Vietnam’s coastline stretches for more than 3,200 kilometres, from the limestone archipelagos of the north to the tropical islands of the south, and motor yacht charter here is still at an early stage of what is clearly an exceptional destination. Ha Long Bay is the most visited, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of 1,600 limestone islands and inlets spread across 1,500 square kilometres of the Gulf of Tonkin, with waters calm enough for motor yachts of all sizes to anchor in sheltered positions within sight of towering karst formations.
Motor yachts available for charter in Vietnam range from modern river-capable cruisers suited to Ha Long Bay’s inner passages to coastal vessels able to handle the longer passages between Nha Trang and Con Dao. Crew are experienced in navigating the bay’s sometimes congested waters, which see a mix of traditional junks, day-tour boats and fishermen alongside charter vessels. The outer reaches of Ha Long Bay, particularly Bai Tu Long Bay to the northeast, see far fewer boats and are accessible to motor yachts with the crew and local knowledge to navigate them.
Charter rates for Vietnam motor yachts start from approximately 15,000 euros per week for day-capable vessels and reach 80,000 euros for larger offshore cruisers. The advance provisioning allowance adds approximately 30 percent for fuel, food, crew gratuity and marina costs. The most reliable window for Ha Long Bay is October to April, when northeast winds keep conditions settled in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Provisioning in Vietnam is outstanding for a destination at this stage of charter development. Fresh seafood from dockside markets, exceptional local produce and a rapidly developing restaurant scene in Hanoi and Ha Long City all feed into the charter experience.
