It’s summer, and you’re longing for a nice change of pace. Why not visit Halong Bay to immerse yourself in one of the world’s most magnificent seascapes? And if you need some guidance, take a look at how I just had one of the best moments on the amazing Orchid Cruise.
How I chose Orchid Classic
As I chose a modern yacht for my previous cruise, I’m looking for a traditional junk this time for something new. When I search Halong Bay junk boat on Google, the website halongbayjunkboat.com shows up first, and it offers many great deals like 40% OFF, free bus, etc. After searching the web for a while, Orchid Classic Junk piqued my interest.
The ship meets all my requirements, from the not-too-big size (14 cabins) to the elegant traditional style and rather interesting route to both Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. Moreover, it had a Hot Summer 35% Off Deal then so I could book a fantastic 2-day trip for only US $183/person (transportation excluded).
It’s my second trip to Halong Bay but with Orchid Classic’s exceptional service, it seems refreshing and distinct. Let’s follow me and find out why this cruise is one of the best choices for a memorable trip.
The Boutique Junk Boat
After around 3 hours of traveling from Hanoi Old Quater to Tuan Chau International Marina, I reached the waiting lounge at Lot 32 (the transfer service can be booked for US $40/person/roundtrip from the website). I checked in and then got on a transfer boat to Orchid Cruise.
This junk boat has 3 decks with three large sails on top. Incorporating charming oriental elements with orchid flower patterns as decoration, you can feel the essence of the classic while on board. The jacuzzi in the bow of the second deck is unquestionably the highlight, providing an ideal setting for relaxation and admiring the bay’s beauty.
Enjoy the magnificent view of Halong Bay from the jacuzzi
For entertainment, the Sky Bar on the top deck is a wonderful option. It was designed prettily with LEDs and offers fantastic drinks. What better than sipping cocktails and viewing the majestic scenery? Alternatively, guests can read books & magazines in the reception area or unwind at the spa on the first deck.
Comfortable Cabin
Luckily, we were upgraded to the Premium Suite on the 2nd deck with a twin bed. With a size of 38 m2, it was a spacious room for two. The use of wood paneling and the warm color palette brings out a classic charm, cooperating with the plush bed to make our overnight stay better than ever.
Exquisite cabin with modern amenities equipped
Two things I like the most about the room are the large bathroom with a sea-view bathtub and the private balcony overlooking the spectacular bay. It also has a TV for entertainment, though the channels are limited. However, the bathroom area is separated by a blind, so it was not private enough for my taste.
Exquisite Meals
Orchid Cruise’s culinary selections vary from vegan alternatives to international delicacies, making it ideal for many passengers. And the service from the staff elevates the eating experience even more for me.
The lunch and brunch buffets include various tasty foods that do not overlap, ranging from Western to Eastern cuisine (I hope there are more Vietnamese dishes, though). The food was kept warm and did not run out during the meals. Personally, the seafood dishes are what I like the most, as they are fresh and well-seasoned.
Dinner makes the most impression on me. The staff decorated the dining area for two couples and it looked fantastic. It was a five-course meal, each dish was well-presented and tasted amazing. The best dishes for me are Beef & King Vegetable Salad and Grilled Sea Bass.
Beautifully decorated and tastefully cooked dishes for dinner
Engaging Activities
Orchid Cruise’s itinerary is pretty distinctive as it visits both Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba Island in the 2-day tour (most cruises visit Cat Ba for their 3-day tour only). Therefore, I can discover the bay so much in such a short time. The highlight activities for me were kayaking in Dark & Bright Cave and touring Trung Trang Cave.
I chose to kayak to Dark & Bright Cave and it’s pretty funny that we can’t sail straight at all and it takes so long to get to the cave’s entrance. Once inside, it was dark but cool, you could see the huge stalactites right above your head and hear the bat’s sound. Passing through, the whole spectacular sea valley will astound you, surrounded by majestic mountains and lustful flora, creating magnificent scenery.
Trung Trang Cave’s excursion on the second day is equally memorable. It’s a dry cave on Cat Ba Island, well hidden among the abundant Cat Ba National Park. This cave’s structure is truly unique: long and narrow, with intriguing stalactites & stalagmites. Trust me, the vista here is well worth shooting several photos of.
The majestic stalactites inside Trung Trang Cave
Top-class Service
Finally, I want to compliment the staff on this cruise. They are extremely friendly and helpful. Shout out to the staff who always pull the chair for me when I get up from the table, which I highly appreciate. The manager strikes a balance between professionalism and enjoyment.
It’s fascinating how this cruise offers two Happy Hours, one during sunset and one at night during my stay. They also serve free water during meals. You may think this is normal but it is not; usually, there should be just one Happy Hour and free water inside the cabin only. So, kudos to the staff for these small details.
Final Word
All in all, this cruise left a great impression on me. It was one of the most wonderful trips I’ve had. Thank you to all the staff for your amazing service. If this article sparks your interest, you can surf for the best junk boat in Halong Bay to experience the inspiring traditional cruise and create your dream trip!!
Main Image: Martijn Vonk, Unsplash
