One of the great natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay covers an area of 1,500 km over which are scattered thousands of limestone islands and grottoes rising from the clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Bac Bo.

Thousands of limestone islands jut out of the sea, sculpted into awe inspiring shapes and surrounded by colourful floating villages; Halong Bay is a truly one of the natural wonders of the world.

The perfect way to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site is to spend a night aboard the Emeraude, a replica of one of the grand steamers of the colonial era. The mystical beauty of the bay and its islands is only fully appreciated while cruising among the islands, fjords and inlets.

Eat, drink and take romantic walks while cruising amongst the islands. After a night on board wake up to see daylight filtering through the early morning mist and the towering rock formations, leaving a dream-like memory of your visit to Halong Bay.

Travel east from Hanoi through the Red River Delta out to the waters of the Gulf of Tonkin where you will board The Emeraude for your overnight cruise. The Emeraude is a luxurious replica of the 1910 paddle steamer of the same name which was offering unforgettable cruises for visitors to what was then French Indochina.

Today, the service and ambience reflect the glory of that era as the cabins are meticulously designed to evoke the nostalgic charm of colonial Indochina. With luxurious air-conditioned cabins, a divine restaurant, two bars and a sundeck this is the ultimate Halong Bay experience.

Emeraude Cruise on Halong Bay Itinerary Map

Depart Hanoi for Halong by road through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalos and everyday Vietnamese village life. Board The Emeraude and sip on a welcome drink before you begin your cruise through the bay. Feast on a delicious lunch as you cruise among hundreds of islets to discover unspoilt pockets of Halong Bay and visit Sung Sot cave, one of the most imposing grottos of the Bay.

Swim or kayak in the turquoise waters or enjoy a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on board the boat.  After the sun sets, enjoy a scrumptious international and Vietnamese buffet dinner. The Award Winning film Indochine will be screened on the sundeck should you desire to watch a movie before retiring to your cabin for a good nights sleep. 

Overnight aboard the Emeraude, Halong Bay.

For early risers complimentary tea and coffee are served on the sundeck followed by a Tai Chi class. As you return to Halong City, enjoy a wholesome brunch as your boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock formations. Arrive back at Emeraude's exclusive private pier for disembarkation where your driver waits to take you back to your Hanoi.

As an optional extra, and according to your flight schedule, your drive back to Hanoi can include various stops in the Red River Delta.  Visit one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam 'But Thap', the Bat Trang Pottery village, or a small village where you can watch a traditional water puppet performance. Contact us for further info.