Cruising Halong Bay: An Experience for Any Traveler

Trip overview

After two days in Hanoi and feeling as though I was playing real-life Frogger each time I wanted to cross the street (Vietnam’s traffic laws are a bit different than the States), our transition to Halong Bay came at the perfect time. We were preparing for a three-day/two-night stay on the Capella Cruise, and here is why I recommend it to anyone traveling to Halong Bay.

Our morning started bright and early with a shuttle service directly from our hotel in Hanoi to the port in Halong Bay. This two-hour journey to Halong Bay was in a very comfortable van with fellow passengers, eliminating the stress of getting from point A to point B.

The Capella Cruise has three different itineraries to choose from: one-night stay, a two-night stay, or a three-night stay. This being said, they have a flawless system of getting passengers on and off the boat, while not interrupting any guests who may be in the middle of their multi-night stay. For this reason, we hopped on a tender boat to find the Capella anchored at sea.

We were greeted warmly and immediately ushered to the dining room for lunch while our bags were taken to our rooms. The food on board was delicious and very impressive. Breakfast and lunch were served in a traditional “cruise ship” buffet style, while still showcasing the Vietnamese cuisine that you would hope to experience. For dinner, it was a sit-down service with a menu to choose from. All food is included in your trip cost, however, alcoholic beverages were an additional charge.

I also want to note that my husband is allergic to shellfish, which we were of course a little anxious about navigating while traveling Southeast Asia. The moment we walked into the dining room, a crew member was there to walk him through the food options, ensuring he knew what was safe for him to eat and what he should avoid. This attention to detail was the kind of service we received throughout our entire stay, making the hospitality experience an unforgettable one.

When it comes to how we spent our time during our three-day stay, I would definitely classify our experience as structured and adventurous. We were given a full itinerary each day, including recommended ways to spend our time. This varied from kayaking, sliding down the giant slide into the sea, participating in a spring roll-making competition after dinner (my husband made it to the finals, so impressive), or doing Tai Chi on the deck just after sunrise.

On days two and three, we had excursions that took us off the ship and into surrounding villages or caves. These experiences were incredible and added so much value to the Capella Cruise. We went biking through Viet Hai village, swam at a tucked-away beach, and experienced the natural caves in a traditional row boat. Even with this much exploration jam-packed into our three days, there was still time to take a late afternoon nap or have a beer on our balcony before dinner.

The ship only has 30 guest cabins on board, creating an intimate experience and honestly meaning there’s not a “bad” room on the boat. Our room was equipped with a king-size bed, balcony, bathtub and shower, and full-sized windows throughout, ensuring you don’t miss a single view. When returning from dinner each night, we were met with a thoughtful turn-down, or your traditional honeymoon rose petals.

No detail was forgotten on the Capella Cruise. We truly had the most wonderful time and if I ever have the opportunity to return to Halong Bay, you’ll know where to find me.

As I mentioned previously, this cruise is fit for any kind of traveler, not just honeymooners. During our time, we befriended a family of four with children who were elementary aged, a couple and their young baby, and couples we were enjoying their retirement years. It is clear that the crew was very accommodating, making sure every guest of every age was cared for.

Also note that while transportation was included at the beginning of the trip, you will need to make your own arrangements for after you are back on land in Halong Bay. We returned to Hanoi, so we had a driver waiting to take us there.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Vietnam page.