Cozy Bay Cruise in Ha Long Bay

If you book through a third-party platform, free pick-up and drop-off service is available for those staying in Hanoi's Old Quarter. For those outside this area, you can gather at the Hanoi Opera House. The guide will send a message the night before departure to remind you of the meeting time at the Opera House. Boarding starts at noon, and disembarkation is around 6 PM. The cruise ship has three floors, with a small pool on the third floor for kids to enjoy. We were assigned to the second floor of the cruise ship. After boarding, we had a buffet-style lunch featuring Vietnamese fried spring rolls, fresh spring rolls, bread, fried chicken nuggets and fries, stir-fried cabbage, fried rice, stir-fried noodles, and more. The food was surprisingly decent, perhaps because we didn’t have high expectations. The cruise takes you through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay, weaving between small islands and showcasing over 2,000 uniquely shaped rock formations. The scenery is reminiscent of Guilin's karst landscapes in Guangxi. Along the way, you’ll visit Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, and Titop Island. On the return journey, there’s even a sunset party. 💰 Average cost: Ha Long Bay cruise trip (luxury bus transfer) approximately $1500.