Paradise Elegance: Stylish Halong Bay Cruise

Paradise Elegance is a uniquely modern experience in Halong Bay. Enjoy spacious quarters in a luxurious steel boat designed for maximum comfort, without missing out on any of the authentic experiences of Halong Bay you can expect on every Paradise Vietnam. With key features like sumptuous buffets, live music, and dancing, as well as a huge upper deck setting Elegance apart, there is no shortage of reasons to choose this cruise for the most exceptional experience of Halong Bay.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: ELEGANCE IN EVERY DETAIL

There are many ways to get to the Paradise Lounge on Tuan Chau Island. Many travelers arrive from a gorgeous adventure in nearby Ninh Binh. Many fly thousands of miles, making Halong Bay their first destination after a long journey halfway across the world. Regardless of your origin, you’ll have a chance to refresh yourself and relax at check-in time. You’ll receive a colored wristband so that you’re always on the right Elegance cruise, and so that staff knows exactly how to assist you at all times. You’ll also receive tags for your luggage, which are transported and taken directly to your Paradise Elegance cabin. 
 
Enjoy the indoor and outdoor cafe and lounge area with refreshing tea, coffee, and fresh juice until 12:15 pm, when an electric vehicle arrives to take you on a short drive to the marina where Paradise Elegance awaits.
 
A shower of rose petals, a friendly hello, and a refreshing welcome drink immediately greet you as you board Paradise Elegance. You might think they’ve mistaken you for a celebrity! But that’s simply the standard for Paradise Vietnam, setting the highest bar for service, attention to detail, and luxury among all of Halong Bay’s cruise companies.
In the restaurant, the crew leader will share with you the itinerary and experiences you can expect aboard Paradise Elegance, as well as an introduction to the crew who will be looking after all your needs. Then you’ll be treated to a traditional Vietnamese song and dance with the traditional conical hats, a beautiful and fascinating glimpse at Vietnamese culture. This is the first of many authentic experiences of Halong that the Paradise crew will be curating for you throughout your stay.
 
You’ll now be given an electronic key to your cabin. A short walk down the stairs and you’ll see your luggage has already been placed right in front of your door. But first stepping into the cabin is when the “wow” moment really hits you. You won’t believe how much space there is...a full bathroom and shower, a wardrobe, a huge TV, and a balcony with a table and two chairs. It really feels like a fully-featured hotel room. It’s so cozy and inviting, you might just want to lounge and enjoy it for a while.

When you’re ready to return to the restaurant, an incredible international spread awaits you. Eastern and Western favorites come together in a colorful array sure to please anyone’s taste. Feel free to try something new and exciting, or find something familiar and delicious to hit the spot. This is your chance to refuel and recharge your batteries for the activities to come. In addition to the fabulous spread, servers will be present to provide any additional beverages you like.

ADVENTURES AWAIT

From here, your itinerary will vary based on cruising conditions. Under normal conditions, you’ll be headed to Sung Sot Cave, also known as “Surprise Cave.” This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Halong Bay, but you’ll see where it gets its name after you climb some steps and follow the winding path inside. The smaller entrance chambers give way to what looks like a massive natural concert hall, complete with gorgeous stalactite and stalagmite formations as well as beautifully carved indentations on the ceiling from thousands of years of slow erosion. For nature enthusiasts, this place is truly to die for and is sure to be a highlight of your trip. 
 
If you’re feeling more chilled, don’t worry! Stay onboard Paradise Elegance and treat yourself to an incomparable spa experience. The menu features a broad array of massages and treatments from all over the world, so you can choose whatever suits you at the moment. You’ll fill out a short form before your treatment so you can let the staff know exactly what you’d like to get out of your treatment. It’s like having your own personal masseuse! In addition to spa treatments, you’ll be able to enjoy afternoon tea, with complimentary tea and coffee, as well as an assortment of biscuits and fresh fruit.
 
 The next activity will likely be Tung Sau Pearl Farm. You’ll see the farm approaching a quaint building on stilts clearly labeled “PEARL FARM” as you approach, comfortably nestled in an alcove surrounded by massive stunning limestone karst formations. Here you’ll get an up-close and detailed look at the fascinating process behind pearl farming. You’ll even get to witness an actual pearl being harvested before your very eyes. This is also a great place to get a souvenir for someone really special, with high-quality pearl jewelry in a range of prices and sizes available for purchase. 
 
After your tour of the pearl farm, you can head back to Paradise Elegance to relax, or heed the call to adventure and kayak around the pearl farm and the stunning waters of Halong Bay as the late afternoon light turns to a brilliant golden hue. Alternatively, you’ll have the option just to kayak for the entire time if you’re more interested in adventuring than touring. It’s really up to you!

A QUINTESSENTIALLY ELEGANT EVENING

Upon returning to Paradise Elegance, it’s the happiest time of day: Paradise Happy Hour! Enjoy 2-for-1 cocktails, wine, and beer from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm. The perfect way to unwind and enjoy the sunset before dinner. For the culinary enthusiasts on board (or for anyone who wants to see how some delicious local dishes are made), be sure to check out the chef’s cooking demonstration at 6:00 pm. You’ll have a chance to watch a master of his craft put together a stunning dish in a surprisingly easy process—and then have a chance to try it for yourself! After you’ve made it, the kitchen staff will neatly arrange it on a plate with extra garnish and sauces to enjoy. 
 
Dinner is Paradise Elegance’s culinary magnum opus, boasting a dazzling four-course Western and Eastern menu. You can order all of your dishes from one menu, or mix and match courses to try whatever really stands out to you. Of course, the kitchen staff will cater to your preferences and dietary needs as well. Regardless of your taste, you’ll find something to love for dinner—and maybe try something new and interesting along the way.
 
The fun keeps going after dinner with live music at Le Piano Bar, featuring classic tunes that you can sing along to and dance to. This is a unique feature of Paradise Elegance and one of the best perks of choosing the spacious, modern Elegance cruise to enjoy the facilities made possible with the extra room. Though mostly featuring Western hits, our band will play some international favorites for our Chinese and Vietnamese guests as well. Enjoy a fun, casual setting and dance the night away, the perfect way to end the first day of your unforgettable experience of Halong Bay.

A MEMORABLE MORNING

The next day you can greet the sunrise with Tai Chi on the sundeck. Those who are early to rise will be rewarded by the stillness and calm of dawn in Halong Bay. The slow and precise movements of Tai Chi will help center you and make you feel energized and ready to tackle the activities of the day. Early risers can also enjoy a light breakfast of pastries, tea, and coffee before the continental buffet breakfast at 8:00 am. 
 
At 7:30, depending on cruising conditions, you’ll have the opportunity to climb to the top of Ti Top Island for one of Halong Bay’s most stunning 360-degree views. Though it’s a long climb up (450 steps!) you’ll have an opportunity to rest halfway and enjoy a panoramic view of the bay while you catch your breath. If you’re satisfied with this experience, feel free to return to the beach and swim in the emerald waters of Halong Bay, or lounge in a beach chair and enjoy the scenery. Those who choose to make the trek to the top will be rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity that family and friends will love (not to mention a great boost for your social media accounts). But be sure to put down your camera for a few moments and just soak in the incredible beauty of the bay for yourself!
 
Upon returning to Paradise Elegance, a breathtaking array of Eastern and Western breakfast favorites—from rice porridge (called “cháo" in Vietnam) to juicy tropical fruit and yogurt to bacon and eggs cooked any style. Select à la carte items, like eggs benedict, are available and made-to-order. Whether you rise early for Tai Chi, take advantage of the first early morning activity, or have a nice slow morning in your cabin until the international breakfast buffet, you’ll be starting your day off on the right foot with Elegance.

AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER

For those who booked two nights on Paradise Elegance, a whole new day of adventures awaits, including a visit to the historic Cua Van Floating Village, one of only three remaining floating villages in Halong Bay. This is a fascinating look into a cultural way of life that goes back hundreds of years and through generations of fishermen. You’ll also get an opportunity to check out another cave and a secret beach via kayak, not to mention an entire extra day for pampering at the Le Parfum Spa. 
 
Once your adventure comes to a close, you’ll return to Paradise Lounge on Tuan Chau Island. If you booked a shuttle to Hai Phong or Hanoi, you’ll enjoy a complimentary light lunch before your shuttle arrives at noon to take you to your final destination.
 
As you look down at your uniquely colored wristband, memories of your experience on Paradise Elegance will come back to you, giving you a feeling of nostalgia and longing—a feeling that can only be cured by a return to Halong Bay. We’ll bid you adieu, with fond hopes of seeing you again in our beautiful home in the very near future.