Oasis Bay Classic Cruise Review: My Halong Bay Trip (2025)

So, picking a cruise for Halong Bay is kind of a big deal. You look at so many pictures online, and they all start to look the same, you know? Anyway, I settled on the 3-day, 2-night trip with Oasis Bay Classic Cruise for my 2025 visit. Frankly, the name ‘Classic’ suggested it wouldn’t be a loud party boat, which was pretty much what I was looking for. It’s almost like you just want something comfortable and scenic. As a matter of fact, the whole point is to see those amazing limestone karsts, right? This review is basically my personal take on the experience, from the moment I got on the boat to the food and the sights. I mean, I hope it helps you figure out if it’s the right fit for your own trip.

First Impressions: Stepping Aboard the Oasis Bay Classic

Actually, the whole thing starts at a harbor, where you check in at a lounge. The process was pretty smooth, you know, and before long we were on a smaller boat heading out to the main vessel. At the end of the day, that first glimpse of the Oasis Bay cruise boat floating among the cliffs is a really great moment. The ship has this, like, lovely dark wood look, giving it a very traditional junk boat feeling. It’s not one of those giant, modern-looking ships; it has a bit more character, in a way. The staff were all there to say hello with a drink, which was a very, very nice touch. Honestly, it felt welcoming from the get-go.

The Cabins: Your Floating Home from Home

Okay, so let’s talk about the room, which is basically your little sanctuary for a couple of days. I had a cabin with a private balcony, and seriously, I’d recommend it if you can. It was so great to just sit out there in the morning with a coffee. The room itself was not huge, but it was really clean and sort of cozy. It had a big window, so you could just lie in bed and watch the scenery go by, which was just a little bit magical. The bathroom was perfectly fine, too, with hot water and decent pressure, you know? In other words, it was a very comfortable spot to come back to after a day of activities.

The Heart of the Trip: Scenery and Activities

Alright, this is really what it’s all about. That feeling of gliding through the emerald-green water is kind of hard to put into words. Honestly, the scenery is the main character of this trip. You’re just surrounded by these incredible, towering limestone islands covered in green. It’s a view that, like, never gets old. The 3-day itinerary gives you a more relaxed pace than the 2-day option, which I think is a good thing. You get to go a little farther into the bay, seemingly where it’s a bit less crowded. For instance, on the second day, we woke up in a really quiet spot, and it was pretty much just us and the amazing view.

Day 1: Kayaking and Titop Island

So, the first big activity was kayaking. They take you to this really calm lagoon area, and you just paddle around at your own pace. It was arguably my favorite part of the whole trip. You can get really close to the base of the cliffs, you know, and it’s so quiet. It’s almost like you’re in another world. Later, we went to Titop Island. You have two choices here: swim at the beach or climb about 400 steps to the top for a panoramic view. I mean, you kind of have to do the climb, right? The view from the top is absolutely stunning, but to be honest, it was extremely crowded. Still, you get that classic Halong Bay postcard photo up there.

Day 2: Surprise Cave and Pearl Farm Fun

Day two involved a visit to Sung Sot Cave, or ‘Surprise Cave’. It is just incredibly massive inside; the pictures really don’t show the scale of it. They have it all lit up with different colored lights, which is a little bit dramatic but also very cool. The walk through is on a paved path, so it’s fairly easy for most people. Then, in the afternoon, we went to a pearl farm. This was kind of interesting. They show you how they cultivate the pearls, from putting the bead in the oyster to harvesting it. At the end of the day, there is a shop where you can buy jewelry. It felt a little bit like a sales opportunity, obviously, but it was still quite informative to see the process.

Dining on Deck: What’s the Food Really Like?

Okay, let’s talk about something very important: the food. Over the three days, we had a mix of buffet meals and set menus for dinner. Honestly, the quality was pretty good. There was a lot of fresh seafood, which you’d expect, and a really nice mix of Vietnamese dishes and some more Western-style options. For example, there were always fresh spring rolls, some kind of grilled fish, and lots of vegetables. I am a vegetarian, and frankly, they were very good about making sure I had plenty of delicious things to eat at every meal. You just have to let them know in advance. So, nobody is going hungry on this boat, that’s for sure.

Happy Hour and Evening Vibe

You know, the evenings on the boat were very relaxed. There’s a sundeck up top with lounge chairs, and it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset. They usually had a ‘buy one, get one free’ happy hour on drinks, which was a very popular time to hang out and chat with other people on the boat. It’s definitely not a wild party vibe; it’s more about just chilling out. After dinner, they offered squid fishing off the back of the boat, which was a bit of fun. Most people, myself included, were more or less happy just relaxing and enjoying the quiet of the bay at night.

The Verdict: Is the 3-Day Oasis Bay Cruise for You?

So, at the end of the day, this cruise is for someone who wants a really comfortable and classic experience in Halong Bay. If you are looking for a lively party scene, this probably isn’t the right choice. Instead, it’s really good for couples, small families, or solo travelers like me who just want to soak in the amazing scenery. I mean, the boat is beautiful, the team is friendly, and the itinerary is a nice mix of activity and relaxation. In my opinion, the 3-day trip is definitely worth the extra time, as it just feels less rushed. You know, you get more time to just *be* there.

Honestly, the best part was just waking up and seeing those giant limestone cliffs right outside your window. You know, it’s a view that really sticks with you. It’s almost a little unbelievable that places like this actually exist.

A Few Last Pointers

Just a few extra thoughts for you. Definitely pack a sun hat, sunglasses, and good sunscreen because, you know, the sun can be strong out on the water. Bring a light jacket for the evenings, as it can get a little cool on the deck. As a matter of fact, you might want to bring some small cash for drinks or tips, although you can usually settle your bill by card at the end. For instance, reading a book on the sundeck as the boat moves is pretty much peak relaxation. So, just be prepared to disconnect and enjoy the view.

• You should probably choose the 3-day trip over the 2-day one for a more relaxed experience.
• Frankly, paying a little extra for a cabin with a balcony is totally worth it.
• Actually, the food has a good variety and can cater to dietary needs if you tell them beforehand.
• This cruise, you know, it is more for relaxation and scenery than for partying.
• Basically, don’t forget to pack for both sun and cooler evenings.

Read our full review: Oasis Bay Classic Cruise Halong Bay Review [Full Review and Details]

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