• Inside Halong Annam Junk: Cruise Cabins, Dining, and Itinerary Highlights

Discover the timeless beauty of Halong Bay aboard Halong Annam Junk, a handcrafted wooden cruise offering authentic Vietnamese charm and comfort. Operated by Vietpower Travel, this boutique journey combines traditional design, local cuisine, and breathtaking scenery. Guests can enjoy kayaking, cooking classes, and relaxing moments on deck while experiencing the cultural soul of Northern Vietnam. Every detail is crafted to bring travelers closer to nature and heritage.

1. Overview of Halong Annam Junk

A Boutique Wooden Junk with Cultural Heritage

If you love the charm of old-style sailing, Halong Annam Junk offers a warm invitation to experience the bay in a traditional yet comfortable way. Built in 2005, the junk was inspired by 14th-century Vietnamese wooden boats, once used by merchants and explorers traveling across the Gulf of Tonkin.

Each of the five vessels in the Annam fleet was handcrafted from solid wood by skilled local builders. The natural scent of polished timber, soft lanterns, and elegant décor create a cozy atmosphere that feels both historical and intimate. Every detail reflects Vietnamese craftsmanship and the spirit of seafaring culture.

The cruise combines traditional design with essential modern comforts — air-conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, and a well-arranged dining area. As you sail across Halong Bay and the quieter Bai Tu Long route, you’ll feel like you’re part of a story that blends heritage with relaxation on the calm emerald waters.

Ideal for Small Groups and Families

Unlike large cruise ships, Annam Junk carries a small number of passengers on each trip, making it ideal for families, couples, and small groups who want a peaceful and private atmosphere. With fewer cabins, every guest receives personal service and genuine care from the local crew — a team known for their warm hospitality and attention to detail.

Each cabin features big windows that open to breathtaking views of Halong Bay’s limestone peaks and tranquil blue water. You can watch the sunrise right from your bed or relax with a drink while the golden light dances on the waves.

For travelers who prefer a more exclusive experience, private charter options are also available. Families can book the entire vessel for their own group adventure, while couples can enjoy a private cruise to celebrate anniversaries or honeymoons.

And if you’re comparing prices, Annam Junk remains a great value among the cheap Halong Bay cruise options — offering authentic charm, personal service, and the comfort of a boutique wooden vessel without overspending.

Halong Annam Junk

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2. Room Types on Halong Annam Junk

Deluxe Cabin – Cozy and Affordable

  • Size: 11 m²
  • Max: 2 adults
  • Bed Options: 1 Double or 2 Single Beds
  • Extra Beds: Rollaway bed / Crib (on request)

The Deluxe Cabin provides full comfort at a friendly rate. Each room has air-conditioning, a private bathroom with hot shower, and large windows overlooking the bay. Warm wooden décor creates a relaxing space after a day of kayaking or exploring. Families can request an extra bed or crib. A perfect choice for travelers looking for a cheap Halong Bay cruise with quality service.

Deluxe Cabin

Suite Cabin – Spacious and Scenic

  • Size: 14 m²
  • Max: 2 adults
  • Bed Options: 1 Double or 2 Single Beds
  • Extra Beds: Rollaway bed / Crib (on request)

The Suite Cabin offers more space and privacy. Each suite includes a private balcony, a massage shower, and an optional in-room dinner for around USD 10. Handcrafted wooden furniture and panoramic sea views make it ideal for couples and honeymooners seeking a peaceful escape on Halong Bay.

Suite Cabin

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3. Onboard Dining & Culinary Experience

Vietnamese & Western Cuisine by Local Chefs

Dining on Halong Annam Junk is a highlight of the journey. All packages include three full-board meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — carefully prepared by local chefs who combine Vietnamese flavors with Western-style presentation.

Fresh seafood such as prawns, squid, and fish is served daily, alongside vegetarian and healthy options for all diets. The restaurant onboard offers both indoor and open-air seating, where guests can enjoy meals while admiring Halong Bay’s limestone cliffs and calm waters.

Vietnamese & Western Cuisine by Local Chefs

Cooking Class on the Sundeck

As the sun begins to set over the bay, guests can join a Vietnamese cooking class on the sundeck — one of the cruise’s most enjoyable experiences. Under the guidance of the chef, you’ll learn to prepare simple yet flavorful dishes like fresh spring rolls or fried seafood rolls using local ingredients.

Cooking Class on the Sundeck

4. Halong Annam Junk 2 Days 1 Night Itinerary

Day 1 – Hanoi → Halong Bay → Titop Island

Morning

  • Our guide picks you up at your hotel in Hanoi (transfer available upon request).
  • Enjoy a 2.5–3-hour scenic drive through rice fields, villages, and limestone mountains on the way to Tuan Chau Marina.
  • Arrive at the pier. After a short check-in, guests are welcomed aboard Halong Annam Junk with a refreshing welcome drink.

Afternoon

  • Enjoy a seafood lunch as the junk begins cruising past iconic formations — Dinh Huong Islet, Duck Islet, Dog Islet, and Sail Islet.
  • Stop at the Pearl Farm Village to learn how local artisans cultivate pearls and craft jewelry.
  • Continue to Titop Island — a famous viewpoint of Halong Bay. Guests can:
    • Swim in the crystal-clear water,
    • Climb to the top for a panoramic bay view, or
    • Try kayaking around the limestone cliffs (equipment provided).
  • Return to the cruise and relax on the sundeck while enjoying complimentary tea or cocktails.

Evening

  • Join the Vietnamese cooking class on the sundeck — learn how to make traditional fresh spring rolls or fried seafood rolls.
  • Dinner is served in the restaurant — a blend of Vietnamese and Western cuisine, including fresh seafood and vegetarian options.
  • Enjoy free time on deck, sip cocktails, go squid fishing, or simply admire the peaceful beauty of the bay at night.
  • Overnight at Hang Lac anchorage area aboard Halong Annam Junk.

Swiming at Titop Island

Day 2 – Sung Sot Cave → Halong Harbor → Hanoi

Morning

  • Start the day with Tai Chi exercises on the sundeck as the sun rises over the limestone peaks.
  • Light breakfast with coffee, tea, and pastries.
  • Visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave — one of Halong Bay’s largest and most impressive grottoes. The cave features thousands of stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.
  • Return to the cruise for check-out while sailing back through scenic points like Ga Choi (Fighting Cock Island) and Tortoise Island.

Late Morning

  • Enjoy a farewell lunch onboard while the junk gently returns to the pier.
  • Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina.
  • Transfer back to Hanoi by shuttle bus or private car.

Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave

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5. Practical Information & Travel Tips

Departure & Check-in Details

The Halong Annam Junk departs from Lot 27, Tuan Chau Marina, Halong City — one of the main cruise ports in Northern Vietnam. Guests traveling from Hanoi can choose between a shared shuttle bus or a private car arranged by Vietpower Travel. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, passing scenic rice fields and peaceful villages along the highway.

  • Check-in Time: Around 12:00 noon, followed by a welcome drink and safety briefing on board.
  • Check-out Time: Around 11:30 a.m. on the final day.
  • Transfer Service: Available upon request when booking the cruise.

Best Time to Cruise Halong Bay

Halong Bay offers beautiful views all year, but the experience changes slightly with the season:

  • October to April: The best time for a Halong Annam Junk journey. The weather is cool, dry, and calm, perfect for sightseeing, kayaking, and outdoor dining.
  • May to September: Warmer with high humidity and occasional summer showers. These months bring greener scenery and quieter prices — a great period for travelers looking for a cheap Halong Bay cruise experience without the crowds.

Packing Suggestions

To make your trip more comfortable, consider bringing the following essentials:

  • Light clothing: Breathable shirts, shorts, and dresses for warm days.
  • Sunscreen & hat: Protection against strong sunlight on the sundeck.
  • Swimwear: For kayaking, swimming, or beach stops like Titop Island.
  • Comfortable shoes: Useful for cave exploration (e.g., Sung Sot Cave).
  • Power bank & camera: To capture stunning landscapes during your cruise.
  • Motion sickness pills: Helpful for guests who are sensitive to movement on the water.

6. Conclusion

From elegant cabins and delicious meals to tranquil moments on the emerald waters, Halong Annam Junk brings a perfect balance of comfort, culture, and discovery. Book with Vietpower Travel, Vietnam’s licensed tour operator, to enjoy trusted service and best-price guarantees.

  • Hotline: (+84) 936 336 389
  • Email: sales@vietpowertravel.com

Start your unforgettable voyage today with a trusted Halong Cruise and experience the beauty of Vietnam in a truly authentic way.