Asia Travel Mates
Classic Wooden Junk · 18 Cabins · Simple, Warm, Genuine
An honest look at Oriental Sails — an older, classic wooden junk that trades luxury polish for character, warmth and good value on Halong Bay.
Why Oriental Sails
Oriental Sails is not a new ship. It is not a luxury liner. It is a classic wooden junk — a little older, a little simpler, and priced accordingly. What it offers instead is something many travelers actually come to Halong Bay for: real character, warm Vietnamese hospitality, and a sense of being on a boat that has stories.
With just 18 cabins and a maximum of 36 guests, it feels personal. The staff remember your name. The food is simple but generous. And the wooden interior — rattan, dark timber, big windows — feels much closer to a traditional Halong Bay cruise than a floating hotel.
On This Page
At a Glance
The essentials in 60 seconds.
Launched
2009 · Renovated 2014
Vessel
Classic wooden junk · 39.8m
Cabins
18 cabins · Max 36 guests
Rating
4.5/5 · 1,900+ reviews
Itineraries
2D/1N · 3D/2N
Price From
$130–$146 per person (2D/1N)
Departure
Daily from Hanoi · 8:00–8:30 AM
Style
Join-in · Classic wooden junk
Best For
Value · Character · Real hospitality
The Guide
Vessel, cabins, itineraries, food and who it suits.
The Vessel
A traditional timber boat — warm, simple, and much closer to a real Halong Bay cruise than a floating hotel.
Cabins
Double, Twin and rare Triple cabins. Not luxurious, but clean, cozy and well-priced.
Itineraries
Short introduction or slower, deeper journey. Same warm boat, different pace.
On Board
From the Hanoi pickup to sunrise Tai Chi — what actually happens on board.
Dining
Fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes — family-style, generous portions, good for the price.
Verdict
Who will love it, who should look elsewhere, and what the price really gets you.
The Vessel
Traditional materials, big windows, and plenty of wood — this is a boat, not a floating hotel.
About the Boat
Oriental Sails is a classic wooden junk — dark timber, rattan furnishings, and big windows that fill the interior with natural light. It shows its age in places, but that is part of the character. It feels like a traditional Halong Bay boat because it is one.
Layout
The layout is simple: 10 cabins and the kitchen on the lower deck, 8 cabins plus the restaurant and bar on the upper deck. It is compact, easy to navigate, and gives every cabin easy access to the common areas.
The Cabins
Warm browns and yellows, wooden décor, and everything you need for a good night’s sleep.
Double Cabin
One double bed — good for couples. Simple wooden décor, soft lighting and a comfortable base after a long day on the water.
Twin Cabin
Two twin beds and big windows looking out at the limestone karsts — practical and comfortable for two friends traveling together.
Triple Cabin
A rare find on Halong Bay — a triple cabin that works well for small families or groups of three. Same simple, warm style as the other cabins.
All Cabins Include
Nothing fancy — but everything you need. Air conditioning, wardrobes, a private bathroom with hot shower, bottled water, and slippers.
Itineraries
Oriental Sails runs two itineraries. The 2-day trip covers the classic highlights. The 3-day adds a quieter day on the water, deeper exploration and more time to relax.
If you have the time, the 3-day itinerary is the better experience — the extra day is noticeably calmer and lets you enjoy the bay without rushing between stops.
On Board
What actually happens on board, hour by hour.
Morning pickup from your Hanoi hotel, then a 3.5-hour drive to Halong International Cruise Port. You board around midday and lunch is served as the boat sails into the bay. In the afternoon you visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave, then climb to the viewpoint on Titop Island for the classic panoramic view. Back on board: sunset happy hour on the sundeck, a cooking demonstration, and a communal family-style dinner. After dark, squid fishing on the deck is optional — many guests simply sit out and watch the stars.
A relaxed day. Sunrise Tai Chi on the sundeck, then breakfast while the boat cruises through the quieter parts of the bay. The day includes kayaking, swimming stops, and time to simply sit on deck and enjoy the scenery. In the evening, another happy hour, dinner, and a slow, peaceful overnight on the water. Fewer people, more space, better pace — this is what the extra day buys you.
Early morning Tai Chi on the sundeck as the sun rises over the Gulf of Tonkin. After breakfast, a guided visit to Luon Cave by sampan or kayak — a peaceful lagoon surrounded by cliffs. Then the boat returns to port, and you are transferred back to Hanoi by mid-afternoon. The 2-day version of the cruise ends after the Day 2 morning activities.
Guides on Oriental Sails come up again and again in traveler reviews — for their warmth, their care, and their stories. On a boat this size, they make a real difference. They are consistently the strongest part of the experience.
Dining
Not fine dining — but consistently better than guests expect for the price.
On the Upper Deck
Meals are simple but generous: fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes, served family-style or as a set menu. Many reviewers specifically praise the portion sizes and variety. The restaurant is on the upper deck with big windows, so meals come with a view.
The Verdict
Oriental Sails suits travelers who want real Halong Bay character and good value over polish and amenities. If you need five-star everything, this is not the boat. If you want warmth, honesty and a fair price, it is a strong choice.
If you are happy with a slightly older, honest, well-priced wooden junk — and you care more about warm service and a real Halong Bay experience than a swimming pool — Oriental Sails delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Departure is daily from Hanoi, with pickup between 8:00–8:30 AM. You will be driven roughly 3.5 hours to Halong International Cruise Port before boarding.
Yes. Children under 3 are free; ages 3–9 receive a 50–75% discount; ages 9 and above pay the adult rate. The Triple Cabin works well for families.
Vegetarian options are available with advance notice. Please tell us about any dietary needs when booking.
No. Oriental Sails is not wheelchair accessible and moderate fitness is required — particularly for boarding and the climb at Titop Island.
Yes. Surcharges apply on Tet, public holidays, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Amounts vary — please confirm at booking.
A valid passport is required for check-in at Halong International Cruise Port.
Share your dates, group size and preferred itinerary through our custom journey form. We will confirm availability, pricing and any surcharges — and can add private transfers or extensions if you want them.
Begin Your Journey
We can combine the cruise with private transfers from Hanoi and extensions to Ninh Binh, Bai Tu Long Bay or elsewhere in northern Vietnam — shaped around your time and budget.
Plan My Halong Bay JourneyEditorial Note
This review is updated regularly by the Asia Travel Mates team. Cruise schedules, pricing and seasonal surcharges can change.
Always confirm current details with the cruise operator or through Asia Travel Mates before booking.
| Check In | 12:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Check Out | 12:00 pm |
Leave a review