Exploring Ha Long Bay on the M’Gloria Cruise: Our 3-Day Adventure in Vietnam
When we first started planning our Vietnam trip, Ha Long Bay was at the top of our list of places we wanted to see—and for good reason. You've probably seen photos of its striking emerald waters, dotted with towering limestone islands. So many travelers rave about how Ha Long Bay is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. It seemed like the kind of place where reality surpasses the pictures, and we couldn’t resist seeing it for ourselves.
There’s something so peaceful and awe-inspiring about being surrounded by such unique, dramatic beauty. We knew a cruise would be the best way to truly immerse ourselves in this magical place, and after plenty of research, the M’Gloria caught our eye as the perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and affordability.
Why We Chose the M’Gloria Cruise
There are plenty of cruises to choose from when exploring Ha Long Bay, but M’Gloria stood out for a few key reasons. First, we wanted something that offered a bit of luxury without breaking the bank. And when we saw the VIP cabin with a king-sized bed, a private balcony, and a bathtub overlooking the bay, we were sold. The idea of soaking in a tub while watching the sunset over the bay? That sounded like the dream. Better yet, we found a terrific deal for this 3 day cruise, paying about $400 USD for both of us. Even though this was a bit of a budget buster for us, the price included our transportation from Hanoi, as well as all of our meals and activities for three days! (See more below about how we booked our cruise.)
Day 1: Setting Sail on an Unforgettable Journey
Our adventure started in Hanoi, where we were picked up at 8:00am by the limousine shuttle bus for the roughly 2.5-hour drive to Ha Long Bay. Our trip was off to a great stop because this was one of the nicest buses we have ever been on. We were dropped off at the cruise ship's office at the marina, where they checked us in for the cruise. After a short wait, we boarded the tender for a 30 minute ride to the cruise ship.
We were greeted by the cruise ship staff and greeted with a welcome drink and a brief orientation about our itinerary. The staff on the M’Gloria were incredibly friendly and made us feel right at home from the start.
Once we were shown to our VIP cabin, we were blown away. The room was spacious and beautifully decorated, with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcased the breathtaking scenery. The king-sized bed was the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring, but the real highlight was the private balcony and bathtub. I immediately knew this was going to be our favorite spot on the ship.
After settling in, we headed to the top deck to take in our first views of the bay. The limestone karsts jutting out of the water were even more stunning in person than I had imagined. As we cruised deeper into the bay, we were treated to a delicious lunch, with fresh seafood and Vietnamese delicacies that made our taste buds dance. The staff asked about any food allergies and preferences, and were very accommodating.
In the afternoon, we cruised through Con Vit Islet on our way to our first stop: Tra Bau. This is one of the most popular stops in Ha Long Bay and was used as the background for Kong Skull Island movie. The cruise ship provided kayaks and life jackets and we were free to explore the lagoon. One of the most memorable moments of our cruise was kayaking through the tranquil waters here. The calmness of the water and the quiet beauty of the landscape made it feel like we had the bay all to ourselves. It was the perfect way to get up close to the natural wonders of Ha Long Bay, and the serenity of Tra Bau made the experience even more magical. There’s something so peaceful about gliding through the water, surrounded by the towering cliffs, with nothing but the sound of your paddle breaking the surface. We even kayaked through a few caves that opened up into hidden lagoons. It felt like we were discovering our own private paradise.
After returning to the cruise ship, they let us jump into the water from the top deck of the ship. Of course, Shayne and I had to try this, and it was such a rush!
As the sun began to set, the crew hosted a sunset party where we enjoyed snacks and mocktails while watching the sun set behind the stunning limestone cliffs. Later we enjoyed dining on the deck, under the stars, with the bay softly illuminated around us—there’s no way to describe it other than pure magic.
Day 2: Kayaking, Swimming, and Relaxing in Paradise
Day two kicked off with an early morning Tai Chi session on the deck. Now, I’ll be honest—I was way more into the idea of Tai Chi than Shayne was, but even he agreed that moving through the gentle exercises as the sun rose over the bay was the perfect way to start the day.
One of my favorite features of our room was the soaking bathtub with a huge picture window and I was so excited to use this after our Tai Chi class. I am a bath person and I loved watching the scenery pass by while relaxing in the tub. The only thing that would have made it better was if I had remembered to pack some bubble bath!
Later that morning, while eating breakfast, we enjoyed a cruise through the beautiful bay. We soon boarded a tour boat to take us through Lan Ha Bay to Cat Ba Island and the picturesque Viet Hai Village. Upon arrival to Cat Ba Island, the cruise provided us with bikes, and we set off on a scenic ride through lush green landscapes, past towering limestone cliffs, and into the heart of the island. Viet Hai Village felt like a hidden gem, nestled in a peaceful valley surrounded by jungle. As we pedaled through, we were greeted by friendly locals and saw traditional stilt houses that gave us a glimpse into rural life in Vietnam. The ride was both relaxing and invigorating, offering a perfect way to explore the island's natural beauty up close.
Later in the afternoon, we boarded our tour boat to explore more of Lan Ha Bay. We ended up anchored near a small beach where we could swim and relax. The first order of business was to jump off the top of the boat into the beautiful bay. The water was warm, and the views were straight out of a postcard. I can’t tell you how many times Shayne and I looked at each other and said, “Can you believe we’re here?”
After returning to the cruise ship, we enjoyed another incredible dinner. After dinner, we got to do one of the most unique experiences of our Ha Long Bay cruise- fishing for squid at night off the back of the ship. As the boat gently swayed under the starry sky, we joined the crew in lowering our lines into the dark water, waiting for a bite. The thrill of spotting a squid darting toward the light and reeling it in was unlike anything we've done before.
Day 3: Morning Views and Farewell to Ha Long Bay
On the final day, we woke up early to catch the sunrise. Watching the sky light up in shades of pink and orange as the bay slowly came to life was the perfect way to end our cruise. After breakfast, we visited a local floating village where we learned about the daily lives of the people who call Ha Long Bay home. It was fascinating to see how they’ve adapted to life on the water, and it gave us a deeper appreciation for the history and culture of the region.
By late morning, it was time to head back to the port. As we said our goodbyes to the crew and disembarked, I couldn’t help but feel a little sad that our adventure was over. But I also felt incredibly grateful for the experience we had. Ha Long Bay is one of those places that leaves a mark on your soul, and I know we’ll be back someday.
Tips for Your Ha Long Bay Cruise
If you’re planning your own Ha Long Bay adventure, here are a few tips to make the most of your trip:
Choose & Book Your Cruise Wisely: There are plenty of options ranging from budget to luxury. We loved the M’Gloria for its balance of comfort, service, and affordability. We did read different opinions on how best to book your cruise. Cruises can fill up early, especially in the high season, so some recommend booking far in advance. You might end up paying more this way, but you will be sure that you are able to book the exact cruise you choose. However, we saved a about $400 by booking our cruise just 3 days in advance through a tour agent we found on the streets of Hanoi. This is risky and you might not get exactly what you want, but this is definitely the way to go if you're looking for a bargain. We checked with three different agencies and the price went down a little at each one. There are tour agents everywhere in the old city of Hanoi, but you can also check with the tour desk at your hotel. If you decide to go this route, be sure to shop around a bit. Here are a few additional cruise options that we found for you. They have excellent reviews at a variety of price points and are all cruises you can book in advance:
3-Day Luxury Cruise Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi or Halong
Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay - 3 days 2 nights on cruise
Lan Ha Bay 2 days tour with 3-star cruise
Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour - best selling: Kayaking, Swimming, hiking & Lunch
Book a VIP Cabin: If you can, splurge a little for a room with a balcony and a bathtub. Trust me, it’s worth every penny.
Pack Light but Smart: Comfortable clothes for excursions, a swimsuit for swimming and kayaking, and something semi-nice for dinner are all you really need. Oh, and don’t forget sunscreen!
Try Everything: From the food to the activities, this is the time to embrace it all. Whether it’s kayaking, visiting caves, or just lounging on the deck, there’s something for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Our 3-day cruise on the M’Gloria was one of the highlights of our trip to Vietnam. Ha Long Bay is a destination that you have to see to believe, and experiencing it from the deck of a beautiful cruise ship made it all the more special. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip to Vietnam, I can’t recommend this experience enough. There’s just something about Ha Long Bay that stays with you long after you’ve left.
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