Hanoi: 2-Day Lan Ha, Ha Long Bay 5-star Cruise, Meals, Cabin

Imagine cruising through limestone karsts, discovering hidden lagoons, and enjoying gourmet seafood—all in a luxurious setting. That’s what this 2-day, 5-star cruise around Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays promises. We haven’t personally taken this exact trip, but we’ve compiled all the details, reviews, and insider info to help you decide if it’s the right adventure for you.

What draws us in? The promise of exploring less crowded areas, the chance to indulge in high-quality meals, and the comfort of a well-appointed luxury cabin. Plus, the variety of activities like kayaking, cave visits, and swimming ensures you’re actively engaging with nature.

One potential consideration? The itinerary might shift slightly due to weather or tides, which could affect some activities or schedules. Still, flexibility is part of the adventure, and the overall experience seems designed for those seeking a mix of relaxation and exploration.

This cruise is ideal for travelers who value comfort, authentic natural encounters, and gourmet dining—all wrapped into a compact two-day escape. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to see a stunning part of Vietnam in style, this trip has a lot to offer.

Key Points

• Authentic, less touristy experience: Explore Lan Ha Bay’s quieter, pristine areas.
• Luxury at sea: Enjoy a well-equipped, 5-star cruise with beautiful cabins and amenities like a jacuzzi.
• Active and relaxed options: Kayaking, swimming, cave visits, and sunset lounging provide a good balance.
• Gourmet food: Expect diverse seafood and fusion dishes that elevate the experience.
• Knowledgeable guides: Tour guides provide insightful information, making the journey more meaningful.
• Flexible itinerary: Activities may vary based on weather, with options like cave exploration and beach swimming.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

Getting There and Starting Your Journey

The trip kicks off with a convenient pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, either via a limousine bus or private transfer, depending on your preference. The early morning departure (around 7-8:30 am) means you’ll leave behind the city buzz for the scenic ride to Tuan Chau Harbor. The smooth transfer and short stop ensure a relaxed start.

First Impressions and Check-in

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink and a quick cruise briefing—an opportunity to get a feel for what’s ahead. Then, a speedboat whisks you to your luxurious cruise vessel, setting the tone for a comfortable, high-end experience.

Day 1: Exploring the Bay and Activities

After checking into your elegant cabin, the first meal onboard is a buffet lunch that features a variety of seafood and fusion dishes. From here, your afternoon options are abundant:

Option 1: Paddle through the Dark and Bright Cave in Lan Ha Bay. The caves are natural marvels, with kayaking allowing you to get close to limestone formations and tranquil lagoons. Reviewers mention how peaceful and scenic this route is—”passing through caves and seeing calm lagoons where monkeys live” as one traveler described.

Option 2: Head to Ba Trai Dao Beach—a picture-perfect stretch of crystal-clear waters and soft sands where you can swim or relax. The analogy of three giant peaches on the water captures how inviting the islets look, and reviews confirm the water clarity makes swimming a highlight.

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Sunset and Evening Entertainment

As the sun dips, the cruise returns to the main vessel, where you can unwind in the jacuzzi, sip cocktails from the panoramic bar, or participate in a Vietnamese spring roll cooking class. The atmosphere is relaxed, with options for night squid fishing, watching a movie, or listening to music.

Reviewers highlight the romantic dinners as a standout feature. One guest noted the dinner was “chic,” though some mention the evening meal could be better, which suggests expectations for fine dining are high but generally satisfied.

Day 2: Sunrise, Water Activities, and Cave Visits

Waking early for Tai Chi on the sun deck offers a peaceful start, especially with the chance to see the sunrise over the bay. After a light breakfast, your options continue:

Option 1: Kayak and swim in the Ao Ech area, renowned for limestone islets and clear waters—perfect for a quick refresh.

Option 2: Visit Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island, which some reviews refer to as the “Hospital Cave.” It offers an interesting stop with some historical intrigue, adding depth to your natural exploration.

Wrapping Up and Return Journey

Check-out is around 9:30 am, and a brunch onboard gets you ready for the return cruise back to Tuan Chau Port. Your transfer back to Hanoi or Ninh Binh can be arranged, completing a full, satisfying two-day escape.

Value and Comfort

At $168 per person, this cruise provides excellent value considering the luxury accommodations, multiple activities, and gourmet meals included. The reviews emphasize the high standard of the boat and food, with some travelers mentioning the room views and friendly, knowledgeable guides as particular highlights.

The all-inclusive feel—meals, activities, and transfers—means you won’t need to worry about hidden costs or logistics during your trip. Plus, the option for free cancellation up to 24 hours offers peace of mind, especially if your plans are not yet set in stone.

Practical Tips

• Pack swimwear, sunglasses, comfy clothes, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
• Bring cash for small expenses or tips—you might find some vendors or guides appreciate it.
• Remember that activities may shift depending on weather or tides, so flexibility is key.
• For those sensitive to weather fluctuations, be aware that some activities like cave exploration or beach swimming could be affected.

Authentic Experiences and Guest Insights

Travelers consistently praise the professionalism of guides and staff, noting how knowledgeable and friendly they are. One review mentions “the team, the boat, the organization—all great” which hints at a smoothly run operation.

Food is another recurring highlight—“delicious seafood fusion creations,” and “plentiful buffet lunches” are common themes. Some guests suggest that more info about activities beforehand could improve the experience, indicating that clear guidance about what to wear or expect is helpful.

The quiet, scenic lagoons and peaceful caves are what truly set this cruise apart, especially in Lan Ha Bay’s less touristy environment. The large bay window in cabins and jacuzzi are features that help travelers relax in comfort after active days.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for luxury travelers who want to combine comfort with authentic nature experiences. It suits adventurers eager to kayak, swim, or explore caves, with the bonus of gourmet seafood meals and beautiful views at every turn.

It’s also a great choice for romantic getaways or special celebrations like honeymoons or anniversaries, especially with the free honeymoon/anniversary cabin setup and complimentary birthday cakes.

Travelers who prefer a smaller, human-scale boat with a more intimate atmosphere** will find this cruise appealing, as many reviews mention the “human scale” of the vessel as a plus.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get picked up for the tour?
You can request pickup from your hotel or place in Hanoi Old Quarter. The transfer is included, but there’s an extra fee if you opt for a private transfer.

What is the duration of the trip?
The cruise lasts for 2 days, with departure typically early in the morning and returning in the afternoon of the second day.

Are activities suitable for children?
The tour mentions children are counted by year of birth, so it’s suitable for families, but it’s best to check specific activity suitability if traveling with young kids.

What should I bring?
Bring passport or ID, sunglasses, swimwear, camera, comfortable clothes, and some cash. Plastic bottles are not allowed onboard.

Is there a dress code?
Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended. For the dinner and evening activities, smart casual is fine, but no formal dress is required.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

What are the meal options?
Expect delicious seafood fusion dishes served at lunch, dinner, and during the cooking demonstration, all included in the cruise price.

What if the weather is bad?
Activities may shift or be canceled depending on weather conditions. Guides will inform you of any changes, but the overall experience remains rewarding.

What’s the best part of this tour?
Most reviews highlight the stunning scenery, knowledgeable guides, and delicious food as standout features that make this trip memorable.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day, 5-star cruise offers an impressive balance of luxury, adventure, and natural beauty. It leads you through some of Vietnam’s most striking landscapes without the overwhelming crowds often found in more popular spots. The inclusion of gourmet meals, comfortably appointed cabins, and active options makes it a well-rounded choice for a short escape.

If you’re the type of traveler who appreciates relaxed, high-quality experiences with opportunities to be active, this cruise fits the bill perfectly. It’s especially suited for those celebrating a special occasion or seeking a memorable, scenic getaway with top-notch service.

For anyone wanting to see the beauty of Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays in style—without sacrificing comfort or authentic encounters—this trip is a fantastic pick. The positive reviews reflect a well-organized, genuinely enjoyable experience that delivers on its promise of natural wonders and luxury.

You can check availability for your dates here: