The most luxurious way to see Vietnam’s Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay? On a Capella Cruise

World Heritage-listed Halong Bay never fails to dazzle, but to truly experience its magnificence, choosing Capella Cruise is the wise move

Ha Long Bay, the crown jewel of northern Vietnam, deserves all the hype it receives. Floating villages, mysterious grottoes – and some 1,600 jagged limestone cliffs –  dot the bay’s emerald waters, forming a magical scene that’s long beckoned adventurers and romantics.

Travellers booking a standard Ha Long Bay cruise will find themselves taking an overnight trip, with a rushed itinerary of activities, on an old diesel-engine wooden junk.

But there’s a special way to see the bay – and also its tranquil, more pristine neighbor, Lan Ha Bay: on a Capella Cruise. The luxury cruise line, opened in 2020, offers unique onboard activities and dynamic excursions to the most charming corners of the Gulf of Tonkin.

Style meets sustainability

Capella Cruise, named after the brightest star, accommodates 30 luxury suites with the interior details inspired by the vintage appeal of Indochine-style design, perfectly blending with the cruise’s state-of-the-art facilities. Each suite offers captivating views at every turn. Guests can admire the golden sunset from the top decks or in their suites, gazing out through the floor-to-ceiling picture windows or soaking in your ocean-view bathtub.

By day, cool off in the Oasis infinity pool and heated jacuzzi or zip down the slide, one of the very few inflatable waterslide in Vietnam, into the clear emerald waters. A floating mat and a floating sea pool are also available for guests to take turns in different water experiences.

Capella’s on-board amenities provide a luxurious contrast to the splendid seascapes. Start the morning with a tai chi session on the sundeck, dine in the beautifully furnished Harmony of the Sea Restaurant, or join a traditional Vietnamese agarwood and tea ceremony.

At the end of the day, learn the nuances of Vietnamese cuisine during a cooking session, or choose a more upbeat scene from the sunset party with happy hour promotions and tasty fusion canapés and snacks. For guests who are looking forward to unwind, bliss out in the spa is the best decision.

The night is still young onboard Capella Cruise. After the lavish set dinner, passengers can relax in a movie night, pace up to the squid fishing, ante up in the Poker & Cigar Club, or sing their hearts out in the Sea Melody Theatre. The ambitious ones can do it all in one evening.

By engaging high-technology in the ship’s operation system in the beginning, the cruise can limit the maximum amount of waste while incorporating activities to encourage both staff and guests to participate in regular sustainability actions. All of these are meant to preserve the fragile ecosystems in Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay.

Off the ship, wonders await

In the first afternoon, paddle over to the serene Frog Lagoon for a kayak or stand-up paddleboard outing. Later in your journey, you can jump into a traditional wooden rowboat to explore the enchanting Dark and Bright Cave, taking in the wonderous geological formations at a gentle pace. On a good day, you might spot a langur, known as the Cat Ba native monkey.

Soak up the sun on the impossibly white sands of the remote Three Peach Beach and take a dip in the cool emerald water. Then, head onshore at Viet Hai, a former fishing village, where life still remains its local authenticity. Explore this hamlet via a leisurely walk, cycle ride, or electric car. For guests who stay in the longest three-night itinerary, a visit to Trung Trang Cave on the further side of Cat Ba Island is eye-opening because of the rich history and geology behind.

The grand signature experiences

Board a speedboat to explore the bays’ more hidden treasures before returning to the ship to take delight in the Afternoon Tea. The fusion focus with Capella Cruise lets guests immerse themselves in the Vietnamese culture while still having senses of familiarity no matter where they come from.

VIP guests who stay in The Owner Suite or La Suite De Capella can indulge in the utmost private dining experience and 24/7 butler service. All with the intention of expressing the true elegance of hospitality stating clearly from Capella Cruise.