A luxury Bai Tu Long bay cruise with Athena Cruises

From the moment we stepped on the bus transfer in Hanoi we knew this was going to be a fantastic experience. Every member of staff that we encountered were very friendly and approachable and every little detail was considered from the get go. Upon arrival at the Athena Cruise office in Halong Bay we were offered hot tea whilst we waited to board. After a short wait we made our way to the boat that we’d be staying on for the night along with other excited passengers.

Not long after boarding we were guided to our room for the night. We opted for an executive double, the cheapest room available on the boat. If you’re really wanting to splash out then consider opting for their grand suite with a terrace where you can enjoy views over the bay from your very own private balcony – dreamy. Despite our room being the cheapest on the boat, it was surprisingly spacious, luxurious and even included a small outside space with a table and two chairs. The room was modern and included everything we needed including toiletries, robes and slippers, fruit and everything else you’d usually have in a hotel room. The best part of all was the large bed and even larger windows that spanned the entire length of the bedroom on one side. The views from there were out of this world and waking up to look out through those windows is something I will never forget.

As for the rest of the boat, well, it was a dream. From the spacious restaurant to the wrap around decks, bar and treatment rooms it had everything you could possibly want or need. In the summer there are sun loungers on the deck to top up your tan.

From the very first meal it was clear that we were going to be very well fed over the next 24 hours. The buffet lunch was high quality and varied, with everything from pho and spring rolls to beef in red wine and seafood soup. Not to mention the desserts and coffee which were well worth the extra calories. 

When it came to the evening, happy hour kicked off on the deck with buy one get one free wines, beers and cocktails along with bar snacks – as if we hadn’t eaten enough already! Shortly after came another food related activity – a spring roll making demonstration (did we mention we ate like Kings?). 

After one too many happy hour drinks we made our way to the restaurant for what would end up being a 5 course dinner of local and Western fusion food. Our particular menu included Halong seafood soup followed by two starters – a papaya salad with squid cake and stir-fried vermicelli with beef. Following on from that was the main course of Halong sea bass with tomato sauce, prawns and vegetables. By this point it’s a wonder we even managed a dessert, which thankfully, was a fairly light fruit and cake plate. 

The following morning included a very early, light breakfast of pastries and tea and coffee before the final meal of the cruise, a large brunch spread of everything from eggs and bacon to fresh fruits, juices and Vietnamese Pho. It was probably for the best that we only stayed the one night as we may have been leaving a stone heavier if we stayed any longer.

So we’ve covered the room, the boat and the food but there is so much more to this cruise than that. After all, you’ve come here for Bai Tu Long bay and to explore this incredibly beautiful area. Athena Cruises have got that covered. Not only do you get unbeatable views of the bay throughout the entire cruise (including from your bedroom window, my absolute highlight), but there are many activities on offer to explore and sightsee. 

After the buffet lunch on day 1 the activities begin with a visit to the Vung Vieng floating fishing village either via kayak (additional cost) or bamboo boat. A truly unique experience, you slowly make your way through the village on a small, traditional bamboo boat guided by a local from the village. As you gently float along be sure to look up and take in the natural beauty of the limestone cliffs towering above. If you’d prefer to stay on board and relax then there’s the opportunity to enjoy the sauna and even get a massage in the treatment room (additional cost).

Later on that evening there is a cooking demonstration (as mentioned above) where you can get hands on and learn how to make Vietnamese spring rolls – this is an absolute can’t miss. After dinner there is yet another activity that you can chose to take part in: squid fishing. However, if like us, you had one too many happy hour drinks and are not used to eating a 5 course dinner then you may just want to go and lie down and get an early night!

The activites kick off early the following morning with a Tai Chi class on the deck starting at 6:30am. We may have skipped this particular activity in place of, well, sleep. However, if you haven’t hit the drinks too hard the night before then an early rise would be worth it for the peaceful and picturesque start to the day. 

Following a light breakfast you leave the boat for the final activity, a visit to Thien Canh Son cave. Explore the inside of the cave with all of its stalactites and stalagmites plus the small beach below with beautiful views out across the bay. This was the perfect chance to dip your toes in the emerald water (we went in winter and so a swim unfortunately wasn’t on the cards) and just take a moment to take it all in.

Back on the boat brunch was served before settling up the bill and making your way back to the main office. From there we jumped on the bus transfer back to the city to enjoy one final night in Hanoi before leaving the country that we had fallen in love with over 4 weeks.

This cruise is a fantastic way to shut off from the rest of the world for 24 hours and enjoy the experience. Whilst the boat does offer WIFI it is very sporadic and we barely got signal throughout the trip. This can’t be helped – at the end of the day you are far from mainland, on a boat and are surrounded by limestone cliffs. We didn’t mind this one bit but it is something to bear in mind and possibly plan around if you need to be connected.

100% yes. 

And that is coming from two very budget-savvy travellers who on average, spent £15 per night on accommodation in Asia and took cheap public buses wherever possible. For the quality of service, rooms, facilities, activities and meals we could not have asked for any more. To charge any less would be outrageous and an insult to the service. We could not recommend Athena Cruises any more and if you are looking to splurge a little on this bucket list experience then you simply must check out their offering!