REVIEW · HANOI
Hanoi: 2-Day Halong-Lan Ha Bay BEST SELLER 5* cruise balcony
Halong Bay is best seen from the water, and this two-day, one-night cruise gives you time to watch the limestone islands change with the light. You will kayak or ride a bamboo boat through cave country, swim near the ship, and wake for tai chi as the bay turns gold.
I like the private balcony cabin, which gives you a quiet place to watch the scenery, and I like the mix of active stops and easy shipboard time. The spring-roll class, sunset tea, and nighttime squid fishing add more character than a simple sightseeing boat ride.
The main caution is that this is not one fixed ship with one fixed schedule. Several new steel-hull 5-star cruises are used, and cave or kayaking stops can change with tides, weather, local rules, and availability. Some past sailings also found the bay crowded and the water unsuitable for swimming.
Key points to know before booking
