It is easy to understand why Halong Bay is a favorite among visitors to Vietnam. Its striking limestone cliffs jutting from emerald green waters and rose colored sunsets were a draw for a while now.
When the landscapes are accompanied by a luxury halong bay cruises serving fine cuisine and professionally crafted cocktails, then all of it generates for an unforgetable experience. While there are numerous junk boat cruises available ranging from spending budget at super luxury, we chose Aphrodite Cruises for its luxurious interiors and higher end experience that did not break our budget.
The Itinerary
Be as active or relaxed as you choose while shooting in the shifting landscape of Halong Bay. The one and two night cruises will provide you the opportunity to explore neighboring caves, climb a kayak or a boat throughout the calm green waters. All activities are optional and if you choose to opt out of any one of the day trips you will probably get to enjoy the peace and quiet of getting the boat practically to yourself. We opted for the two night cruise that allowed us to experience more calm side to Halong Bay.
On the two night Halong bay cruises from Hanoi you switch over to a more compact day boat and cruise into the inland regions of Halong. Here you get the opportunity to go inside a concealed cave and kayak up close to all those lush towering islands which provide Halong Bay its unearthly feel and escape the crowd. The 2nd day of the excursion away from the audiences was an absolute highlight. You’ll also make a stop to a floating tree or pearl farm.
Make certain to bring money with you incase you wish to purchase something and plenty of sunscreen – you will spend the entire day get on and off of your day boat. In the evening head to deck and enjoy two for a happy hours, until viewing the colors of the sky change along with the sun disappear. Every day you may also take part in a cooking demonstration or move squid fishing for all those that have the energy.
The Cruise
With regards to boat size Aphrodite is among the bigger ones sailing Halong Bay. The boat has a lovely and bright dining room where you may enjoy the view while dining and has a spacious sundeck to sunbathe, read and relax. The boat also boasts a spa if you are after ultimate relaxation. Aphrodite Cruises offers 4 Kinds of Cabin choices, Luxury double cabins with and without balconies, Family Suites in addition to Luxury Terrace suites with a tub and a large patio.
Wine and Dine
All of Aphrodite cruises include complete board that means all of your meals while on the ship are all covered, all you have to look after are your beverages. Lunch and dinner is a 5 course meal all plated to perfection and using fresh ingredients, while for breakfast you may enjoy a light buffet style set up and a complete brunch spreads the day you go back to the port. The portion sizes are plentiful so there is no possibility of going hungry. They’ve an excellent choice of wine, beer and cocktails at select from and through happy hour you may sip for one beverages while taking in the magnificent sunset scenery.
Ideas
Halong Bay is mind blowingly beautiful and sailing on a magical junk boat added to the adventure. From start to finish our two night 3 day tour with Aphrodite Cruises was memorable. The discretionary pick up a service from Hanoi at a luxury van was a comfortable and convenient way to find at the port. The bed was probably the most comfortable we’d on our whole trip and the food was fairly unique. It seemed the one day tour was the very favorite through all boats sailing in Halong Bay that supposed activities at a lagoon and also to Titop Island were very busy, so be ready for the audiences.
The extra day was a far more calming way to savor Halong Bay and whether time and budget I’d strongly suggest doing the additional day. On the last day of our tour we all decided to not go out to one of the caves and instead of spending time calming in our cottage and on our private balcony. Occasionally doing nothing is a luxury particularly when its followed with views of Halong Bay.
