Amanda Cruise – Luxury Unique Halong Bay Cruise (2D1N Tour)

Travelers craving a taste of Vietnam’s iconic limestone karsts and emerald waters will find plenty to love about the Amanda Cruise’s 2-day, 1-night luxury trip through Halong Bay. This well-reviewed tour offers a blend of sightseeing, active pursuits, and relaxing moments, all wrapped up in a comfortable, guided package that takes the hassle out of planning.

Three things stand out immediately: the all-inclusive approach (meals, activities, and accommodation), the stunning scenery combined with water-based adventures, and the professional, friendly staff. That said, one consideration to keep in mind is that the transfer service is an optional add-on, meaning if you’re not taking their transfer, you’ll need to coordinate your own arrival. This tour suits travelers who value comfort, convenience, and authentic scenic beauty without the surprise costs.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience simplifies logistics with meals, activities, and accommodation covered.
• Comfortable cabins and onboard amenities make the stay relaxing and cozy.
• Variety of activities, including kayaking, Tai Chi, and cave exploration, keep the experience engaging.
• Professional guides and crew enhance the trip with helpful insights and friendly service.
• Stunning scenery and photo opportunities are plentiful, especially during sunset and cave visits.
• Good value for the price considering the included transfers, meals, and activities.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: From Hanoi to Halong Bay

The journey begins with a convenient pickup service from Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Hanoi Opera House (though the transfer is an add-on, so check your booking). The drive takes about three hours, with a short break along the way, making it a manageable trip for most travelers. This early start means you’ll arrive in time for the midday check-in at Tuan Chau Port, where you’ll be welcomed aboard the Amanda Cruise.

Once on the boat, there’s a warm reception with a refreshing drink and cool towel, setting a relaxing tone. The cruise departs from Tuan Chau Marina, offering a chance to settle into your deluxe seaview cabin with windows overlooking the bay—definitely a highlight for those wanting to enjoy the scenery from the comfort of their room.

Water Activities and Cave Exploration

By mid-afternoon, the boat takes you to Trinh Nu Cave via tender, where kayaking is on the schedule. Reviewers consistently mention the kayaking experience as a favorite, especially paddling around limestone formations and walking through Trinh Nu Cave to a secluded beach. One guest noted, “Kayaking around the limestone formations was a highlight,” while others appreciated the white sand and emerald waters at Trinh Nu beach, which truly feel like paradise.

The Sunset Party and Cooking Class follow, offering a fun, interactive way to wind down while cruising. The crew’s friendly and helpful attitude was praised by guests, with one reviewer mentioning the entertaining guides Dan and Hanna, who added a lively touch to the evening.

Day 2: Exploring the Highlights of Halong Bay

Starting early with a Tai Chi class on the sun deck, the mornings are peaceful and invigorating. After a light breakfast, the tour heads to Sung Sot Cave, celebrated as one of the most impressive in the bay. Guests often describe the cave as large and breathtaking, with many capturing stunning photos inside.

Post-cave exploration, you’re free to relax on the boat, sunbathe on the deck, or shop for souvenirs. The crew offers a herbal foot bath, which many reviewers found to be a nice touch after a busy morning.

The day wraps up with an early buffet lunch before returning to Tuan Chau Marina around 11 am. Some guests, especially those who booked without the transfer, appreciated the straightforward end to their trip, while others noted the convenience of the included transfer back to Hanoi.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Convenience and Comfort

The all-inclusive package means you won’t be left scrambling for extra cash on the boat. Meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are prepared onboard, featuring fresh ingredients and local flavors. The deluxe cabins are well-maintained, with windows offering scenic views, and come with bottled water, which helps keep hydration levels high during the day.

Engaging Activities

Guests rave about the kayaking and cave visits, which add an active dimension to the trip. The cultural element, like the cooking class, also brings a fun, hands-on experience that makes the trip more memorable.

Natural Beauty and Photo Opportunities

From limestone formations to secluded beaches, the scenery is undeniably stunning. The sunset party on deck offers the perfect backdrop for photos, capturing the vibrant colors of the sky as the cruise moves gently through the bay.

Knowledgeable Guides and Friendly Staff

Multiple reviews mention the guides and crew by name, highlighting their helpfulness and enthusiasm. Guests particularly appreciated the informative commentary during cave visits and the entertaining guides who created a lively atmosphere.

Value for Money

At $195 per person, considering the included transfers, accommodation, all meals, and activities, this tour provides solid value. Booking a group tour helps keep costs down, and reviews suggest that it’s an efficient way to experience Halong Bay without additional expenses or stress.

Practical Details and Tips

Timing matters—the tour departs around 11:30 am from Tuan Chau Marina, so plan your arrival accordingly. If you’re not using the transfer service included, ensure you arrive at the port before the boat departs at noon. The cruise ends around 11 am the next day, with an optional transfer back to Hanoi.

The group size is capped at 50 travelers, which strikes a balance between social atmosphere and intimacy. The experience is suitable for most travelers, including those who enjoy active pursuits like kayaking, as well as those simply looking to relax and soak in glorious views.

The price includes all meals, activities, and entrance fees for attractions like Sung Sot Cave, but extras like beverages (besides water), spa services, or personal expenses aren’t included. The optional transfer from Hanoi is an additional USD 30 per person roundtrip, which many guests found to be worth the extra cost for peace of mind.

Authentic Experiences from Guests

One reviewer shared, “The crew was very friendly and helpful, making the experience even better,” highlighting the importance of good service. Another guest appreciated the “delicious food” and the unique dinner on the upper deck, describing it as a highlight of the trip. The kayaking experience was also mentioned as “a must-do,” with many noting how close and personal it made them feel with the bay’s stunning limestone formations.

Guests also appreciate the professionalism of guides who manage the logistics smoothly, making the entire trip hassle-free. The combination of stunning scenery, engaging activities, and attentive staff seems to be what makes this cruise a memorable choice.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This luxury cruise is perfect for travelers seeking a comfort-focused experience with plenty of activities and scenic highlights. If you enjoy water sports, cave exploration, and good food in a well-organized setting, this trip will satisfy. It also suits those who prefer a group setting with the advantage of all-inclusive pricing.

However, if you prefer a more independent or budget-focused journey, you might want to compare options with different transfer arrangements or smaller boats. Also, travelers who dislike early mornings might find the sunrise Tai Chi a bit too early, but most reviews suggest it’s a peaceful way to start the day.

The Sum Up

The Amanda Cruise 2D1N tour presents a well-rounded, comfortable way to explore the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay. Its all-inclusive approach removes much of the logistical stress, allowing you to focus on enjoying the stunning views, water activities, and delicious food. The combination of professional staff, engaging excursions, and scenic beauty makes it a fantastic choice for most travelers—especially those who value both comfort and adventure.

This tour is ideal if you want a relaxed but active experience with plenty of opportunities to take memorable photos and connect with nature. Its affordability, given the inclusions, makes it a smart pick for anyone looking to enjoy Halong Bay without the hassle of organizing every detail themselves.

FAQs

Is transportation from Hanoi included?
Transportation is optional and can be booked as an add-on for USD 30 per person roundtrip. If not booked, you’ll need to arrange your own transfer to Tuan Chau Marina.

How early do I need to arrive for the cruise?
For guests who booked the transfer, pickup is between 8:00 am and 8:30 am. If you’re going independently, arrive at Tuan Chau Port before 11:30 am to board in time.

What’s included in the price?
Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), activities like kayaking and cave visits, entrance fees, and accommodation are included. Beverages other than bottled water and personal expenses are extra.

Can I participate if I don’t kayak or climb caves?
Yes, there are flexible options—guests can relax onboard, view scenery, or shop, and optional activities are available for those interested.

What’s the best time to go?
While the tour runs year-round, guests have visited in December and reported great weather. The cooler months are ideal for comfort, but check local weather patterns if planning outside peak seasons.

Is this tour suitable for families or solo travelers?
Absolutely. The group size is capped at 50, creating a friendly atmosphere, and the activities are suitable for most ages and fitness levels.

This Amanda Cruise offers a balanced, memorable way to experience Halong Bay, blending scenic beauty with comfort and fun. Whether you’re after scenic photography, water activities, or simply relaxing on deck, you’ll find plenty to love on this well-reviewed, value-packed adventure.