Why Choose a Halong Bay Cruise Small Boat for Your Trip

Halong Bay cruises on small boats are among the most vibrant and memorable ways to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike large ships, small boats – often called junks – offer a more intimate, flexible and authentic experience, allowing travelers to discover hidden corners of the bay that larger vessels cannot reach.

This guide provides an overview of the best small boats in Halong Bay, insider tips for choosing the right trip, and a look at the new Red Dragon Junk (8 cabins), a boutique steel boat set to launch soon.

What is a Small Boat in Halong Bay?

A small boat, or junk, is traditionally a wooden vessel with sails (though most are now powered by engines). These boats are much smaller than large cruise ships, making them ideal for accessing secluded lagoons, caves, and beaches.

Features of small boats include:

Cozy cabins with sea-view windows.
Smaller passenger groups (1–20 guests).

Friendly, attentive crews offering personalized service.
Access to activities such as kayaking, swimming, fishing, or visiting villages.

L’amour Junk: 1 cabin
Prince Junk: 2 cabins
Prince Junk: 4 cabins
Dragon’s Pearl Junk: 10 cabins

Why Choose a Small Boat Cruise?

When it comes to exploring Halong Bay, the size of the boat truly shapes your journey. While large ships may offer scale and facilities, small boats deliver unique advantages that make your trip more personal, authentic, and unforgettable. Here’s why:

Intimate & Personalized Experience

On a small boat, you are not one among hundreds of passengers. With fewer cabins – sometimes just one or two – the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. You have the chance to:

Interact directly with the captain and crew, who remember your name and preferences.
Receive tailored service, from special meals prepared to your liking to flexible activity arrangements.
Bond naturally with fellow travelers, turning strangers into friends by the end of the journey.

This sense of closeness is something a large cruise with 100+ guests simply cannot replicate.

Flexibility & Hidden Access

Small boats can navigate narrow passages, shallow lagoons, and secluded beaches that large ships cannot enter. This gives you:

Exclusive access to untouched corners of Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.
More freedom in adjusting itineraries based on weather, tides, or guest preferences.
The chance to kayak, swim, or sunbathe in spots where you won’t see another tourist boat nearby.

It’s like having a private key to the bay’s secret treasures – an experience you’ll miss if you only sail with big vessels.

Authenticity & Local Connection

Small boats preserve the spirit of traditional junks, often handcrafted from Vietnamese hardwood or designed after ancient trading vessels. Beyond the design, they allow deeper cultural immersion:

Visit floating fishing villages and talk with locals about their water-based lifestyle.
Join cooking classes led by onboard chefs who use fresh, locally sourced seafood.
Learn about customs and traditions in an atmosphere that feels genuine rather than staged for large tour groups.

Instead of watching from afar, you become part of the story of Halong Bay.

Peace, Privacy & Serenity

Large ships can sometimes feel like floating hotels – crowded dining rooms, long queues and noisy common areas. Small boats are the opposite:

Relax on a nearly empty sundeck with uninterrupted views.
Enjoy meals in quiet settings where you can hear the waves lap against the hull.
Watch sunrise or sunset in silence, without competing with dozens of cameras around you.

This tranquility transforms your cruise into a retreat for the soul.

Sustainability & Lower Impact

Halong Bay is a fragile ecosystem. Small boats naturally produce a lighter footprint compared to mass cruises:

Many boutique cruise operators like Indochina Junk adopt eco-friendly practices such as reducing single-use plastics and using low-emission engines.
By supporting smaller, you contribute directly to the local economy in a more sustainable way.

It’s a greener choice that helps preserve the bay for future generations.

A small group of traveller exploring Halong Bay on kayak — A small group of travellers exploring Halong Bay on a kayak

Best Small Boats in Halong Bay

L’Amour Junk (1 cabin) – Romantic Escape

Perfect for couples, this elegant boat offers a private cabin with handcrafted wooden interiors, panoramic views, and personalized dining experiences.

More details: https://www.indochina-junk.com/lamour-junk/

Prince Junk (4 cabins) – Friends & Family Gathering

Ideal for groups up to 8, this version of Prince Junk combines intimacy with social fun. Enjoy shared experiences like kayaking, cave visits, and beach barbecues.

Details: https://www.indochina-junk.com/prince-junk/

Larger among small boats, Dragon’s Pearl offers 10 cabins, two sundecks, and spacious dining. Great for small groups seeking both relaxation and opportunities to meet new friends.

Details: https://www.indochina-junk.com/dragons-pearl-junk/

Red Dragon Junk (8 cabins) – New Boutique Steel Vessel (Launching Soon)

Unlike traditional wooden junks, Red Dragon Junk (2025) is a boutique steel boat with 8 cabins. It blends timeless Asian design with the durability of modern materials.

Boutique scale – Only 8 cabins, perfect for intimate groups.
Stylish interiors – A mix of Vietnamese craftsmanship and contemporary details.
Luxury features – Spacious sun deck, elegant restaurant, and thoughtful amenities.
Unique positioning – A new generation of small but upscale cruises, offering travelers a refined alternative to larger luxury ships.

Details: https://www.indochina-junk.com/red-dragon-junk/

Things to Do on a Small Boat Cruise

Kayaking & Cave Exploration – Paddle through hidden lagoons and explore caves like Thien Canh Son cave
Floating Village Visits – Meet local fishermen, learn traditional net-casting, and discover water-based lifestyles.
Cooking Classes – Learn how to prepare Vietnamese dishes with fresh seafood.
Sunrise & Sunset Views – Magical photo opportunities over limestone karsts.

Bai Tu Long Bay cruise on a small boat trip

The Bai Tu Long Bay cruise on a small boat offers a unique and unforgettable experience. As you set sail, you’ll be mesmerized by the sheer beauty of your surroundings.

The limestone karsts rise majestically from the water, creating a marvelous landscape. The calm and peaceful atmosphere will instantly put you at ease, allowing you to truly relax and unwind.

One of the things that made this cruise so special was the small boat itself. Unlike the larger cruises in Halong Bay, the small boat allowed for a more personal and immersive experience. With only a handful of passengers on board, you were able to get to know each other and share in the excitement of exploring this hidden gem. The crew was incredibly friendly and attentive, making you feel like VIPs throughout the journey.

One of the highlights of the Bai Tu Long Bay cruise is visiting the floating fishing villages. These communities have been living on the water for generations, and you’ll have the opportunity to witness their fascinating way of life up close.

You can interact with the locals, learn about their traditional fishing techniques, and even try your hand at catching some fish yourself. It’s an eye-opening experience that will give you a deeper appreciation for the rich culture and heritage of this region.

Another highlight of the cruise is exploring the hidden caves and grottoes that dot the bay. These natural wonders are like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. With a small boat, you can easily access these hidden gems and marvel at their beauty.

Whether it’s the magnificent stalactites and stalagmites of Thien Canh Son Cave or the mystical atmosphere of Cong Do Cave, each cave has its own unique charm and will leave you in awe.

So, if you’re looking for an extraordinary adventure and a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Halong Bay, don’t miss the opportunity to cruise Bai Tu Long Bay on a small boat. It’s an experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime

FAQs about Small Boat Cruises in Halong Bay

How many people can a small boat accommodate?
Depending on the type, small boats carry from 2 guests (L’Amour Junk) to about 20 guests (Dragon’s Pearl Junk).
Are small boat cruises safe?
Yes. Licensed boats must follow Vietnam’s maritime safety standards, with life jackets, emergency equipment, and professional crews on board.
What’s the difference between wooden junks and steel boats?
Traditional junks are made from Vietnamese hardwood, offering a classic boutique feel. The new Red Dragon Junk is built from steel, providing modern durability while maintaining boutique luxury.
Do small boat cruises include food and activities?
Yes. All small boats include meals (seafood-focused menus), kayaking, swimming, cave visits, and optional cooking classes.
Which is better, Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay for a small cruise?
Both are beautiful, but Bai Tu Long Bay is less crowded, making it a better choice for travelers who value peace and authenticity.

A Halong Bay small boat cruise offers intimacy, flexibility, and authenticity that larger ships cannot provide. With Indochina Junk fleet, you can choose the romantic L’Amour Junk, family-friendly Prince Junk, Dragon’s Pearl, or the upcoming Red Dragon Junk, there’s a boutique option for your preference.

Why Choose a Halong Bay Cruise Small Boat for Your Trip

What is a Small Boat in Halong Bay?