Junk Trip on Ha Long Bay
 

There are a lot of tour groups offering overnight stays on an Junk in Ha Long Bay. Does anyone have a recommendation on the "right" junk to take?

This one seems quthentic but expensive (not been but noted for future ref as do plan it soon) - www.emeraude-cruises.com

In october 2004 we booked an overnight trip on the Dragon Pearl through Handspan tours. I can not overstate how lovely the ship, the food and the whole experience was. We had cabin #201-absolutely perfect. Don't remember what we paid, but it wasn't much, and it was one of our nicest experiences.

The best one is Emeraude but it is the most Expensive. The second is Huong Hai Junk ( about 90 USD) and if book anothe trip only 30 USD. If I were you I would choose Huong hai Junk.

Thank you for the responses and ideas. How can I reach the Emeraude or the Huong Hai Junk?

dperry...did you book your boat before you arrived in vietnam? we are going to be in hanoi middle of october and are concerned about booking in advance due to uncertain weather issues.

would you have spent 2 nites if it was available?? when were you there?
what other things are must do??

We booked out trip in advance, and made a small deposit. After arriving in Hanoi, we went to Handspan tours and paid the balance. I wanted to be sure to get this particular boat, as I had read good reviews. I did not see the other boats referenced by other posters while in Halong Bay, but I will say that the Dragon Pearl was the nicest junk ship we saw and no one could be disappointed in choosing this boat.You can do this trip on the cheap, but many of the boats did not look very nice.
We were there in October 2004, the weather was beautiful. It was a little misty during the mornings and evening, it only added to the mystery and beauty of the place.Yes, I would have liked to have chosen a 2 night trip, especially because it included a 1/2 day kayaking trip, but it wasn't offered on the days we could go.
This ship and the Halong bay experience was one of the best we've ever had.

If you book direct from Emeraude it is quite expensive but if you book from travel agent it is cheaper because they have contract rate with the boat and they will discount for you ( cheaper than 20 USD compare with public price from Emeraude. In Huong Hai Junk the same policy.check this link:http://www.vietnamopentourism.com/mo...9&mcid=192