Top 5 Day Cruises in Lan Ha Bay

Nestled adjacent to the world-famous Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay offers a more serene and intimate experience for travelers. While Halong Bay often steals the spotlight, Lan Ha Bay’s quieter waters and lesser-known status make it the perfect destination for those seeking authentic experiences and more relaxing journey. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 5 day cruises in Lan Ha Bay.

Why Lan Ha Bay

Before diving into our top cruise selections, it’s essential to understand what makes Lan Ha Bay special. Unlike its busier neighbor, this bay features over 300 limestone islands and islets, surrounded by emerald waters and blessed with numerous secluded beaches. The bay’s relative obscurity means fewer tourist boats, creating a more peaceful atmosphere perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Now you can visit Lan Ha Bay for both overnight and day cruise. In the past, the visit to Lan Ha Bay within a day must depart from Cat Ba island (Beo Pier) but now you can travel to Lan Ha Bay then get back Hanoi within a day.

Jade Sails Day Cruise

• Full Day Tour with transfer from Hanoi
• Depart from Tuan Chau Marina (Halong City)
• 7 hour cruise (10:00 – 17:00)
• Price from 1.650.000 VND/ person

Discover Halong Bay aboard Jade Sails – a luxurious day cruise designed with unique open spaces. The vessel features premium amenities including two restaurants, an elegant lounge bar and café, sundeck, swimming bar, spa, and even a gym corner.

The journey begins with a 2-hour limousine transfer from Hanoi, followed by an 7-hour exploration on Lan Ha Bay. Guests will experience cooking demonstrations, sunset parties, kayaking through caves and hidden lagoons, swimming, and pasing by traditional floating villages. This is the perfect way to explore Lan Ha Bay, in a relaxing itinerary

• Elegant 5-star restaurant serving gourmet Vietnamese and international cuisine (Buffet meal and Set Menu)
• Premium bar offering craft cocktails and fine wines
• Refreshing mini swimming pool with panoramic views
• Expansive sundeck with comfortable loungers

Catamaran Day Cruise

• Full Day Tour with transfer from Hanoi
• Depart from Tuan Chau Marina (Halong City)
• 6 hour cruise (11:30 – 17:30)
• Price from 1.450.000 VND/ person

The Catamaran Day Cruise brings a contemporary twist to bay exploration. This innovative two-hull design offers exceptional stability and space, making it perfect for travelers who might be concerned about seasickness.

• Modern restaurant and bar with panoramic windows
• Relaxing jacuzzi perfect for sunset viewing
• Unique blue-themed sundeck creating a calming atmosphere
• Entertainment additions including water slides and Instagram-worthy hammock nets
• Stable sailing experience due to catamaran design

The 6-hour journey (11:30 AM – 5:00 PM) is perfectly timed to capture both the midday vibrancy and the magical sunset hours of Lan Ha Bay.

Serenity Cruise

• Full Day Tour with transfer from Hanoi
• Depart from Beo Pier (Cat Ba Island)
• 7 hour cruise (10:00 – 17:00)
• Price from 1.650.000 VND/ person

Serenity Cruise offers a comprehensive bay exploration package that goes beyond the standard day cruise experience. This three-deck vessel is designed to provide maximum comfort for up to 99 passengers while offering unique cultural insights.

• Two dining venues serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine (Buffet style)
• Premium bar with craft beverages
• Extensive sundeck for sunbathing and photography
• Summer-specific amenities including water slides and floating pool
• Cultural immersion through village visits

What truly sets Serenity apart is its detailed itinerary that includes:

• Exploration of Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay
• Guided tours of the traditional Viet Hai village
• Kayaking adventures around the picturesque Ba Trai Dao area
• Cultural insights at the historic Cai Beo floating village

Dream Cruise

Operating from the convenient Beo Pier on Cat Ba Island, Dream Cruise combines traditional charm with modern comfort. This three-deck vessel offers a well-rounded experience that caters to both relaxation seekers and adventure enthusiasts.

The Dream Cruise serves 6 hour cruise to explore Lan Ha Bay with morning and afternoon options, departing from Beo Pier in Cat Ba island. So, you should stay in Cat Ba island to join Dream Cruise to explore Lan Ha Bay.

• Sophisticated restaurant offering panoramic dining
• Elegant bar area with premium beverages
• Well-planned itinerary balancing relaxation and exploration
• Intimate atmosphere with personalized attention

Taliya Cruise

• Full Day Tour with transfer from Hanoi
• Depart from Tuan Chau island (Halong city)
• 7 hour cruise (10:00 – 17:00)
• Price from 1.850.000 VND/ person

As the newest addition to Lan Ha Bay’s cruise fleet, Taliya Cruise brings fresh energy and modern amenities to the bay exploration experience. Operating from Tuan Chau Marina, this cruise offers an extended 7-8 hour journey packed with activities and relaxation.

• State-of-the-art facilities and modern design
• Engaging kayaking sessions
• Traditional bamboo boat experiences at Bright Cave
• Memorable sunset parties with live music
• Premium dining experiences

Experiences on Lan Ha Bay Day Cruises

Regardless of which cruise you choose, certain experiences shouldn’t be missed:

• Kayaking Adventures: Paddle through hidden caves and serene lagoons, getting up close to the limestone karsts and discovering hidden beaches. During Lan Ha Bay Day Tour, travellers can go kayaking in Bright Cave, Ba Trai Dao, Ao Ech area.
• Traditional Bamboo Boat Rides: Experience the local way of exploring the bay, the local bamboo boat can get closer to limestone island and hidden cave like Bight Cave.
• Sunset Party: Each cruise offers its unique take on sunset viewing, often accompanied by refreshments and music. It is the perfect time for relaxing on Lan Ha Bay.
• Cultural Immersion: Particularly through visits to Viet Hai village, where you can witness traditional Vietnamese rural life, even in an island.

Tips for Your Visit

Time to visit

• Best time from April to May and Sept to October with nice weather and not too many travellers
• Summer months (June, July, Aug) are great for outdoor activities but there will be more domestic travellers and change of tropical storms.

Departure Options:

• Beo Pier (Cat Ba Island): Ideal for those staying on Cat Ba island before the trip
• Tuan Chau Marina: Perfect for day trips from Hanoi or Halong City

What to Bring:

• Sunscreen and hat
• Swimming attire
• Camera
• Light jacket (for air-conditioned areas)
• Comfortable walking shoes

Lan Ha Bay offers a refreshing alternative to the more crowded Halong Bay, and these top 5 day cruises provide nice ways to explore its beauty. Hope you can choose the suitable options for your visit to Lan Ha Bay.