Victory Star Cruise

We had a fun, safe trip around Ha Long Bay on a 2D1N Victory Star Cruises outing. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and there were enough activities planned for both day and evening. The food was delicious, and the cruise manager was excellent, always available for questions or anything we needed. Visited in April 2025.

Our second day was the highlight. We transferred to a great day boat and explored Lan Ha bay, which was quieter and had much cleaner water for swimming. Leo deserves a special mention for helping us get to an ATM, arranging a taxi back to our hotel, and adding another stop along the way. That was above and beyond, and we really appreciated it. We’d just finished a fantastic 3 day 2 night trip on Victory Star. We had a suite with a bath, and the staff were courteous and worked incredibly hard to help with everything. The food was phenomenal, with lots of courses and tasty alternatives for my husband, who dislikes seafood. Some stops were crowded, as expected, but our guides were patient and took great care of us.

The boat has some age to it, but it’s comfortable and has character. Our cabin was pleasant, with a balcony looking out over the beautiful bay. The activities were enjoyable and well arranged, though crowds are part of visiting such a popular, stunning place and aren’t something the company can control. Food was good too. It might be nice if water were complimentary, especially since there’s a fountain just outside the restaurant. The company looked after us from hotel pickup in a comfortable minibus right through to drop-off. The staff were attentive and helpful, and a special thumbs-up to Scott. Not everyone spoke English, but there was always someone nearby who did.

From a boat, Hòn Đỉnh Hương makes a striking silhouette against the horizon and is a great photo spot. There’s a legend that this stone formation represents the incense burner of ancient Vietnamese kings, which gives it a sense of history and reverence. The islet rises out of Ha Long Bay’s green water like a monument sculpted by nature. It looks both powerful and serene, despite seeming to balance so delicately. Seeing it surrounded by the still sea left a lasting impression. It’s one of the most memorable sights on a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site.