Orchid Classic vs Heritage Binh Chuan: Which Cruise Should You Choose?

First-timers to Halong Bay often feel overwhelmed by plenty of cruises for different styles, prices, or itineraries. For those preferring classic elegance and traditional values, similar classic Indochinese design and very competitive prices of Orchid Classic and Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise may make the decision more challenging.

If Orchid is a haven of privacy and pure natural indulgence, Heritage Binh Chuan is a sanctuary of Indochina's vibrant culture and history with unique experiences. Follow the detailed comparison below to find out which cruise suits you the most!

1. At a Glance

Feature	Orchid Classic Cruise	Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan
Duration	2D1N	2D1N
Price (per person)	$241-294	$239-341
Cabin style	Traditional, balcony	Traditional, balcony
Cabin size	36-45 sqm	33-46 sqm
Meals	Buffet lunch, Dinner menu, Buffet breakfast, Brunch menu	Buffet lunch, Dinner menu, Breakfast menu, Buffet brunch
Extras	Tea Ceremony, kayaking, cooking class, Taichi	Afternoon tea, kayaking, cooking class, Vovinam
Ideal for	Solo travelers/ Couples/ families/ groups of friends	Solo travelers/ Couples/ families/ groups of friends

2. Cruise Overview

Orchid Classic Cruise

Launched in late 2016, Orchid Classic is one of the first luxury iron cruises in Halong - Lan Ha Bay. The cruise includes 14 spacious rooms with fully wood-paneled interiors and typical Indochinese design. All rooms have private balconies, bathrooms with relaxing bathtubs and full modern amenities. Orchid Classic is the choice for mid-range to luxury travelers who want to enjoy maximum relaxation and personalized service.

Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan

Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan was launched later in 2019 with more modern facilities and amenities. Beyond a safe steel-hulled ship, this luxury cruise attracts those looking for traditional values. Through L’Art de l’Annam galleries, Bach Thai Buoi library, or Van Don Boutique, Heritage shares an origin story inspired by Vietnam's ship king Bach Thai Buoi as well as Indochina's rich history, art, architecture, and culture.

3. Detailed Comparison

A. Price & Value

Travelers wear Vietnamese traditional dresses on Heritage Cruise (Photo: Heritage Cruise)

The tour price of Orchid Classic and Heritage Cruise are so competitive that visitors may find it hard to choose based on it. If Orchid Classic rate starts from $241, Heritage Binh Chuan rate starts from $239 per person per night.

To make it easier, travelers may take inclusions and hidden fees into account. While both cruise rates include all meals, luxurious accommodation, entrance tickets, welcome drinks, and jacuzzi pool, Heritage offers more add-on values such as Fresh seasonal fruit, snacks and nuts in room, free access to library and art gallery, or Red River entertainment room, and chance to dress traditional Ao Dai.

B. Cabins & Comfort

All cabins on both ships have spacious balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows along with fully-equipped bathrooms with ocean view bathtubs. A mini gap size between Orchid and Heritage's cabins does not affect the overall customer experience.

It is easy for soloers or couples to find their favored cabin, either on the 1st or 2nd floor, either at the bow or back. For groups or families, both cruises offer inter-connecting rooms accommodating 3 - 5 guests. However, Heritage has only 2 connecting rooms on the second floor (Ocean Suite and Regal Suite at the bow) while Orchid offers more connecting rooms with both 1st and 2nd floor options, matching different budgets and preferences.

C. Food & Dining

Elegant cuisine on Orchid Classic Cruise (Photo: Orchid Cruises)

High-quality Vietnamese and international dishes are served in both buffet and set menus on both cruises. Vegetarian options and alternatives for dietary requirements are also available upon request.

Orchid offers a 5-star restaurant experience with a nice balance of local and international dishes, while Heritage focuses more on local cuisine with unique presentation. Besides, diners on Heritage Cruise have a chance to wear traditional Ao Dai during dinner, a unique and memorable dining experience rarely found in the bay.

D. Itinerary & Activities

Art gallery on Heritage Cruise (Photo: Heritage Cruise)

With diverse facilities onboard, Heritage Cruise offers a greater variety of onboard experiences than Orchid Cruise. However, passengers on Orchid Cruise have ample time for enjoying themselves and indulging in nature and peaceful ambiance onboard. 

Orchid Classic Cruise

• Day 1: Kayaking at Ao Ech - one of the most pristine and calm areas in Lan Ha Bay.
• Day 2: Explore Trung Trang Cave - a fascinating cave with many stalactites on Cat Ba Island.
• Onboard activities: Tea ceremony, cooking demonstration, Happy Hour (buy 1 get 1), massage (surcharge), squid fishing, board games, morning Taichi.

Heritage Cruise

• Day 1: Swim at Ba Trai Dao Area - a stunning beach with crystal clear water in Lan Ha Bay (subject to weather), or explore the tranquil Tra Bau area by kayak.
• Day 2: Discover Dark - Bright Cave by sampan boat rowed by a local, witness the unique cave formation and enjoy tranquility at a large lagoon.
• Onboard activities: Afternoon tea, cooking demonstration, Happy Hour, squid fishing, karaoke, massage, movies, morning Vovinam.

E. Atmosphere & Traveler Type

Orchid Cruise focuses on classic luxury with personalized service, suitable for solo travelers or couples seeking privacy and pristine natural experiences.

Heritage enhances authentic experience by local culture and history, best for soloers, families or couples who love exploration and cultural immersion.

F. Transport & Convenience

Both cruises do not include transfer from Hanoi. They offer shared bus transfer with pickup within the Hanoi Old Quarter area or private car upon your location. The pick up and drop off time in Hanoi is similar.

Orchid Classic Cruise

• Cruise pier: Block 32, Tuan Chau International Cruise Port, Halong
• Departure time: 11:45 am – 12:00 pm
• Disembark time: 11:00 - 11:45 am
• Bus fare: $40/person/round trip

Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan

• Cruise pier: Block 28, Tuan Chau International Cruise Port, Halong
• Departure time: 11:45 am
• Disembark time: 11:30 am
• Bus fare: $35/person/round trip

4. Pros & Cons

	Pros	Cons
Orchid Classic	• Great size with only 14 cabins • More personal space • More personalized service • Nice balance of international and local cuisine • Natural indulgence focus • More family/group cabin options	• The vessel may be aged due to early launch • Lack of entertainment activities onboard
Heritage Binh Chuan	• Newer vessel thanks to later launch • Unique concept and experiences • Both natural and cultural indulgence focus • Diverse onboard activities	• More cabins with more passengers at a time • Fewer family/group cabin options

5. In Brief

	Orchid Classic Cruise	Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan
Cruise style	Classic	Classic, traditional
Cabin number & size	14 (36 - 45 sqm)	20 (33 - 46 sqm)
Cabin for families	Yes - Inter-connected Suite Balcony - Inter-connected Premium Suite Balcony	Yes - Ocean Suite inter-connected to Regal Suite
Amenities	Jacuzzi pool, spa, gym	Pool, spa, gym, Red River Entertainment room, art gallery, library
Food highlight	International, Vietnamese	More Vietnamese than international food
Area & duration	Lan Ha Bay, 2 - 3 days	Lan Ha Bay, 2 - 4 days
Itinerary	2D1N: Ao Ech Area - Trung Trang Cave   3D2N: Ao Ech Area - Viet Hai Village - Ba Men Temple - Trung Trang Cave	2D1N: Tra Bau/Ba Trai Dao Area - Bright Cave   3D2N: Tra Bau - Viet Hai Village - Ba Trai Dao Area - Bright Cave   4D3N: Tra Bau - Viet Hai Village - Ba Trai Dao Area - Trung Trang Cave/Quan Y Cave - Local Market - Cat Co Beach - Bright Cave
Kayaking	Yes, included	Yes, included
Cruise pier	Block 32, Tuan Chau International Cruise Port	Block 28, Tuan Chau International Cruise Port
Bus transfer	$40/person/round trip	$35/person/round trip
Other activities	Sunset party, cooking class, happy hour, squid fishing, Taichi	Afternoon tea, cooking class, squid fishing, Vovinam
Best for	Soloers, couples, families seeking privacy and quieter atmosphere	Soloers, couples, families seeking diverse experiences and cultural immersion

6. Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Orchid Classic if you are romantic couples or families appreciating a quieter atmosphere, 5-star hotel-like service, and professional dining experience.

Choose Heritage Binh Chuan if you are soloers, couples or families seeking traditional values and cultural experiences.

7. FAQs

• Which one provides better value for money?

Heritage Cruise offers more onboard activities and add-on services, which may be more valued for money. However, if you prioritize precious privacy and personalized service, Orchid Classic may work better.

• Is kayaking included in both cruises?

Yes. Kayaking is included in both cruises.

• Do both cruises welcome children?

Definitely. Children are always welcomed on Orchid Classic and Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise. You can book inter-connecting cabins for more convenience on both.

• Which cruise is best for couples?

Both cruises offer great accommodation with view, full amenities, and exciting activities for couples. Those preferring a quieter atmosphere may choose Orchid Classic while those seeking more activities may choose Heritage Cruise.

In conclusion, while Orchid Classic focuses on tranquil luxury and natural beauty, Heritage Binh Chuan brings the rich tapestry of Indochina and local culture.

Before booking, make sure you check the pricing and availability as the prices can vary significantly by season.