Halong Paloma Cruise
by the TopOfHotel team
Paloma is a traditional wooden junk that has been running since 2009, with 20 bay-view cabins, a wide sun deck, and free dawn tai chi — score 8.5.
Paloma is a traditional wooden junk that has been running since 2009, with 20 bay-view cabins, a wide sun deck, and free dawn tai chi — score 8.5.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
Paloma has 20 air-conditioned cabins, each with a big window opening onto a full bay view. Reviewers in a Deluxe describe about 22 sqm, with dark wood floors, a king bed under clean white linens, and an ensuite with a hot-water shower, a hairdryer, a flat-screen TV, and a fridge. Free Wi-Fi covers the ship — strong near shore, ordinary out in the middle of the bay. The vessel has been running 17 years, yet guests say the crew keeps it genuinely clean, with daily housekeeping and 24-hour security.
Food and amenities
The sun deck is the widest among wooden ships this size, with room to stretch out on loungers, and it is where the free dawn tai chi class runs at 6am with a friendly Vietnamese instructor. The restaurant serves a 5-course Vietnamese seafood set — grilled prawns, stir-fried squid, fried fish, soy-steamed fish — and the bar runs a 2-for-1 cocktail happy hour in the evening. There is also a fresh spring-roll class. It is all built into the package, with no surprise bills tacked on at the end.
Location and getting there
The ship departs from Halong International Cruise Port around midday. The 2-day, 1-night trip cruises the main Ha Long Bay, stopping at Thien Canh Son Cave — large and lovely, close to Sung Sot but with fewer people — and the Vung Vieng fishing village, which is a real, lived-in community rather than a staged show. The 3-day, 2-night trip pushes on to the quieter Bai Tu Long Bay, with kayaking in hidden coves, swimming off small beaches, and guided night fishing.
Things to know before booking
The guest score of around 8.5 is solid but moderate next to the top-ranked cruises here. This is a long-running ship, so the cabins may not feel as crisp as those on a brand-new vessel — fair to expect after 17 years. The cruise also runs on a fixed schedule, so adjusting the timing is hard. And the Wi-Fi, while free, weakens once you are out in the open bay.
Our take
Halong Paloma Cruise fits travelers who want a traditional junk-style wooden cruise they can trust, at a good-value price — 17 years of reputation does not come easily. The cabins may not be flawless, but the service, food, and route are all there. We would pick the 3-day, 2-night trip to add Bai Tu Long Bay, and get up each morning for the free tai chi on the sun deck.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- Traditional junk-style wooden cruise rated 4 stars, operating since 2009 — 17 years of a name you can trust.
- 20 air-conditioned cabins, every one with a bay view and free Wi-Fi, plus an ensuite bathroom.
- Sun deck, restaurant, bar, and a free tai chi class held at dawn on the top deck.
- Route stops at Thien Canh Son Cave and the working Vung Vieng fishing village, with kayaking, paddling, swimming, and squid fishing.
- Daily housekeeping and 24-hour security on board.
- The roughly 8.5 guest score is moderate next to the top-ranked cruises in this list.
- It is a long-running ship, so cabins may not feel as new as those on newer vessels.
- The cruise runs on a fixed schedule, so timing is hard to adjust.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Ha Long Bay
Day tours, attraction tickets and experiences around Ha Long Bay — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
See activities in Ha Long BayAffiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Insider Tips
- Wake up early for the free 6am tai chi class on the sun deck.
- Make sure your route stops at Thien Canh Son Cave and Vung Vieng village.
- Book the 3-day, 2-night route to reach the quieter Bai Tu Long Bay.