Ha Long BayOnce an underwater mountain range, raised above the water level by tectonic forces then eroded by aeons of rainfall, Ha Long Bay is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is quite simply visually stunning. It is hard to believe it exists on the same planet as the rolling downland of Sussex, The Swiss Alps or even the African Savannah. Standing in the bow of a cruise ship floating serenely through its landscape is an awe inspiring treat.
There is such a rich mixture of experiences here to delight even the most experienced traveller. From simple floating fishermen's villages to deep caves, astonishing hidden lagoons, rural villages where old women make medicine to recipes unknown in the outside world, wild macaque monkeys with rock climbing skills to make you dizzy, sea eagles constantly riding the thermals, milky sunsets and some of the best sea food in the world. After much consideration we decided to entrust our dollars to Paradise Cruises and we did not regret it. Paradise PeakWe viewed (and present here photographic evidence of) all cabin categories on Paradise Peak. There are only 8 cabins on this vessel making it fairly exclusive.
All cabins are more than adequate for a two-night cruise being between 38 and 42 msq. We had reserved a Premium Suite however, for that ultimate experience of lounging on your own private deck while the ridiculously shaped landscape drifts by. There is a spa on-board with two treatment rooms divided by a sliding partition so it can be considered a couple's room. We tried the Spa, each having a 1 hr oil massage. It was our only disappointment with the cruise. The treatment rooms are right at the stern of the boat so you can hear and feel the engines and any guests who are passing. It's a little unfair to judge a spa in these circumstances but really, I would save your money. This boat has a huge sun deck and despite being based on a traditional junk design with a very shallow draught, always felt very stable. Oh, I should add that we had the best sea-food platter we have eaten anywhere in the world. |
Paradise Cruises Lounge and Paradise LuxuryThere are now many companies (and about 500 boats) operating one, two or more day cruises on Ha Long Bay and it is difficult to select one for that "once in a lifetime experience". We considered quite a few (who shall remain nameless) but rejected them because their customer support and booking processes were inadequate. Others because we weren't confident their boats would float.
Only launched in 2008 after the building of the bridge linking Tuan Chau Island to the mainland, Paradise Cruises aim to provide an experience worthy of World-Class grand hotels mixing Vietnamese tradition and international standards of service. A tall order you might think. We were sceptical too but left convinced. Arriving by arranged transfer from the Novotel in Ha Long City, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of their "departure lounge". Check-in, boarding and welcome couldn't have been better. We set sail bang on time (how many flights do?). Before we departed though, we had a tour of Paradise Luxury. Only 17 cabins, a lovely dining room and generous sun-deck would make this a great way to see a site surely on most "bucket lists". However, we were destined for finer things. Paradise Explorer & excursionsParadise Peak is so luxurious I felt slightly aggrieved at having to transfer to Paradise Explorer, the day boat, on our only full day in Ha Long Bay. I needn't have worried. Explorer has a huge sun deck, so there was no shortage of lounger space.
When we talk together about our 2013 Indochina tour, we agree that the excursions from Paradise Peak were the highlight. Riding our borrowed mountain bikes across Cat Ba to the village of Viet Hai, seeing the primary school children during their post-prandial nap, watching the nameless old woman slowly shredding the root (a little like galangal but greener) and spreading it out to dry to make a traditional stomach ache remedy. These were truly humbling experiences. Next time we go (and there WILL be a next time) we will take books, pens, notepads, anything we can carry, to donate to the village school. Launching an ocean kayak, paddling up close and personal with those limestone karsts, passing through a dark tunnel, emerging, blinking into a secret lagoon, casting off your clothes and swimming in cosseting warm tropical water, heavenly. Oh, lunch on Paradise Explorer was also extremely good. See the photos. |
Overall
There are myriad choices for Ha Long Bay cruises. We wholeheartedly recommend Paradise Cruises. They are a well-managed professional outfit, working to international standards of customer service, accommodation and catering. The only blip in our experience was the failure to collect us as arranged from Hanoi Airport. We waited over an hour and had to make a number of phone-calls to sort it out. They were apologetic to the nth degree next day but at least they did sort it.
Whilst there are many cruise operators, and Paradise Peak is one of the more expensive, where better to splurge than on a once-in-a-lifetime trip? The food was an unexpected highlight, although has unfortunately spoilt seafood platters for us as nothing now will ever live up to that we had on our first day on board! The suites would be reasonably well appointed in a hotel; for a boat, they were truly impressive. Excursions felt a little less a la carte than advertised, but we were grateful we had been coerced into the Cat Ba Island trip we would not have chosen, as it remains one of the highlights of a 6 week trip. Service on board was exemplary - our butler looked out for us on excursions and great care was taken to make sure we only ate food that was suitable for our allergies. Whilst Paradise Luxury looked a good choice, we are pleased we paid the extra for Paradise Peak. The exclusivity of having only 8 cabins, combined with the superior service, food and cabins made the cost worthwhile.
We look forward to returning to Ha Long Bay and plan to charter Paradise Peak entirely with a group in September 2015. Let us know if you're interested...
Whilst there are many cruise operators, and Paradise Peak is one of the more expensive, where better to splurge than on a once-in-a-lifetime trip? The food was an unexpected highlight, although has unfortunately spoilt seafood platters for us as nothing now will ever live up to that we had on our first day on board! The suites would be reasonably well appointed in a hotel; for a boat, they were truly impressive. Excursions felt a little less a la carte than advertised, but we were grateful we had been coerced into the Cat Ba Island trip we would not have chosen, as it remains one of the highlights of a 6 week trip. Service on board was exemplary - our butler looked out for us on excursions and great care was taken to make sure we only ate food that was suitable for our allergies. Whilst Paradise Luxury looked a good choice, we are pleased we paid the extra for Paradise Peak. The exclusivity of having only 8 cabins, combined with the superior service, food and cabins made the cost worthwhile.
We look forward to returning to Ha Long Bay and plan to charter Paradise Peak entirely with a group in September 2015. Let us know if you're interested...