Hi

Ginger Cruise is high deluxe one, It's so good for overnight. The same ones is Bayha, Indochine cruise..

You also can choose another cheaper as Hailong junk or Baitho junk

I just got back from Halong bay a few days ago. Spent about 3 hours online (very confusing) and about 4+ hours speaking to travel agents in Hanoi and looking at brochures. Went with the Valentine. The best boats are all owned by Indochina sailes. I had the priviledge to visit Ginger, Jasmine, and Indochina boats as well. Indochina, Ginger, and Valentine are very similiar in decor. Ginger is the oldest and is barely showing it's age. Ginger was by far the loudest of the group (they sail together through halong). Valentine has only 5 cabins and we were the only 2 guests on the entire boat (except at travel agent (which is how we got to see all the other boats)). My favorite boat decor is the Jasmine since the wood is lighter. Jasmine is definitely the most elegant (almost too much for me) and is only 3 weeks new. You wont go wrong with any of them. They are by far the best boats. They anchor by themselves at night (away from the other boats) and the kayaking trip is done only with those on your boat (away from the other indochina sails boats). I was disappointed to be charged $10 per person for kayaking after shelling out a good $400+ for the most expensive boat in Halong bay. Also, the Valentine has the biggest rooms of all the boats and we had the President's suite which is the biggest room in all of Halong Bay! When sailing around the bay the other boats looked terrible in comparison. Just don't expect everything to be absolutely perfect on the outside (it is on the inside). Even the Jasmine which is 3 weeks new has a deck that looks worn (the environment is harsh on these boats). Never saw the Bhaya (we were considering this one as well) but I would be shocked if it's in the same class as these other boats. One other difference with the boats mentioned is that the larger boats have a buffet. The smaller boat you cant choose what you eat but our lunch was outstanding (I am very picky when it comes to food), and our dinner was good (I was expecting better). Breakfast the next day was a simple continental breakfast (I was expecting more here too). Be careful when looking online, since I noticed that may website use the picture of the indochina boat for ALL of indochina sail's (the company) boats). One boat, you can tell from the picture have funky lounge chairs on deck. Looks nice, but doesnt look too comfortable. Also, the newer boats (Jasmine and Valentine) have beautiful silk/satin curtains that really make the room look nicer than the other boats that have more of a thin bamboo look to them (sounds small, but really made a big difference). The Valentine was by far the highlight of my 3 week Vietnam trip and it is definitely because of the Valentine. The company is pure class. They must have lost money on me by having only 1 of 5 cabins paying for the boat. I was so sad to get off this boat I asked them about a 2 day cruise. I would have considered it but it was too late. The downside to a 2 day cruise is the 2nd day you get off the bigger boats (even the valentine) and go on to their other boat (Hua Huong??) for a daytrip and then get back on the Valentine to sleep (maybe not worth it then?) You can stop looking and book this boat now. BTW- they are in the process of making another boat with only 3 rooms (I think it will look more like the Jasmine). We booked our boat through AsianaTravelMate (Kate). She speaks perfect english and I couldnt recommend her enough (we disliked our visit with Handspan). This is an honest review from a loyal tripadvisor member (please see all my other reviews)

<<<<<Never saw the Bhaya (we were considering this one as well) but I would be shocked if it's in the same class as these other boats>>>>>>

i'd be shocked if it wasn't..we went on the Bhaya and it is divine- silk bedding, beautiful table linens, first class in every way.

Do you recommend booking the overnight cruise in advance online or is it ok to book the cruise when in hanoi and expect to be able to get a cruise for the next day?

Depends which boat you want. If you really want a specific boat, best to book in advance. Especially if the boat only has a few cabins. You can book through Asiana Travel Mate and speak to Kate. Her English is perfect and she is very professional and is familiar with all the boats. Her phone number is +84 04 9263370. I booked with her the Valentine boat and the Sapa Trip. Happy Travels

Stayed on the Bhaya 2 weeks ago, and was blown away. Entirely first class. There were roses in every room, even the bathroom, and petals on the deck when we arrived, showering from above. The meals were superb and the accommodation faultless. Vincent, the manager, went out of his way to make it memorable.

To be honest, the Bhaya is not upto Indochina Sails boat (Valentine and Indochina Sails 1&2) and Halong Cruises boat (Ginger and Jasmine) standard. Indochina Sails and Halong Cruises boat focus on detials much more than the Bhaya. Also the pior and waiting facility is so much better than the Bhaya. They have their own pior. More over, the Bhaya finishes at 10 while the other are at 11h00. By the way, The Indochina Sails and Halong Cruises are two different companies but join venture with a boat operator in Halong Bay.

HongDao,

Is there any cruise which specialise on 3day/2night itinerary i.e. one which everyone onboard stays for 2 nights ?

All the cruises I know seem to pack you off somewhere on a smaller boat on the morning of Day 2 while they return to the jetty to pick-up new passengers. Not a major issue but you only get back to the main boat in the evening which means no cabin to rest for the entire day.

Thanks.

The Red Dragon. There are twin junks 1&2. One will only run 2 days and the second one which will operate from June I suppose for 3 days/2nights. But it will be every two days trip, not everyday.

Thank you so much for your excellent review of your Halong Bay Cruise. I am planning my trip to Vietnam for the end of April and like many others am doing a lot of research on the Junks. I have been told many good things about the Emeraude and was debating between that and the Bhaya. My understanding was that the Emeraude was a classic like the Metrople in Hanoi. Now after reading your great review and looking at the pictures of the Jasmine especially, but also the Valentine or Ginger it is even more daunting. I am looking for luxury, great food and at the price :)