Best hotels in Halong Bay

Vietnam's Halong Bay needs little introduction – those ethereal limestone karsts rising from emerald waters have graced a thousand bucket lists. But here's the thing: the crowds have caught on. Enter Orchid Classic, a refined wooden vessel that pioneered a different path when it launched in 2016, becoming the first luxury cruise to venture into the less-traversed waters of Lan Ha Bay. With a maximum of 28 guests, this is intimate cruising done well – think burnished wood interiors, sea-view bathtubs, and a 500-square-metre sundeck for watching the karsts drift by. The crew are famously warm, cooking classes are a hit, and kayaking through hidden lagoons is the stuff memories are made of.

The Bhaya Classic is the best Halong Bay cruise which visits the Surprise Cave, the bay’s largest and most impressive, as well as hidden gems away from the crowds, like Trinh Nu Beach, exclusively maintained by Bhaya Cruises, on 1 and 2-night itineraries. Deluxe Cabins measure a comfortably compact 12-14 sqm while larger Terrace Suites enjoy a private terrace with sun loungers. All cabins feature hardwood floors, spacious bathrooms, contemporary Asian décor and stunning bay views framed by panoramic windows.

Lan Ha Bay is Halong Bay's quieter, less-trampled sibling – the same ethereal landscape of jade-green waters and towering karsts, but without the flotilla of tourist junks. And gliding through it all is Heritage Line Ylang, a boutique vessel that takes wellness cruising rather seriously. With just ten suites and a maximum of twenty guests, the three-day voyage is unhurried and utterly immersive. Expect sunrise Tai Chi on the terrace deck, singing bowl meditation after dinner, and a spa occupying half the main deck. Between the cycling through remote fishing villages and kayaking past limestone cliffs, this is a cruise for those who want to exhale properly.

Featuring a new route throughout Halong and Lan Ha Bay, Orchid Trendy is the perfect harmony between nostalgic oriental and elegant Vietnam’s French colonial-era’s neoclassic architecture. With a total of 20 cabins consisting of private balconies overlooking the bays, an outdoor jacuzzi that embraces the magnificent natural scenery, a restaurant with a variety of Asian-European flavors, Orchid Trendy promises to bring the upgraded and most memorable experience to all the clients. Engage in a journey of sublimate emotions with Orchid Cruises, enjoy high-class services and experience the quintessence of Vietnamese cuisine in the heart of this charming world heritage.

The legend goes that a mother dragon and her children descended from the heavens to protect Vietnam, spitting jewels that became the thousands of limestone pillars now rising from Bai Tu Long Bay. It's a fitting origin story for a cruise that feels genuinely mythical. Dragon Legend ventures into the less-visited northeastern reaches of the UNESCO-protected bay, where you might be the only vessel in sight for hours on end – a far cry from the tourist-thronged main Halong routes. But this isn't just about escaping the crowds. Every corridor functions as a gallery of Vietnamese craftsmanship, from Chu Dau ceramics to Red Dao brocade.