Are you planning for a blissful escape in Vietnam? Ha Long Bay might be your answer

Ha Long Bay Cruise - Solo Travel - Hermes Cruises - Vietnam
Hạ Long Bay, a mesmerizing UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam, is known for its captivating blend of emerald waters and limestone islands. I booked a Ha Long Bay cruise for my 30th birthday to celebrate myself in tranquility. In this blog, I am telling you how I planned my perfect Ha Long Bay cruise experience. Let’s get started!

Booking Your Cruise 🛳

Booking your cruise is a piece of cake. Simply Google and start looking for the perfect cruise that fits your budget and offers the facilities you dream of. Start your cruise search on a popular booking site like Booking.com. Pay attention to the small details if you’re looking for relaxation and pampering. I wanted a room with a nice bathtub that would offer a view of the bay, glass walls in the room so I could enjoy the emerald waters from my bed, and a private balcony. After narrowing down my options based on photos and reviews from Booking.com and TripAdvisor, I compared cruises. My budget was around $310 for a one-night full board stay (100,000 LKR). Next, I checked the official websites of the selected cruises for more details and prices, and I noticed that booking directly with them was cheaper than using the popular booking sites.

There are many other Vietnam travel agency websites for booking cruises online, and you can simply check with the cruise directly using the contact number or email provided on their website to ensure that the site you’re using for your reservation is legitimate and that the cruise has a partnership with them. I used a website called Ha Long Bay Cruises to make my reservation for the Royal Suite Room at Hermes Cruises, a modern luxurious cruise that still fits my budget, thanks to the flash deal they offered. I can highly recommend the service provided by Ha Long Bay Cruises agency.

Pro Tip: Remember to take a peek at the cruise itinerary on the cruise’s website and what’s included to ensure it aligns with the activities you have in mind.

The cruises offer experiences that will make your journey adventurous, with kayaking, swimming, cave visits, island visits, cooking classes, and squid finishing sessions — to name a few. I didn’t join any of these activities since I wanted a peaceful vacation looking at the breathtaking scenery from my room balcony.

Getting to Ha Long Bay from Hanoi 🚍

Most cruise companies have got you covered for this matter. They offer shared and private transportation options. Shared shuttles would pick you up from the hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter or a pickup point within the Hanoi Old Quarter. So, when booking your stay in Hanoi, you can keep this in mind for your convenience. I chose the shared shuttle service offered by the cruise I chose, Hermes Cruises, which cost me $40 round trip. These shuttle journeys take around 3 hours, including a 30-minute stop for a bit of shopping or a quick snack.

So, there you have it — your simplified guide to experiencing the beauty of Ha Long Bay. Now it’s your turn to embark on this unforgettable journey, where emerald waters and limestone islands await your exploration. Enjoy your adventure in this Vietnamese paradise!

Happy Travels! — 🖤 Dinuka


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