Ha Long Bay Route 1: Fighting Cock Islet, Incense Burner Islet And Thien Cung Cave Through V-Dream Cruise

Our recent school teambuilding trip took us to Sa Pa, Hanoi, and Ha Long. Among the three, I was most excited about Ha Long, since I had already been to Sa Pa and Hanoi last year. I was especially thrilled knowing that we’d be riding a cruise to explore Ha Long Bay and would also have access to Sun World Ha Long.

Ha Long Bay, located in Quảng Ninh Province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam’s most iconic travel destinations. It’s famous for its thousands of limestone karsts and islets that rise from the sea in various shapes and sizes. These unique geological formations have made the bay a top tourism site, which is best explored by boat or cruise.

There are many options for touring Ha Long Bay ranging from traditional wooden junks and luxury cruises to smaller motorboats. We chose the Halong Bay Cruise Half-Day Tour from V-Dream Cruises, which featured a three-story, air-conditioned cruise ship with excellent, modern facilities. The crew was professional and very attentive to guests.

I didn’t expect much from the cruise at first. I thought it would be a basic passenger vessel, so I was pleasantly surprised to see just how classy the interior was. The first deck was a luxurious dining area centered around a long buffet table. Elegantly decorated with dark wood furniture, deep cyan fabrics, and warm lighting, this cruise is definitely not your average tour boat setup.

There was even a jacuzzi at the rear of the second deck! If only I had known, I would’ve brought a suit. It would’ve been amazing to relax in warm water while enjoying the sea breeze and the majestic view of Ha Long Bay.

The third floor was an open-air deck so this is where the sightseeing happens. It had more seating tables, chairs and chaise lounges. At night, this area transformed into a lively space with live music from violin or saxophone artists and even a DJ set.

As we left the port, we got a clear view of the Ha Long City skyline, prominently shaped by the Sun Wheel, the Sun World Queen Cable Car, and the Bãi Cháy Bridge. This striking image showed how developed and urbanized the city is yet, it has preserved its natural charm.

Of course, the main highlight of the cruise was the breathtaking rock formations of Ha Long Bay, which primarily houses limestone karsts that have been shaped by millions of years of tectonic activity and erosion. Sailing through these towering formations felt surreal. However, as someone who has been to Coron in the Philippines, I found Ha Long Bay slightly less vibrant in color. The rocks had less foliage and the water wasn’t as crystal-clear or turquoise as Coron’s lagoons.

We cruised past Trong Mai Islet, also known as the Fighting Cock Islet, named for the two giant rocks that resemble a pair of roosters rising from the sea. According to local legends, the rocks represent faithful love, having stood side by side for thousands of years.

Next, we passed by Dinh Hương Islet or the Incense Burner Islet, which is said to resemble an incense holder, an object of deep cultural and religious significance in Vietnam. While both formations have interesting backstories, to us tourists, the resemblances weren’t that obvious. It felt a bit like they were naming every unique rock formation just to turn them into attractions.

Before lunch, we got a bit of exercise exploring Thien Cung Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in the area and often referred to as a shimmering paradise. From the outside, it looked like a mountain with steep, rocky cliffs covered in trees.

But once we passed through the narrow entrance, we were greeted by a stunning display of stalactites and stalagmites, softly illuminated by ambient lighting. The combination of dim sunlight, sparkling cave formations, and a small, clear pond gave it a magical, fairy-tale vibe. I appreciated the built-in walkways that made it easy to explore, but it was still a tiring 30-minute trek.

The buffet lunch provided an impressive spread of Vietnamese cuisine from spring rolls to various noodle dishes. Showcasing their abundant source of vegetables and seafood, V-Dream Cruise offered a number of salad selections and seafood choices.

I tried small portions of several dishes to sample as much as I could. The noodle soup had vibrant flavors while the dry noodles were a bit plain, though nostalgic in a comforting way. The oysters seasoned with yet it retained its natural briny juices. For dessert, the sweet mung bean soup wasn’t my thing, but I really enjoyed the cream puffs.

Drinks weren’t included in the buffet, so I ordered Brown Coffee, which is how they refer to their local Vietnamese iced coffee. It was much sweeter than the ones I had in Hanoi, so I asked for extra ice. Even then, the coffee was still strong. My husband had Egg Coffee, which reminded us of Filipino leche flan. It was rich and sweet but in a good way.

During the cruise, they also showcased locally handmade jewelry featuring pearls from Ha Long. Ha Long Bay is well-known for its pearl cultivation and farming, which supports the local economy and offers visitors beautiful souvenirs.

Coming from a country where port infrastructure isn’t as well funded, I couldn’t help but admire Ha Long Bay Port. The terminal’s façade blends old Vietnamese and European architectural styles, while the interior offers clean, modern amenities that elevate the entire travel experience.