A Halong Bay Cruise overnight is a once in a lifetime experience. It is not something that you are likely to repeat so you need to make sure that you choose the best cruise in Halong Bay for your trip. After a lot of research we decided to book with Orchid Cruises Halong Bay and we were so glad we did.
Read on for all the information about the Orchid Cruise in Halong Bay and why we think that it is worth booking.
We agonised over whether or not Halong Bay with 2 young children was a good idea. We had so many questions about the price, the distance from Hanoi and ruining other travellers experiences with 2 young, tantrum loving boys. So we did A LOT of research before booking a Halong Bay Cruise overnight with Orchid Cruises.
Why go on a trip to Ha Long Bay?
The starting point for our research was to talk to other people. We got in touch with everyone we knew personally who had travelled to Vietnam and asked them what was their highlight. ALL of our friends/family we questioned had a Ha Long Bay cruise overnight included at the top.
The most common response we had was “Yes, it is expensive but it is worth every single penny.” We have to agree.
How long should our trip to Ha Long Bay be?
We chose to just do a 2 day, 1 night Ha Long Bay overnight cruise. Would 2 nights have been better? I don’t know – we didn’t do it! Could we have stayed longer? Absolutely!
With 2 young children we didn’t want to be stuck on a cruise annoying other guests, plus let’s be honest it is expensive! So, we opted for a 2 day / 1 night Ha Long Bay cruise with Orchid Cruises. We got to see a lot, do a lot and we left feeling that we had experienced something special.
Which is the best Ha Long Bay cruise overnight?
There are A LOT of overnight Ha Long Bay cruises to choose from and it gets a little overwhelming. We did a lot of research, reached out to families who had been on this cruise and contacted the cruise directly first too.
In the end we opted for the Orchid Classic Cruise Halong Bay. We booked a private suite with a balcony and added in an extra bed for the night. The room was stunning, simply luxurious and had everything we could possibly need. There was nothing better than waking up early and sitting out on the balcony watching the sunrise over Halong Bay. Even if the photos are old and don’t do it justice, the memories are etched forever.
We also loved this cruise because it was small, there was only a handful of other guests as there are only 14 cabins.
How long is it from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay?
One of the main reasons we opted for Orchid Cruises was because of the shorter transfer from Hanoi at only 2 hours. We arranged the transfer with our Hanoi Hotel – Hanoi Avatar. The journey was short and easy.
You can check out different transfer options here with Get Transfer to compare prices.
What is included in the Halong Bay 1 night cruise?
On Orchid Cruises the meal package is full board. We had lunch on arrival, dinner and breakfast the following day. Alcohol is not included but is available to buy seperately. The food was incredible, high quality buffet style food with something for everyone.
As well as food, activities are included. Starting with a trip to Cat Ba Island and Trung Trang Cave. We took part in a cooking class and went kayaking. There was also the opportunity of sunrise yoga.
There were some other boats sailing during the night with loud singers and music. We were grateful to be on our boat and to experience the true peace and tranquility of Halong Bay.
What is the Cruise Ship like?
The Orchid Cruise boat has 14 cabins with 5 different styles. A large restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Upstairs in a big sundeck with sunbeds and tables and chairs. There is also a spa onboard. The boat is classically decorated with a luxurious feel. It felt spacious and not overcrowded at all.
What are the bedrooms like on Orchid Cruises?
There are 5 different types of rooms. All the rooms have a balcony, bath and lots of space. We chose the suite with an extra bed for the kids which was more than enough space for us. The room was gorgeous. The highlight of the room for us was sitting on the balcony in the morning watching the sunrise over the mountains. Also, having a bubble bath whilst looking out the window at the most incredible views.
Trip to Cat Ba Island and Trung Trang Caves
One of the activities onboard is a trip to Cat Ba Island in the middle of Cat Ba National Park. You will be taken on a smaller boat and then a bus to reach Trung Trang Caves.
There is a small climb up a mountain followed by walking through a cave 300m into the mountains. The path was easy for little ones to follow although we had to be careful to keep hold of hands as it got slippery and dark in parts.
At the end of the walk there is a little cafe ‘jungle cafe’ which is ideal for a cold drink and ice cream after the walk.
Halong Bay Kayaking
One of the most memorable experiences during our time with Orchid Cruises Halong Bay was kayaking. We ate an early breakfast after watching the sunrise and we were out on the water by 8am. A double kayak and a boy each, we started our day kayaking around the beauty and wonder of Ha Long Bay. Searching for monkeys and fish and enjoying the peace and nature. A must-do when you’re in Halong Bay.
FAQs about Halong Bay Cruise Overnight
- Is it worth the 4 hour journey by car from Hanoi, a night on a boat and a return 4 hours to Hanoi? Orchid cruises are only 2 hours away. We then flew to Da Nang from Cat Bi International Airport (or also called Hai Phong Airport)
- It is really expensive, will we ruin other travellers experiences with tantrums and fighting? There is enough space and the cabins are big enough to carry a crying child away in peace!
- Can we afford it? The family cabins are extortionate! We booked a double and added an extra bed for the boys to top and tale. Extortionate but worth every penny.
- Is it safe – will we lose one boy overboard? Completely safe on Orchid, no chances of anyone falling overboard.
- Will they get ‘cabin fever’ and want to get off? We were kept busy with activities, plenty to look at and we had the trusty ipads with movies downloaded for chill out time.
- Is there a cheaper version rather than a luxury cruise? I’m sure there are, but most of what I found were booze cruise type boats for backpackers. So, just be careful when looking!
If you’re in two-minds about going to Halong Bay on your travels round Vietnam because of any of these child worries that we had, I hope this reassures you. It is not only doable, but fun, easy and 100% worth every penny. GO!
If you have enjoyed this post on a Halong Bay Cruise Overnight then check out our 3 weeks in Vietnam itinerary. Also our Hanoi Street Food Tour. Visit our Destinations Page where you can find more detailed posts on our Vietnam trip. Looking for Thailand inspiration? Check out our Thailand itinerary for 3 weeks in Thailand. If you are looking for other family travel inspiration then check out our Destinations Page for lots of other information.
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