Category Archives: Cruising Guide

From choosing the right cruise to understanding itineraries, cabin types, activities, and onboard experiences, our cruising guides help you plan the perfect Halong Bay journey.

Les petits essentiels souvent oubliés

What to Pack for a Halong Bay Cruise?

Packing for a Halong Bay cruise is actually much simpler than many travelers expect. One of the most common mistakes first-time visitors make is overpacking — especially for overnight cruises. After welcoming guests from around the world for more than 30 years in Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, we can confidently say: You […]

A Different Relationship with Time

Why Traditional Cruises Still Matter in Halong Bay ?

In a world where modern steel cruises continue to grow larger and more luxurious, traditional cruises still hold a special place in the heart of Halong Bay. For many travelers, especially those seeking authenticity, culture, and a deeper connection with the destination, a traditional cruise is not simply transportation — it becomes part of the […]

Bai Tho Junks et plus de 30 ans de continuité

The History of Junk Boats in Halong Bay

1920s–1930s: When Halong Bay First Entered the World Map  There was a time when Halong Bay was not yet a global destination, but already quietly present in the imagination of travelers. In the early decades of the 20th century, during the French colonial period, the bay began to appear in travel documents, postcards, and tourism […]

A Different Relationship with Time

What Makes a Traditional Junk Boat Special on Halong Bay ?

There are many ways to experience Halong Bay today. You can move quickly from one highlight to another, follow a carefully planned itinerary, or stay on a modern vessel designed for comfort and efficiency. Yet for those looking for something more than just a well-organized trip, the question gradually changes. It is no longer about […]

Aperçu rapide de l’année dans la baie d’Halong

Best Month to Visit Halong Bay (And the Worst Ones?)

An experience-based guide from a cruise operator with 30 years on the Bay “What’s the best month to visit Halong Bay?”  It’s a question that appears again and again on travel forums—and for good reason. Weather, sea conditions, crowds, and cruise operations all change throughout the year. A month that looks perfect in photos can […]

Who Tends to Enjoy Bai Tu Long Bay the Most

Halong Bay in 2026: Is It Still Worth Visiting?

For decades, Halong Bay has been one of Vietnam’s most iconic travel destinations. Limestone karsts rising from emerald waters, overnight cruises drifting quietly through the bay, and sunrises that seem almost unreal have long defined its appeal. Yet as 2026 begins, a different question keeps surfacing on travel forums, TripAdvisor reviews, and Reddit threads: “Is […]

How Cruise Pick-Up Works

What Happens If You Arrive Late to Your Cruise Pick-Up? A Complete Guide

Arriving late for a cruise pick-up is one of the most common worries among travelers heading to Halong Bay. Morning traffic in Hanoi, hotel check-out delays, or simple misunderstandings about pick-up windows often lead guests to ask: “What actually happens if I’m late?” At Bai Tho Junks, we have been operating cruises in Halong Bay […]

Marriage Proposals

How to Plan a Halong Bay Cruise for a Special Occasion ? (Birthday, Honeymoon, Anniversary, Proposal)

When you’re celebrating a once‑in‑a‑lifetime moment – a birthday, honeymoon, anniversary, or proposal – the setting matters as much as the celebration itself. Halong Bay offers a rare combination: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, serene waters, dramatic limestone karsts, and the comfort of a private floating hotel. This guide explains: The types of special events […]

Une Expérience Intime et Réfléchie

Halong Bay Cruise Timings Explained: Check-in, Pick-up, Return Time & What to Expect

When planning a Halong Bay cruise, one of the biggest questions travelers have is about timing. What time does the limousine pick up guests in Hanoi? When does the cruise depart? Will you get back in time for an evening flight? These questions come up repeatedly on Reddit, TripAdvisor, and travel forums because the cruise […]

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