Bai Tu Long Bay cruise · Sun World Port, Ha Long
A 2-day, 1-night cruise that leaves Ha Long International Cruise Port and heads north-east into Bai Tu Long Bay, the less-sailed neighbor of Ha Long Bay. Pick it for calm water and a night among the karsts, with fewer boats around you.
This one boards somewhere else: Ha Long International Cruise Port, also called Sun World Port, not Tuan Chau. Be ready there at about 11.30am to 11.40am, per the listing. The from-price of $140 is the cruise; pickup from Hanoi or Ninh Binh is available on request for an extra fee. From the port the boat cruises along the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay and on into Bai Tu Long Bay, which lies to the north-east and takes in Bai Tu Long National Park, per Wikipedia. Quang Ninh's tourism office reports that the American magazine Conde Nast Traveler honored the bay as a natural wonder of the region.
The listing calls it a quiet boat with fewer tourists, and the program is built around the water. You kayak on emerald water around Cong Do and Cap La islands, two names that also sit on Itinerary 4 of the Ha Long Bay Management Board. At Thien Canh Son Cave there is a walk inside and a swim at the beach. On board: a cooking demonstration, a sunset party, and the evening on deck with a cocktail under the night sky. Meals are traditional Vietnamese: 2 lunches, 1 dinner and 1 breakfast. On the 6-star option the cooking demonstration comes with Co Phuc, a chance to dress in traditional Vietnamese clothes. The listing notes that itineraries may change with cruising conditions.
Included: an ocean-view cabin (twin or double; the 6-star option has a private balcony and bathtub), a professional English guide, welcome drinks, the Ha Long and Bai Tu Long Bay entrance fees, kayaking, the sunset party, all meals, tea and coffee at breakfast, the cooking demonstration, a free honeymoon or anniversary setup and a bottle of water. Not included: alcoholic and soft drinks, the single-cabin surcharge (US$60, or US$80 on the 5-star and US$125 on the 6-star option, paid at check-in), and a surcharge on Christmas, New Year and national holidays. From 1 October to 30 April the listing adds a peak-season charge of US$10 per person (US$15 on the 6-star option), payable on the day. A friendly tip: if a balcony matters, book the 6-star option. It is the only class on this listing with one.
Be ready at Ha Long International Cruise Port by 11.30am to 11.40am. Hanoi or Ninh Binh pickup is on request.
Welcome drinks, your ocean-view cabin and lunch as the boat cruises along the limestone islands.
Paddle on emerald water around the two islands of Bai Tu Long Bay.
The sunset party, dinner, then a cocktail on deck under the stars.
A walk through the cave and a swim at the beach.
Breakfast with tea and coffee, a last lunch on board, and back to Sun World Port.
★★★★★We had a wonderful cruise through the tranquil Bai Tu Long Bay. The cabins were very spacious and nice, the group size was comfortable at just about 20 people, and the food was very tasty. [...] We would definitely recommend the cruise!
★★★★★Beautiful scenery, super-friendly staff, delicious food
★★★★★An amazing experience from start to finish! The agency contacted us in advance, hotel pick-up was perfectly organised and the bus was excellent. Our tour guide was fantastic [...] Everything was perfectly organised and every detail exceeded our expectations.
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From $140 per person on GetYourGuide, with all meals, kayaking and the Ha Long and Bai Tu Long Bay entrance fees included, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before. From 1 October to 30 April a peak-season charge of US$10 per person is paid on the day.
Ha Long International Cruise Port, also called Sun World Port, not Tuan Chau Marina. Be ready at about 11.30am to 11.40am.
No. Pickup from Hanoi or Ninh Binh is available on request for an extra fee, per the listing.
It is the bay to the north-east of Ha Long Bay, with the same limestone islands and fewer boats. This cruise sails through Ha Long Bay to reach it.
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The quieter north-east route: Bai Tu Long Bay overnight, with fewer boats around you.
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