The 2-day, 1-night journey on the Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise was an unforgettable experience of Halong Bay, offering a Vietnamese royal-inspired atmosphere and engaging activities. Known for its unique theme that reflects the culture and history of the Gulf of Tonkin and Vietnamese royalty, the cruise provided a lavish way to appreciate the beauty of Halong Bay and explore its heritage.
Transfer from Hanoi
The journey began with a pick-up from my hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter at 8 AM in the north of Vietnam. After a short wait, a 9-seater vehicle arrived to take us to Ha Long Bay. The one-way ticket cost $20 per person, which is not included in the tour price. The drive included a brief 15-minute stopover for souvenirs. After roughly 2.5 hours on the motorway, we reached Tuan Chau International Marina. We checked in at Heritage Binh Chuan’s lounge at Lodge 28 Tuan Chau Pier. The check-in was swift, requiring only our passports, after which we boarded a tender to the cruise ship, which took about 15–20 minutes. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the crew, who welcomed us with a big drum performance and friendly smiles.
Facilities & Amenities
The cruise combines modern comforts with a distinctly Vietnamese atmosphere, with most designs highlighting wood textures and intricate decorative touches. My overnight stay on board was comfortable and lively, with many spaces to relax. Here are some highlights of the facilities and amenities. Firstly, the most striking feature is the Artful Lobby Lounge and the exclusive Skylight, which is truly beautiful during the day. The ship also has a large, four-season pool beside a Pool Bar, perfect for cooling off with a drink. Two spacious restaurants are available: Le Tonkin on the first deck, featuring a classy design and a royal-themed dinner, and L’Indochine on the third floor, with large windows showcasing the bay views. My cabin, the Delta Twin, was well-appointed with a pleasant fragrance, a soft bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a private balcony. The bathroom was modern, with a luxurious sea-view bathtub. Additional facilities include an art gallery, boutique shop, and Song Hong Lounge.
All suites offer a large balcony and stunning bay views
Despite the many positives on the Heritage Cruise Halong Bay, a few minor drawbacks exist. The gym is quite small, only fitting two people, and while the library has a rich collection of books on the art, culture, architecture, and literature of French Indochina, its location near the stairs can make it a bit noisy.
Activities
Our two days were filled with numerous enjoyable activities. For sightseeing, we first visited Dark and Bright Cave, where we paddled through the cave in natural light, revealing a beautiful sea valley surrounded by towering mountains—my favourite attraction. On the second day, we visited Tra Bau, a popular kayaking spot in Lan Ha Bay. Onboard, we enjoyed swimming in the sundeck pool during sunset and participated in afternoon tea. The highlight was the Vietnamese Spring Roll cooking class, where a professional chef guided us through the process, and we tasted our creations. After dinner, we had free time for evening activities like playing music at Song Hong Lounge or trying our hand at squid fishing. Sadly, I missed the Vovinam Class, a Vietnamese martial art session, due to early morning rain.
Services
The service on the Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise was exceptional. The staff were friendly, attentive, and delivered 5-star service. On boarding, we were welcomed with fresh juice and cool towels. We were then introduced to the crew, given safety instructions, and briefed about the cruise at L’Indochine Restaurant.
Heritage Cruise always focuses on Vietnamese traditional taste and culinary.
One standout experience was the Vietnamese royal-themed dinner. The intimate setting, accompanied by a 16-string zither performance, made it truly memorable. The dishes were excellently prepared, with the food being especially fresh and delicious, though the wait between courses felt a bit long.
In Summary
Travelling on the Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise in Halong Bay was a worthwhile experience, not only for the scenic views but also for the excellent service and unique royal-themed atmosphere. Despite a few minor issues, they did not detract from the overall experience. My only regret was that the 2-day, 1-night tour felt a bit short. I plan to return and try the 3-day, 2-night tour on the Cat Ba Island Cruise, to explore some less-travelled areas. For those seeking to experience nature in luxury or looking for a unique getaway with family or friends, this cruise is an excellent choice.
What about you, have you ever been to Halong Bay? Feel free to share any tips & advice below! (Photo by Martijn Vonk on Unsplash)
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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