Emperor Cruises

Emperor Cruise is one of the most luxurious small boats in Halong Bay, with 10 first-class cabins for the most tranquil and individual experience.

On the main deck, there is Can Chanh Restaurant and a lobby at the rear. The remaining boasts 02 Signature Suites (Do Son & Lak Lake) and 02 State Suites (Hue & Vung Tau) with an average cabin size of 43m2 - 50m2.

The upper deck includes 02 Hanoi - Saigon Suites, 02 State Suites (Da Lat & Nha Trang), and 02 Royal Suites (King & Queen) - the top-notch cabin class. Located at the bow, each Royal Suite features a 70-square-meter space covering a living room, a bedroom, an ocean-view ensuite bathroom, a bar counter, and a large private terrace, making it a wonderful choice for those seeking royal accommodation.

Apart from cabins and suites, there is also a spa, a gym, and a Mekong Lounge offering a library, a bar counter, a piano, and an exquisite art gallery for guests to chill out on the second deck.

The third deck offers an indoor panorama lounge that can serve as a restaurant and a sundeck area for relaxation and sightseeing.

With a low capacity of only 20 people, Emperor Cruise Halong Bay allows its guests to experience a more private, relaxing journey on the small boat.

Mekong Lounge 

The Melong Lounge is designed in Indochina style in the center of the 2nd deck, including the Bao Dai Library, Mekong Bar, a kids' corner, a piano, and exquisite art. This is the perfect place to relax at night, where you can play music, read books, or enjoy drinks.

Mekong Lounge reminds you of Vietnam's rice basket with rich nature, culture, and history.

Bao Dai Library

Inspired by the personal library of King Bao Dai, this place is a cozy corner on the 2nd floor near Ana Wellness and Spa. Designed in a neoclassical style with comfortable sofas, the library contains many precious documents about the Nguyen Dynasty, the Ancient Citadel, and the life of King Bao Dai himself.

Not only for bibliophiles, the library also serves as the cultural heart of this artistic cruise.

Pham Luc Art Gallery

Emperor Cruise Halong Bay is not only a cruise carrying historical stories, but also a journey of art. This ship owns a valuable collection of paintings by artist Pham Luc, who is considered the Picasso of Vietnam, with a large number, including works from 1956 to the present. 

If you want to admire, you can request the cruise crew to organize a tour, taking you to visit the entire Lux Gallery with Pham Luc's masterpieces, and at the same time introducing you in detail to this talented artist and the inspiration behind each painting.

Each of his artworks is full of love, hope, and significance, conveying stories uniquely.

The Heritage Spa

Inspired by Halong Bay and the royal spa heritage of the Nguyen Dynasty, this place offers a peaceful and luxurious spa and massage experience for passengers. The treatment combines modern therapies with local botanical products, helping guests balance energy and revive all their senses. 

The Heritage Spa provides sensory retreats in this one-of-a-kind setting.

The Moments Lounge & Sails

Moments Lounge and Sail is located on the sundeck of the Emperor Cruise, possessing a large and airy outdoor space. From here, visitors can immerse themselves in nature and spend time admiring the splendor of Halong Bay, especially beautiful and charming at sunset and sunrise.

This relaxation area leaves you with a restful atmosphere to ease your soul.

Compared to other cruises, Emperor offers an interesting itinerary through Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay. The Halong Bay route includes Me Cung Cave, Luon Cave, and Pearl Farm, while the Bai Tu Long route visits Thien Canh Son Cave & Vung Vieng. In addition, the cruise also provides a unique and energetic activity onboard, which is practicing Vovinam, a traditional Vietnamese martial art, in the morning.

Sightseeing activities

• Bai Tu Long Bay Route

Visit Thien Canh Son Cave

On the 1st day, we will explore the impressive Thien Canh Son Cave, known for its natural stalactites and stalagmites shaped over millions of years. Follow the short path into the cave and enjoy the striking formations illuminated inside.

Explore Vung Vieng Floating Village

Let's join a trip to Vung Vieng Floating Village to see how local families have long lived and worked among the calm waters of Bai Tu Long Bay. Take a bamboo boat ride through the village and get a closer look at its simple floating homes and traditional way of life.

• Ha Long Bay Route

Participate in a Me Cung Cave trip

Explored in Halong Bay itinerary Me Cung means “maze,” which is shown clearly in the structure of the cave with many narrow slots, dividing the cave into many compartments. Visitors in Me Cung Cave can only recognize the exit by the dim light at the end of the cave. Exploring this place, you will not only be moved by the magnificent beauty of stalactites with many strange shapes, but also by the ancient cultural and historical values that it brings through the sedimentary layers, fossils, and semi-fossil sites.

Engage with historical and archaeological values from 10,000 years ago at Me Cung Cave.

Kayak in the Tung Sau Area

On the first day of the trip, tourists will have the opportunity to try kayaking in Halong Bay with about 45 minutes of free time to explore the beauty of the Tung Sau Area. This place was chosen for this must-try activity as it is surrounded by undulating rocky islands, providing good wind protection and making the water here calm and safe.

Explore the breathtaking landscape of Halong Bay on colorful kayaks

Explore Luon Cave

Luon Cave is chosen as an interesting ending on the last day of sailing with Emperor Cruise. The cave has a unique geological structure that makes the ceiling far from the water surface, but its floor is submerged under the sea. To explore this special attraction, visitors will be able to choose between kayaking themselves or sitting on small wooden boats rowed by locals.

Gaze at a variety of beautiful plants such as ferns and cycads on a bamboo boat trip.

Onboard Activities

Practice Vovinam

For anyone who is a morning person, Vovinam is the best sunrise practice activity. Unlike the slow and gentle Tai Chi offered on most cruise tours, this traditional Vietnamese martial art is arranged as a powerful exercise, helping visitors have an extremely dynamic start to a new day.

Enjoy Vovinam exercise in the bright morning on the sundeck

Spa & Massage

• Price: US from US $34
• Duration: 30 - 60 mins/session

Emperor Cruise’s spa & massage service is currently one of the best in Halong. The spa & massage services here are diverse, including 7 types of treatments, from basic foot, head, neck, and shoulder massage to the advanced option with a combination of Balinese, Swedish, Japanese shiatsu, and Thai stretching.

Gym Corner

In addition to practicing Vovinam on the sundeck in the early morning, guests can also find other modern and more familiar training activities at the gym corner. This gym is a bit small, but it still meets the basic requirements with a treadmill and an elliptical machine. All exercise equipment is placed facing the floor-to-ceiling glass doors, allowing passengers to train and admire the beautiful scenery of Halong Bay at the same time.

Fitness facilities are specifically intended to refresh and energize guests onboard.

The Emperor overnight cruise offers flavorful meals with the finest local ingredients. The dishes are served diversely with local seafood, fusion, Western, and Vietnamese cuisine. Lunch & Dinner is the highlight of the culinary experience with set menus served in fine dining style, including a full course meal from light appetizers to sophisticated main dishes, and ending with sweet desserts.

With every meal onboard, guests are treated to a fine selection by renowned chefs.

Moreover, guests can dine at many places: in their suite, on the sundeck, or in the lounge if requested, which is unique for this luxury cruise.

Dining Time

The usual time for breakfast is 6:45, lunch is at 13:15, and dinner is at 19:30.

• The 2-day-1-night itinerary includes 04 meals: 01 set menu lunch, 01 set menu dinner, 01 light buffet breakfast, and 01 brunch
• The 3-day-2-night itinerary includes 07 meals: 02 set menu lunches, 02 set menu dinners, 02 light buffet breakfasts, and 01 brunch 

Note:If there are fewer than 10 guests on board, brunch will be served À La Carte style.

Drinks

Visitors traveling with Emperor Cruise on their journey to explore Halong Bay can enjoy complimentary water in their rooms. Other beverages at the bar (come with a surcharge) have a wide range of choices such as wine, spirits, beer, cocktails, mocktails, juice, coffee, and tea.

Gaze at the mesmerizing sunset while sipping a cocktail with a flavorsome taste.

Can Chanh Restaurant

This restaurant at the heart of the 1st deck is decorated with artwork and wood equipment to bring a royal atmosphere in the traditional Vietnamese style. Tourists may enjoy Vietnamese culture, history, and gourmet food at the luxury dining area where regal beauty and legacy blend to create the pinnacle of elegance.

The restaurant offers amazing views and stylish furnishings inspired by the 1930 design.

Panorama Lounge & Restaurant

Located on the top deck to give guests fresh air, this lounge & bar offers both indoor and outdoor dining space with a 360-degree Halong Bay view. It can be arranged to serve breakfast and dinner upon request, as well as the sunset party, afternoon tea, cooking class, and wine tasting.

The lounge provides stunning views of the ever-changing, magical scenery in Halong.

You will be transported by a limousine D-car, shuttle bus, or private car if you book with BestPrice Travel (need an additional fee). The car will guarantee you a smooth and pleasant ride.

From Hanoi

The pickup time is from 8:00 to 8:30 within the Old Quarter; the bus will transfer you to Halong Bay from Hanoi via highway.

From Tuan Chau Marina

If you move to Halong Bay by yourself, please reach the Heritage Lounge at Lot 28 Tuan Chau Marina before 11.30 to check in on time. 

Waiting lounge of Lux Group at Tuan Chau cruise port

BestPrice Review: 8.8/10

• Inspection date: May, 2025
  
• BestPrice Travel Inspector: Mrs. Cindy

Emperor Cruise Halong Bay has a unique traditional Vietnamese royal style and is the only historical cruise about the last king of Vietnam, Emperor Bao Dai. With only 10 cabins, this luxury boat is perfect for honeymooners and small groups who seek a peaceful & exclusive holiday. However, the dining aspect of this cruise may need some improvement.

Facilities & Amenities - 8.5/10

The cruise regularly maintains its unique royal style by providing exquisite wooden interiors, handmade decorations, and well-appointed cabins. The entire boat is like an art gallery with paintings hanging all over the walls, whether in the guest cabins or the hallways. The ship has shown some age, but the interiors are still well-maintained.

Pros

• Having a unique traditional Vietnamese royal style with lavish ambiance. Every corner has delicate traditional antiques & art.
• The Mekong Lounge is spacious and airy, including some areas for entertainment: library, kids' corner, piano,...

Cons

• Although regularly maintained, the structure and interior are classic in style, not trendy, and there are old items here and there.

Every area of Emperor Halong Bay Cruise presents a masterpiece of art.

Cabins - 9.0/10

This junk boat has very few cabins, so the room size is larger than the average for other cruises in Halong Bay. Therefore, the atmosphere is private and quiet, suitable for slow travelers and vacationers.

Pros

• Large cabin size (35 - 70m2) with a bathtub in all rooms. From State Suite and up, there will be a jacuzzi tub.
• Each room has a unique design inspired by different attractions in Vietnam, with elegant décor and a well-thought-out layout.

Cons

• Hanoi & Saigon Suites don’t have private balconies.
  
• Although both are State Suites, the Hue & Vung Tau rooms on the 1st floor only have small balconies compared to the Nha Trang rooms with private terraces.

Bright and airy State Suite on the 1st floor

Itinerary & Activities - 9.5/10

It is hard to find a cruise that has a unique itinerary like the Emperor. It visits the less-touristy areas of Halong Bay, such as Me Cung Cave & Tung Sau, perfect for those who want to avoid the crowds. Overall, the schedule is not too heavy or tiring, suitable for all ages.

Pros

• First-day route is off-the-beaten path and very tranquil.
• Peaceful kayaking experience in Tung Sau; this area is clean, beautiful, and airy. If you don't like kayaking, you can also swim right there or learn about pearl farming.
• Me Cung Cave, with its complex structure, makes the excursion fun and engaging. There's also a pretty sightseeing spot after getting out of the cave.

Cons

• Lack of onboard activities, especially at night.
• Navigating inside and getting out of Me Cung Cave can be a bit difficult for older people.

The undisturb and breathtaking view outside of Me Cung Cave

Foods & Drinks - 8.0/10

Overall, Emperor Cruise offers an authentic gastronomic experience of Vietnamese cuisine made by professional chefs. However, the food is average in quality and needs improvement and variation to meet the 5-star standard.

Pros

• The lemonade served to guests was delicious.
• Guests can choose to have meals anywhere on board, whether it is in their rooms, sundeck, or restaurant.
• Lunches and dinners are set menus, so all the dishes are always fresh and warm.

Cons

• Lunch is not up to luxury standards. The presentation is simple, with no decoration.
• The sunset party doesn't have many options: 4 canapé dishes, but only 1 dish looks like a canapé; the rest are sushi, shrimp crackers, and fruit.
• The evening set menu has only 5 dishes, and the presentation is a bit sketchy.
• The à la carte menu is only served for brunch if there are fewer than 10 customers onboard.

All meals are prepared utilizing local ingredients to create Vietnamese delicacies.

Service - 9.7/10

There is no doubt that the highlight of this junk boat is the service. The crew is amazing! Although the butler service is not available, guests are still served by a very nice and attentive crew. Besides, the staff brings an outstanding travel experience to tourists after all.

Pros

• Young and friendly staff take good care of customers, especially the elderly.
• Hospitality and a competent manager who takes good care of the passengers.
• A professional crew is always ready to address guests’ needs for a high-end experience.

Cons

• The tour guide may provide more unique information about the attractions to their guests.

The well-trained crew team is extremely attentive to catering to discriminating customers.

TripAdvisor Review

• Number of reviews: 525
• Excellent: 498/525 reviews

After researching Emperor Cruises on TripAdvisor, around 95% of visitors were overwhelmed by the outstanding service and professional staff. In addition, it seems like the classic royal design with comfortable and spacious rooms has really made a strong impression on customers. Travelers are particularly taken with the ship’s distinctive 1930s-inspired character, spacious suites, and thoughtful details that create a sense of old-world luxury. The small number of cabins is repeatedly praised. Guests also appreciate the well-organized excursions.

On the other hand, some travelers expressed slight dissatisfaction with the food. However, looking at the positive reviews over the past year, it is easy to see that Emperor Cruise Halong Bay has done a great job in overcoming its weaknesses and bringing almost perfect experiences to customers.

Overall, this small boat has been one of the best choices for couples, honeymooners, and the elderly who want a tranquil and intimate journey to Halong Bay.