Ha Long Bay Cruises

Our experience of

Swan Cruise

We've hosted guests aboard the Swan and been over her ourselves, and two things come back every time: the food and the crew. Guests call the dinners some of the best they ate in Vietnam - seven or eight courses of northern specialities, a daily cooking demo, and seafood straight from the floating villages.

The rooms are big, clean and genuinely comfortable, and the staff go out of their way, right down to separate menus for allergies and diets. Sunrise tai chi on the sundeck has become a bit of a ritual, there's a craft cocktail waiting for you, and the kayaking and squid fishing fill the days. She works Bai Tu Long Bay, so it's far quieter than the main Ha Long routes.

What we've found: the Swan is a strong pick for food-lovers and anyone who wants attentive service on the quiet bay. It suits couples and families who like to eat well and take it slow.