Ha Long Bay Cruise: A Sustainable Overnight Cruise with YESD Vietnam
A Ha Long Bay cruise needs to be on your northern Vietnam bucket list! However, this New World Wonder and UNESCO Heritage Site is a delicate ecosystem that needs to be visited responsibly, with sustainable tourism in mind. This post outlines a staple itinerary and all the details of a Ha Long Bay cruise.
Ha Long Bay, with its mystical beauty and towering limestone karsts, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that captivates the hearts of millions of travelers from around the world every year. The best way to experience Ha Long Bay is via an overnight cruise. In this blog post, I delve into the allure of Ha Long Bay cruises, highlighting how to visit this New World Wonder responsibly and what a staple itinerary looks like.
Ha Long Bay is one of the most naturally beautiful places I’ve been, and luckily for me, YESD Vietnam invited me on a Ha Long Bay cruise to make my dream come true and mark another item off my ever-growing bucket list; something I will never forget. I spent my overnight interacting with the friendly crew and fellow travelers, exchanging stories. I found myself constantly marveling at the grandeur of breathtaking caves, like the awe-inspiring Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), adorned with stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations. Our cruise led us around hidden lagoons and secluded beaches, where our group was given the option of kayaking or relaxing on deck. My favorite part of my cruise experience was the magnificent sunset views over the bay, painting the sky with a kaleidoscope of colors, creating a truly magical experience.
A Ha Long Bay cruise is not just about scenic beauty; it's also an opportunity to delve into the rich cultural heritage of the region. On board, you're treated to authentic Vietnamese cuisine that showcases the country's culinary prowess. Excursions to floating fishing villages provide a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the local communities, where you can witness their daily activities. This is a unique opportunity to learn about their unique customs and traditions. You can also take a tour of a Ha Long Bay pearl farm or take part in a cooking class while onboard.
If you’re a traveler in northern Vietnam, a Ha Long Bay cruise is a bucket list experience you won’t want to miss! Read on for my comprehensive guide to visiting Ha Long Bay.
threats to Ha Long Bay ↴
Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam's most iconic natural wonders. However, several threats endanger its delicate ecosystem and long-term sustainability. The biggest threat to this UNESCO World Heritage site is over-tourism. As the popularity of Ha Long Bay increases, the rising number of visitors brings challenges such as pollution, waste management, and damage to coral reefs and marine life. Unregulated tourism activities, including irresponsible anchoring and littering, contribute to Ha Long Bay’s water pollution and disrupt the delicate balance of the bay's ecosystem. Additionally, the construction of large-scale tourism infrastructure, if not properly managed, can lead to habitat destruction and disturb the area's natural landscape.
Another critical threat to Ha Long Bay is the climate crisis. Rising sea levels, increased ocean temperatures, and extreme weather events pose significant risks to the bay's fragile ecosystem. The changing climate continues to affect the marine biodiversity, coral reefs, and the bay's unique karst formations. Erosion caused by stronger storms and higher tides has accelerated the loss of islands and impacted the stability of caves and grottoes. Additionally, increased water temperatures can result in coral bleaching, harming the diverse marine life that relies on these fragile habitats.
Protecting Ha Long Bay from the effects of the climate crisis is crucial to ensure its long-term preservation and the survival of its unique biodiversity. Efforts to mitigate these threats include sustainable tourism practices, effective waste management systems, strict regulations on fishing and anchoring, and measures to address climate change through sustainable development practices and conservation initiatives.
responsible tourism ↴
While my cruise was hosted by La Regina Cruise Lines, I was invited as a guest of YESD Vietnam, a responsible tour agency. YESD (Youth Employment and Society Development) is a social enterprise that was founded by Tuoi, Trang, and Tuyet; three friends who feel passionately about authentic tourism experiences. Each tour booked through YESD contributes to community development programs and 10% of all the profits from each tour sold by them goes straight into their “community fund.” Since 2014, YESD has been providing education and career opportunities for locals throughout Vietnam. As a tour agency, they are committed to working with companies that employ locals. In a place like Ha Long Bay which is often overrun by tourists and negatively faces environmental issues due to those tourists, it felt especially important to book a tour with a company that focuses on responsible tourism.
how to get to Ha Long Bay ↴
It takes roughly 2.5 hours to get from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and a popular transit point for visitors, to Halong Bay, the famed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most travelers visiting Ha Long Bay will do so via a cruise/tour. Tours and cruises almost always include transport to and from Hanoi. A van will pick you up and drop you off at your Hanoi accommodation.
You can also get to Ha Long Bay via public bus. The bus goes to Ha Long City. This is an economical way for budget travelers to get to Ha Long Bay. There are a few bus options: local buses, luxury buses, and private shuttle buses. Prices vary depending on which bus company you book with. Buses all stop a few times for snacks and toilet breaks. Luxury buses typically have WiFi, air-conditioning, and more spacious seating, though budget buses aren’t a bad option, in my opinion.
when to visit Ha Long Bay ↴
The best time to visit Ha Long Bay in Vietnam is during the months of March to May and September to November, known as the shoulder seasons. While Ha Long Bay is beautiful year-round, the shoulder seasons offer a perfect balance of favorable weather, fewer crowds, and an opportunity to fully appreciate the natural wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage site. During these periods, the weather is typically pleasant with mild temperatures and less rainfall, providing ideal conditions for exploring the bay. The skies are often clear, offering stunning views of the limestone karsts and emerald waters. The shoulder seasons attract fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months, allowing you to enjoy a more serene and tranquil experience.
on board amenities ↴
The 2-day/ 1-night La Regina Cruise is hosted on a beautiful ship offering plenty of amenities. A full night’s sleep came easily in my private suite thanks to a massive queen bed and a memory foam mattress. While I was awake and in my room, I enjoyed a long soak in the jacuzzi bathtub with views of Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts. The suite also had a bunch of charging outlets, extra linens and towels, a kettle for boiling water, teas, and coffees.
An onboard spa offers guests the unique opportunity to indulge in a massage or facial from a certified spa therapist after the day’s excursions. Treatments are an additional charge but booking a treatment is absolutely worth it if you feel like lapping up every bit of luxury on offer. Wandering around the ship, you’ll also find a full-service bar, a spacious sundeck (where I spent most every spare minute I had), and a glamorous dining room. If the amenities and facilities aren’t enough, the staff’s friendly and attentive demeanor added to the level of luxury and comfort on board.
There was no WiFi available onboard, but you will be so busy you honestly won’t miss it or want it. I had very spotty cell service, so I turned my phone off and just enjoyed the activities and amenities that existed in my Ha Long bay bubble.
la regina royal cruise itinerary ↴
Never having done an overnight cruise before, I didn’t know what to expect. From the moment I checked in, I was busy taking advantage of optional activities included in the cruise itinerary. the itinerary ran like clockwork, and the staff came around to each room to make sure those who wanted to participate were kept on schedule. There were only 10 people (including me) on the cruise. The small group size made these activities feel more intimate and made friends extra easy.
Day 1
12:30 - WELCOME DRINK, SAFETY BRIEFING + LUNCH
As I checked in and stepped on board, I was greeted with a Watermelon welcome drink. Sipping away, we were given a safety briefing and a rundown of the itinerary. As soon as the briefing was finished, we were served a beautiful lunch off a set menu. The vegetarian options were plentiful and I lapped up all five courses {that’s right, five} like I hadn’t ever seen food before.
3:00 - KAYAKING + BAMBOO BOATING through VUNG VIENG FISHING VILLAGE
After lunch and a little bit of downtime, we were taken to Vung Vieng fishing village, the second-largest fishing village in the area. Once the boat arrived at Vung Vieng, we were given the choice to go kayaking or get taken around the bay in a bamboo boat.
5:30-6:30 - HAPPY HOUR
During happy hour, drinks on the menu at the bar are discounted by 30%. For those on a budget, this is the perfect opportunity to have a cheaper cocktail or mocktail. As a bonus, the discounted drinks include coffee and juices.
6:00 - TRADITIONAL COOKING DEMONSTRATION
The Chef on board offers a cooking demonstration. On my cruise, the chef taught us how to prepare and cook fried spring rolls. A small group of us learned how to soften rice paper, mix the inside ingredients, and properly wrap and fry the rolls.
7:30 - DINNER
Dinner was served in the main dining room after 10 of us finished eating all the fried springs rolls we had just made. Another five courses of vegetarian plate after plate, all delicious, were devoured.
9:00 - SQUID FISHING ON THE MAIN DECK OR KARAOKE ON THE SUNDECK
After dessert has been cleared, guests are offered the opportunity to go squid fishing on the main deck or participate in karaoke on the upper sundeck. I went ahead and watched the squid fishing, which made swimming a bit off-putting. I went to bed instead of participating in the karaoke party because in the morning I had an early wake up for…
Day 2
6:15 - TAI CHI ON THE SUNDECK
Tai Chi is timed perfectly after sunrise, making the early wake-up doubly worth it. You can grab snaps of the sunrise and stay on the sundeck for a beginner’s Tai Chi class that focuses on meditation and breathing exercises. As a total rookie, I was more than willing to rise on time and participate in the first activity of the day.
6:45 - LIGHT BREAKFAST
Light breakfast consisted of coffee, tea, fresh fruit juices, Pho, and pastries galore.
7:30 - EXPLORE THIEN CANH SON CAVES
The Thien Canh Son caves sit at the top of a mountain, which we hiked up. The steps to the top are a bit uneven, but the hike itself isn’t strenuous and doesn’t require activewear. Definitely bring your camera!
9:30 - CHECK-OUT, FINALIZE BILL, + BRUNCH
During this time, we passengers packed up our bags and placed them outside of our respective rooms so that staff could move them. It’s also during this time that people square away any bar tabs you have on board. A major brunch buffet awaits you in the main dining area once you’ve sorted the rest of it. Pastries, made-to-order omelets, fresh fruit, coffee, tea, juices, soups, donuts, papaya salad…the feast is endless.
12:00 - DISEMBARKATION
All good things must come to an end, and my cruise was no exception. Once you disembark from La Regina Royal, you will either be taken back to Hanoi via the free shuttle van or be taken to your accommodation.
overall review ↴
My time in Ha Long Bay with La Regina Cruises was fun, albeit fast-paced. I made friends with others on board and got a well-rounded experience in the bay. If I had the opportunity to do it over again, I would only hope for more time. The 2-day/1-night option feels a bit too short with all the activities! Still, I felt extra lucky just to be a guest on board. This is what all the cruises on Ha Long Bay (La Regina or other cruise lines) are said to be like— filled with activities and fleeting. My advice is to extend your stay with the 3-day/ 2-night option unless you enjoy a more full itinerary and are stretched for time.
how to book your cruise ↴
You can book your La Regina Cruise with YESD Vietnam here. Remember that every booking made with YESD gives back to the local community and helps promote responsible tourism in Vietnam.
