Indochine·Chic
Classic Wooden Junk · Intimate 18-Cabin Voyage · Genuine Vietnamese Hospitality
“The boat’s age isn’t a flaw—it’s a feature. It whispers of journeys past, of countless sunsets witnessed, of stories waiting to be told.”
A complete review of Oriental Sails — the classic wooden junk experience, cabins, itineraries, dining, and who this authentic Halong Bay cruise is for.
Why Oriental Sails
In a bay where gleaming new vessels compete for attention with infinity pools and rooftop bars, Oriental Sails takes a different approach. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t dazzle with the latest amenities. Instead, it offers something increasingly rare: a genuine connection to the bay’s timeless allure, wrapped in the warm embrace of Vietnamese hospitality.
Since its launch, Oriental Sails has carved a special place in the hearts of travelers seeking something more intimate. With just 18 cabins on a classic wooden junk, it delivers an experience that feels less like a commercial cruise and more like a private voyage shared with newfound friends.
On This Page
At a Glance
The essential details for planning your voyage.
Launched
2009 · Renovated 2014
Vessel
Classic wooden junk · 39.8m
Cabins
18 cabins · Max ~36 passengers
Cruising Speed
8 knots
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 pickup
Best For
Authenticity · Value · Human connection
The Guide
A complete companion to the Oriental Sails experience — vessel, cabins, itineraries, dining and who it suits.
The Vessel
A beautifully crafted wooden junk embodying traditional Vietnamese elegance — rattan, wood and natural light.
Cabins
Double, Twin and rare Triple cabins — warm brown and yellow hues with authentic maritime charm.
Itineraries
2-day and 3-day journeys — Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave and deeper Bai Tu Long Bay.
On Board
From Hanoi pickup to sunrise Tai Chi — a detailed walkthrough of the Oriental Sails experience.
Dining
Fresh seafood and Vietnamese specialties served family-style with panoramic upper-deck views.
Verdict
Pros, considerations and the type of traveler who will feel most at home aboard Oriental Sails.
The Vessel
A beautifully crafted wooden vessel that embodies traditional Vietnamese elegance — warm, sophisticated and thoughtfully designed.
Rattan, wood and expansive windows — an atmosphere that feels authentically maritime.
Oriental Sails is a beautifully crafted wooden vessel that embodies traditional Vietnamese elegance. Its rattan and wooden furnishings create a warm, sophisticated atmosphere, while expansive windows flood the interior with natural light.
Wooden JunkThe layout places ten cabins and the kitchen on the lower deck, with eight cabins, the restaurant, and bar on the upper deck — ensuring both intimacy and thoughtful design.
DesignThe Cabins
Each of the 18 cabins is thoughtfully appointed in warm brown and yellow hues that evoke both serenity and sophistication.
Double Cabin
Sumptuous double bed — perfect for couples seeking romance on the water. Rich wooden accents and soft lighting create an intimate retreat after a day of exploration.
Twin Cabin
Two comfortable twin beds — ideal for friends traveling together. Each cabin features expansive windows offering stunning views of Bai Tu Long Bay’s limestone karsts.
Triple Cabin
A rare find on Halong Bay — a dedicated triple cabin perfect for small families or groups of three, maintaining the same warm aesthetic.
All Cabins Include
All cabins feature individually controlled air conditioning, wardrobes, private bathrooms with hot showers, complimentary bottled water, slippers, and comprehensive amenities.
Itineraries
Oriental Sails offers both 2-day/1-night and 3-day/2-night itineraries, each thoughtfully curated to reveal the bay’s magic at a civilized pace.
The 3-day itinerary ventures further into the quieter waters of Bai Tu Long Bay, visiting the floating village of Vung Vieng and the less-trafficked Thien Canh Son Cave — a true escape for those with time to spare.
On Board
A detailed walkthrough of the Oriental Sails experience.
Your journey begins with a morning pickup from your Hanoi hotel, followed by a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Halong International Cruise Port. At the private lounge, you’ll relax before being transferred to the boat. As you cruise into the bay, lunch is served — a meal many reviewers describe as surprisingly excellent for the price point. The afternoon brings the first major wonder: Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave, whose vast chambers and dramatic formations have earned it a place on every Halong itinerary. Next, Titop Island beckons — a short but steep climb rewards you with the bay’s most iconic panoramic view. Back on board, happy hour at the bar offers discounted drinks as the sun paints the bay in amber and rose. A cooking demonstration follows, where you’ll learn the art of Vietnamese spring rolls. Dinner is a communal affair — family-style sharing that often sparks new friendships. Later, try your hand at squid fishing under a canopy of stars.
Rise early for a Tai Chi session on the sundeck — a meditative way to greet the sunrise over the Gulf of Tonkin. After breakfast, you’ll explore Luon Cave by kayak or local sampan, gliding through a hidden lagoon surrounded by towering cliffs. Return to the boat for a final lunch as you cruise back toward the harbor, arriving in Hanoi by late afternoon. For those continuing to the 3-day itinerary, a day boat takes you deeper into Bai Tu Long Bay for further adventures.
One name appears repeatedly in traveler reviews: the guides on Oriental Sails consistently elevate the experience. They share stories, ensure everyone’s comfort, and transform a simple tour into a memorable journey. Their warmth and knowledge are the thread that ties every moment together.
Dining
Given the cruise’s accessible pricing, the quality of food aboard Oriental Sails consistently exceeds expectations.
On the Upper Deck
Meals feature fresh seafood and Vietnamese specialties, served family-style or as set menus. Many reviewers specifically praise the generous portions and variety. The restaurant on the upper deck offers panoramic views, making every meal a visual feast as well.
The Verdict
Oriental Sails is the perfect choice for travelers who prioritize authenticity, value, and genuine human connection over five-star amenities. It suits first-time visitors, families, and anyone who wants to experience Halong Bay’s magic without the premium price tag of luxury liners.
If you’re the type of traveler who sees character in weathered wood and finds charm in a boat with stories to tell, Oriental Sails will feel like coming home. This isn’t a luxury cruise — it’s an authentic journey. And for many, that’s worth more than any infinity pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Departure is daily from Hanoi, with pickup between 8:00–8:30 AM. You’ll be driven approximately 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 rare Triple Cabin is particularly well-suited for small families.
Vegetarian options are available with advance notice. Please inform us of any dietary needs when booking.
Unfortunately, Oriental Sails is not wheelchair accessible, and moderate fitness is required — particularly for the climb at Titop Island and boarding the vessel.
Yes. Surcharges apply on Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), public holidays, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. The exact amount varies — please confirm at booking.
A valid passport is required for check-in at Halong International Cruise Port.
Share your travel dates, group size and preferred itinerary through our custom journey form. We’ll confirm availability, pricing and any seasonal surcharges — and can pair the cruise with private transfers or extensions to Ninh Binh, Hanoi or Bai Tu Long Bay.
Begin Your Journey
Every experience on this page can become part of a tailored itinerary. Our specialists design private journeys through Halong Bay and northern Vietnam — shaped around your budget, travel style and dream destinations.
Design My Halong Bay JourneyEditorial Note
This guide is updated regularly by the Asia Travel Mates team. Cruise schedules, pricing and seasonal surcharges can change.
Always confirm current details with cruise operators or through Asia Travel Mates before booking. Weather conditions can affect cruise schedules — flexibility is recommended.
