Emerald Waters
Few sights in Asia are as quietly breathtaking as dawn over Halong Bay — thousands of limestone islands rising from jade-green water, mist curling between the peaks.
A journey in its own language.
A short, scenic cruise that pairs the heritage of Hanoi with an overnight sail through Halong or Lan Ha Bay — a gentle bay cruise on a classic vessel, quite different from an ocean liner. Kayak into hidden lagoons, explore sea caves, and watch the sun set and rise from your own cabin on the water. Ideal as a stand-alone escape or as an add-on to any northern-Vietnam tour.
What you will remember.
Hanoi Old Quarter and heritage
Overnight cruise on Halong or Lan Ha Bay
Limestone islands, caves and lagoons
Kayaking, sunset and sunrise on the water
Tai Chi at dawn on the upper deck
Optional Ninh Binh extension
Day by day.
Pacing is calm and considered — the flow adjusts to your travel dates and interests.
Day 1HanoiDay 1Arrival
HanoiArrive in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel. The evening is free for an Old Quarter walk and local food.
Day 2Bay CruiseDay 2Embark & sail
Bay CruiseDrive to the cruise pier and board your vessel for lunch onboard, sailing among limestone islands, caves and quiet lagoons, with kayaking and a sunset on deck.
Day 3Bay → HanoiDay 3Sunrise & return
Bay → HanoiGreet the sunrise over the water with a morning Tai Chi session and brunch, then disembark and return to Hanoi. The evening is free for shopping or local food.
Day 4DepartureDay 4Fly home
DepartureTransfer to the airport for your onward journey. Optional 4N/5D version available with a Hanoi night or a Ninh Binh excursion ('Halong on land').
A glimpse of the route ahead.
- Hotel accommodation in Hanoi
- Overnight bay-cruise cabin in your selected category
- All onboard meals as per cruise programme
- Pier transfers and Hanoi city transport
- Onboard activities — kayaking, Tai Chi, sunset deck
- Visa and insurance assistance
- International airfare to/from India
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses and drinks onboard
- Optional shore activities and spa
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Lan Ha Bay offers a quieter, less crowded experience than Halong Bay proper — we recommend it for honeymooners.
- Best months: October to April for clear skies; misty mornings year-round.
- Easily combined with Sapa, Ninh Binh or a Mekong river extension.
Good to know.
How rough is the sea?+
The bay is sheltered by hundreds of limestone islands, so the water is calm and the sailing very gentle.
Do we sleep onboard?+
Yes — one night is spent in your private cabin on the cruise vessel, which is the highlight of this journey.
Can we add Sapa?+
Absolutely — a 2–3 night Sapa extension into the rice-terrace highlands pairs beautifully with this cruise.
Let’s design this journey for you.
Share your dates and preferences and we will craft a personalised itinerary with the right vessel, route and seasonal touches.