“Worth every dong!”
 Reviewed August 13, 2011 1person found this review helpfulOur family of 5 spent 2D/1N on board the Red Dragon I in July. It was wonderful – the boat was beautiful with comfortable cabins and deck lounging areas and delicious food. Great weather too. Our guide, Hoang-Bobby took good care of us. We had connecting triple/double cabins with views of the bay (even from our bathrooms). Safety measures on board are a priority. Indochina Junks sail to the quieter Bai Tu Long area rather than Halong Bay and sponsor a number of eco-tourist activities here. In return they have exclusive access to the islands/beaches/fishing village in this area. We went kayaking, swimming, visited a floating fishing village and of course spent a lot of time on deck just watching the fantastic scenery. There were only 9 guests on board (maximum is 11). However, if you prefer a more party atmosphere you may find this too quiet. Warning: drinks (soft/alcohol) on board cost extra and are expensive. Sailing on the Red Dragon I was a big splurge in our trip budget but it was worth every dong.

Visited July 2011

“Worth the money! Bai Tu Long Bay instead of Ha Long Bay”
 Reviewed August 4, 2011 1person found this review helpfulWe found out the Red Dragon is apart of Indochina Junk, so it is worth looking them up too! We did The Red Dragon 2 day/1 night cruise along Bai Tu Long Bay within the UNESCO Ha Long Bay site.

Our time on the Red Dragon (27metres long, with 5 cabins, and 3 levels of awesomeness) was splendid. Although some of the services weren't of a 'luxury' standard, i.e. having to wait in a run-down building owned by the company whilst we waited for the ship to be prepared, it was still very satisfactory (we were sheltered, our bags taken care of, there were fans, seats, and a clean toilet for use).
The cruise itself was the real highlight, and being an overnight cruise aboard a traditional-style junk, so it should be! Going to Bai Tu Long Bay instead of Ha Long Bay I think was the right decision for us, and going on the Red Dragon was even better, because it meant that we often found ourselves feeling almost alone on a boat that had 7 other guests, and a few cruel of something like 7 or 8 people.
The sleeping quarters were clean, well decorated, with a locking door, and private bathroom, and huge windows that looked out to the bay (with curtains for privacy).
The bathroom was more than adequate, and although we had minor issues - we couldn't get hot water to work to it's full extent, and had to flush at least 2 times to get the toilet to flush, it was clean, private, and modern.
We were provided with rubber flip-flops, and room slippers - the rubber flip-flops were great for use around the boat, and during activities, however the room slippers were worn and this appeared unhygienic.
As part of the cruise, there were several activities organised, and although there was a level of inflexibility, it was good that we weren't left wondering what we would do next, but hey, they can't please everyone now can they?
Well worth the money spent for all the moments of privacy, seclusion, and luxury that you have along the way.

Visited August 2011

“Most beautiful Junk the Red Dragon”
 Reviewed August 3, 2011 We spent 2 days/1 night on the Red Dragon part of the Indochina Sails group.
Wow, it was amazing. We were told it was the most beautiful Junk on the bay and they were right it was.
Our room was lovely with windows that open outward, bathroom clean and bed very comfortable.
The food served on board was great and so were the crew.
Loved the Red Dragon and would not hesitate to suggest to anyone.

Visited June 2011

“These guys are the ones”
 Reviewed July 29, 2011 We went on the Prince 2. The Red Dragon and associated junks go to Bai Tu Long Bay rather than the overcrowded, polluted Halong Bay so you get a somewhat private trip (there are a couple of other junks around rather than hundreds).

Junks are small so you get very high quality food and prsonal service, most of us would regard this as luxury. If you want the full 5 star service of a hotel that could be anywhere one of the huge gin-palace boats are probably more your thing but if you want intimate luxury, a genuine experience plus quality service don't go past this company. Price is mid range so if doing on the cheap this probably won't suit but value for money luxury this wins hands down.

Visited December 2010

 

We did the 2day/1night cruise in june on Red Dragon 2 and had a great time. One of the best things is they don't go to the same place as every other man and his junk. We only saw 1 or 2 boats the whole time which made it feel like you had the whole place to yourself. The food is amazing, with dinner being about 8 courses including whole steamed crab, sea bass, prawns etc. Drinks are pretty reasonable and service was great. Included Kayaking which a lot of the other boats don't.
Overall we loved it, and would highly recommend.

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We went to Vietnam knowing that we wanted to do a cruise on Halong Bay, there are HUNDREDS of cruise tours and its very difficult to choose, thankfully tripadvisor came to the rescue and we can't stop raving on about the red dragon cruise.
We had read that pretty much you get what you pay for when it comes to Halong Bay cruises so we did splurge out a bit on this trip (I think about $320USD for my husband and myself) but it was worth every single penny!
We met the car in Hanoi at the booking office at 8am (we had arranged this as we had caught an overnight train from Hue during the night, so we just went straight to the booking office, they could have picked us up at any hotel)
We were driven the Halong Bay, which be aware is a lengthy drive, almost 3 hours. We stopped off at the obligatory tourist toilet spot, a shop in which to convince us to buy things, but it wasn't too bad, a welcome break.
When we arrived to Halong Bay the weather was AWFUL! it was like a torrential rain storm had blast through Halong Bay and it was terribly dissappointing. We were very professionally transported to a small boat which took us to our junk, the red dragon. Getting on and off the small boat to the junk was so easy as their was a staircase coming off the junk which lead right down into the water. very comfortable.
THe junk is small and intimate, only having 5 rooms I believe. and it was fantasic! the boat was beautiful, the staff were lovely and the food was TO DIE FOR. Honestly the food was amazing. Be aware though that the drink prices are ridiculously expensive, but it was to be expected.
The weather cleared up after our welcome lunch and Halong Bay shone! It was just so gorgeous words can not express. We were taken to a cave and then went kayakking which was an unforgettable experience, kayakking around all those limestone karsts was just breathtaking. we then went back to a tiny secluded beach for swimming and the boys had a game of beach soccer. we were transported back to the boat for relaxation time before dinner. Dinner was so beautiful and watching the sun seat over Halong Bay was just so so lovely. Words obvously can't express how much fun we had, you really must do it yourself and if you do, do it on the red dragon. I honestly can't fault it.

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My husband organised the whole honeymoon and told me we were doing a boat trip in northern Vietnam but I didnt really pass much remarks or get too excited. Until I got to Halong Bay

We were collected from our hotel in Hanoi at 8.30am and the driver took our lives into his hands with the driving that he did. However, when we arrived safely, after the obligatory stop to a crafts museum on the way up, we were taken to our boat and shown to our cabin.
After we'd settled into our cabin, we were called for lunch, a meal of about 7 servings, each nicer than the last.

After lunch, we were brought to an inlet, where we explored a cave, kayaked around the islands, and swam back to our boat.

Back on the junk, we relaxed and had a couple of beers while taking in the scenary and waiting for dinner.

Dinner, as expected, was amazing. Each plate was decorated more extravagantly than the last one. When dinner was over, they crew then sang some songs and tried to get a sing song going. Unfortunately the other guests on our boat went to bed early but if there were a group of friends, this could turn into a great session.

THe next morning, after breakfast, we set off in little boats around a fishing village in Halong Bay. This was the highlight of the trip because of the scenery and the atmosphere of the place.

After arriving back in Halong city, we departed with another crazy driver and found ourselves back in Hanoi safe and sound after a really fantastic experience.

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We have just had a honeymoon holiday in Vietnam. We chose Halong Bay destination to memorize our honeymoon. And we definitely satisfied with our choice. My husband and I were impressed by the beauty of Halong Bay. Especially we like Red Dragon Junk much. It is really very wonderful. The junk is small with only 46 cabins so we had a private time. Its design is very nice and unique. The rooms are very clean and beautiful. Each room has a big window so we could see beautiful view at night. Our room was set up fresh roses and champagne as we were on honeymoon holiday. Services on the junk were very perfect.
The first day we visited a fishing village and a pearl farm. We only went into one cave. The second day we kayaked and then swam back to the boat. The swim was so lovely that I could have floated in Halong bay for hours. Food was very hot and delicious. We like the buffet on the second day very much. There were many kinds of food for us to enjoy. The staffs on the junk were very friendly and helpful. They were very willing to help us whenever we needed. We had a romantic night on the junk. My husband and I will never forget the memory in Halong Bay. And we are very grateful to First Choice travel company for organizing an amazing trip and preparing the best services for us.
 

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We took an overnight cruise. We were two adults and two kids. We chose this over the Emeraude because the Red Dragon could accomodate all of us in one cabin and boy are we glad we did.
This being the low season (end June), there were only 7 passengers on the boat. The boat had a crew of 8.
We stayed in the cabin up front with the two beds - one double and one single. We thought the boat, the crew and the food were outstanding. Especially the food. We are vegetarians, the other three on the boat had different dietary requirements as well - one couldn't eat spicy, one did not want cheese and the third did not want pork and beef. The chef more than catered to all of us and put out a 7 course lunch and an 8 course dinner.
Halong Bay is spectacular as it is and the individual attention that the Red Dragon crew gave us, made this a very special trip.

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My family (2adults and 3 young kids) went for a 1 night cruise. We were allocated adjoining bedrooms which was convenient for the family. The cabins and bathrooms were clean. We had a symptous seafood lunch while cruising into the bay.... what better way to be entertained while satisfying the stomach. We spent the afternoon visiting the private cave and kayaking. The kids love the kayaking and swimming by the beach. Dinner was whipped into a delightful art with seafood, pork and chicken which we thoroughly enjoyed despite the humidity. We were so tired that we fell into a deep slumber that night. We visited a fishing village the next morning and were brought around on a tour via a row boat. The lady was so happy when we gave her 50k dong (USD3) for the hour of work. It was such a good experience especially for the kids who saw how they lived. The friendly crew and their helpfulness made the trip extra memorable.

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Halong Bay was amazing, and I was SO greatful that we did this cruise. The staff were great, the boat was very nice, the rooms were fantastic, the bathrooms had normal showers and toilets, plus a fantastic view of the bay and the islands. They had planned excursions to a fishing village, a tiny island with a beach and a cave, sea kayaking, and swimming in the lovely warm water.

My complaints:
1. I was so full from the yummy food. I have dietary restrictions that I thought would have made me stuck with very little variety, but I still got 9-10 courses with some meals. They did this with 1 hour notice of my dietary restrictions.
2. I was sad we only did 1 night. Two nights would have been better. This was easily the most relaxing part of our trip to Vietnam, with quiet and time to sit back and enjoy the weather and the water. We were all sad to leave the boat.

After reading about some junks where people were sad with the quality of the food, etc, I highly recommend this company and this boat. We were actually on the Red Dragon 2 - I am not sure how many boats they have.

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