Cruising in Ha Long Bay

A Ha Long Bay Cruise with Emeraude Cruises

Ha Long Bay is one of those places that feels so magical it almost seems unreal. This breathtaking natural wonder in Northern Vietnam covers approximately 1,553 square kilometres, with thousands of limestone karsts rising dramatically from emerald-green waters to create one of the country’s most iconic landscapes. Hidden lakes, secluded beaches and vast stalactite-filled caves further enhance this unique seascape, which was formed over 500 million years ago.

Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful destinations in Southeast Asia, it is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The name Ha Long itself means “Descending Dragon” and originates from a local legend.

There are many ways to explore Ha Long Bay — from short day trips to multi-day journeys, and from budget-friendly options to full-scale grandeur. We opted for an overnight cruise with Emeraude Cruises, drawn by its blend of old-world charm and modern comfort, which promised an experience that felt both authentic and indulgent.

Our journey began with an 8am pick-up from Hanoi via a deluxe shuttle service arranged by Emeraude. The scenic three-hour drive to Ha Long Bay included a convenient rest stop along the way. Upon arrival, we checked in at the company’s elegant bayside lounge before being welcomed on board with rose petals gently scattered on us from above.

The Emeraude Classic

The Emeraude Classic is a beautifully restored, turn-of-the-century-inspired paddle steamer, accommodating up to 80 guests. Its rich dark wood tones and classic Indochine décor evoke a bygone era of travel, adding to the sense of timeless elegance. My husband and I stayed in the Paul Roque Suite, named after the company’s late owner, while our teenage son had his own cabin alongside ours. Both rooms were en-suite, and ours also featured a private balcony overlooking the bay.

The Paul Roque Suite

We were provided with a detailed itinerary for our cruise which included both onboard activities and shore excursions. Firstly though, a delicious buffet lunch with an abundance of fresh seafood and vegetarian options awaited us in the dining room.

Titov Island (Ti Top Island)

Our first excursion took us to Titov Island (also known as Ti Top Island), named after a Russian cosmonaut who visited in 1962. The island is a popular stop on Ha Long Bay itineraries due to its crescent-shaped swimming beach and panoramic viewpoint, reached by climbing 400 steps. Although we didn’t make it all the way to the top, we still enjoyed the scenic views from the island.

Pearl Farm

Back on board, we enjoyed freshly made French crêpes on the sundeck before heading out again for our next stop — a visit to a pearl farm, with the option to go kayaking too. It was fascinating to learn how pearls are formed and to see how they were extracted from the oysters.

Crêpe Stand

Later, we attended a hands-on cooking lesson where we were shown how to prepare Vietnamese spring rolls and then invited to try our hand at making them ourselves.

Dinner was another lavish buffet where we feasted on seafood soup, grilled prawns, steamed Ha Long Bay sea bass, tempura squid, oysters and other Vietnamese delicacies. This was followed by a screening of the Oscar-winning movie, Indochine. However, we were exhausted and headed for bed instead.

The following day began with a serene sunrise yoga session on the deck.

Sunrise yoga

Thereafter we visited Sung Sot Cave (also known as Surprise Cave), where we marvelled at its massive chambers, impressive stalactites and unique rock formations.

Sung Sot Cave (also known as Surprise Cave)

In between activities, we loved relaxing on the rooftop deck, soaking in the mesmerising views, and our only regret was not having more time to do just that.

View from the deck

After one final brunch, sadly it was time to disembark — though I could easily have spent another week on board. I was already a fan of cruising before this trip, but sailing through Ha Long Bay now ranks as one of my favourite travel experiences. It’s a true bucket-list journey that deserves a place on every Vietnam itinerary.

Emeraude Cruises proved to be an excellent choice, and I wouldn’t hesitate to sail with them again. I’m in good company too — even the late Anthony Bourdain enjoyed a memorable cruise aboard the Emeraude Classic in his CNN series Parts Unknown. Our cabin was lovely, the food exceptional, and the staff warm and attentive, taking wonderful care of us — especially Giang, our hostess, and Didi, her assistant.

For more information and to book, visit Emeraude Cruises.

Word alone cannot capture the beauty of Ha Long Bay. See my video below.

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Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.