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Many travel companies in Vietnam offer tours to Halong bay from Hanoi, there are hundreds of cruisers in Halong
bay ranging from cheap to luxury, visitors can take 2 or
3 day tours, the itineraries of all cruises are pretty
similar, the trip will take you to the area of Halong or Bai Tu Long bay, visiting a mountain cave and a floating
village, spend some time swimming or kayaking, watching
sunset and stay the night on board...Within the frame of
this entry I would like to give a list of 6 best budget
cruises that I have been on, the list may be arguable as
it is my own opinion, most of these boats offer prices
under 100 usd/person for 2 day cruise by the time I made
the survey however please double check again with the
cruise as prices could have changed in the meantime.
1 - Dugong Sail cruise, good value for money
A mid range cruise with basic facilities such as air
condition, en suite bathrooms, Dugong is my first choice
for a trip to Halong bay with tight budget, although the
boat was several years old and a bit run down the cabins
are nicely designed and furnitured for an overnight
stay, this cruise has a family cabin at the back of the
boat with 2 large windows and an open balcony where you
can relax over a drink and watch the sunset. Food on
board is pretty good with Vietnamese seafood buffet,
staff are very friendly and helpful despite their
English is hard to understand.
2 - Poseidon cruise, clean and cozy
Poseidon is a small cruiser with only 8 passenger rooms
however the boat has a unique design of ancient Greek
warships, the cabins are not very big however
comfortable and clean, each cabin has a window facing
the ocean, please choose a room on upper deck for a nice
view of the bay from your window. The boat was built
only a few years ago and is very well maintained and
facilities look quite new. Service is very good with
friendly crew and food is a mix of Vietnamese - western.
Good feedbacks for the guides.
3 - Albatross cruise, good feedback for the crew
A good choice for backpackers to enjoy and trip to
Halong bay at low cost. The vessel is a bit worn out,
the outside appearance is not very attractive but but
cabins are clean and well attended. For the price you
pay this boat offer a good value. The captain and crew
is very friendly, food is plenty however not really
tasty and you share with other group members, there is
not much to do at night on board except the karaoke. If
you are traveling Halong bay on a tight budget I would
recommend it.
4 - Cristina cruise
From outside, Cristina cruise looks weathered and a bit
old however once on board you will find it pleasantly
different. There rooms are large and in very good
condition, all cabins are equiped with air conditioner
and heater, upper deck had a pleasant sun bathing area,
what I don't like on this boat and most other cruisers
is price of drinks are just double of on shore price.
Make sure to bring water! The itinerary is quite rigid
and specific, but it seems like it has to be so that
everything can be fit into the program, vegetarian food
is available and a version of all meat dishes will be
created for you
5 - Party cruise, a quiet party
The vessel is quite nice with pretty rooms however the
bathroom is covered with only a curtain without door,
pay a little more for a room on second floor if you can
so that you will be far from the noisy generator. The
food is served in variety however little in quantities
and you may find it not very pleasant so share the small
dishesh with the others. What I don't like is the
activities on boat at night, almost nothing and boring,
Maybe for families with babies is okay but for young and
mid-age people..boring! A good idea could be doing
cruises targeted only in a type of people: only families
only singles. One of the highlights of party cruise was
the excellent service of the local guide on boat who
provides concise information on culture, history and the
Halong Bay experience
6 - Black Pearl junk cruise, you get what you pay for
One of the cheapest cruises in Halong bay, choose Black
Pearl if you want to keep your budget to a miminum. The
boat itself is ok and my advice is to stay away from the
room close to the engine as it is very noisy and you
will be awaken up at 5 o'clock in the morning. Food on
board is alright but nothing special and a lot of fried
stuff, dessert is humble, the crew is very friendly and
work hard to get the best to satisfy customer for the
food. Dont expect the too much from it and you will be
fine.
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