・Halong bay cruise・
Our selection of boats for a unique cruise in Halong Bay
Our selection of junks based on client feedback and our experience
Welcome to Parfum d’Automne, a travel agency based in Hanoi, Vietnam, with over 15 years of expertise in organizing authentic cruises in Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our mission is to help you discover the wonders of Vietnam, with a special focus on intimate, meaningful experiences in the breathtaking bays of the north.
We specialize in small-scale, human-sized boats that allow you to immerse yourself in the enchanting landscapes of Halong Bay. Our own junks — Parfum d’Automne, Romance, and Quatre Saisons — mostly sail around Cat Ba Island in Lan Ha Bay, a quieter and less crowded alternative to Halong Bay. In addition, we have carefully selected for you exceptional cruises across all three iconic bays: Halong, Bai Tu Long, and Lan Ha. Each promises a peaceful and unforgettable journey.
Whether you choose to sail through world-famous Halong Bay or uncover the hidden treasures of Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha, our cruise selection adapts to your preferences — ensuring that your trip to Vietnam becomes an unforgettable memory.
Our selection of boats in Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay cruises are one of Parfum d’Automne’s specialties. We focus on this quieter, more preserved part of Halong Bay to offer travelers a truly authentic experience. Unlike the classic cruises departing from Halong City, our cruises set sail from Cat Ba Island, a natural gem where you can also extend your stay.
We have carefully selected three exceptional junks to suit every traveler’s wishes: Romance, perfect for a private and romantic escape; Quatre Saisons, the signature boat of our agency, combining charm and comfort; and Parfum d’Automne, praised for its outstanding value for money.
During your journey, you will discover spectacular karst landscapes, hidden lagoons, and traditional floating villages still active in Lan Ha Bay. More than just a cruise, this is a complete immersion into a unique natural and cultural environment, blending relaxation, discovery, and authenticity.
Best value for money with Parfum d’Automne
The Parfum d’Automne junk is a 7-cabin boat offering the best value for money in Lan Ha Bay. All cabins feature large windows with stunning open views of the bay, as well as a private bathroom (shower and toilet). Spacious and comfortable, they are ideal for couples and small families (for example, a couple with one child). Three cabins on the upper deck also come with private balconies.
An English-speaking guide will be on board with you, ready to share insights about the daily life of the bay’s inhabitants. He also leads the onboard and offboard activities such as kayaking, cycling, and Vietnamese cooking classes.
Our kitchen team has been specially trained to prepare fresh Vietnamese dishes, using as many local products from the bay as possible, ensuring every meal is both authentic and delicious.
You can either book a cabin or privatize the entire boat if you are traveling as a group (for example, up to 10 people).
Authentic cruise with Four Seasons
The Quatre Saisons junk is designed to offer a truly unique and authentic journey through Lan Ha Bay. This private boat combines modern comfort with traditional charm, creating the perfect setting for an exclusive cruise. Whether you are traveling as a family, a group of friends, or a couple, the Quatre Saisons provides a warm atmosphere and personalized service, allowing you to discover the bay’s breathtaking landscapes in complete serenity.
On board, you will enjoy traditionally styled cabins, comfortable communal areas, and a spacious sundeck where you can relax while admiring the spectacular limestone formations. A variety of activities are included: kayaking through hidden lagoons, visiting floating fishing villages, and swimming in secluded coves. The attentive and welcoming crew is always at your service, whether to prepare a typical Vietnamese meal or to accommodate your specific requests.
With the Quatre Saisons junk, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience where the elegance of the boat and the natural beauty of Lan Ha Bay come together to create a truly exceptional journey.
Private cruise with Romance
The Romance junk is a true invitation to escape, designed for couples or small groups seeking a private and intimate cruise in the heart of Lan Ha Bay. This traditional wooden boat, featuring just two elegant and spacious cabins, offers an exclusive setting to explore one of Vietnam’s most preserved and breathtaking regions. On board, every detail is carefully crafted for your comfort and well-being, with a dedicated crew ready to personalize every moment of your journey.
Sail through majestic limestone formations, paddle your kayak into hidden lagoons, and visit traditional floating villages that preserve the authentic charm of Lan Ha Bay. Secluded beaches and crystal-clear waters await, inviting you to relax or embrace adventure as you wish. While you unwind on the sun deck, the attentive crew takes care of every detail—whether it’s arranging a romantic dinner on board, tailoring a private excursion, or simply ensuring you can soak up the peace and natural beauty that surrounds you.
With the Romance junk, you don’t just take a cruise—you live an unforgettable experience where discreet luxury, intimacy, and pristine nature come together to create magical memories.
Looking for an authentic cruise in Halong Bay?
Our selection of boats in Halong bay
Cruises to the main bay of Halong depart from Tuan Chau Port, located in the city of Halong. Today, this port is the largest in the region, concentrating the vast majority of boats. Most of them are modern, large-capacity vessels, offering all the comfort of floating hotels, though sometimes losing a bit of the traditional charm of the old junks.
To ensure you a quality experience, we have selected two trusted companies: Bhaya, renowned for its excellent value for money, and Orchid, which offers 5-star cruises ideal for those who wish to enjoy a premium experience in Halong Bay.
Premium cruise with Bhaya
The Bhaya cruise in Halong Bay offers a premium experience, combining luxury, modern comfort, and Vietnamese authenticity.
On board Bhaya’s elegant vessels, you will sail across the emerald waters of this UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by its iconic karst formations. Enjoy quality service with spacious, well-appointed cabins, while taking part in a variety of captivating activities: excursions to mysterious caves, Vietnamese cooking classes, night squid fishing, or tai chi sessions at sunrise on the deck.
Bhaya is renowned for providing the best value for money in the region, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a memorable experience that blends relaxation, cultural discovery, and natural beauty.
Perfect for those looking for an unforgettable escape in one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
Luxurious cruise with Orchid
Orchid Cruises in Halong Bay offer a 5-star experience, combining refinement, intimacy, and spectacular scenery. On board the luxurious Orchid vessels, you will discover the unmatched beauty of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay — a lesser-visited gem with majestic karst formations.
These cruises are designed to provide an exceptional stay with spacious suites featuring private balconies, gourmet meals prepared with fresh local ingredients, and top-tier service.
On the program: excursions to hidden beaches, impressive caves, kayaking among the islets, as well as relaxing moments with tai chi sessions at sunrise. Orchid Cruises stand out for their exclusive services and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring an unforgettable experience in a breathtaking natural setting.
It is the perfect choice for travelers seeking luxury, adventure, and serenity at the heart of one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonders.
Our selection of boats in Bai Tu Long bay
Bai Tu Long Bay, located east of Halong Bay, is a true oasis of tranquility, renowned as the least-visited part of the region. If you are seeking peace and authenticity, far from the tourist crowds, this bay is the ideal choice. With landscapes just as breathtaking as those of Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long stands out with its crystal-clear waters, unspoiled karst islets, and deserted beaches, offering a more intimate and exclusive experience. Cruises to this bay depart from Bai Chay Port, giving travelers access to less-explored areas while still enjoying the same exceptional natural setting.
For your cruise, we have selected three exceptional boats, each offering a unique experience. The private Prince Junk, with its traditional charm, is perfect for couples or small families looking for a personalized and intimate journey. The Dragon Pearl, featuring comfortable cabins and a convivial atmosphere, is ideal for those seeking a high-quality yet peaceful cruise. Finally, the Garden Bay boat offers excellent value for money, with a caring and attentive crew.
Bai Tu Long Bay is perfect for travelers who prioritize peace and serenity, while still enjoying quality boats and a wide range of activities.
An exceptionnal intimate cruise with Prince
The Prince Junk, with its four elegant cabins, invites you to enjoy an exceptional cruise in the heart of Bai Tu Long Bay, a preserved and serene area, far from the mass tourism that characterizes other parts of Halong Bay.
Inspired by traditional fishing boats, the junk combines the authentic charm of classic sailing with all modern comforts, offering an exclusive experience. With its attentive crew and personalized services, the Prince Junk is the perfect choice for families, couples, or small groups seeking tranquility and intimacy.
This cruise allows you to discover remarkable natural and cultural treasures such as the mysterious Thien Canh Son Cave, traditional fishing villages, and the bay’s crystal-clear waters where you can enjoy kayaking. Away from the crowds, the Prince Junk guarantees a memorable and intimate stay in the heart of Bai Tu Long’s natural wonders.
A charming cruise with Dragon Pearl
The Dragon Pearl Junk offers you a comfortable and authentic cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay, one of Vietnam’s best-preserved natural gems. With its ten spacious cabins, this traditionally styled boat is designed to provide a warm and convivial experience, ideal for groups or families seeking tranquility and natural beauty. On board the Dragon Pearl, you will sail through breathtaking landscapes, discovering spectacular karst formations, secluded beaches, and mysterious caves, all while enjoying modern comfort and attentive service.
Cruises aboard the Dragon Pearl are enriched with a variety of activities such as kayaking, visiting fishing villages like Vung Vieng, and exploring the Thien Canh Son Cave. Every meal on board is a true feast for the senses, showcasing the region’s fresh seafood and traditional Vietnamese cuisine. With its welcoming atmosphere and dedicated crew, the Dragon Pearl Junk ensures an unforgettable cruising experience, blending discovery, relaxation, and immersion in the wild beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay.
A quality cruise with Renea
The Renea junks offer a unique cruise that blends modern comfort with traditional charm in the heart of Bai Tu Long Bay, a preserved and authentic destination. With their comfortable cabins featuring large windows overlooking the bay’s stunning scenery, the Garden Bay junks are the ideal choice for travelers seeking an intimate experience, far from the usual tourist routes. These cruises allow you to explore beautiful sites such as secluded beaches, limestone islets, and mysterious caves, while enjoying the peace and serenity of the bay.
On board the Renea junks, you will enjoy an enriching experience thanks to attentive service and a variety of activities such as kayaking, bamboo boat rides to discover fishing villages, or visits to impressive natural sites like Thien Canh Son Cave. Every meal is a moment of delight, highlighting the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with fresh local ingredients. Whether you are traveling as a couple, with family, or with friends, the Garden Bay junks guarantee a relaxing and authentic cruise, close to the natural wonders of Bai Tu Long Bay.
Looking for an authentic cruise in Halong Bay?
Boat availability
The selected boats operate year-round, except for a few days during the Lunar New Year (Vietnamese Tết) in January–February (the exact date changes every year). This means you can discover Halong Bay in any season!
However, keep in mind that for certain periods you will need to plan ahead: March, April, July, August, October, and November are the most popular months for French-speaking travelers. May and June, being very hot, are considered the low season, which means there is greater availability to enjoy a cruise during these less busy months. In addition, smaller boats such as the Prince Junk or cruises with the Bhaya company are in high demand, so we recommend booking at least three months in advance to secure the cruise of your dreams!
Private or group cruises
In our selection, the Prince (4 cabins), Romance (2 cabins), and Quatre Saisons (4 cabins) junks can be fully privatized. The Bhaya company also has a few smaller boats in its fleet that can be privatized. All the other boats are intended for group cruises. In this case, you simply book the number of cabins you need.
Cruise price
By receiving the information provided in this form, we will be able to offer you the best price based on the chosen boat, the duration of the cruise, and the number of people in your group.
What is the best time to take a cruise in Halong Bay?
The best times are April–May, just before the summer rains, and especially October–November, when the weather is clear, temperatures are mild, and the sunsets are unforgettable
How many days should you plan for a Halong Bay cruise?
All the cruises we feature here offer 2-day or 3-day itineraries. If you have the time, we recommend choosing a 3-day trip on a private junk like the Romance, which allows you to explore the bay in greater depth.
And if your budget allows, a 3-day cruise on a premium boat such as Bhaya or, even better, Orchid, will be an unforgettable experience — combining comfort, exclusivity, and more time to enjoy Halong Bay’s hidden corners.
What’s the difference between Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay?
Lan Ha Bay, located just south of Halong Bay, is quieter and far less crowded.
It offers the same spectacular scenery but with fewer boats, making it the perfect alternative for travelers looking for peace and tranquility.
Another highlight of Lan Ha is the chance to visit traditional floating fishing villages, which no longer exist in the main part of Halong Bay — adding a cultural touch to the natural beauty of the area.
Is there a guide on board the cruises?
All group cruises include one or more English-speaking guides on board.
On private junks such as the Romance, Quatre Saisons, Prince, or the smaller Bhaya boats, there is no guide included. Since these boats are designed for private cruises, you can choose whether or not to book the services of an English-speaking guide for the duration of your trip.
Can we travel to Ninh Binh after the cruise?
Yes, every cruise offers the option to either start from Ninh Binh (Tam Coc) or head there after your trip. Transfers are arranged either by the cruise operators themselves or by specialized private transport companies.
For example, we work daily with trusted partners such as Daiichi, Discovery, and The Long.
If you choose to depart from Tam Coc instead of Hanoi, pick-up will be a little earlier (around 7:00 a.m.), since the drive from Tam Coc to Halong — and especially to Cat Ba — takes longer than from Hanoi.
Where do the buses drop us off after the cruise?
If you’re returning to Hanoi, the bus will drop you off at the company’s office, located in the city center.
If you’re heading to Tam Coc, the driver can drop you directly at your hotel as long as it’s in Tam Coc. For accommodations located further away (Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh town, or Trang An), there may be a small extra charge if you’d like to be dropped off directly at your hotel.
If we choose Lan Ha Bay, how do we get to Cat Ba Island?
If you book a cruise in Lan Ha Bay, you’ll need to reach Cat Ba Island to board the boat. The bus companies we work with will pick the best option depending on traffic and season: either the ferry or a speedboat.
In both cases, you’ll be accompanied by the bus’s English-speaking guide, who will assist you and give clear instructions. During summer and peak season, there may be some waiting time, so a little patience is required.
Can we bring large luggage with us?
If you’re doing a round trip from Hanoi, it’s best to travel light and only bring what you need for the cruise — especially if you’re heading to Cat Ba Island and taking the ferry or speedboat.
If you’re continuing your journey afterwards, you’ll need to bring all your luggage with you. Don’t worry: your bags will be stored safely in the bus’s luggage hold, and you’ll collect them again for the transfer to Cat Ba (whether by ferry or speedboat — you’ll just follow the guide’s instructions).
I don’t cycle — how can I visit Viet Hai village on Cat Ba Island?
No problem! At the Viet Hai pier, electric cars are available as an alternative to bicycles. While bike rental is usually included in the cruise package, the electric car ride comes with a small extra fee of 300,000 VND — whether you’re traveling alone or with up to six people (the maximum per vehicle).
It’s best to let us know in advance if you’d prefer this option so we can arrange it for you.
What’s not included in the cruise?
During the cruise, the only extra expenses are for your drinks — whether it’s wine with your meals or a beer at sunset. Everything else (transportation, entrance fees, activities) is already covered in the package.
Should we tip the crew?
In Vietnam, tipping is not mandatory — but it’s always appreciated. If you’re happy with the service, a tip of around $5–10 (125,000–250,000 VND) per person per day is a nice gesture for the crew.
Do we have to pay for water on board?
Each guest receives one bottle of water per person in their cabin upon arrival. After that, additional water is charged. That said, you’re welcome to bring your own extra bottles on board if you wish — no problem at all.
I’m vegetarian — is that a problem?
Not at all. The chefs on board are used to adapting meals to different dietary needs. Just let us know in advance if you’re vegetarian or if you have any specific restrictions (for example, no seafood), and the menu will be adjusted accordingly.
