Halong Jasmine
Launched in late 2007, the Halong Jasmine is all about attention to detail and quality of design.
The design is 1930s Indochine-style wooden décor and there is immaculate styling throughout the 24 air-conditioned bedrooms, restaurant, bars and public areas.
Guests can throw a party on the terrace, enjoy an intimate candle-lit dinner in the Jasmine restaurant, or just relax and unwind in the Jasmine Spa.
Why We Love It
The two Jasmine Junior Suites on the upper deck have Jacuzzis, floor-to-ceiling glass windows and private balconies with serious views of the bay.
Halong Ginger
Launched in mid 2006, this wooden junk combines old school elegance with modern comfort for the ideal exploration of Lan Ha Bay.
The custom-designed junk features three decks housing an elegant restaurant, sitting room, two bars, small boutique, library and 12 luxurious sleeping cabins. The cabins are very comfortable, with linen bedding and marble lined bathrooms.
There are several sundeck lounge chairs where guests can enjoy the spectacular bay view, and in the evenings there is a cosy bar and a restaurant serving excellent Vietnamese cuisine
Why We Love It
Enjoy a spot of squid fishing with the crew on a warm evening after dinner and spend your days on land with a casual cycling trip to villages nestled into the valleys on Cat Ba island.
M/V Emeraude
The Emeraude cruises amid the scenic beauty of Halong Bay at a stately 10 knots.
Designed to evoke the old-world charm of a bygone era, this luxurious, 56-metre vessel is a replica of a paddle-steamer of the same name that used to cruise these waters in the days of French Indochina.
The Emeraude's cabins and suites are all fitted to a very high standard, with polished wooden floors and brass fixtures. Passengers are welcomed aboard with a refreshing cocktail before the ship sets off to unspoilt pockets of the bay. En route, guests can enjoy a traditional Vietnamese foot massage, stroll on the promenade deck, or simply soak up the breathtaking views. Once the ship is at anchor, passengers can swim or kayak from the vessel's stern deck.
The Emeraude's restaurant serves delicious, freshly caught local seafood. Tea is served in the late afternoon, and cocktails at sunset. The next morning, enjoy Tai Chi on the sundeck, and a good breakfast, before disembarking.
Why We Love It
Awake at dawn to see Halong Bay at its most atmospheric, with sunlight filtering through the mist and the towering rock formations.
Sofitel Metropole
Built in 1901, the hotel has a rich history, having witnessed the turbulent 20th century history of Vietnam, and occupies a landmark French colonial building next to the Opera House in the heart of Hanoi.
The rooms in the new wing are more spacious, but the old wing - with its wooden ceiling fans, shuttered windows and a vintage Citroën parked near the entrance - has more character.
A peaceful interior courtyard shelters an outdoor pool and bar, and there are two good restaurants: one serving classic French cuisine, the other serving local Vietnamese specialities.
There is also a Parisian-style café, a cocktail bar and a pub. Other facilities include a gym, sauna, massage service, concierge, and gift shop.
Why We Love It
The hotel was the location for the first ever film screening in Indochina, and also the place where Charlie Chaplin spent his honeymoon.
Halong Violet
The Halong Violet is the newest five star junk on Halong Bay, and with her alternative cruising route, she is one of the best ways to get away from the crowds to untouched areas of the bay.
There are six individually designed cabins on board, all featuring Jacuzzi baths and private balconies. The two Junior Suites are located on the main deck, with king beds and elegant cream décor, while on the upper deck the more spacious Imperial Suites have improved views of the bay and beautiful, ornate dark wood décor.
In the evenings guests will want to head out onto the deck with a glass of champagne to watch the sunset over the bay, before then retiring inside to enjoy freshly caught seafood or Vietnamese fusion cuisine in the elegant, French colonial style dining room.
During the days guests can relax on the expansive sun deck, curl up with a good book in the library and lounge, do a workout in the gym, or indulge in a treatment at the on-board spa. Of course the real highlight of the cruise is the opportunity to see the beautiful bay, with its famed limestone karsts, quaint fishing villages and various secluded caves.
Why We Love It
The ornate French colonial décor and quieter routing makes cruising aboard Halong Violet feel a far more authentic experience than many of the other on Halong Bay options.
La Siesta Trendy Hotel and Spa
Just outside of Hanoi's old town, La Siesta Trendy Hotel and Spa is a stylish and contemporary hotel alternative in the city centre.
The 70 guest rooms are spread across seven floors, making this a larger and more buzzing hotel option. The décor throughout the property is stylish, with hardwood furniture placed alongside funky patterned chairs and contemporary industrial style light fittings, and yet the atmosphere remains comfortable and welcoming. The Trendy Suite benefits from extra space and a large floor to ceiling window, as well as the signature high level of service.
The Read Bean Restaurant at La Siesta Trendy serves innovative Vietnamese cuisine which takes influence from the typically flavourful traditional dishes, and fuses it with contemporary international styles. The restaurant itself is light, bright and vibrant and is located on the 8th floor, offering superb views of Hanoi's skyline.
After a busy day exploring the delights of Hanoi, head back to La Siesta Trendy Hotel and Spa and indulge in a pampering spa treatment that relaxes weary bodies ready for a good night's sleep before the adventures begin again the next day. Make sure you sample some street food, stop to admire the beautiful traditional architecture and leave plenty of time to soak up the lively atmosphere in the old town.
Why We Love It
The hotel is located in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, and so surrounded by attractive shops, cosy eateries, and only a 15 minute walk from the Hoan Kiem Lake.
