2-Day: Halong Lan Ha Bay 5 Stars Cruises w/Balcony & Bathtub

Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands are best seen from the water, and this cruise takes you beyond the better-known bay into Lan Ha Bay for a night at anchor. I like the mix of scenic sailing and hands-on time, especially kayaking near Dark and Bright Cave or among the smaller islands.

I also like the private ensuite cabin, included meals, and the chance to watch sunset from the deck before the bay quiets down for the night. One thing to weigh: the trip is billed as two days, but the ship portion runs from around noon on Day 1 to about 11:30 the next morning, and boats can gather in the same bay.

Key points to know

• Two bays, one short cruise: The route combines Ha Long Bay with Lan Ha Bay, though the exact stops can change.
• Choose among water and cave activities: Depending on the cruise and itinerary, you may kayak, swim, take a bamboo boat, or visit a cave.
• Cabin comfort is part of the appeal: The package includes an air-conditioned junior suite with an ensuite bathroom. Balcony and bathtub features are highlighted in the cruise name.
• A sunset pause and early start: Expect a sunset gathering onboard, then Tai Chi and a light breakfast the next morning.
• The schedule is compact: Check-out is at 9:30, followed by brunch and a return to port around 11:30.
• Budget for the ride from Hanoi: The round-trip transfer is listed at $25 per person and is not included in the $161 cruise price.

Boarding at Tuan Chau and sailing into the bays

The day starts either with a pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, scheduled between 8:00 and 8:30, or with your own arrival at Tuan Chau Wharf. The cruise package lists the transfer as an extra $25 per person round trip, so confirm the pickup arrangement and total cost before you book. You can also ask about a limousine transfer from Ninh Binh.

At the wharf, you board a smaller transfer boat to reach the main ship. After a welcome drink and a warm or cold towel, the crew gives a safety briefing and shows you around. This short handover matters: you’ll be spending the night onboard, so it’s a good time to learn where the dining room, deck, and other shared spaces are.

The ship combines modern comforts with traditional design. Your included accommodation is an air-conditioned junior suite with an ensuite bathroom and two bottles of water. The cruise name advertises a balcony and bathtub, and cabin comfort is a major part of its appeal. Still, check the cabin category and exact features at booking rather than assuming every suite has the same layout.

Once the ship sets off, lunch is served in the onboard restaurant as the boat moves through the waterways toward the bays. Meals are included, along with an English-speaking guide. Fresh flowers around the ship and a sunset-bar tea break add small touches to a trip that is meant to feel more comfortable than a simple boat transfer.

Choosing a cave, beach, or kayak stop

The first afternoon includes one of two possible activity plans. One option is Dark and Bright Cave, explored by kayak or bamboo boat, followed by a chance to swim near the main cruise ship. The other heads to Ba Trai Dao, a Lan Ha Bay area known for its small islets and natural lagoon, where you can kayak, swim, or stay aboard and take in the views.

These are different sorts of outings. A kayak gives you a more active way to move among the limestone formations, while a bamboo boat offers a ride without paddling. Ba Trai Dao adds a beach setting when conditions and the itinerary allow. The tour description says activities are optional, so you can take a break if you’d rather enjoy the ship.

Ask Blue Asia Tours about the route you prefer before departure. The operator runs three cruises, and the itinerary can vary. The company invites you to request Dark and Bright Cave in advance, but it may arrange what it considers the best route instead. Weather and tide conditions can also prompt last-minute changes, so keep some flexibility.

Don’t plan your day around a long, strenuous excursion. The cave outing is described as about an hour, and the schedule balances time ashore with sailing and shipboard activities. Several people who enjoyed the trip wished the activities, particularly on Day 2, lasted longer. If you want hours of paddling or an extensive island visit, this compact cruise may feel light on active time.

Sunset, dinner, and a night at anchor

After the afternoon outing, the ship returns to the bay in time for sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. You can relax on deck, use the onboard swimming pool, join the sunset party, or take part in a traditional cooking class. Massage and spa treatments are available for an additional charge.

The sunset is a natural pause in the program, not just a photo stop. It gives you time to slow down after the day’s transfer and activity, and to watch the light shift across the water. A tea break at the sunset bar is included; drinks beyond what is specified should be treated as an extra cost.

After dark, the captain anchors in a quiet section of the bay, and dinner is served onboard. The remaining evening is yours: the listed options include squid fishing, a movie, music, or drinks at the bar. You’re not expected to join every activity, which makes this a good fit if your ideal cruise includes both a little structure and unhurried time.

The word quiet needs a practical qualifier. The ship may anchor in a tranquil area, but the bay is not guaranteed to be empty. On busy days, you may see many other boats nearby. If solitude is your top priority, the timing of your trip and the exact anchoring spot will matter, and neither is promised.

A cabin, meals, and what the price covers

At $161 per person, the base price includes an ensuite cabin, all meals, entrance and sightseeing fees, an English-speaking guide, and the activities outlined for the trip. Kayaking, swimming, cooking, and night squid fishing are listed among the included activities. That combination makes the price more useful to assess as an overnight package than as a simple boat ticket.

The cabin is a real part of the value. People have described the rooms as clean, modern, spacious, and close to the pictures, with some especially appreciating the balcony and bathtub. But comfort is personal: one person found the bed very hard, and another noted that bathwater was only lukewarm. A bathtub is a pleasant extra, not a reason to expect a spa-grade soak.

Food is another strong point. The package covers meals, and onboard dining has drawn praise for quality and variety, including seafood and local dishes. If you have food allergies, tell the operator ahead of time. The cruise team has accommodated dietary needs, but it is sensible to make the request before you board rather than at the table.

Drinks deserve a separate budget. A bottle of wine is included only for the President Suite, not the standard junior suite. Bar prices have been described as expensive, so check what you want to buy onboard and bring only what the cruise rules allow. The information provided does not specify a personal alcohol policy, so ask the operator if that is important to you.

There is a $10-per-person peak-season surcharge from October 1 to April 30. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve carry a separate $40-per-person gala dinner surcharge. Massage and spa services, visa arrangements, and services not clearly listed as included are extra.

Tai Chi, a final outing, and the return to port

If you’re willing to set an alarm, Day 2 begins with Tai Chi on deck as the sun comes up. A light breakfast follows in the restaurant. This is a brief, gentle start rather than a full morning activity, and it makes good use of the quiet hours before the boat heads back.

The final outing varies. One option takes you toward Ao Ech or Tra Bau in Lan Ha Bay for kayaking among limestone islets and a swim in clear water. Another visits Quan Y Cave on Cat Ba Island, described as a former military hospital. The cave option adds a point of historical interest, while the bay option keeps you outdoors and close to the water.

At 9:30, you return to the ship and check out of your cabin. Brunch is served from around 9:30 to 9:45 while the boat sails toward the pier. You then transfer to a tender boat and arrive at Tuan Chau Wharf at about 11:30. From there, you can make your own way to Hanoi or use a transfer service.

That timing is the main trade-off in calling this a two-day cruise. You get an overnight stay and two calendar days of activities, but the actual shipboard experience is roughly 24 hours. Your second morning is short, so don’t expect a leisurely late checkout or a full extra day on the water.

Service, special occasions, and practical limits

Service is a recurring strength of this cruise. Blue Asia Tours coordinator Lucas is frequently named for clear communication and help arranging transport and trip details. Onboard names also include guide Henry, guide Lee, and waiter James. Staff members are described as attentive and approachable, though the crew you meet will depend on the departure.

The operator offers free cabin decoration for honeymoons and anniversaries, and a birthday cake for someone celebrating a birthday onboard. These extras can make a short trip feel personal, but tell Blue Asia Tours in advance so the request can be arranged. A President Suite includes a bottle of wine; that benefit does not apply to every cabin.

Pack a hat, camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. You’ll want clothes that work for time on deck and for getting in and out of the water if you choose to swim or kayak. The activity is not suitable for pregnant people, people with back problems, or those prone to seasickness. If you are unsure how the boat trip may affect you, consider that before booking.

The cruise has a 4.7 rating from 422 reviews, and the most consistent praise concerns the cabins, food, helpful staff, organization, and kayaking. The main reservations are practical: other boats may be in view, activities can feel brief, the second day is short, and some guests have found the bed uncomfortable. Those details don’t cancel out the appeal, but they help set a fair expectation.

Should you book this Lan Ha Bay cruise?

I’d consider this cruise if you want an overnight stay with a comfortable cabin, included meals, attentive service, and a taste of both Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay without planning every detail yourself. It suits couples marking a special occasion, first-time visitors who want a guided introduction, and anyone who likes the idea of kayaking or swimming but also wants time to relax onboard.

I’d look elsewhere if you want a long, activity-heavy itinerary, guaranteed solitude, or a full second day at sea. Before paying, confirm the cabin category, transfer arrangement, preferred cave or bay itinerary, and any dietary needs. At $161 per person, the package offers solid value when you use the included meals and activities, but the extra transfer, seasonal surcharge, and onboard drinks can raise the total.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

It is sold as a two-day trip, but the main cruise runs from around noon on Day 1 until about 11:30 the next morning. Cabin check-out is at 9:30 on Day 2.

Is transport from Hanoi included?

No. Round-trip transport between Hanoi and Ha Long Bay is listed at $25 per person. You can also meet the skipper at Tuan Chau Wharf or ask about a limousine bus transfer from Ninh Binh.

Which bays does the cruise visit?

The journey combines Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. The exact activity stops can vary by cruise, weather, and tide conditions.

What activities are included?

The listed activities include swimming, kayaking, a cooking class, and night squid fishing, with the specific itinerary depending on the cruise. The first afternoon may include Dark and Bright Cave by kayak or bamboo boat, or a visit to Ba Trai Dao.

Are meals included?

Yes. All meals are included. The schedule mentions lunch on Day 1, dinner, a light breakfast, and brunch on Day 2.

Is a balcony and bathtub guaranteed?

The cruise name highlights a balcony and bathtub, while the included cabin is described as an air-conditioned junior suite with an ensuite bathroom. Confirm the exact cabin features and category with the operator before booking.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The itinerary may change at short notice because of weather or tide conditions. There are three cruises, and you can contact Blue Asia Tours with requests, such as visiting Dark and Bright Cave.

Who should not take this cruise?

The activity is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, and people prone to seasickness.