• Relax & Explore Halong Bay with Golden Star Cruise

Golden Star Cruise is a modern 3-star cruise offering travelers a relaxing and scenic journey through Halong Bay — Vietnam’s most famous natural wonder. With 10–12 comfortable sea-view cabins, fine dining, and engaging onboard activities, the cruise provides a perfect balance of leisure and exploration. Let's explore more with Vietpower Travel in the following post!

1. About Golden Star Cruise – A 3-Star Luxury Redefined in Halong Bay

Golden Star Cruise is a comfortable 3-star cruise starting from Tuan Chau Harbor, close to Bai Chay Beach and Sung Sot Cave – two of the most famous attractions in Halong Bay. It’s a great choice for families and small groups who want a relaxing Halong Bay cruise with good value and friendly service.

The cruise is rated 8.3/10 overall, with 8.9 for location and 8.5 for service, showing how much travelers appreciate its staff and convenience.

Golden Star Cruise stands out for its safe steel hull and European-style wooden interiors, giving the ship both strength and warmth. Its gold-themed exterior and interior create a unique and elegant appearance that many guests remember after their trip.

With a mix of comfort, stylish design, and excellent service, Golden Star Cruise offers one of the best Halong Golden Star cruise experiences — simple, cozy, and perfectly suited for travelers looking for a memorable journey on Halong Bay.

Golden Star Cruise

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2. Golden Star Cruise Itinerary – A Relaxing 2-Day Journey through Halong Bay

Day 1 – Sailing Through Halong’s Heritage

Morning – Start the Journey

  •  Guests check in at Tuan Chau Harbor and are welcomed on board with a cool drink. After a short safety introduction, the cruise begins its route through the calm waters of Halong Bay.
  •  Lunch is served in the restaurant while guests admire famous landmarks such as Dinh Huong Islet, Cho Da Islet, and the iconic Ga Choi Rocks (Fighting Cock Islet).

Afternoon – Explore and Join Cultural Activities

  •  The cruise stops for a visit to Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) – the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay, known for its sparkling stalactites.
  •  After returning to the boat, guests can rest on the sundeck or join two fun activities: a Vietnamese spring roll cooking class and a flower-arranging session led by the staff.

Evening – Dinner and Overnight Stay

  •  Dinner is served with fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes. After the meal, guests can enjoy a drink at the bar, watch a movie, relax with a massage, or sit on the rooftop terrace to enjoy the quiet night view.
  •  The cruise anchors overnight near Coconut Island or Dong Tien Lake, where the water is calm and peaceful.

Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave)

Day 2 – Morning Kayak & Farewell Lunch

Morning – Tai Chi, Kayak, and Jacuzzi

  •  Guests start the day with a Tai Chi class on the sundeck or a light workout in the gym. Then, a small boat takes visitors to Luon Cave for a short kayaking or bamboo boat trip through a quiet lagoon surrounded by cliffs.
  •  After returning to the ship, guests can relax in the Jacuzzi before enjoying a light buffet breakfast.

Afternoon – Farewell and Return

  •  Before leaving, guests take photos and say goodbye to the crew. The trip ends with a seafood lunch at Cua Vang Restaurant, a well-known local restaurant near the port — a tasty and memorable finish to the Golden Star cruise 2 days 1 night experience.

Luon Cave

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3. Cabins & Facilities Onboard Golden Star Cruise

Overview: 10–12 Cabins with Sea View & Modern Design

Golden Star Cruise features 10 to 12 cabins arranged across two or three decks, offering both space and comfort. Every cabin comes with air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a large window or balcony that opens to the calm waters of Halong Bay. Guests can admire the scenery right from their beds, creating a sense of peace and connection with nature.

Cabin Categories & Features

Cabin Type

Quantity

Key Features

Deluxe Cabin

8–10

Air-conditioned, private bathroom, large window with sea view

Suite Cabin

1–2

Spacious design, private sitting area, large bathtub, panoramic view

Family Cabin

1–2

Interconnected or larger room, double beds, perfect for families

Family Cabin

Entertainment & Wellness Onboard

Guests can enjoy many onboard leisure and wellness facilities throughout the trip.

  • 3D Cinema: One of the few Halong cruises with a private cinema, offering an enjoyable movie experience on the water.
  • Dedicated Massage Room: A private spa area where guests can unwind with professional massage therapy.
  • Fully Equipped Gym: Exercise while admiring the sea view, maintaining your routine even during vacation.

Fully Equipped Gym

Dining & Social Spaces

Dining on Golden Star Cruise is a highlight of the experience. The restaurant serves a mix of Vietnamese and international cuisine, prepared in a modern industrial kitchen to ensure safety and flavor. Ingredients are fresh and locally sourced, reflecting the taste of coastal Vietnam.

Guests can enjoy meals in a cozy indoor space or step out to the rooftop terrace for sunset cocktails and evening stargazing. The open-air bar area is also a favorite spot for travelers to chat, take photos, and enjoy the night view of Halong Bay.

Dining on Golden Star Cruise

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4. Exclusive Spa & Herbal Therapy Experience

A highlight of the Golden Star Cruise experience is its Traditional Chinese Herbal Foot Spa  — a rare service on any Halong Bay cruise. This treatment uses natural herbs and warm water to help improve blood circulation, reduce fatigue, and soothe tired muscles after a full day of exploring caves or kayaking across the calm bay.

Guests can enjoy the foot soak in a quiet corner of the onboard spa area, where the gentle aroma of herbs and essential oils creates a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere. The therapy blends ancient wellness techniques with modern relaxation, making it an ideal way to end the day on the water.

For many travelers, this spa session becomes a favorite memory of the trip — a moment of calm and comfort surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay.

Traditional Chinese Herbal Foot Spa

5. Travel Tips for a Perfect Halong Bay Experience

To make the most of your Halong Bay cruise, planning ahead is essential. Here are some useful Halong Bay travel tips to help you prepare for your journey:

  • Best Time to Visit: The most pleasant period is from October to April, when the skies are clear, temperatures are mild, and the sea is calm. This season is ideal for outdoor activities such as kayaking, cave exploration, and photography.
  • What to Bring: Pack light and practical items. Essentials include sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, comfortable clothing, and a power bank to keep your devices charged during excursions. A light jacket is also helpful for cooler evenings on deck.
  • Transfer from Hanoi to Halong: Travelers can reach the cruise port easily with shuttle or private transfers arranged by Vietpower Travel. The journey is comfortable, and the staff provide clear guidance from pick-up to check-in at Tuan Chau Harbor.

6.  FAQs – Plan Your Golden Star Cruise Confidently

1. Which is the best cruise ship in Halong Bay?
The best Halong Bay cruise depends on what travelers are looking for. For comfort, value, and good service, the Golden Star Cruise is an excellent 3-star option. It offers clean sea-view cabins, friendly staff, and engaging activities like cooking classes and kayaking. For luxury experiences, higher-category cruises such as Heritage Line or Paradise Cruise provide more spacious cabins and premium dining.

2. How much does a Golden Cruise typically cost?
The price for a Golden Star Cruise varies depending on the season and room type. Generally, the 2 days 1 night package costs from US$120–US$160 per person, including accommodation, meals, sightseeing tickets, and onboard activities. Optional services like spa, drinks, and kayaking may have small additional charges. Vietpower Travel often offers special promotions for early bookings or group tours.

3. Why is the Halong Bay cruise so expensive?
Cruising in Halong Bay involves higher operational costs because it takes place within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fees include environmental protection charges, port services, and government permits. Cruises also maintain high safety standards, provide professional staff, and serve fresh meals daily. These factors together make the experience worth the cost, offering guests a comfortable and memorable stay on the water.

4. What is included on a Golden Cruise?
A Golden Star Cruise package includes:

  • Welcome drink upon boarding
  • Comfortable cabins with air conditioning and private bathrooms
  • All main meals (Vietnamese and international menus)
  • Onboard activities such as Tai Chi, cooking class, and flower-arranging session
  • Visits to famous attractions like Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, and Titop Island
  • Insurance onboard and guidance from an English-speaking tour leader

7. Conclusion

Sailing with Golden Star Cruise brings you comfort, delicious cuisine, and the tranquil beauty of Halong Bay at every turn. Book your journey with Vietpower Travel—Vietnam’s trusted tour operator with over 15 years of experience and nationwide offices—and discover why this is considered one of the best budget cruise Halong Bay options, offering exceptional value, reliable service, and unforgettable memories on Vietnam’s most iconic waters.

Contact Information:

  • Ha Noi Office: Tuan Hanh Building, No. 82, Alley 116, Nhan Hoa Street, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
  • Tel: +84 936 336 389
  • WhatsApp/Line/Viber: (+84) 947 522 266
  • Email: sales@vietpowertravel.com