REVIEW · HANOI
2-Day or 3-Day: Halong&Lan Ha Bay Cruise 5* balcony, bathtub
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by M'gloria Cruise 5 star · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Lan Ha Bay feels like a movie set. I love the 5 balcony cabin with bathtub and the Viet Hai Village bike time. One heads-up: it can get very cold on board in the shoulder seasons, so plan your timing if you hate chilly evenings.
This is a classic Halong/Lan Ha cruise format, but with a bit more variety than the usual “sit and stare.” You’re active enough to feel like the day has shape (kayak, swimming, cave options, squid fishing), and you’re comfortable enough to actually enjoy downtime between activities.
If you’re choosing between 2 and 3 days, I’d lean toward 3 days for the extra island time, because it makes the whole trip feel less rushed.
In This Review
- Key moments that make this cruise worth your time
- Halong and Lan Ha Bay: why this cruise feels different
- Your cabin: balcony and bathtub, and why it matters
- Day 1 plan: Tuan Chau to Tra Bau kayaking, swimming, and chef cooking
- Getting aboard and settling in
- Tra Bau: kayaking, swimming, and the film-set factor
- Sunset party and Vietnamese cooking with the chef
- Dinner and evening entertainment: squid fishing and karaoke
- Day 2 option (for 3-day trips): Viet Hai Village biking and hidden beaches
- Transfer to Viet Hai Village
- Lunch and more water time around hidden islands
- Sunset party, cooking demonstration, and dinner
- Day 3 plan: Dark & Bright Cave by kayak or bamboo boat
- Dark & Bright Cave options: kayak or bamboo boat
- Leaving the ship: check-out and return to Hanoi
- What’s included (and what you’ll pay for separately)
- Timing, comfort, and the weather reality
- Who this cruise fits best
- Price and value: is $207 per person fair?
- Handy tips to make your trip smoother
- Should you book this Halong & Lan Ha Bay cruise?
- FAQ
- What duration options are available?
- What’s included in the cruise price?
- Are meals included during the trip?
- Do I get picked up in Hanoi?
- Can I visit Viet Hai Village, and how?
- What activities are offered for Dark & Bright Cave?
- What do I need to bring?
- What should I know about travel documents?
- Is there a cancellation policy?
Key moments that make this cruise worth your time

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