Why book a Ha Long Bay cruise in Vietnam

When most people think of cruises, they imagine a week-long voyage on the open seas with nothing but blue water and the occasional ship in sight. But did you know that there is another type of cruise—one that takes passengers through some of the most stunning and exotic landscapes on earth? This is the type of cruise offered through Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its beautiful scenery. The bay is dotted with limestone islands of all shapes and sizes, and the serene, emerald waters make it a popular spot for kayaking and fishing.

There are many reasons to book a Ha Long Bay cruise. And whether you are looking for an adventure or simply want to relax and take in the beauty of the landscape, a Ha Long Bay cruise is sure to offer something for everyone. Here are just a few reasons to book your Ha Long Bay cruise.

The scenery is unlike anywhere else on earth.

Ha Long Bay is one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage sites in Vietnam. According to Wikipedia, it is a geological museum that has been naturally preserved outdoors for the last 300 million years.

The bay is also home to 14 endemic flora species and 60 endemic fauna species. This natural wonder and its amazing seascape deserve your visit.

The scenery is unlike anything else in the world, and as you sail through the sheltered coves and hidden lagoons, each vista more stunning than the last, you’ll see why Ha Long Bay is considered one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

Ha Long Bay is a unique place for kayaking and rock climbing.

Ha Long Bay is home to several interesting rock formations that are perfect for climbing and exploring.

Whether you are choosing between climbing a mountain rock or venturing out in a kayak and paddling around the bay, be happy to know that you can do both activities in Ha Long Bay. The bay has thousands of islets and islands, making the water calm and providing a perfect spot for kayaking. Explore the natural beauty of the unspoiled islands on a kayak.

If you are a rock-climbing enthusiast, the steep limestone outcrops provide a fantastic outdoor experience.

Ha Long Bay is a special place where you can visit a floating fishing village.

Visit the floating fishing village and get a taste of what local life is like. Watch the fishermen hard at work and even try your hand at it by making fishnets and catching fish.

This may be the most fascinating part of your Ha Long Bay trip—experiencing the local way of life in the floating village.

You can relax on the sundeck and take in the stunning sunsets or enjoy a morning tai chi session.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing vacation, Ha Long Bay cruises offer plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun and enjoy the stunning sunset. Wake up early to watch the sun rise over the magnificent limestone karsts or enjoy a sunset cocktail on the sundeck as you watch the sun dip below the horizon. Most cruises will have a sundeck where you can lounge, read a book, or take a nap in the fresh air.

And what could be a more unique venue to do tai chi—an ancient martial art popularly practiced in Vietnam—than on a sundeck with limestones as your backdrop? Join a morning tai chi session on the sundeck and learn how to do this calming activity.

You get a chance to explore caves and grottos.

Whether you are an amateur cave explorer, a veteran spelunker, or simply a nature lover, Ha Long Bay’s many unexplored caves and grottos will amaze you.

Many of these caves are hidden among the thousands of iconic limestones within the bay. Among the popular and most-visited caves are Thien Cung famous for its massive stalactites and stalagmites and Dau Go Cave (Cave of Wonders) which features fascinating rock formations illumined with artificial lights.

The food is fresh and there is a wide variety to choose from.

The seafood here is fresh, as the fishermen go out to sea daily to catch fish, crabs, and squid. There is a wide variety of seafood dishes to choose from, so you can have a different meal every day of your cruise.

Apart from seafood, you can also enjoy other traditional Vietnamese dishes such as pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and spring rolls.

And of course, you can’t leave Vietnam without trying their world-famous coffee. The robusta beans that are grown in the country’s central highlands produce a strong, rich coffee that is perfect for starting your day or enjoying it as an afternoon pick-me-up.

Ha Long Bay is indeed a must-see destination for any traveler looking for an adventure. With its stunning natural landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, Ha Long Bay offers something for everyone. Whether you are kayaking or rock climbing, exploring caves and grottos, or simply relaxing on the sundeck, a cruise through this bay is a unique experience you will never forget.

All images: credit to Canva

Originally published on November 20, 2019

Updated on September 23, 2022