I am going to be in Hanoi for 5 days in early October and looking to take either a 1 or 2 night cruise to Halong Bay. What cruise length would you recommend? I've looked online and the Bhaya, Indochina Sails, and Pinta Gold look good. Also, would prefer to be on a cruise that is more sociable, younger crowd. Any thoughts on a particular ship to go on? Thanks.

Unless you plan to kayak one night should be enough. I'm older, but I went on the Dragon Pearl which seemed to have a good mix of ages. Visit the Handspan travel agency at the back of the Tamarind Cafe and ask them.

Only do one night, it will be plenty. Be warned: the water is quite polluted.

with such a short time visit i would not go all the way out there for that

I think the one day/night is fine, its a long way but i'm glad we did it and we enjoyed it more than i thought we would. We went on the Valentine, only 5 cabins, which were excellent and the food was very very good.It may however be way to quiet for you.The trip will take up 2 of your days from Hanoi and i assume leaving you with only 3 days... too short IMHO for time in Hanoi.

Bhaya was good for me, two nights, kayak the secopnd - it's fine. Not rivetting, but fine.

Going for one day is horriffic, going for one night seems enough for most people - but that's 'cos they don't realise that the second day and night are the best bits. Actually, even going there for just one night is pretty useless in my opinion, 'cos Halong Bay is one of the great lies of Vietnam tourism. But, I'll be slagged for saying it, so I won't.

But two nights gives you a chance to SEE it, rather than just look at it. That extra day is the clue. Make it three nights. So don't be put off.

Just one night is enough, unless you want to go walking on Catba island. Water is polluted but depends where the boat stops overnight the water is clearer in some places. Definately don't try and do just a day trip the overnight experience is really nice especially if the weather is warm as you can sit out on deck at night

I did the 1 day/1 night cruise and it was enough. Had only 1 and a half days in Hanoi and I wish I had stayed a couple more days. It's a very interesting city.

Has anyone of you here booked the Emotion cruise? I posted a question on here a couple days ago but got no reply so far, therefore any feedback would be highly appreciated.

I think Dogster makes a good point, do you have time to look at it or really SEE it. Sometimes you only have time for a look. I like to try and stay in a place for a few days and not move around too much but your time contraints may not allow it. That said, i only did 1D/N in Halong and it was still a pleasant trip