Erina Cruise 5-star cruise 2 day visit Lan Ha Bay private balcony

Planning a trip to Vietnam and considering a cruise in Lan Ha Bay? You’ve come to the right place. This review covers the details of the Erina Cruise’s 2-day, 1-night experience, a well-rated, luxury offering that promises both comfort and authentic scenic views. While we haven’t experienced it ourselves, the glowing reviews, detailed itineraries, and impressive features paint a vivid picture of what to expect.

We love the personalized touches like private balconies, the chance to explore less crowded parts of the bay, and the thoughtful inclusion of activities like kayaking and cooking demonstrations. The luxury accommodations and attentive staff elevate the experience further.

A potential consideration is that the tour is non-refundable, so travelers should be confident in their plans before booking. This cruise is ideal for those seeking a relaxing, premium getaway with plenty of scenic immersion, especially if you value comfort and authentic local experiences over busy tourist spots.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Luxury and comfort with private balconies, A/C, and spacious rooms
• Authentic activities like kayaking and bamboo boat rides with local rowers
• Less crowded routes offering tranquil scenery and peaceful moments
• Expert guides and attentive staff ensuring a personalized experience
• Excellent reviews highlight friendly service, delicious food, and memorable sights
• Value for money considering the included activities, meals, and transfers

An overview of the experience

The Erina Cruise offers a 5-star quality experience that balances luxury with authentic exploration. Its focus on visiting less touristy areas like Lan Ha Bay and Tra Bau Area means you’ll enjoy more secluded and enchanting scenery. Unlike the busy, heavily touristed parts of Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay offers a quieter vibe and fewer crowds — ideal if you want to relax and soak in nature’s beauty.

Starting from Hanoi, the journey is comfortably managed with round-trip transfer by limousine bus, ensuring you’re picked up from your hotel in the Old Quarter around 8 am, and arriving at the dock after a scenic 2.5-hour ride. The convenience of the pickup and the spacious, air-conditioned bus make the transition smooth, especially after a night or morning of travel.

The itinerary in detail

Day 1: Arriving at Lan Ha Bay

Upon arrival at the dock, you’ll check in at the reception and transfer onto the Erina Cruise, which is described as luxurious and well-equipped. The first glimpse of the bay from the boat promises stunning views, with many reviewers praising the comfortable cabins with private balconies—a feature that guarantees you can enjoy the scenery from your room.

Lunch is served shortly after departure and is often highlighted as delicious, with some reviewers mentioning the quality of the food and the attentive service. The afternoon is packed with activities such as kayaking and swimming at Tra Bau, a location famous for its appearance in the Kong Skull Island movie, which adds a fun cinematic twist to your adventure.

Kayaking and swimming can be done with provided life jackets and dry bags, which reviewers appreciated for their convenience. One reviewer mentioned that short swims or kayaking with flip-flops and swim suits are suitable, making it accessible for most travelers. If you prefer to relax, you can opt to enjoy the Jacuzzi on the sun deck, which is a perfect way to unwind with views.

In the evening, there’s a sunset party with cakes, fruit, tea, and a cooking demonstration, allowing you to learn a local recipe while enjoying the golden hour. Dinner follows, with many guests noting the quality of the food and the attentive service from staff like Unie, who go above and beyond.

Day 2: Exploring further and returning

The morning begins with Tai Chi on the sun deck, a peaceful way to start the day while soaking in the scenery. Breakfast includes eggs, cakes, and coffee, but you’re free to skip it if you prefer more sleep — many reviews mention the value of a relaxed morning.

Next, you’ll visit Dark & Bright Cave via tender boat. The cave trip often involves rowing boats guided by local rowers, offering an authentic, hands-on experience. Some travelers, like one reviewer, appreciated the opportunity to do this with local people, which added a personal touch.

After the cave exploration, you’ll return to the cruise, check out, and enjoy a final lunch before heading back to Tuan Chau Harbor. The return transfer is straightforward, and the whole experience leaves many feeling relaxed and satisfied.

What makes this cruise stand out

The private balcony rooms are a big highlight — reviewers consistently mention how much they loved waking up to views from their rooms, and the spacious, clean cabins add a layer of comfort often missing in standard tours.

Authentic activities like kayaking and bamboo boat rides not only provide fun but also connect travelers with local culture. One reviewer loved how the local rowers’ boats added a genuine touch, making the experience more memorable.

The route’s focus on less touristy areas like Lan Ha Bay ensures a calmer, more scenic journey compared to the often crowded Ha Long Bay. Travelers mention that this quieter route offers a more peaceful and immersive experience, with some noting that it’s “a calmer place” with fewer crowds.

The staff and guides consistently earn praise for their friendliness, attentiveness, and knowledge. Many reviewers highlight specific staff members like Jessica and Unie, who went out of their way to make sure everyone’s needs were met, from dietary restrictions to personalized service.

The food is another standout, often described as “yummy,” with some reviewers praising the variety and quality, especially considering it’s all included. The cooking demonstration during the sunset adds a fun, interactive element.

The value for money is evident when considering the inclusion of activities, meals, and transfers in the $235 per person price. For what’s on offer — luxury accommodation, multiple activities, and scenic cruising — it’s a good deal in the context of Vietnam’s high-quality cruises.

Practical details and considerations

Transportation: The round-trip limousine bus is comfortable and reliable, easing worries about long travel days. The journey from Hanoi is around 2.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax before your adventure begins.

Duration: The 2-day, 1-night experience is ideal for travelers with limited time but still want a meaningful escape. The itinerary is well-paced, balancing activities and relaxation without feeling rushed.

Group size: With a maximum of 20 travelers, the cruise maintains an intimate atmosphere, allowing for personalized service and meaningful interactions with staff and fellow guests.

Price and value: At $235 per person, this cruise offers a lot for the price — from luxury accommodations and meals to activities like kayaking and cave visits. Many reviews praise the quality of the experience relative to the cost.

Booking in advance: On average, travelers book about 5 days ahead, indicating good availability but also the importance of planning early, especially during peak seasons.

Additional notes: The tour is non-refundable, so ensure your plans are firm before booking. If weather conditions aren’t suitable, they offer options for rescheduling or refunds, which adds a layer of peace of mind.

Authentic reviewer insights

One review highlights the service of Tam, who was described as “the kindest,” emphasizing the personalized care given by staff. Another mentioned Jessica’s attentive service, calling her “incredible,” which gives you an idea of the staff’s level of involvement.

Many guests appreciated the delicious food, mentioning that it was “yummy” and well-prepared, with some noting it exceeded expectations given the setting. The scenery consistently received praise, with guests noting the breathtaking views during activities and cruising.

Several reviews also mention the quiet, peaceful atmosphere — a perfect contrast to the often hectic tourist spots — making this cruise well-suited for travelers seeking relaxation.

The Sum Up

The Erina Cruise’s 2-day, 1-night Lan Ha Bay experience offers a mix of comfort, authentic local encounters, and stunning scenery. Its private balconies, well-designed itinerary, and attentive crew make it an excellent choice for those looking to unwind and enjoy Vietnam’s natural beauty without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.

This cruise is especially well-suited for travelers who appreciate luxury accommodations, genuine activities, and peaceful environments. Whether celebrating a romantic getaway, a peaceful break, or simply wanting to experience the quieter side of Bay of Lan Ha, this tour delivers on its promise of quality and authenticity.

While the non-refundable policy requires some commitment, the overall experience, as reflected by glowing reviews, suggests it’s worth the investment. Expect delicious meals, knowledgeable guides, and unforgettable scenery that will leave you with plenty of photos and memories.

FAQ

How do I get to the cruise from Hanoi?
You’ll be picked up from your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter via a comfortable limousine bus, which takes about 2.5 hours to reach the dock.

What’s included in the price?
The $235 fee covers roundtrip transfer, luxury accommodation with A/C, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), kayaking or bamboo boat rides, welcome drinks, a cooking class, and guided excursions.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What activities are available during the cruise?
You can enjoy kayaking, swimming, visiting Dark & Bright Cave, and a bamboo boat ride with local rowers. There’s also a sunset party, Tai Chi, and a cooking demonstration.

Is this cruise suitable for families or solo travelers?
Yes, with a maximum of 20 travelers, it’s a friendly, intimate environment suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a relaxed experience.

What should I pack?
Bring swimwear, flip-flops or comfortable shoes for kayaking, and a hat or sun protection for outdoor activities. Also, pack your camera and personal essentials.

How much time do I have for activities?
Activities on Day 1, like kayaking and swimming, run from mid-afternoon to sunset. On Day 2, the cave visit is in the morning before returning to Hanoi.

Is the scenery really worth it?
Absolutely. Reviewers describe the views as “breathtaking” and “peaceful,” especially since the route avoids the crowded areas, giving you a more tranquil and authentic experience.