New Doria Cruise 2 days 1night exploring Lan Ha Bay with transfer

When it comes to Vietnam’s stunning bay regions, Lan Ha Bay offers a quieter, less crowded alternative to Halong Bay, without sacrificing scenery or luxury. The New Doria Cruise launched in January 2025, promises a premium experience with modern comforts, exclusive destinations, and authentic activities. While we haven’t personally set sail, based on numerous reviews and detailed itinerary insights, it’s clear this cruise is designed for travelers seeking both comfort and adventure.

What we love about this cruise? Firstly, the fully private balconies and bathtubs in every cabin. Secondly, the carefully curated itinerary that takes you to lesser-visited spots like Dark & Bright Cave and Tra Bau Area. Thirdly, the value-packed inclusions—from kayaking to cooking classes—delivering a luxe experience without hidden costs. One potential consideration? The group size is limited to 15, which is great for intimacy but requires early booking. This cruise suits those who crave luxury nature escapes, authentic local encounters, and high-quality amenities without the crowds.

Key Points

• Luxury and Comfort: All cabins feature private balconies, bathtubs, and modern amenities.
• Exclusive Itinerary: Less crowded sites like Dark & Bright Cave offer more authentic and peaceful experiences.
• Activities Galore: Options include kayaking, bamboo boat rides, swimming, and sunbathing, catering to different preferences.
• Well-Organized Schedule: Precise timing ensures you make the most of each stop, with early mornings and ample leisure.
• Excellent Value: The price includes meals, transfers, entrance fees, and activities, making it a comprehensive package.
• Authentic Experiences: You’ll have opportunities to meet local rowers and learn about Vietnamese culture firsthand.

The Experience Breakdown: What to Expect from the New Doria Cruise

The Pickup and Transfer

The adventure begins early with a roundtrip limousine bus transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter, around 8:00 am. This is a major plus, as it removes the hassle of arranging your own transport and sets a comfortable tone for the journey. The scenic drive to Tuan Chau Harbor typically takes around 2-3 hours, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the countryside. Several reviews highlight the quality and comfort of the transportation, noting it’s a good way to start your day.

Arrival and Boarding at Tuan Chau

By midday, you check in at the dock, where the reception at dock 36 Tuan Chau is organized smoothly. From here, you’ll hop aboard the luxury Doria Cruise, a newly launched vessel with 28 modern cabins designed with safety and style in mind. Reviews mention the spacious, well-equipped rooms—many have balcony views and bathtubs, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.

Day 1: Exploring Lan Ha Bay

The first highlight is the H Long Bay stop, where the cruise departs around noon. Expect approximately four hours cruising through scenic waters, with breathtaking views that are often compared to Halong Bay but with fewer travelers. At around 12:30 pm, the cruise sets sail, and you’re free to enjoy the scenery from the deck or take photos of the dramatic limestone formations.

The lunch buffet served onboard is frequently praised as decent to excellent, with fresh seafood and local flavors. After lunch, the cruise anchors in Lan Ha Bay, giving you a chance to relax and choose from several activities:

• Swimming from the cruise — a favorite among reviewers, who mention the water is clear and refreshing.
• Kayaking — a highlight for those wanting an immersive experience. The tender boat takes you to kayaking spots where you can glide through calm waters surrounded by stunning karst formations.
• Sunbathing or using the Jacuzzi — located on the third deck’s prow, many guests indulge in sunbathing or relaxing in the Jacuzzi while sipping drinks and enjoying panoramic views.

An important note from reviews: timing is key for kayaking, as there’s only one tender boat, and promptness ensures you don’t miss out. Towel and life jackets are provided, making these activities accessible and safe.

Evening Activities and Leisure

By late afternoon, you have a choice to continue relaxing or take part in a cooking class onboard, which is a delightful way to connect with Vietnamese culinary traditions. The cruise staff, especially the attentive guides, are noted for their friendliness and dedication—one reviewer mentioned a staff member named “My” who was particularly helpful.

Dinner is served in a cozy dining area with a menu that blends local ingredients with international flair. Guests often comment on the quality of the meals, describing them as satisfying and flavorful.

Day 2: Early Morning and Cave Visits

The second day begins with a sunrise Tai Chi session on the deck—a peaceful, energizing start that many reviewers found memorable. After breakfast, the boat heads toward Dark & Bright Cave, where you’ll board a tender to explore the caves with local rowers. The experience of being rowed through narrow passages surrounded by towering limestone is often described as serene and captivating.

Timing is again crucial; if the tide is low, some caves might be inaccessible, which is a common concern in reviews. The cruise staff advise arriving on time for the cave visit to avoid missing this highlight.

Post-cave exploration, you have about an hour for breakfast or additional leisure. You’ll then start packing up and preparing to disembark. The return trip to Tuan Chau Harbor takes around 4 hours, followed by the limousine transfer back to Hanoi, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening.

What Makes the New Doria Cruise Stand Out?

The Quality of Accommodation

All cabins include private balconies and bathtubs, ensuring luxurious comfort after long days exploring. Reviewers describe the rooms as spacious and modern, with many noting the breathtaking views from their private decks. One guest even mentioned being upgraded to a superior room with a Jacuzzi, which added a special touch to their experience.

The Focus on Authenticity and Less Crowded Spots

Unlike some more popular cruises, this itinerary focuses on less-visited destinations like Tra Bau Area and Dark & Bright Cave. These sites offer tranquility and untouched scenery, allowing you to enjoy nature without the usual crowds.

Diverse Activities for Every Taste

From swimming and kayaking to sunbathing and even a cooking class, there’s something for all. Guests appreciate the timed activities that maximize their experience, with reviews praising the smooth organization and attentive staff.

The Food and Service

The meals are consistently praised as delicious and generous. Expect seafood, eggs, salads, and local specialties, often served buffet-style for convenience. Plus, the staff is highlighted repeatedly for their friendly, helpful attitude, from the guides to the onboard crew.

Value for Money

At roughly $213.85 per person, the package includes all meals, activities, entrance fees, transfers, and a luxury cabin. Considering the quality, this offers good value, especially when you factor in the personalized touches and authentic experiences.

Considerations Before Booking

While this cruise has many strengths, one point to keep in mind is the group size of up to 15 travelers. This smaller group enhances intimacy but requires travelers to book early to secure a spot. Plus, reviews mention some room for improvement in pre-cruise communication; ensuring you have all necessary details and documents in advance will help smooth the process.

On top of that, the timed activities like kayaking and cave visits mean punctuality is essential. If you’re someone who likes a relaxed schedule or unpredictable surprises, this might feel a bit structured.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This cruise is perfect for travelers who seek luxury combined with authentic adventure. If you love beautiful scenery, local interactions, and a well-organized itinerary, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. It’s especially suitable for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a romantic, intimate escape with top-notch amenities.

It’s also great for those who prioritize quality meals and comfortable, private cabins. If you enjoy active days—swimming, kayaking, or exploring caves—and appreciate a smooth, hassle-free transfer, this tour ticks those boxes.

The Sum Up

The New Doria Cruise offers a luxurious, well-organized way to experience Lan Ha Bay. Its focus on privacy, authentic sites, and diverse activities makes it stand out among many options. The thoughtfully designed itinerary ensures you see less crowded but equally stunning locations, making your trip both peaceful and memorable.

Travelers who value high-quality accommodations, friendly service, and authentic experiences will find ample satisfaction here. The inclusive nature of the package, covering meals, transfers, and activities, makes it a worthwhile investment for a short but impactful getaway.

While it might not suit travelers looking for a more relaxed, unstructured trip, for those eager to enjoy natural beauty with a touch of luxury, the New Doria Cruise is a compelling choice.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The $213.85 per person fee covers meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), roundtrip shuttle bus transfers between Hanoi and Tuan Chau, entrance fees, taxes and service charges, luxury accommodation, and activities like kayaking, bamboo boat rides, and cooking classes.

How long is the transfer from Hanoi?
The roundtrip limousine bus takes approximately 2-3 hours each way, providing a comfortable start and end to your day.

Are the cabins private?
Yes, each cabin comes with a private balcony and bathtub, allowing for a private, relaxing space with stunning views.

What activities can I expect?
Activities include cruising through scenic sites, swimming, kayaking, bamboo boat rides, sunbathing, and participating in cooking classes onboard.

Is the itinerary flexible?
The schedule is well-organized with specific times for activities. For example, cave visits are limited by tide conditions, and punctuality is recommended to enjoy all planned experiences.

Can I customize my experience?
The tour is designed as a set package, but guests can choose to participate in or skip certain activities like kayaking or cave visits based on their preferences.

What is the group size?
The experience is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, promoting intimacy and personalized service.

What should I bring?
Bring essentials such as passport copies (for ticketing and check-in), swimwear, sun protection, and comfortable clothing suitable for activities.

In essence, the New Doria Cruise combines luxury, authentic scenic spots, and attentive service to offer a memorable 2-day getaway in Lan Ha Bay. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a quieter, more refined adventure with plenty of opportunities to relax and connect with Vietnam’s natural beauty.