2-Day 6-Star Luxury Cruise Through Ha Long & Lan Ha Bay

If you’re dreaming of drifting through Vietnam’s most iconic waters in style, this 2-day luxury cruise through Ha Long & Lan Ha Bay promises an experience packed with breathtaking scenery, comfortable accommodations, and engaging activities. While it’s not the cheapest option, the overall quality and personalized touches make it a worthwhile splurge, especially if you’re after a more intimate, less crowded adventure.

What we love about this cruise? First, the luxury cabins with private balconies that let you soak in the views at your own pace. Second, the delicious, well-curated meals—including Vietnamese breakfast, set lunches, and BBQ dinners—that turn mealtime into an experience. And third, the personalized service on the small vessel (only 30 guests) that makes it feel more like a private yacht than a mass-tour operation.

One thing to keep in mind is the price point—at $210 per person, it’s an investment, but one that includes almost everything from meals to activities. The only extras are drinks and transfers, which can add up, especially if you’re traveling solo or with kids. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a touch of luxury, enjoy in-depth exploration, and appreciate smaller, more intimate group settings.

Key Points

Luxury and Comfort: The cruise offers spacious cabins with private balconies, providing panoramic vistas and a cozy retreat after a day of exploring.
Personalized Experience: With only 30 guests, the atmosphere feels intimate and less commercialized.
All-Inclusive Value: Meals, entrance fees, activities, and even Wi-Fi are included, making it straightforward and hassle-free.
Active and Relaxed Options: You can choose to trek, kayak, swim, or simply relax and take in the scenery, catering to different energy levels.
Well-Organized Itinerary: The stops are thoughtfully planned, balancing sightseeing with downtime.
Extra Costs: Be aware of additional charges for transfers, peak season surcharges, and drinks.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Setting Sail and Discovering the Highlights

Your adventure kicks off at Tuan Chau Port, where you’ll board the Calista Cruise around mid-morning. From the moment you step aboard, the welcoming staff serve drinks and canapés, setting a relaxed tone. The small vessel’s capacity of just 30 guests means you’ll enjoy personalized attention and avoid the crowded feel of larger boats.

Sung Sot Cave, often called the “Surprise Grotto” by French explorers, is your first major stop. This cavern is among the largest and most impressive in Ha Long Bay, renowned for its vast chambers and intricate formations. Reviewers mention it as a highlight, with one noting that it’s “so amazing that the French deemed it Grotte des Surprises.” Expect to spend about 2 hours exploring here, with a chance to marvel at the natural stalactites and stalagmites.

Next, you’ll visit Ti Top Island, famous for its crescent-shaped beach and tranquil, still waters. Here, the focus is on leisure: swimming, sunbathing, or climbing the small hill for a panoramic view. Reviewers like Arden appreciated this stop—”the sands are beautiful and peaceful,” making it perfect for a relaxed break.

Day 2: Morning Calm and Kayak Adventures

Starting early, you’ll greet the day with a unique Vietnamese twist—a sunrise Vovinam martial arts session on the deck. It’s a chance to connect with local culture while stretching your muscles amid the stunning surroundings. Guests have described it as a “breathtaking” and “refreshing” way to start the morning.

Hang Luon Cave is a favorite kayaking spot, with reviewers praising it as “the most ideal place in Halong Bay for kayaking.” The cave’s calm waters make it accessible even for beginners, and you can paddle through the limestone formations for a close-up view of this natural wonder. The kayaking activity lasts about 2 minutes, but it’s enough to get a sense of the bay’s serenity.

Afterward, the cruise wraps up with a leisurely brunch buffet before returning to Tuan Chau Port around late morning. The entire experience offers a lovely balance of exploration and relaxation, with plenty of photo-worthy moments.

Why This Cruise Stands Out

Small Vessel, Big Difference

Most of the reviews highlight the small vessel capacity of 30 guests as a major advantage. This results in a more intimate, less rushed experience, with the crew able to cater more directly to guests’ needs. Arden notes that “the boat was stunning and the staff exceeded expectations,” emphasizing the personal service and comfort.

Included Meals and Activities

The tour promises all meals and entrance fees, removing the hassle of planning or extra costs. The set-menu lunch, BBQ dinner, and Vietnamese breakfast are all included, with many reviewers praising the quality and variety—”the food was very good without being outstanding,” says John, but others have described the dishes as delicious and satisfying. Activities like kayaking, bamboo boat rides, and cooking demonstrations add a fun, engaging layer to your trip.

Authentic and Family-Friendly

While primarily geared toward adults, the tour is described as family-friendly, with options like kids’ centers and room setups for special occasions. Reviewers mention that children under 4 can share cabins for free, making it a flexible option for families.

Viewing the Bay in Style

The private balconies in the cabins are a big hit, especially for early mornings or sunset views. Guests report that the vistas are “breathtaking” and that the ship’s design allows for panoramic viewing—perfect for photography or just soaking in the scenery.

The Not-So-Perfect Aspects

While this cruise offers many positives, it’s worth mentioning that it feels a bit rushed, especially on the first day. Arden pointed out that “the itinerary is a little quick,” and some guests might prefer more time at each stop. Also, the cost might be steep for some, especially when factoring in extra charges for transfers, drinks, and holiday surcharges.

Some reviews also mention that the boat could use some maintenance, with one reviewer describing it as old and dirty in comparison to the photos. However, most found the vessel clean and comfortable, and that the overall experience outweighed minor aesthetic issues.

Who Would Love This Experience

This cruise is ideal for travelers seeking luxury, personalized service, and active exploration in a less crowded setting. It’s perfect for honeymooners, couples, or small families wanting a memorable getaway with high-end amenities. If you prefer an itinerary that balances sightseeing with relaxation, and value good food and friendly guides, this tour ticks many boxes.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or looking for a more laid-back, unstructured experience, you might want to explore other options. Since the itinerary can be somewhat fast-paced, those who want more time to linger at each stop may find it a bit brisk.

Final Thoughts

In essence, this 2-day, 6-star cruise offers a luxurious, intimate way to see the highlights of Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay. The focus on small-group comfort, standout meals, and engaging activities makes it a compelling choice for travelers who appreciate quality and authenticity. Though it requires a fair bit of investment, the experiences—such as kayaking in Hang Luon Cave or watching the sunset from your private balcony—are truly memorable.

For couples, families, or friends looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply indulge in Vietnam’s stunning waters in style, this cruise delivers a wonderful combination of comfort, adventure, and culture.

FAQ

Is transportation from Hanoi included? No, transfers are optional and come with an extra surcharge of $25 per person for round-trip service between Hanoi and Tuan Chao Port.

How many people are on the cruise? The vessel accommodates only 30 guests, ensuring a more personalized, less crowded experience.

What meals are included? All meals—set-menu lunch, BBQ dinner, Vietnamese breakfast, and brunch buffet—are included in the price.

Are activities like kayaking and cooking demonstrations included? Yes, activities such as kayaking, bamboo boat rides, squid fishing, and cooking demos are part of the package.

What should I bring? Comfortable clothes, swimwear, sun protection, and a camera are recommended. A light jacket might be helpful for early mornings and evenings.

Is Wi-Fi available onboard? Yes, Wi-Fi is provided in the cabins, though speeds may vary.

Can I customize my experience? While the itinerary is fixed, the small vessel size allows for some flexibility, and guides are bilingual to assist with your preferences.

Are children allowed? Yes, children under 4 sharing a cabin with parents stay free, but only one child can share per cabin. Children over 10 are considered adults for pricing.

In sum, this cruise marries luxury with authentic exploration, making it an excellent choice for those who want a taste of Vietnam’s famed bay in comfort and style. Whether you’re after stunning views, engaging activities, or simply a peaceful escape, you’ll find plenty to love here.