What to Expect on Board: Comfort, Cuisine & Connection
Where is the Imperial Classic Cruise Located?
The cruise travels from Tuan Chau International Marina, situated at Tuan Chau Island, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. It’s a 15-minute drive from Bai Chay and around 2.5–3 hours by car from Hanoi (shuttle service is available).
Comfortable Cabins with Sea Views
The Imperial Classic Cruise Halong boasts 12 comfortable cabins on two decks. Whether you want a Deluxe Double, Twin Room, or a Triple Room for family or friends, each cabin is planned to provide a restful night’s sleep.
Every room is equipped with:
- Private bathrooms with a hot shower and toiletries
- Air conditioning (a necessity in the summer months!)
- Soft bedding and fresh linens are changed daily
- Large windows overlooking the bay
- Room sizes of 16-22 square meters — intimate but just the right size
It’s also worth noting: this cruise isn’t about flashy five-star interiors — instead, it offers clean, peaceful, and serene spaces that let the natural beauty of Halong Bay speak for itself.
Cabin of Imperial Classic Halong Cruise (Source: hotels)
Dining & Facilities That Keep You Smiling
Your hotel floating on the water has all the essentials to relax you and keep you entertained:
- A Vietnamese restaurant serving buffet or set-menu cuisine
- A beach lounge and bar perfect for drinks, music, and socializing with fellow travelers
- An English-speaking, 24-hour front desk
- Evening squid fishing excursions – great entertainment for adults and kids
- Karaoke for a night of fun with the stars
- A sun deck with lounge chairs – a perfect place for sunrise tea or sunset lounging
All activities take place aboard the cruise or during stopovers in scenic spots like Hang Sung Sot (Surprise Cave) or Lan Ha Bay.
Vietnamese Cuisine — Fresh, Local & Full of Flavor
One of the most loved features of the Imperial Classic Cruise Halong is the food! All meals are included in your package and served with Vietnamese hospitality. You’ll enjoy:
- Grilled seafood, spring rolls, fragrant stir-fries, and soups
- Breakfast with coffee, tea, tropical fruit, and pastry
- Vegetarian and special dietary requests are catered to upon request
Bonus: Join an onboard cooking demonstration and learn how to roll fresh spring rolls or prepare dipping sauce the way locals do!
Cruise Itinerary Breakdown: 2D1N or 3D2N – Choose Your Adventure!
Imperial Classic Cruise Halong – 2 Days 1 Night Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi → Halong Bay → Surprise Cave → Kayaking → Sunset Dinner
07:45 – 08:00 | Departure from Hanoi
Arrive in style on a convenient shuttle transfer from the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Sit back and enjoy the scenic countryside views as you’re transferred to the Tuan Chau Marina in Halong City.
12:00 – 12:15 | Welcome Aboard at Tuan Chau Marina
You will be greeted warmly upon arrival by the Imperial Classic Cruise Halong team. Check into your cabin and get ready for a magical trip.
13:00 | Vietnamese Lunch Onboard
As the boat cruises past famous sights such as Fighting Cocks Islet, Stone Dog Islet, and traditional floating villages, savor a delightful lunch prepared with local ingredients.
15:00 | Explore Surprise Cave (Hang Sung Sot)
Alight to discover the Heavenly Palace Cave, a colossal and breathtaking limestone grotto in Halong Bay — an absolute natural sight to behold.
16:00 | Kayaking Adventure
Board a kayak and paddle through tranquil waters and hidden lagoons between karst cliffs of great heights — an absolute cruise highlight!
17:30 – 19:00 | Return & Sunset Dinner on Deck
Unwind and head up to the top deck to watch a stunning sunset over the bay, followed by a delicious Vietnamese-style supper in the boat’s dining room.
20:00 | Nighttime Fun & Relaxation
Evening activities include squid fishing, playing cards, karaoke, or simply relaxing to take in the stars from the sundeck.
Kayaking in Ha Long Bay (Source: paradisevietnam)
Day 2: Morning Views → Cooking Class → Farewell Lunch → Back to Hanoi
07:00 – 07:30 | Breakfast with a View
Begin the morning with the gentle sounds of waves and an airy light breakfast spread of fresh fruits, toast, tea, and decadent Vietnamese coffee.
08:00 – 08:30 | Onboard Cooking Class
Learn the art of preparing iconic Vietnamese spring rolls with a lively, interactive cooking demonstration by friendly crew members.
09:30 – 11:00 | Cruise Back to Harbor
Check out of your cabin and appreciate the sundeck as the boat returns slowly to Tuan Chau Marina, sailing past the last scenic spots of Halong Bay.
11:30 – 12:00 | Farewell Lunch Onboard
Savor one last lunch on board before disembarkation, with smiles and memories made at sea.
12:30 – 16:30 | Return to Hanoi by Shuttle
Your bus awaits at the harbor to take you back to Hanoi at approximately 4:30 PM, ending a hassle-free and unforgettable experience with Imperial Classic Cruise Halong.
Onboard Cooking Class (Source: hotels)
3 Days 2 Nights: The Full Imperial Experience (Including Cat Ba Island)
Day 1: Classic Halong Bay Highlights
(Same as the 2D1N package – See above section)
- Pick-up in Hanoi (07:45 AM)
- Check in at Tuan Chau Marina, board the Imperial Classic Cruise Halong
- Cruise around Fighting Cocks Islet, Stone Dog, floating fishing villages
- Tour to Surprise Cave (Hang Sung Sot)
- Kayaking amidst limestone cliffs
- Dinner on board, karaoke, squid fishing, and soaking up the sun on deck
Hang Sung Sot (Source: thesinhtour)
Day 2: Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Island – Nam Cat Beach or Viet Hai Village
07:00 – 08:00 | Breakfast Onboard
Awaken to the sound of the sea and have an early breakfast onboard while slowly making your way deeper into Lan Ha Bay — a serene branch of Halong Bay, typically less crowded but no less stunning.
08:30 | Visit a Local Pearl Farm
Discover Halong’s famous pearls, with a short learning trip to a floating pearl farm. This is an option to learn more about the ocean economy and the lifestyle of the local community.
09:30 – 11:30 | Transfer to Cat Ba & Explore Nam Cat Island
Brief boat ride and head to the laid-back haven of Nam Cat Island. Here, free time can be spent on kayaking, swimming, or simply hanging out on the beach.
Optional: Viet Hai Village Biking Tour
Thrill-starved travelers can experience the rush of a bicycle trip from Cat Ba National Park to Viet Hai Village, a secluded and peaceful hamlet surrounded by a lush green valley. Expect stunning jungle paths and generous local smiles. (Extra charges incurred.)
15:00 – Evening | Beachfront Bungalow Check-in
Tonight, you will not be aboard the cruise – instead, unwind in a charming beachside bungalow, with the waves meters from your door. Enjoy a buffet meal by the beach, and perhaps a walk along the sand in the light of the moon.
Viet Hai Village Biking (Source: vinwonders)
Day 3: Final Cruise – Cooking Class – Farewell Lunch – Return to Hanoi
07:20 | Breakfast at the Bungalow
Awaken to island tranquility and a warm breakfast before bidding farewell to your oceanfront accommodations.
08:00 – 09:30 | Return to Cruise Ship
Step back aboard the Imperial Classic Cruise Halong and enjoy your final impressions of the bay while leisurely cruising back to shore.
09:45 | Onboard Cooking Demonstration
Before docking, participate in the last cooking class — it’s your opportunity to roll your spring rolls like a pro and taste Vietnam in your own home.
11:15 – 12:00 | Farewell Lunch & Check-out
Savor your last lunch onboard before arrival at Tuan Chau Marina.
12:30 – 16:30 | Return to Hanoi
Your transfer van awaits. Sit back, relax, and relive the moments as you’re comfortably returned to Hanoi by late afternoon.
Tips for Booking and Getting the Best Price
When’s the Best Time to Go on the Imperial Classic Cruise Halong?
Halong Bay is gorgeous year-round, but some seasons truly shine depending on your travel style:
- March to May: Spring brings mild sunshine and fewer crowds — ideal for kayaking and photography.
- September to November: Cool air and peaceful seas make it the favorite season to cruise.
- June to August: It’s warmer and slightly more humid, but perfect for swimming. There are short tropical showers, but they don’t last long.
- December to February: Chilly and foggy — perfect for an eerie, romantic atmosphere (just add a jacket!).
Book Early, Cruise Smoothly with Imperial Classic Cruise Halong
Because of its good prices and outstanding guest satisfaction, the Imperial Classic Cruise Halong is usually booked solid, especially for weekends and holidays. To guarantee your favorite room and preferred schedule (like the 3-day Cat Ba combo), book at least 2–4 weeks in advance.
Here’s how to avoid disappointment and booking mistakes:
- Use tried-and-tested booking platforms with genuine customer reviews
- Check what’s included: transfers, food, kayaking, and cave entrance
- Avoid street-side vendors in Hanoi offering “too good to be true” prices — these often skip key stops or downgrade services
- Request hotel pickup clearly and reconfirm your shuttle time the day before departure
Conclusion
Ultimately, Imperial Classic Cruise Halong is worth it for the views, the deal, and the local experience you won’t forget. It’s a peaceful, authentic way to see Halong Bay without the hefty price tag. You’re in safe hands either way if you cruise for two days or three.
Haven’t decided where to book Halong Bay cruise? Choose a quality supplier, and let the Imperial Classic Cruise Halong fulfill your dream holiday.