Lan Ha Bay Cruises

Often overshadowed by Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is a hidden gem that offers equally stunning scenery. Cruising in Lan Ha provides a more authentic and less touristy atmosphere compared to its famous neighbor.

 

Besides, since new cruises are no longer permitted to operate in Halong Bay, most operators now choose Lan Ha Bay to launch their new boats. As a result, Lan Ha cruises tend to be newer, more modern, and equipped with better amenities. Most cabins on these cruises have private balconies.

Thanks to a lower entrance fee, Lan Ha Bay cruises also offer better pricing compared to similar-quality boats in Halong Bay—making it a great option if you're looking to save money without compromising on experience.

 

Lan Ha Bay Cruise prices vary based on factors like facilities, travel time, and cruise duration. They can be grouped into 3 price categories:

Luxury
Starting from $150 USD per person per night, luxury cruises feature modern designs, private balconies, en-suite bathrooms, and extra amenities like panoramic pools, spas, golf courses, or movie theaters.
Recommended options: Grand Pioneers Cruise (one of the top 5-star yachts) and Scarlet Pearl Cruises (renowned for 5-star service and boutique style).

Mid-Range
For a comfortable yet budget-friendly experience, choose a mid-range cruise priced between $130–$150 USD per person per night. These cruises may be smaller but still offer spacious rooms with balconies, full amenities, and quality dining.

Recommended options: Dragon Bay Premium Cruise, Le Journey Elegance Cruise. 

Budget
Budget cruises are under $130 USD per person and offer essential amenities for a pleasant trip. Consider Le Journey Luxury Cruise or Calypso Cruise.

Dark and Bright Caves
This dual-cave system can only be accessed by kayak due to its narrow entrances and shallow water. Kayaking allows you to explore every corner and fully appreciate the natural beauty within.
Tra Bau Area
Located in the heart of Lan Ha Bay, Tra Bau is a floating village hidden behind towering stone islets. It's a perfect calm waters for kayaking or taking a bamboo boat to discover hidden lagoons and caves.
Cat Ba Island
The largest island in the bay, Cat Ba offers a chance to explore Vietnam’s biodiversity, with over 3,000 species of terrestrial and marine flora and fauna, many of which are protected in the island’s national park.
Viet Hai Village
On the second day of many cruises, you’ll visit Viet Hai Village, where you can meet locals and hear fascinating stories about their culture and way of life. The village offer various activities, including: sightseeing by electric car, biking, fish massage, etc.

Lan Ha Bay cruises offer a wide variety of activities both onboard and in the bay’s emerald waters.
Onboard, most cruises host cooking classes where you can learn to make Vietnamese dishes and enjoy your creations. Some cruises also feature fashion shows during dinner. For fitness lovers, don’t miss early morning Tai Chi or Vovinam (Vietnamese martial arts) sessions at sunrise.

Water activities are a must-do. You can swim, kayak, leap from the cruise deck, or take a sampan boat ride through the limestone karsts.

Lan Ha Bay cruises offer two itinerary options: 2 days 1 night or 3 days 2 nights.

2 Days 1 Night

If you're on a tight schedule, the 2-day 1-night Lan Ha Bay cruise is a great choice. You'll spend 24 hours onboard, with check-in around noon on the first day and check-out at 11:00 am on the second day.

Day 1
From 12:00 to 12:30, check in at Tuan Chau Marina. The cruise departs around 13:15 and sails to Lan Ha Bay. During this time, you can enjoy a buffet lunch while admiring the stunning landscape.
After nearly two hours of sailing, the cruise will anchor in the Tra Bau area. You'll then have time to swim, kayak, or simply enjoy onboard facilities like the spa, gym, or sky bar.

Around 17:00 is typically "Golden Hour," when you can enjoy a special cocktail from the sky bar and relax. Dinner is served at 19:00, followed by optional evening activities onboard.

Day 2
Start your day at 6:30 am with a Tai Chi session on the deck. A buffet breakfast is served at 7:30 am.

After breakfast, most cruises visit the Dark and Bright Caves, where you’ll have an hour to explore by kayak. After returning to the cruise, check out, settle your bill, and enjoy an early lunch before heading back to the marina at 11:00.

3 Days 2 Nights

A 3-day, 2-night Lan Ha Bay cruise offers more time to explore the core of the bay, including destinations like Cat Ba Island. You’ll also enjoy additional activities like biking, hiking, or visiting secluded beaches.

Day 1
The itinerary begins at noon with check-in at Tuan Chau Marina. The cruise departs at 13:15, heading to Lan Ha Bay as you enjoy lunch onboard.

At 15:00, the cruise anchors in calm waters where you can swim, kayak, or relax in the jacuzzi. After about 90 minutes, return to the cruise for “Golden Hour” cocktails. Dinner is served at 19:00, followed by onboard activities and an overnight stay.

Day 2
Start your day early with a Tai Chi session at 5:30 am, followed by a light breakfast at 6:30 am.

From 8:30 to 8:45, disembark for a day boat trip to Cat Ba Island.

At 10:00, you'll arrive at Viet Hai Village for a 5-kilometer bike tour to explore the island’s natural beauty. The locals are friendly and happy to share stories about their lives. If you prefer, you can opt for an electric car instead of biking.

Return to the day cruise for a buffet lunch, then head to Ba Trai Dao Beach for swimming.

At 16:30, return to the main cruise and join a cooking class on the sundeck, where a chef will teach you to make traditional Vietnamese dishes like spring rolls. Dinner is served at 19:00, and the night is yours to enjoy.

Day 3
On your final day, explore the hidden beauty of the Dark and Bright Caves by kayak, after Tai Chi and breakfast between 5:30 and 6:30 am.

At 8:30, return to the cruise, check out, enjoy brunch, and head back to Tuan Chau Marina, ending the tour at 11:00.