We charter only a handful of boats out of the hundreds on Halong that provide the absolute highest quality for private Halong Bay cruises or semi-private cruises (shared cruise). These wooden cruisers (often called "junks") are not the old junks of decades past, nor sleek fiberglass yachts on the nearby Gulf of Thailand. However, they are well-maintained, safe, elegant, with superb service. In addition to the crew, depending on arrangements, you may be accompanied by an experienced guide from our Hanoi office to ensure your cruise is perfect and to provide escort by kayak.

Private luxury cruise ship on Halong Bay
Private luxury charter on Halong Bay.

Larger cruise boats on the bay are constructed entirely of wood and can be crowded and noisy. Instead, choose from the newer handful of boats that are launched each season (often new models replacing some of the same charter service boats below). Most charters ply a set crowded route through the bay close to Halong Port, while our private charters head further out into more tranquil and scenic stretches of the bay while offering kayaking and delicious dining with an array of Vietnamese, seafood and Western dishes (dietary requirements can be arranged, including vegetarian, as well as special occasions celebrations, such as birthdays or anniversaries).

Family kayaking on Halong Bay
Kayaking from your private charter.

These are examples of previous season's charters, for reference, though as mentioned above, we do charter newer or higher quality boats each season that may not be listed here. Contact us for specific details and a quote.

Much like the finest traditions of wellness and lifestyle design—where every element is meticulously balanced to harmonize mind, body, and surroundings—a luxury cruise through Halong Bay is a deeply curated, sensory experience. The finest charter vessels in the region are not merely transport; they are floating sanctuaries designed to immerse you in a timeless, breathtaking landscape. The top luxury charter boats in Halong Bay are profiled below.

Orchid Premium Cruise

The Orchid Premium represents a high-end expression of private, small-scale luxury on the waters of Lan Ha Bay. Blending classic French-Indochinese architecture with traditional wooden junk detailing, this ultra-exclusive vessel carries only five expansive suites. The low guest count guarantees an unparalleled level of privacy and highly personalized service, supported by 24/7 butler attention and a culinary team preparing customized Vietnamese-Western fusion dining.

Every suite features massive floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening onto a private wooden terrace, alongside a marble-clad en-suite bathroom with an ocean-view bathtub. This makes the ship feel less like a commercial cruise and more like your own private floating villa.

Orchid Premium Cruise jacuzzi deck on Lan Ha Bay
Orchid Premium Cruise on Lan Ha Bay.

Ideal for: Discerning couples, honeymooners, or small private family charters seeking ultimate seclusion and a custom-tailored cruising pace.

  • Vessel Size: Sizable suites ranging from 45 to 96 square meters.
  • Cabins: 5 ultra-luxury suites (including 2 Terrace, 2 Premium Terrace, and 1 Exclusive Suite).
  • Main Amenities: Private outdoor terraces, ocean-view bathtubs, outdoor jacuzzi, 24/7 personalized butler service, and a top-notch spa.

Heritage Line Ylang

The Ylang is an exquisite, wellness-themed sanctuary crafted in a delicate French-colonial style combined with traditional Vietnamese accents. With its structural layout limited to just ten luxurious suites, the vessel is a masterclass in quiet maritime intimacy. The public spaces are anchored by a dedicated wellness deck featuring a world-class spa, a heated pool, and a cozy library, creating a deeply relaxing environment that mirrors the ancient philosophies of holistic care.

Each suite is adorned with soft floral motifs, hand-carved wood paneling, and delicate watercolor artwork, giving every room a unique artistic identity. The floor-to-ceiling French doors glide open to private balconies positioned just above water level, providing an incredibly intimate, close-up connection to the gentle lapping of the waves.

Heritage Line Ylang suite bedroom on Lan Ha Bay
Heritage Line Ylang on Lan Ha Bay.

Ideal for: Couples, wellness enthusiasts, and slow-paced travelers seeking complete mind-body rejuvenation in the tranquil reaches of Lan Ha Bay.

  • Vessel Size: 58 meters in length; suites range from 40 to 54 square meters.
  • Cabins: 10 premium suites (6 Signature on the main deck, 4 Regency on the upper deck).
  • Main Amenities: Rooftop pool, extensive wellness studio and spa, panoramic lounge bar, en-suite bathtubs, and private jacuzzis (in select suites).

Emperor Cruises Legacy Halong

Reimagined from the grand heritage of Vietnam's imperial past, Emperor Cruises Legacy brings the royal lifestyle of Emperor Bao Dai to the majestic waters of Halong Bay. This five-star boutique vessel is decorated with rich leather headboards, plush velvet sofas, and intricate gold accents that immediately evoke a sense of 1930s nostalgic elegance. The experience is fully all-inclusive, featuring fine dining, a curated premium wine cellar, and dedicated 24-hour butler service for every suite.

Each of the ten grand suites is individually named after historic royal destinations and features handmade, exclusive furnishings alongside an old-fashioned Indochine-style clawfoot tub. The spacious layout ensures that even at full capacity, the vessel remains incredibly quiet, allowing guests to embrace a slower, more deliberate rhythm.

Emperor Cruises Legacy Halong charter suite
Emperor Cruises Legacy Halong.

Ideal for: Affluent history and culture lovers, honeymooners, or families looking for a highly personalized, all-inclusive royal experience.

  • Vessel Size: All-suite layout; suites range from 35 to 70 square meters.
  • Cabins: 10 royal suites with private balconies and ocean views.
  • Main Amenities: 24-hour butler service, Royal Palace fine-dining restaurant, open-air bar, massage and spa facilities, gym, and complimentary kayaking.

Capella Cruise

The Capella expertly bridges the gap between sophisticated luxury and playful adventure, making it a standout option in Lan Ha Bay. Its striking exterior design blends seamlessly with the natural landscape, while the interiors embrace a warm, modern Indochine aesthetic. What truly distinguishes the Capella is its lively array of onboard facilities, most notably a thrilling inflatable water slide that lets guests plunge directly from the ship's deck into the emerald waters of the bay.

The suites are exceptionally spacious, starting at 32 square meters—significantly larger than the industry standard. Each room features floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a private balcony, and an ocean-view bathtub, ensuring that guests can unwind in absolute comfort after a day of bay exploration.

Capella Cruise Owner Suite on Lan Ha Bay
Capella Cruise on Lan Ha Bay.

Ideal for: Multi-generational families, active couples, and groups seeking a fun, feature-rich luxury cruise that doesn't compromise on style or privacy.

  • Vessel Size: 94 meters in length, spanning 5 decks.
  • Cabins: 30 luxury suites (ranging from 32-square-meter Oasis Suites to the 92-square-meter Owner's Suite).
  • Main Amenities: Climate-controlled infinity pool, floating sea pool, inflatable water slide, mini-golf course, private cinema, spa, and fitness center.

Elite of the Seas

Elite of the Seas is a state-of-the-art superyacht that brings contemporary, high-end resort living to the sea. Boasting a sleek, modern steel hull and an impressive five-deck layout, this vessel is designed to feel like a premium boutique resort. The ship's social areas are exceptionally grand, featuring a spectacular year-round infinity pool, an intimate cigar and piano lounge, and a professional-grade wine cellar.

The 35 elegant cabins are meticulously soundproofed and decorated with exquisite, modern minimalist details. Every room provides a panoramic private balcony, a walk-in closet, and a deep-soaking bathtub overlooking the water, accompanied by complimentary 24-hour room service and unlimited beverages during gourmet meals.

Elite of the Seas luxury charter on Halong Bay
Elite of the Seas on Halong Bay.

Ideal for: Modern luxury travelers and social couples who appreciate sleek architecture, high-tech amenities, and a vibrant, upscale resort atmosphere on the water.

  • Vessel Size: 5 guest decks, accommodating 35 spacious cabins.
  • Cabins: 35 suites ranging from 28-square-meter Junior Suites to the massive 88-square-meter President Suite.
  • Main Amenities: Large infinity pool, mini-golf course, fitness center and sauna spa, wine and cigar cellar, panoramic sundeck, and 24-hour room service.

Grand Pioneers Cruise

The Grand Pioneers is the undisputed giant of the bay—a spectacular, eco-friendly superyacht that spans an incredible 110 meters in length across seven expansive guest decks. Its massive scale and cutting-edge steel hull provide unrivaled maritime stability, completely eliminating motion sickness even in variable sea conditions. Designed with green technology that prevents emissions from polluting the environment, this ship is as sustainable as it is luxurious.

Inside, the ship offers a dizzying array of premium entertainment options, from a virtual 3D golf simulator and a private poker room to multiple karaoke lounges. The 55 opulent suites range from 30 to a colossal 350 square meters, each featuring a private balcony, a marble-clad bathroom, and high-end in-room amenities like automated coffee stations.

Grand Pioneers Cruise on Halong Bay
Grand Pioneers Cruise on Halong Bay.

Ideal for: First-time visitors prioritizing maximum stability, large family gatherings, corporate MICE events, and travelers seeking the most grandly equipped vessel on the water.

  • Vessel Size: 110 meters in length, spanning 7 guest decks.
  • Cabins: 55 suites (including the 150-square-meter Owner's Suite with a private 200-square-meter terrace).
  • Main Amenities: 4-season saltwater infinity pool, 3D golf simulator, private poker room, sky bar, professional wine/cigar cellar, library, and kids' club.

Violet

The Violet offers the perfect mix of traditional elegance and modern comfort. Elegant decoration and interior design. The boat features a boutique dining room, removable bar, spacious sundeck, library, lounge, spa and gym. There are six individual cabins offering elegant Indochina 1930s decor. The Violet Suite is 43 sqm and deluxe rooms are 36 sqm.

Ideal for: This boat is a perfect choice for families with kids who are looking for the best charter to share with other travelers on the bay.

Luxury suite on Halong Bay Paradise Junk
Violet suite aboard a Halong Bay charter.

Heritage Cruises

Halong Bay's first "boutique" style cruise ships launched in late 2019. It is a 20-cabin, 4-deck ship of higher quality than the other large cruise ships on Halong Bay. Mothballed during the pandemic, the Heritage remains in new condition. A few suites offer the most spacious cabins on the bay with private balconies and can be adjoined for families. Noteworthy for fine art throughout the ship and within cabins. The ship offers private dining for honeymooners or others seeking tranquility and boasts a "wine cellar."

Aerial image of Heritage Cruises boat on Halong Bay
Heritage Cruises on Halong Bay.

Ideal for: Travelers looking for a more affordable, social cruise of high quality.

Heritage Cruises Fact Sheet (3.3 MB)

Paradise Privilege

Paradise Privilege offers a sumptuous cruise, with unique design employing the finest natural materials—precious dark wood, creamy silks, crispy white linens, sea-blue taffeta, fine textured marble, delicate china, and silver accessories. On the top-deck of the 30-meter Paradise Privilege, you can laze in the sun, surrounded by the stunning setting of the bay as well as enjoy a barbecue prepared before you on your sublime "mother ship".

Designed to accommodate 6-8 people in two deluxe cabins (16 sqm) and one master suite (28 sqm), the Paradise Privilege also features a fully-equipped modern kitchen with a lavish dining room.

Our Paradise favorite: on board services include a private butler.

Ideal for: Luxury rooms and amenities, formal service. Ideal for a small family with older children or couples seeking a luxury experience on a shared boat.

Paradise Privilege Halong Bay cruise ship

Valentine

The Valentines are a pair of 27-meter cruisers, with two and five cabins, launched in 2010. Once among the finest boats on the bay, the cabins are spacious full-size rooms of 19 sqm for deluxe cabins and 30 square meters for the suite, and all the cabins feature en-suite bathrooms, which not only contain a large shower with rainfall and handheld massage showers, but a full bath with Jacuzzi as well.

The dining room offers a comfortable and romantic setting, with large panoramic windows from which to take in the beauty of spectacular surrounding scenery while enjoying the best meals ever with flavor of Vietnamese food combined with various kinds of wine. The Valentine is perfect for those seeking a more exclusive and intimate voyage.

Ideal for: Families with active kids & friends or honeymooners who prefer personal services on the bay.

Valentine luxury cruise ship in Halong Bay

Bhaya Legend

With eight vessels sailing beneath the Bhaya Legend flag, you have freedom of choice for your dream chartered cruise in Halong Bay. A luxury outfit made to treat its guests like royalty, each Bhaya Legend vessel varies from one to four cabins each accommodating 2 passengers, an exclusivity amounting to the true meaning of luxury cruising. Bhaya Legend cruises follow a unique route through the bay, and personalized service assures your ultimate privacy. Your overnight cruise includes free-flow soft drinks, coffee and tea, as well as sumptuous morning, midday and evening meals.

Ideal for: Couples with children of all ages, luxury cabins, formal services.

Bhaya Legend cruise ship on Halong Bay

Bhaya Legend Fact Sheet (2.7 MB)

Emperor Cruises

A 10-cabin all-suite mid-size 3-deck cruise ship launched in 2017 as Halong Bay's first 5-star boat. A maximum of 30 guests enjoy private balconies and ocean views from all suite rooms. Polished wooden floors and elegant details mark this "royal" ship's plush cabins and marble bathrooms, with butler service. A dedicated spa and sauna for a relaxing voyage.

Halong Bay Emperor Cruises King Suite room

Ideal for: Travelers looking for a mid-size ship with the utmost luxury experience.

Emperor Cruises Presentation (17.5 MB)

Princess — Prince — Red Dragon

Whether you are traveling alone or with your partners, these three boats of Indochina Junk's "Royal family" of boats are suitable for any group size at a budget cost. While Princess — the first one-cabin boat on the bay — is perfect for a romantic getaway or honeymooners; Prince & Red Dragon with two to five cabins are fitting for couples, families and friends.

Through your journey with Indochina Junk you will be surrounded by traditional handmade artisan woodwork. Whether you are relaxing in the comfort of your own cabin, lounging on the spacious sun deck, or dining in the cozy restaurant, service is always attentive.

Ideal for: Couples with no children or single family of four to five with top-notch service.

Halong Bay Princess cruise ship

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