Indochina Sails Overview
At a glance
Why choose Indochina Sails?
- Built 2007, refurbished 2023
- Premium Cruises, Junk Boat Cruises travel styles
- Capacity for up to 46 guests
Experience the classic wonders of Halong Bay on Indochina Sails, a traditional wooden junk offering an elegant and comfortable overnight journey through iconic landscapes.
Indochina Sails: A Halong Bay Legacy
The Indochina Sails cruise ship, launched in 2007, stands as a pioneer in overnight excursions within Vietnam's renowned Halong Bay. This vessel, designed as a traditional wooden junk, marries classic aesthetic with contemporary comfort, promising an authentic yet refined journey across the bay's iconic karsts. With capacity for up to 46 guests across its 23 cabins, it offers an intimate cruising atmosphere for travelers seeking a blend of cultural immersion and relaxation.
Timeless Design & Welcoming Atmosphere
Refurbished in 2023, Indochina Sails showcases an elegant Indochinese design, characterized by a pearl white exterior, rich brown handrails, and intricate wall art. The interiors are crafted primarily from aromatic wood, imparting a warm, vintage charm throughout the ship. Guests can unwind in the cozy lounge, adorned with decorative plants and artwork, or enjoy the expansive sundeck offering unobstructed views of the bay's natural splendor.
Comfortable Cabin Retreats
Accommodation options on board are thoughtfully designed to cater to various preferences, from couples to small families. Each of the 23 cabins provides a blend of traditional beauty and modern amenities. Thirteen Superior Cabins are situated on the first deck, offering ocean views, while the second deck hosts four Deluxe Cabins, four Suites, and two President Suites, all boasting private balconies for enjoying the scenery.
Culinary Journeys & Onboard Pleasures
Dining is a central part of the Indochina Sails experience, with the Lotus restaurant on the third deck providing a spacious setting for up to 46 diners. Here, guests can savor a diverse menu of Vietnamese and international dishes, with a focus on fresh local seafood. The ship also features a bar offering a selection of beverages, and a range of activities from morning Tai Chi sessions on the sundeck to engaging cooking demonstrations, ensuring a fulfilling journey through Halong Bay.
Indochina Sails consistently receives positive feedback from guests, earning an aggregate rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 136 reviews on BestPrice Travel, and a similar high rating from 1073 TripAdvisor reviews, with 878 being excellent. Travelers frequently commend the ship's elegant, vintage-style design and its well-appointed common areas, noting that its 2023 renovation has kept facilities in excellent condition. Guests appreciate the comfortable bedding in the cabins, though some found cabin sizes of 20m² and below to be somewhat small, and Superior Cabins are noted for lacking private balconies and soundproofing.
The cruise itinerary is highly regarded for its balance of engaging activities like caving, hiking, and swimming, along with ample relaxation time. The cooking class, featuring both carving and food preparation, is a particular highlight. Dining receives praise for its tasty, well-prepared food, whether buffet or set menu, with dinner quality often singled out for its flavor and presentation. However, some guests noted that dinner dishes are predominantly seafood, which may not suit all palates, and drinks are priced separately. The service consistently receives top marks for its professionalism, friendliness, and attentive crew and knowledgeable tour guides, creating a relaxing and memorable experience for mid-range travelers.
Cabin Types
Best Seller
Superior Cabin
Free cancellation
Deluxe Balcony
Free cancellation
Suite Balcony
Free cancellation
President Suite
Deck Plan
Routes & Itinerary Comparison
Compare the published programs below. Stops and timings may change with weather, port authority instructions and the selected departure.
| Program | Duration | Route | Next departure | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indochina Sails Halong Bay Discovery Cruise – 2 Days 1 Night | 2 D / 1 N | Explore the classic Halong Bay route, including Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island. | Ask for dates | $162 |
| Indochina Sails Halong & Lan Ha Bay Expedition – 3 Days 2 Nights | 3 D / 2 N | Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Dark & Bright Cave, Ba Trai Dao, Titop Island, Sung Sot Cave | Ask for dates | $162 |
Cruise Programs
Dining & Facilities
- Sundeck with loungers and seating
- Lotus Restaurant with indoor bar
- Intimate Lounge area
- Reception room
- Kitchen
- Massage room
- Sundeck with loungers and seating
- Lotus Restaurant with indoor bar
- Intimate Lounge area
- Reception room
- Kitchen
- Massage room
Guests on Indochina Sails can anticipate a diverse culinary experience, featuring both Vietnamese and international dishes, with a particular emphasis on fresh local seafood such as shrimp, oysters, crabs, and squids. The menu also includes an option for authentic Indian cuisine, which can be arranged for groups of six or more with five days' advance notice, and an Indian chef for full group charters.
Meals are served at specific times: breakfast at 6:30, a full breakfast at 9:30, lunch between 12:00 and 13:00, and dinner at 19:30. The spacious Lotus restaurant, located on the third deck, can accommodate 46 people and offers a comfortable ambiance with large panoramic windows for enjoying bay views. A well-stocked bar provides a variety of alcoholic beverages starting from US $5 per glass and non-alcoholic options from US $2 per item, available for purchase from the menu.
- Explore Sung Sot Cave
- Relax and swim at Titop Island
- Participate in morning Tai Chi classes on the sundeck
- Join a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, including fruit and vegetable carving
- Enjoy spa and massage treatments (additional cost: US $38 - $78 per 30-60 minute session)
- Engage in evening activities like board games or squid fishing
Before You Book
Who this cruise suits
Premium Cruises, Junk Boat Cruises
Embarkation & transfers
Departure details: Tuan Chau Port / Tuan Chau Marina.
Read transportation detailsWeather & special requests
Routes can change for safety or port-authority instructions. Tell us about mobility, dietary or celebration requirements before booking.
Review cancellation termsNot included
- Transfers between Hanoi and Halong Bay (available for booking separately)
- Airfares, private car transfers, and hotel accommodations not part of the cruise package
- Kayak or sampan boat rental (specifically for the 2 Days 1 Night program)
- Visa arrangements
- Beauty spa services and massages
- All beverages from the bar menu
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Any other services not explicitly mentioned as included
- Surcharge for fare differences if ticket prices increase according to Bay regulations
- Insurance, taxes, and service charges not otherwise stated
Booking Policies
- Transfers between Hanoi and Halong Bay (available for booking separately)
- Airfares, private car transfers, and hotel accommodations not part of the cruise package
- Kayak or sampan boat rental (specifically for the 2 Days 1 Night program)
- Visa arrangements
- Beauty spa services and massages
- All beverages from the bar menu
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Any other services not explicitly mentioned as included
- Surcharge for fare differences if ticket prices increase according to Bay regulations
- Insurance, taxes, and service charges not otherwise stated
- To confirm a booking, please adhere to the deposit requirements as specified by the cruise line.
- Cancellation policies are applied individually per cruise; please consult specific program details or contact a sales representative for further information.
- More than 21 days before check-in: No charge applies.
- 11 to 20 days before check-in: 30% of the total rate will be charged.
- 7 to 10 days before check-in: 50% of the total rate will be charged.
- Less than 7 days before check-in or no show: 100% of the total rate will be charged.
Cancellation due to adverse weather:
- If the Halong Bay Management Board cancels the trip before departure from Hanoi (no services used), a 100% refund will be issued.
- If cancellation occurs during the trip (some services already used, e.g., transfer, lunch, day trip, hotel in Halong), charges for used services will apply, and the remainder will be refunded.
- If a 2-night trip is shortened to 1 night, guests will be charged for a 2-day/1-night trip plus any other services used, with the remaining amount refunded.
The precise final cost will be communicated by your consultant via email. For urgent assistance in any cancellation scenario, please contact us directly.
- A maximum of 1 child under 12 years old may share a bed with parents.
- Children under 5 years old are complimentary when sharing all services with parents.
- Children between 5 and 11 years old are charged 75% of the adult rate.
- Guests aged 12 years and older are charged at the full adult rate.
Extra Mattress / Baby Cot Policy: Applicable for a maximum of 1 child sharing a cabin with parents:
- 3-day/2-night cruise: US $50 per extra bed.
- 2-day/1-night cruise: US $25 per extra bed.
Each room has a maximum capacity of one extra bed or one baby cot.
Travelers have several transfer options to Halong Bay, including shuttle buses, 9-seater D-car limousines, or private cars, which can be arranged through BestPrice Travel or the cruise company. All vehicles are equipped with air conditioning, phone chargers, and complimentary bottled water.
From Hanoi: For those who have pre-booked transfer services, pickup will be arranged from your hotel lobby within Hanoi Old Quarter between 08:00 and 08:30. The journey to Halong Bay typically lasts 2.5 to 3 hours.
From Halong City: Guests opting to arrange their own transport should plan to arrive at Tuan Chau Port, specifically at No.22 Tuan Chau Marina, by 11:30 for check-in procedures at the Indochina Sails Waiting Station.
Guest Reviews
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| Operator | Indochina Sails |
| Cruise Line | Indochina Sails |
| Ship Type | Premium |
| Built Year | 2007 |
| Refurbished | 2023 |
| Cabins | 23 |
| Passengers | 46 |
| Home Port | Tuan Chau Pier, Halong Bay, Quang Ninh Province |
