Halong Bay Luxury Cruises

Halong Bay overnight cruise

Paradise Luxury Cruise

Let your dreams set sail in Halong Bay on luxurious junk boat.
Halong Bay cruise 2 day 1 night
Escape from the grind of your daily routine with this quick overnight trip to spectacular Halong Bay. Enjoy perfect moments sailing this World Heritage Site in luxury, witnessing the beauty of this ancient landscape, refresh and rejuvenate your everyday life.
Halong Bay cruise 3 day 2 night
Three days to fully discover and experience what the bay has to offer. A journey of wonderful discoveries and well deserved relaxation. Take the time to fully enjoy the moment and let the surrounding amaze you with its lush greens and tranquil waters.
Halong Bay cruise 2 day 1 night with hotel in Hanoi tour
Get the most of elegant Hanoi and enchanting Halong Bay with this comfortable package: airport pickup, finest hotel in Hanoi and an unforgettable overnight cruise in Halong Bay.
Halong Bay cruise 2 day 1 night with hotel in Halong package
Experience Halong Bay on both land and water. Stay at the first and only boutique hotel then cruise on luxurious junk boat with Paradise Luxury. The package is valid until 30 December 17.
Halong Bay 2 day 1 night honeymoon cruise
A fascinating honeymoon package for supreme memory and relaxation: glide upon peaceful waters while nurturing your body and senses in one of the most stunning seascapes nature has ever designed - it’s a passion-filled getaway from beginning to end.

Paradise Elegance Cruise

Halong journey of distinction on trendiest vessel.
Halong Bay 2 day 1 night cruise
During 2 day 1 night cruise in Halong Bay, Paradise Elegance takes you to the highlights of Halong Bay while committing the highest level of service in the Bay.
Halong Bay 3 day 2 night cruise
Extend your time to explore magnificent Halong Bay with 3 days 2 nights cruise on the newest luxury cruise by Paradise Cruise's fleet. Stay in the luxury of accommodation, fine dining and relax with interesting onboard activities.
Halong Bay overnight cruise with hotel in Hanoi tour
Experience the most elegant journey in Northern Vietnam. Stay one night at Sofitel Legend Metropole in Hanoi and cruise two days one night in Halong Bay with Paradise Elegance - the latest and trendiest vessel.
Halong Bay overnight cruise with seaplane from Hanoi tour
Take your Halong Bay experience to the next level by scenic tour from Hanoi to Halong Bay on seaplane and 2 day 1 night cruise in Halong Bay aboard Paradise Elegance. Guaranteed to be a spectacular trip filled with remarkable memories.

Paradise Peak Cruise

The Ultimate luxury cruise in Halong Bay.
Halong Bay luxury cruise 2 day 1 night
An adventure of a lifetime with Halong Bay’s most luxurious junk boat, Paradise Peak's 2 day 1 night itinerary is the complete definition of luxury cruise in the Bay. A flawless choice to mark special occasions.
Halong Bay luxury cruise 3 day 2 night
Paradise Cruise’s most bespoke itinerary, embark on a three-day journey through UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay. The most intricate itinerary for the most sophisticated traveler, the three-day cruise promises nothing but the best of what Halong Bay can offer.
Halong Bay luxury cruise tour
Enjoy the legend journey in Northern of Vietnam. Stay at Sofitel Legend Metropole in Hanoi and cruise on Paradise Peak - the legendary junk boat in Halong Bay.

There are 2 main seasons in when it comes to cruises in Halong Bay. Depending on which one it is, weather condition and boarding prices will change accordingly. This blog post aims to give you a quick view of these seasons and some tips so you can plan your trip to fit your needs the most.

Off-Peak Season

Overnight cruise in off-peak season

Quick facts:
- Time: Apr – Oct
- Temperature: 20°C - 30°C
- Guests/Tourists: Mainly from Asia and other tropical countries. Aug+Sep+Oct has the least guests
- Tips: Book flexible-rate in case of inclement weather.

During this period in Halong Bay, Summer & Fall are the 2 main seasons. The weather is generally warm and sunny, with lovely breeze and glistening sunbeam. This season is ideal for those who want a taste of the tropical seas as Halong Bay glows to its brightest during these days.

You will find the majority of guests in this season are from Asia and other tropical countries. June, July and August is the peak season for cruises serving Vietnamese guests mainly. The period from mid-August to October has the least amount of guests boarding cruises.

As this is the off-peak season for luxury cruises like Paradise, booking prices are generally cheaper than peak season and the cruises aren’t too crowded, especially from August to October with the cheapest prices of the year as well as many deals available.

However, as an effect of the tropical climate, storms and hurricanes may appear in the area during this season. Therefore, it is recommended that you book the flexible rate so you can change the date if necessary.


Peak Season

A cruise in peak-season in Halong Bay

Quick facts:
- Time: Nov – Mar
- Temperature: 15°C - 23°C
- Guests /Tourists: mainly from the US, EU and other temperate countries.
- Tips: Book ASAP to guarantee good price & accommodation.

During this period in Halong Bay, it’s wintertime and also early spring. The weather is dry thanks to Northeastern wind, with a thin veil of misty fog covers the bay as Spring rolls around. Come and witness Halong Bay sails right out of a fairytale into the seas of Vietnam with its enchanting & mythical scenery. The mysterious aura makes this season most ideal for sightseeing and photo-ops.

This period is also packed with holidays and festivities: Christmas & New Year’s celebration in December - January and Lunar New Year in January - February.

This season is a hit with tourists from the US, EU and other temperate countries. The peak time with most guests is during December & January.

Being the peak season, prices are 10-20% higher than off-peak season and highest during peak time. Therefore, it is highly recommended to book as soon as possible to guarantee good price and accommodation due to the high demand.

By Trang Le
Photo: Paradise Cruise

Sun deck is the best place for smoking

All cruises in Halong Bay apply the same rules for smoking onboard to protect guests’ health and safety due to wooden materials and easy-fire-catching objects on the vessels. Here are some notes for you before get on any boat:

- You are not allowed to smoke inside cabin, restaurant and anywhere inside the ship.

- Private balcony, restaurant balcony and sun deck are places smoking is good to go. Bear in mind to close the door nearby if you smoke in your cabin or restaurant balcony to avoid affecting other people around.

Ha Long Bay

World Heritage 1st recognition: Aesthetic value

On 21st of December 1991, the Government of Vietnam approved the development of a dossier on the Ha Long Bay landscape to submit to the World Heritage Council for consideration of the World Natural Heritage. In 1993, the scientific record of Ha Long Bay was completed and moved to UNESCO for review. During the process of completing the dossier, UNESCO has sent delegations of specialists to Quang Ninh to investigate, survey, guide, study and evaluate the dossiers on the spot. The Halong Bay dossier is accepted for consideration at the of the World Heritage Council’s 18th meeting.

On December 17th 1994, during the 18th session in Phuket - Thailand, the World Heritage Committee recognized Ha Long Bay as a World Natural Heritage site with a world-class value for aesthetics, in accordance with the International Convention for the Protection of the Natural and Cultural Heritage of the World.

World Heritage 2nd recognition: Geomorphological & geological values

In early 1998, the Ha Long Bay Management Board proposed that Dr. Tran Duc Thanh at the Institute of Oceanography in Hai Phong (nowadays is the Institute of Marine Environment and Resources of the Vietnam Academy of Science & Technology) conducted research and evaluation of geological values and the ability to submit UNESCO recognizes Halong Bay as a World Heritage Site according to geological criteria. The results of the study show the high feasibility of submitting to UNESCO for recognition of Ha Long Bay Geological Heritage and need to study the details of karst geomorphology.
After a long process of inspection and assessment, on December 2nd 2000, based on the International Convention on the Protection of Natural and Cultural Heritages and the results of examination of Halong Bay geological records, at the 24th Conference of the World Heritage Council based in Cairns, Queensland, Australia, the World Heritage Council has recognized Ha Long Bay as the second World Heritage Site of geological value with two globally significant values of geology and geomorphology.
To enjoy Halong Bay’s aesthetic value and geomorphological & geological values, let’s come and experience overnight cruise for a full contemplation of the UNESCO World Heritage.

>> Read full story about Ha Long Bay

Cruise in Vietnam is quite different from other countries. Cruise boats are small, from only 1 to around 30 cabins.

There are two kinds of boat, traditional wooden junk boat and modern steel boat.

Most of cruises are located in Halong Bay - The World Heritage Site. Some are in the South of Vietnam and one in Red River.

The leading cruises in Vietnam:
1. Paradise Cruise: Leading luxury cruise in Halong Bay. Their main markets are US and EU.
2. Indochina Junk: luxurious and mid-range cruise in Halong Bay. Their main markets are  Asia countries.
3. Bhaya Cruise: luxurious and mid-range cruise in Halong Bay. Their main markets are the same with Paradise Cruise.

In Halong Bay, there are 3 common intineraries: day cruise, 2 day 1 night cruise (the most common) and 3 day 2 night cruise.

If you want to save your money, cruise in Halong Bay in the summer, it is the lowest season. The highest season is winter.

Have a look at cruise boats and itineraries of the leading luxury cruise. I like traditional wooden junk boats, they are so cool. What is about you?

Paradise Elegance

Paradise Luxury

Paradise Peak

La Vela Premium

La Vela Classic

On 23rd August 2017, Paradise Elegance will welcome two star Michelin chef Thierry Drapeau, and renowned Argentinian winemaker Maximiliano Ortiz on board. During a two-day-one-night cruise, guests will indulge with a delectable five course feast. The special set menu is paired with Argentinian wine from Trivento winery, introduced by Maximiliano Ortiz – the wine expert behind the reputation of Trivento, and promises a once in a lifetime dining experience in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay.

Please visit Paradise Cruise for more detail.

Paradise Cruise has confirmed the leading position as one of the best luxury cruise lines in Halong Bay with the new launch of Paradise Elegance in March 2017. Paradise Elegance is a meticulously-designed steel boat composed by 31 deluxe cabins and a wide range of classical interiors.

The grand event on this July 4, 2017 is a remarkable milestone for Paradise Group in general and Paradise Cruise in particular as they are becoming the largest cruise operator in Vietnam’s hospitality industry with 9 overnight boats and a total of 183 cabins.

For more details, please visit Paradise Elegance home page and download factsheet.

La Vela is one of the best choices in the mid-range cruises in Halong Bay. It’s a comfortable and worth-a-try cruising experience for anyone who is in love with the fresh and creative journeys as in Halong Bay.

La Vela Classic is a combination of contemporary interiors and northern Vietnamese décor in a modern western style steel boat with 24 cabins. La Vela Premium is an upgrade giving more options for a better view of the UNSECO site with 21 cabins.

The Paradise Luxury Cruise is the first of its kind in Ha Long Bay. Inspired by the traditional junk boat with a rustic touch of classical designs and wooden details, the cruise sets itself apart from all the boats in the bay; creating a charming space whilst guests watch the spectacular views of the karst limestone formations and the emerald waters.

A new day starts with vending boats in Halong Bay Source: Halong Bay Gallery

Vending boats has long been a charm in Halong culture. Amongst the emerald water of Halong Bay, there are vendors’ rustic boats filled with goods, vegetables or fruits sailing. Under the blue crystal-clear sky, they line up one after another near the floating villages, waiting quietly for daylight. If balancing on water surface is considered art, Halong vendors must be one of the most talented artists in the world. Flexibly and agilely, they stay and move around in an extreme hovering state all day as if they were capable of controlling the naughty waves.

Living distantly from main land, locals here leave behind the urbanized silhouettes of crowded traffic noises and certain conveniences. However, with the regular trading – supplying activities on mobile floating stalls, they seem able to maintain a pleasant life. For shoppers, to find either a pack of cigarettes or toothpaste, a dozen eggs or bunch of carrots will take less time and efforts although it is in midst Bay.

Paradise Elegance and Paradise Luxury are two outstanding members of Paradise Cruise Family. These 2 boats are cruising in the sea of a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Halong Bay. Although they both belong to the Paradise Group, each of them brings guest distinctive experiences and memorable feelings in different ways. Let’s explore the differences between these two marvelous cruises.

Paradise Luxury Cruise

Paradise Luxury Classic vessel

Paradise Luxury Classic vessel proposes 17 boutique cabins with a classic wooden interior, a cozy and sophisticated dining room, and an expansive sundeck exhibiting the best views of Halong Bay twinned with relaxing places in which to unwind. Cruising on Paradise Luxury provides the best of what the Bay has to offer in a dignified atmosphere.

Paradise Elegance Cruise

Restaurant on Paradise Elegance Cruise

The newest, largest, most intricately designed, and highly spacious steel boat in Halong Bay. Beside, Paradise Elegance is transcending the boundary between modern style and classic sophistication, also the latest cruise ship to grace Paradise fleet and offers a welcome contemporary addition to more traditional junk designs. Each one of the 31 stylishly designed cabins has intimate, cozy lighting, a private balcony, and a floor to ceiling glass door offering the most spectacular Halong Bay views even from within.

It can be seen that each of the 2 cruises, even though cruising in the same sea; however, brings guest distinctive experiences as of their different features.

Paradise Group launches a new line of especially crafted cruise ships that prioritizes the cruise experience onboard. The first “Paradise Elegance” will set sail in early February 2017.

At 25 square meters, the cabins on the Paradise Elegance ships are some of the largest in Halong Bay. This was an intentional decision to ensure that guests can enjoy Halong Bay as much from their private cabins as they can from the various communal areas. The cabins, each with their own balcony, are divided into four categories: Deluxe Balcony (14 cabins), Executive Balcony (13 cabins), Captain’s View Terrace Suite (2 cabins), and Elegance Suite (2 cabins).

The Paradise Elegance cruise ships also boast a spa, dining room, sun deck and two bars, which are all spread over five decks. Offering a range of treatments, L’Évasion Spa is found on the main deck away from the social areas. Le Marin Restaurant and Le Piano Bar, both of which offer live entertainment, are located on the salon deck. On the sun deck, L’Odyssée Bar and the sunbathing areas offer wrap-around views of the bay.

Allowing visitors to explore Halong Bay more deeply is a primary objective of the new cruise ships. Where other vessels stay anchored during excursions, the Paradise Elegance cruise ships will continue sailing around the bay and those visiting the attractions will go by tender boats. Guests that don’t join the activities will be able to cruise through different parts of the bay instead.

In the evenings, an a la carte dinner can be served either in the dining room or on a private balcony between 7-10pm. This marks another distinguishing factor of the new cruise ships compared with other operators that have fixed dining times and locations.

The Paradise Elegance cruise ships are the only new vessels of any cruise operator to set sail in Halong Bay this year. Each new ship weighs 200 tones, is 61 meters in length and 13 meters in height.

Vietnamese cuisine has so much to offer. So many different flavors can be displayed perfectly together in a single dish; from the saltiness brought by the fish sauce to the spiciness coming from black pepper without forgetting the sweet touch found in the sauce. It is a pleasure not only for the eyes but also a full experience of the senses.

However, when you come back to your country and probably miss Vietnamese cuisine, there is a unique way to bring it home and even more fun, interesting than finding a local restaurant: cooking classes. The chef will let you discover a short history of the Vietnamese cuisine and how wonder it is to do it onboard when cruising magnificent Halong Bay.

Find a cruise, which include cooking demonstration on their program so you will be able to learn how to make some famous Vietnamese dishes. Moreover, some luxury cruises even have the evening’s toast of the local rice wine and followed by the Pre – dinner cocktails on the sundeck serving assorted canapés and nuts or enjoy the spa at your leisure.

Cooking Class Demonstration on Paradise Cruise

When Cheap is NOT the Cheapest

Don’t go for the cheapest cruising package you can find. Review the itinerary and ask for all services you can have. Many travelers didn’t know that they needed to pay extra expensive fees for food or had to share a room with other passengers until they came onboard. In addition, Halong bay has many luxury cruises with premium services that make your vacation become one of the most memorable moment.

Restaurant of Pardise Luxury Cruise - Halong Bay, Vietnam

Kayaking is absolutely worth it!

All premium and luxury Halong Bay cruises provide kayaking service. The infinite beauty of Halong bay is just waiting to be explored and be admired. By kayaking throughout the impressive islands, you will have the chance to taste a bit of this wonderful nature that is offered right in front of you. In one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this is the great way to escape the crowds.

Kayaking on Halong Bay cruise

Weather is the key factor

Spring (from February to April) often happens with cool, drizzly weather and the fog may create low visibility. However, this is still the ideal atmosphere conditions for cruising the magnificent Halong Bay.
The peak season in Halong is from June to August. Moreover, tropical storms will be warned much during this time.
November is one of the best times for Halong Bay - calm seas, blue skies with mild sunshine and cool temperature will fulfill to perfection your cruising trip.

Local boat in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Unique Experience

How wonder it is to immerse and relax yourself on luxury cruise’s hot water tub while winter gives you the cold outside. Different from shiny sunshine of the bay in summer, Cruising Halong Bay in winter bring a different scenery as and experience. It brings tourists to the past with the magnificent blur picture of mountain summits and cruises sailing on the bay. Moreover, Halong Bay’s sunset and sunrise in the mystery background are described as “the best of Halong in winter”. You should wake up a bit early and experience Taichi lesson while waiting for the dawn.

Immerse and relax yourself on best luxury cruise in Halong Bay

Most romantic time of Halong Bay

Worry about the gloomy weather may different with your expectation? You will have to change your mind because Halong Bay turns into a mystical area once the winter comes. It gives Halong Bay a special is foggy that make a very romantic landscapes. How magnificent scenery it is! So if you have a lover or wife/husband, enjoy what you have, cold days are magical moments for your love.

Couple experiences Halong Bay luxury cruise

Avoid crowd

Visitors can expect excellent conditions for cruising because this time of the year, the bay is calm, quieter than in the real peak season. Winter is the best season to get peaceful moment you’re looking for. Revel in the nature by yourself and live it to the fullest.

Peaceful Halong Bay

Tien Ong Cave, the latest addition to the collection of cruising attractions in the World Heritage Ha Long Bay, appeals guests not only by its pristine landscapes but also a precious system of stalagmites and stalactites that ancient Vietnamese people left thousands of years ago.

Tien Ong Cave, Halong Bay, Vietnam

Halong Bay has long been added to the heritage map as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. According to Vietnamese ancient language, the name Halong literally means “descending dragon” and partly embraces a real historical landmark of Vietnam.

Halong Bay, the legendary dawn of history

Thousand years ago, our nation, a newly formed country, had to fight continuously against the Northern invaders coming through the sea. Discontentedly, the Jade Emperor, who ruled over the heaven world, had sent the Mother Dragon and her children to help us.