Overnight cruises

3-day 5-star Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay cruise: two nights in a balcony cabin, Viet Hai by bike, Ba Trai Dao

4.8/5

653 reviews on GetYourGuide

The cruise for people who want time, not a rush: two nights in a 5-star cabin with a balcony and bathtub, a full middle day off the ship on Cat Ba and at Ba Trai Dao, and menus that cater for vegans and allergies. Rated 4.8 from more than 650 reviews, taxes and insurance included, from €241.30 (GetYourGuide, 15 Nov 2026).

Starts inTuan Chau Marina

Day one follows the usual overnight pattern: Old Quarter pick-up at 07:30 to 08:00 if you book the transfer, Tuan Chau Marina at 11:30 to 12:00, a tender to the ship and lunch as it sails into Lan Ha Bay. At 14:30 a bamboo boat takes you through Dark and Light Cave, then a swim, the sunset party and happy hour in the jacuzzi, a cooking class and dinner.

The second day is what you pay the extra night for. After tai chi or the gym and breakfast, a tender takes you to Cat Ba Island for Viet Hai village, in a valley inside the national park, about 4 km by bicycle or electric car past rice fields and old houses. Lunch is on board on the way to Ba Trai Dao beach, where you kayak, swim or lie on the sand from 13:30; then another sunset, cooking demonstration and dinner.

On the last morning there is a final hour of kayaking among the islands before check-out, brunch on the way back and Tuan Chau at 11:15 to 11:30. With the transfer you are in Hanoi at about 15:30. Reviewers who did two nights say they were glad they did not rush.

Through the year

The listing adds a surcharge at Christmas, New Year and Tet.

What guests love

Our summary of the reviews GetYourGuide shows on the product page.

Spacious, clean cabins with comfortable beds
A well-organised second day
Kind, professional staff

Good for

Couples who want two nights afloat
Vegan and vegetarian travellers
Anyone who found 2-day cruises rushed

Not for

Travellers short of time

How the day goes

07:30Hanoi Old Quarter
Pick-up 07:30 to 08:00, with the transfer.
11:30Tuan Chau Marina
Tender to the ship; lunch.
14:30Dark and Light Cave
Bamboo boat; swim; sunset and cooking class.
08:15Cat Ba Island
Day 2: Viet Hai village by bike or electric car.
13:30Ba Trai Dao
Kayak, swim, beach.
07:30Lan Ha Bay
Day 3: final kayak.
11:15Tuan Chau
Disembark; Hanoi at about 15:30.

Included

Two nights in a 5-star cabin with private balcony and bathtub
Meals: day 1 lunch and dinner, day 2 all meals, day 3 breakfast and brunch
Vegetarian and vegan meals on request
Tender transfers and the boat to Cat Ba
Cycling at Viet Hai, cooking demonstration, tai chi
Kayak or bamboo boat, squid fishing, jacuzzi or mini pool, sunset party
Entry and sightseeing fees
Welcome drink, 24-hour room service, water

Not included

Transport from Hanoi, Ninh Binh or the airport (optional extra)
Family suite or president suite upgrades
Drinks
Spa treatments
Holiday surcharges

Why this one

It is the best-reviewed true two-night cruise, and the middle day is a real day out rather than a few hours. The 6-star cruise also sells a two-night option on a bigger ship; the 3-day Ninh Binh combination swaps the second night for a night on land in Ninh Binh.

The facts

Where it starts: Tuan Chau Marina at 11:30; optional Old Quarter pick-up 07:30 to 08:00
Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
Road transfer: About 3.5 hours each way, optional
Bay: Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay
Cabin: 5-star, private balcony and bathtub
Price: From €241.30 per person, taxes included (GetYourGuide, 15 Nov 2026)
Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours before

Checked against the GetYourGuide listing on 15 November 2026. Prices and options change: the calendar shows the current ones.

Before you book

Register in advance
The listing asks for full passenger details and any dietary needs in advance, before the cruise can be confirmed.
What to do. Send names, passport details and diets as soon as you book.

Questions

Is a 3-day Ha Long Bay cruise worth it?

It gives you a full day on Cat Ba and at Ba Trai Dao between two nights on board, instead of the short morning a 2-day cruise allows. Reviewers who did two nights say it felt relaxed.

Can the cruise cater for vegans?

Yes. The listing says vegan and vegetarian meals are available on request and that food allergies are catered for.

Is the Hanoi transfer included?

No, it is an optional extra; the meeting point is Tuan Chau Marina.