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In pictures: A cruise on Ha Long Bay in Vietnam

Soak in the natural beauty of emerald waters and limestone islands on this quintessential Vietnam travel experience

Aatreyee Mohanta Published 19.01.23, 04:53 PM
One of the quintessential experiences you should have in Vietnam is a cruise on Ha Long Bay. Spread across 1,553 square kilometres, this natural wonder was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994
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One of the quintessential experiences you should have in Vietnam is a cruise on Ha Long Bay. Spread across 1,553 square kilometres, this natural wonder was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994

All images by Aatreyee Mohanta
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A three-hour drive from Hanoi takes you to Tuần Châu port at Ha Long Bay, where you board a tender boat that takes you to your luxury cruise ship. The 20-minute boat ride is a scenic journey, with emerald green waters and limestone rock formations rising out of it
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A three-hour drive from Hanoi takes you to Tuần Châu port at Ha Long Bay, where you board a tender boat that takes you to your luxury cruise ship. The 20-minute boat ride is a scenic journey, with emerald green waters and limestone rock formations rising out of it

Most of the cruise tours on the bay are as luxurious as they come, giving you a five-star experience — an itinerary of activities to pamper you with and all the creature comforts
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Most of the cruise tours on the bay are as luxurious as they come, giving you a five-star experience — an itinerary of activities to pamper you with and all the creature comforts

Among the activities is a visit to the river caves of Ha Long Bay — which look like they belong in Pandora (from ‘Avatar’) — with a choice of kayaking or sailing on a bamboo boat. The majestic rock formations loom in front, giving you a perfect backdrop to soak in the sun and the natural beauty
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Among the activities is a visit to the river caves of Ha Long Bay — which look like they belong in Pandora (from ‘Avatar’) — with a choice of kayaking or sailing on a bamboo boat. The majestic rock formations loom in front, giving you a perfect backdrop to soak in the sun and the natural beauty

Evenings on the cruise, after a day of activities, usually feature sundowners, where you can sit back with a drink or cocktail of your choice as you watch an ombre orange sky from the deck during sunset
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Evenings on the cruise, after a day of activities, usually feature sundowners, where you can sit back with a drink or cocktail of your choice as you watch an ombre orange sky from the deck during sunset

The menu on the cruise is usually an extravagant buffet spread, and delicious. It usually features Vietnamese dishes like stir-fried seafood and veggies, deep-fried spring rolls, steamed prawns and even kimbap. For dinner, there is usually a set menu that features delicacies like Turquoise Abalone soup and garlic butter toast with cheese, green papaya salad with Ha Long squid cake, roll chicken with cheese served with french fries, Lobster, seabass, squid served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables with special seafood sauce, and fresh fruits and sweet cake. The cruises will also take your dietary preferences into consideration
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The menu on the cruise is usually an extravagant buffet spread, and delicious. It usually features Vietnamese dishes like stir-fried seafood and veggies, deep-fried spring rolls, steamed prawns and even kimbap. For dinner, there is usually a set menu that features delicacies like Turquoise Abalone soup and garlic butter toast with cheese, green papaya salad with Ha Long squid cake, roll chicken with cheese served with french fries, Lobster, seabass, squid served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables with special seafood sauce, and fresh fruits and sweet cake. The cruises will also take your dietary preferences into consideration

If you’re on a two-day cruise, you might get a stop at Cat Ba Island, which is home to a number of fisherman villages. The view from the island is breathtaking and the waters seem to shine clearer every minute
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If you’re on a two-day cruise, you might get a stop at Cat Ba Island, which is home to a number of fisherman villages. The view from the island is breathtaking and the waters seem to shine clearer every minute

You can cycle around Cat Ba or hop on to an electric car that will take you around while looking at a piece of Vietnamese history as you tour old fishermen’s huts. You can also get a fish spa for your feet — a unique albeit ticklish experience
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You can cycle around Cat Ba or hop on to an electric car that will take you around while looking at a piece of Vietnamese history as you tour old fishermen’s huts. You can also get a fish spa for your feet — a unique albeit ticklish experience

Come nightfall, the cruise ships anchor close to the bay and you can spend hours watching the twinkling lights from other cruises. Bask in the silence of calm waters and a breeze, or test your mettle at karaoke or squid fishing before retiring for the night
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Come nightfall, the cruise ships anchor close to the bay and you can spend hours watching the twinkling lights from other cruises. Bask in the silence of calm waters and a breeze, or test your mettle at karaoke or squid fishing before retiring for the night

The writer travelled on the Aspira Cruise on a 2 night-3 day tour. The prices for a similar tour are usually around Rs 68,000 for two adults, however keep an eye out for offers and discounts that will give you lower rates
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The writer travelled on the Aspira Cruise on a 2 night-3 day tour. The prices for a similar tour are usually around Rs 68,000 for two adults, however keep an eye out for offers and discounts that will give you lower rates

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Travel Vietnam Ha Long Bay Cruise Cruise Ship International Travel Southeast Asia
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