Romance and Nostalgia in Halong Bay with Emeraude Classic Cruises

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Junks in Halong Bay

Romance and Nostalgia in Halong Bay with Emeraude Classic Cruises

What do limestone karsts, clear turquoise water, Indochina junks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site have in common? WJ paid a visit to Halong Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin off the coast of Northern Vietnam to discover the answer.

In December 2013 (winter in northern Vietnam) WJ experienced the romance and nostalgia of Halong Bay thanks to a 2-day journey with Emeraude Classic Cruises. Fortunately for us we were able to experience firsthand the spectacular seascape of Halong Bay and French colonial ambiance aboard the Emeraude (a replica of a ship that plied the waters in this area between 1906 and 1937). This ship is operated by Emeraude Classic Cruises and we first joined them at their office in Hanoi for the transfer to Halong for their 2-day/1-night Halong Bay cruise.

Emeraude at the Pier in Halong

ITINERARY – DAY 1

Our morning started bright and early as we made our way by taxi from our hotel to the Emeraude office in Hanoi. Two couples (Canadian and German) joined us for the 3.5+ hour drive through the countryside to Halong Bay. By 11:30 we were at the Emeraude Cafe where we were checked-in and waited for embarkation (last opportunity for WIFI).

Viv and Jill aboard Emeraude in Halong Bay

Upon boarding the Emeraude we were warmly greeted by the crew and given the key to our cabin (we were in the Suite Emeraude – which also has a sitting area) and our bags were promptly delivered. As soon as all passengers were aboard the Captain raised the anchor and started to cruise out into Halong Bay. We immediately rushed out on deck and were soon mesmerized by the incredible scenery that surrounded us as we cruised the clear waters.

Restaurant on Emeraude

Just before 1 pm we were in the Restaurant and enjoying a Vietnamese and International Buffet Lunch. There was a good variety of hot and cold dishes and we were soon satiated and heading back to the Sundeck to continue our sightseeing until it was time for the first excursion.

Taken from entrance to Sung Sot Grotto – Surprise Caves

At approximately 3 pm the Emeraude stopped and we transferred to tenders that took us past some of the floating villages to the steep stone steps leading into the Sung Sot Grotto (also known as the Surprise Cave, a huge 10,000-square-meters cave). Our guided tour lasted almost an hour and was filled with thousands of stalagmites and stalactites.

Viv and Jill inside Surprise Cave

Back aboard Emeraude, the Captain promptly got underway and we again hunkered down on the Sundeck with a snack from the Crepe Station as we sailed towards a working, floating Pearl Farm. Upon arrival in the bay near the Pearl Farm, we again joined our tour guide and took the tender over. Our guide gave us a very informative tour – by the time she was finished with our 30-minute tour, we were suitably impressed by the tremendous amount of work that goes into farming pearls.

Viv Visiting a Pearl Farm in Halong Bay

Returning to the Emeraude just before 6 pm, it was time for the Vietnamese Fresh Spring Roll Demonstration and canapes on the Sundeck as the ship once again cruised through Halong Bay and to our mooring for the night (surrounded by other junks in a secluded and peaceful cove).

A lavish Vietnamese and European Buffet Dinner was served in the Restaurant between 7:30-9 pm and then it was time for the movie, Indochine, on the Sundeck. Before calling it a night and going to our cabin, we settled our bill with the Purser (for drinks and incidentals).

Sunset in Halong Bay

DAY 2

Good Morning Halong Bay! We awoke just before 6 am and quickly made our way up to the Sundeck – we wanted to watch the sunrise while enjoying the complimentary coffee and be fully awake to join in the 6:30 am Tai Chi class. Although the morning temperature was chilly and quite windy, Halong Bay provided the most spectacular backdrop to spend 30 minutes practicing the ancient art of Tai Chi as the Captain raised the anchor and we started our morning’s cruise.

Viv on the Sundeck of Emeraude in Halong Bay

While the Restaurant served a tasty Buffet Breakfast between 7-8:30 am, it was also time to put our luggage outside the cabin for the crew to collect and be ready for disembarkation.

Halong Bay Limestone Karsts from the Deck of Emeraude

By 9 am we had returned our cabin keys, were checked-out and trying our very best to absorb every last minute of our Halong Bay cruise.

Disembarking the Emeraude

Far too quickly, it was time to disembark the Emeraude. At 9:30 am we were on the Pier near the Emeraude Cafe and by 10 am our transfer driver was whisking us away – a 4-hour journey back to Hanoi.

Limestone Karsts in Halong Bay

THE EMERAUDE

• The Emeraude is a replica of an Indochina paddle steamer dating back to 1906
• The Emeraude first set sail in December 2003
• The rear paddle wheel is not used for propulsion
• The ship’s colonial style featuring hardwoods is elegant and romantic
• There are 3 suites – Captain’s Suite, Suite Emeraude, Paul Roque Suite
• There are 34 Deluxe, Superior and Standard Cabins

EMERAUDE DINING

• Fresh Vietnamese ingredients enhance the lunch, dinner and breakfast buffet menus that are served and included on a 1-night cruise
• All drinks are available onboard for purchase (approximate US prices: $5 beer; $10 glass wine; $4 Coke; $5 tea/coffee)

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES

• Visit the cave at Sung Sot Grotto (Surprise Cave)
• View Floating Villages from the Sundeck
• Visit a working Pearl Farm
• Halong Bay Cruising
• Crepe Station on the Sundeck in the afternoon
• Vietnamese Spring Roll Making Class on the Sundeck
• After Dinner Movie (Indochine) on the Sundeck
• Morning Tai Chi on the Sundeck

OPTIONAL & SEASONAL ACTIVITIES

• Optional: Massages, body scrubs, body wraps
• Seasonal: Kayaking, Swimming, Squid Fishing

GETTING TO HALONG BAY

For an additional fee, Emeraude Classic Cruises offers transfers from Hanoi in a 16-seat Mercedes Mini-Bus. The trip between Hanoi and Halong Bay takes approximately 3-4 hours with a comfort stop mid-way.

Floating Village in Halong Bay

BOTTOM LINE

If Halong Bay is on your travel bucket list (and it should be), spending the night on an Indochina junk out in the middle of the karsts is a must! The trip we took on the Emeraude was one of the highlights of our adventures through Vietnam, and definitely among the top contenders of all our worldwide travel experiences.

Local Vendors in Halong Bay

Note: Although WJ were guests of Emeraude Classic Cruises  for a 1-night Halong Bay cruise in December 2013 all opinions, reviews and commentary are our own. Read our full disclosure statement to see our review policy.

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