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 meet 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 where kids can enjoy playing in the water. We were assigned to the second floor of the cruise ship. Upon boarding, a buffet-style lunch is served, featuring dishes like Vietnamese fried spring rolls, fresh spring rolls, bread, chicken nuggets with fries, stir-fried cabbage, fried rice, and noodles. 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 islands and showcasing over 2,000 uniquely shaped rock formations. The scenery is reminiscent of Guilin's picturesque landscapes in Guangxi. Along the way, the cruise stops at Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, and Titop Island. On the return journey, there’s even a sunset party. 💰 Cost per person: The Ha Long Bay cruise (with luxury bus transfer) costs approximately $1500.