Ha Long Bay Cruise Sundeck
Sail through Vietnam's iconic Ha Long Bay on a cruise, marveling at emerald waters and towering limestone karsts. Enjoy onboard activities and breatht...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Ha Long Bay Cruise Sundeck
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sail through Vietnam's iconic Ha Long Bay on a cruise, marveling at emerald waters and towering limestone karsts. Enjoy onboard activities and breathtaking views.
"The views are unbelievable and Ha Long bay is something you won't forget about!"
🌅 Sunrise Yoga on Deck
Start your day with a refreshing yoga session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the bay.
🥂 Happy Hour Deals
Many cruises offer happy hour with buy-one-get-one-free cocktails. Great for enjoying the sunset!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sundeck Views
Cruise sundeck
Soak in panoramic vistas of emerald waters and limestone karsts from the sundeck. Perfect for sunrise yoga or sunset cocktails.
Cave Exploration
Various caves like Sung Sot Cave
Discover magnificent caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, often explored via bamboo boat or on foot.
Kayaking & Bamboo Boat Rides
Lagoons and smaller waterways
Navigate through serene lagoons and hidden coves, getting up close to the natural beauty of the bay.
Onboard Activities
Cruise ship
Enjoy a range of activities like cooking classes, tai chi sessions, and happy hour, adding fun to your cruise.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book in Advance for Popular Cruises
Manage Expectations on 'Luxury'
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunrise Yoga on Deck
Start your day with a refreshing yoga session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the bay.
🥂 Happy Hour Deals
Many cruises offer happy hour with buy-one-get-one-free cocktails. Great for enjoying the sunset!
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Plain water is often charged expensively onboard. Bring your own to save money.
🧳 Pack Light for Transfers
Transfers to the cruise can involve smaller boats; pack light for easier boarding.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunrise Yoga on Deck
Start your day with a refreshing yoga session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the bay.
🥂 Happy Hour Deals
Many cruises offer happy hour with buy-one-get-one-free cocktails. Great for enjoying the sunset!
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Plain water is often charged expensively onboard. Bring your own to save money.
🧳 Pack Light for Transfers
Transfers to the cruise can involve smaller boats; pack light for easier boarding.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is breathtaking! Keep your camera ready for stunning shots from the sundeck and during excursions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ha Long Bay cruises offer breathtaking scenery and a memorable experience, with many travelers praising the stunning views and onboard activities. However, some visitors report that the 'luxury' aspect can be overstated, with issues regarding food quality, expensive drinks, and inefficient transportation. Despite these drawbacks, the natural beauty of the bay remains a significant draw.
"+ Great views, vast open space
+ Relatively cozy room and bathroom
+ A good number of activities included
+ Positive energetic guide
- Mostly bad food
- Really bad transportation with a lot of waiting
- Not a lot of separation and privacy from other guests
- Almost no information provided about Hà Long Bay
- No clear schedule provided in the beginning
- Activities not well thought out or that exciting
- Everything felt extremely cheap
For the not so small sum of money we paid, I was expecting a lot more refined and professional experience, dare I say maybe even a personal touch. Instead it mostly felt like a meat factory for tourists."
Ondřej Řepík
"I am surprised by how many 5-star reviews are here. I don't feel that positive about my experience.
AGENDA
8:30 Our trip started in Hanoi, we hopped on a bus.
11:00 Stop at a pearl shop for a 40 min break to shop for expensive souvenirs (only 10 min from the final destination).
12:00 Arrival to the harbour which looked terrible. More waiting to be onboarded on a smaller boat which took us to our cruise. The time on the boat was unpleasant as we had to wear life jackets, windows were opened, no AC, weak fans only, uncomfortable seats.
14:00 Arrival on the cruise. Lunch and break.
16:00 Cave trip on a bamboo boat.
17:15 Swimming, right next to the ship. Only one ladder to get from the water. Inefficient and annoying because people with bad mobility blocked the ladder for 5 min.
18:00 Cooking class. In reality, it was just putting ingredients onto a rice paper and rolling it into a roll.
19:00 Dinner. Karaoke and squid fishing were promised aftee. I tried the fishing first, just got a rod and sit there without having anyone to explain what creatures live in these waters or whatever... After I got bored, I wanted to go for the karaoke, but there was none. I might have asked somebody to play the music, but the incentive should not go from one passenger.
The next day, I woke up early to go for a tai chi session.
6:00 The session took like 15 min. Even though I liked the exercise, I had no clue how to do the steps and mimic the guy correctly as he didn't explain anything.
6:30 Breakfast.
7:10 Kayaking.
9:30 Check out. Then we could get something to eat during brunch.
10:30 Boarding on the small boat.
11:10 Harbour reached. Sitting on uncomfortable benches for 30 min.
11:40 Bus to Hanoi. On our way, we stopped by another souvenir shop to get overpriced coffee or snack.
Overall, the set of cruise activities wasn't satisfying. Each activity lasted for very short time. No village visit, beach, or watching animals. Transportation and waiting times were ridiculous.
FOOD
The food was served in a buffet style with good variety. Average taste. Half of the food was already cold when served. Drinks are not included and it's prices are super high (e.g. beer 75 K VND, juice 100 K VND). If drinking your own water, you can do so inside of your room, otherwise you pay service fee (1 $).
TOUR GUIDE
Our tour guide, Harry, was a very positive, friendly person. He tried to make jokes here and there which created good atmosphere. However, I expected to get proper information regarding the bay area, the nature, history, people, what animals can be seen around etc. Sadly, almost nothing was said on that.
ACCOMMODATION
The room was quite nice, had a well-functioning AC. It had balcony with amazing view. The furniture was older and the doors to the bathroom were broken, we could hardly close them. The bathroom itself was clean.
PRICE
The total price for 2 people for 2 days/1 night with transport was 322 $. The price isn't low and yet the drinks on the ship were crazy. Moreover, I was disgusted by how many times we were reminded about giving a tip to the cruise personnel and to the guide separately. The way they forced it was unpleasant.
OTHER
Spending the day and night on the ship is spectacular. The views were amazing. I knew there would be lots of cruises in the bay and didn't mind, but I was so naive to think they would care better for the area (a UNESCO heritage site). Weird stuff was leaking from the ship (not only the one we were on). Sometimes, it seemed to be a soap, other times something dark such as petrol... These tourist attractions are ruining the beautiful nature and I, sadly, was part of it and, in a way, contributed to it.
To sum it up, it didn't feel as luxurious as it seemed online. A lot of time was spent inefficiently. Not enough information. Polite staff, but no extra service. Cozy rooms. Okay but cold food. The cruise felt kind of cheap.
The views are unbelievable and Ha Long bay is something you won't forget about! If you have more than 2 days, rather go to Cat Ba island and enjoy trips from there."
Veronika Hniličková
"Great hospitality. Easy pick up to drop off experience, on time. Special thanks to Mr T and Jenny for hosting and helping with the journey to Ha Long Bay. English was very well spoken by the guide for any potential tourists. Food is great. Room is great (all with a lovely view). Would recommend tourists to visit Ha Long Bay and with this cruise."
Babi Rai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most Ha Long Bay cruises include transportation from Hanoi. This typically involves a bus or limousine van, with a stop at a pearl shop. The journey takes around 2.5-3 hours.
After arriving at the harbor, you'll often transfer to a smaller boat to reach your main cruise ship. This can involve waiting times and wearing life jackets.
Yes, common departure ports include Tuan Chau Port and Hon Gai Port. Ensure you know which port your cruise departs from.
While most opt for included transfers, you can arrange private transport or take public buses to Ha Long City and then find a local taxi to the port.
The journey typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours by road, depending on traffic conditions and the type of transport used.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices vary significantly based on cruise line, duration, and cabin type. Budget-friendly options can start around $100-$150 for an overnight trip, while luxury 5-star cruises can range from $200-$400+ per person. +1
Yes, it's highly recommended to book popular cruises, especially luxury ones, in advance, particularly during peak season, to secure your spot.
Most packages include accommodation, meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast, brunch), onboard activities like kayaking or cave tours, and sometimes transfers from Hanoi. Drinks are usually extra.
Yes, you can choose from day cruises (around 4-7 hours), overnight cruises (2 days/1 night), or longer multi-night trips. There are also different tiers from budget to ultra-luxury. +1
Cruises typically depart in the morning or early afternoon. Day cruises usually run from around 9 AM to 4 PM, while overnight cruises depart around noon and return the following day.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Activities commonly include kayaking, swimming, visiting caves (like Sung Sot Cave), cooking classes, tai chi sessions on the sundeck, and happy hour.
Food is often served buffet-style with a variety of dishes. While some find it good, others report it can be average, sometimes cold, and drinks are expensive.
Cabins range from standard rooms to suites, often with private balconies offering stunning views. Some luxury cruises offer very spacious rooms.
Wi-Fi availability can be spotty or non-existent on many cruises due to the remote location. It's best to assume you might not have reliable internet access.
Pack light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes for cave tours, and a light jacket for evenings.
📸 📸 Photography
The sundeck offers incredible panoramic views, especially during sunrise and sunset. Also, capture the dramatic limestone karsts from your cabin balcony or during kayaking excursions.
Yes, caves like Sung Sot Cave are well-lit and offer unique photographic opportunities with their formations. Be mindful of other visitors and any restrictions.
Sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting for photography. The 'golden hour' before sunset is particularly magical.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas or by cruise operators. Check regulations and cruise policies before bringing a drone.
Use wide-angle lenses or include a person in your shot to give a sense of scale. Shooting from a lower vantage point on the sundeck can also emphasize their height.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Some cruises even offer swimming opportunities, which are always a hit with younger travelers. When choosing a cruise, look for those that are known for being family-friendly, perhaps with larger cabins or more engaging activities. While most food is generally palatable, it's wise to pack some familiar snacks for picky eaters, as onboard drink and food prices can be high.
💰 Budget Travelers
Be mindful of extra costs, particularly for drinks, which can be quite expensive on board.
🥂 Couples & Honeymooners
and special touches like room decorations for anniversaries or birthdays. Consider cruises that emphasize tranquility and offer activities like sunset viewing and stargazing. Some 5-star options provide a more intimate and refined experience, perfect for couples seeking a luxurious getaway.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Your Ha Long Bay Cruise
), a serene and romantic getaway, or a family-friendly adventure. Look for cruises that offer a good balance of activities and relaxation, and check recent reviews for insights into food quality and staff attentiveness. When comparing cruises, pay attention to the itinerary. Some cruises focus solely on Ha Long Bay, while others extend to the less crowded Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay, offering a more tranquil experience.
Check if the cruise includes popular attractions like Sung Sot Cave and opportunities for kayaking or bamboo boat rides. +1 For those on a tighter budget, some creators have found ways to experience a 'champagne taste on a beer budget' by opting for well-regarded mid-range options or looking for deals. Finally, consider the duration. A 2-day, 1-night cruise is the most popular choice, offering a good taste of the bay. For a more in-depth exploration, a 3-day, 2-night cruise allows for more relaxed exploration and potentially visiting more remote areas.
The Sundeck Experience
enjoying a happy hour cocktail, or simply basking in the sun. The panoramic vistas of the emerald waters dotted with thousands of limestone karsts are truly breathtaking and a major draw for visitors. Some of the more luxurious cruises feature amenities like infinity sundeck pools
or comfortable loungers, making it an ideal spot to unwind. It's the perfect place to capture stunning photographs, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The gentle sea breeze and the sheer beauty of the landscape create a serene and memorable atmosphere. While the sundeck is a highlight, it's worth noting that during peak times, it can get crowded. Opting for a cruise with a larger sundeck or visiting during less busy hours can enhance the experience.
Regardless, the sundeck provides a unique vantage point to appreciate the UNESCO World Heritage site's natural splendor. Activities and Excursions
+1 These excursions provide a more intimate perspective of the bay's beauty. Cave exploration is another must-do. Famous caves like Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) are awe-inspiring, featuring intricate stalactites and stalagmites illuminated for visitors.
Some cruises also offer swimming opportunities in designated areas, though access can sometimes be limited by a single ladder, leading to potential wait times. Beyond the natural attractions, many cruises include onboard activities such as cooking classes (often demonstrating how to make fresh spring rolls),
tai chi sessions on the sundeck in the morning, and happy hours with discounted drinks. While some activities are highly praised, one reviewer noted that some activities felt rushed or lacked detailed explanation, like the cooking class or tai chi.
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