it in advance can help reduce stress.
The Best Time to Travel
There’s no definitive “best” or “worst” time to visit Halong Bay. Each season has its pros and cons:
- December: Stable weather but crowded.
- March: Warmer but potentially misty.
- June: Potential rain but often sunny with fewer crowds and great deals.
By preparing for these realities, you can ensure a more enjoyable and less stressful experience when cruising Halong Bay. For advice and assistance in planning your trip
