Lan Ha Bay Cruise
Lan Ha Bay Cruise
Offering more than the typical Halong Bay cruise experience, this two-night voyage explores lesser-seen areas of the Gulf of Tonkin, including Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. The scenic seascape of Halong Bay, which encompasses some 1,600 islands and islets, has been protected as a UNESCO World Heritage since 1994. This listing was extended in 2023 to include the national park and biosphere reserve of the Cat Ba Archipelago.
Please note: There are several cruises that explore different parts of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. The route, level of service and facilities on board vary depending on the cruise line. The itinerary below offers an overview of a typical journey and the types of activities offered. Specific details will be advised on confirmation of the cruise. Some cruises depart from Tuan Chau Marina in Halong Bay while others depart from Got Pier in Hai Phong.
Itinerary
This morning, you are picked up from your hotel in Hanoi and transferred to the pier (about a two-hour drive). After boarding, the crew deliver a safety briefing. Lunch is served as the ship begins to cruise, passing Da Chong Islet which is home to a French-built lighthouse. Along the way, you see the limestone karst formations of Con Vit and Gia Luan rise dramatically out of the sea. This area remains relatively untouched as few cruise lines use this route.
In the afternoon, step off the boat to explore a local fishing village. Take a ride in a traditional coracle boat which is used by local fishermen and get an insight into local fishing methods. In the summer months, guests can swim and kayak in the bay’s pristine waters. In winter, guests can take a guided cycling excursion to a local village, stopping to visit home made from straw, mud and bamboo. In the evening, options include happy hour drinks at the bar or a cooking class. Dinner and overnight are on board.
Wake up to the serene sights and sounds of this amazing seascape in the heart of the bay. Start with an optional tai chi session on the sundeck followed by breakfast as the cruise continues. Today, you have the option to enjoy kayaking or swimming (depending on the weather) or a cycling excursion to Viet Hai Village. Surrounded by sea, high mountains and the dense jungles of the Cat Ba National Park, this rustic village exists as part of its natural surroundings, a charming respite from the modern world. Lunch and dinner are served on board.
The day starts with another energetic tai chi class on the sundeck followed by brunch as the boat makes its way back to the pier in Hai Phong. Disembark at the pier and transfer back to your hotel in Hanoi.
- There are several cruises that explore different parts of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay; the route, level of service and facilities on board vary depending on the cruise line;
- This itinerary offers an overview of a typical journey and the types of activities offered; specific details will be advised on confirmation of the cruise;
- While Asian Trails’ private guides do not accompany guests on the cruise, each cruise line has English-speaking crew and on-board guides may be available;
- Some cruises depart from Tuan Chau Marina in Halong Bay while others depart from Got Pier in Hai Phong;
- We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this tour; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant;
- We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the tour in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests;
- Guests travelling during local holidays may experience longer waiting times than usual and may encounter sites that are closed; alternative touring options will be offered wherever possible and supplementary charges may apply;
- Tours and excursions often include obstacles of various kinds that may not make this excursion suitable for wheelchair users or guests with limited mobility;
- The protection of the country’s flora, fauna and its historical and cultural treasures is of immense importance for us. We will not pursue any activities that are not in line with our animal, wildlife and environment protection principles;
- Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat/ cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us. Even when it is cloudy, the sun still has an immense power;
- All mentioned times, durations and stops are based on approximations and may change due to unforeseen circumstances, weather and traffic conditions beyond our control.
- Transfers with licenced English-speaking guiding services/ assistance. Other languages are on request and are subject to availability;
- Accommodation in sharing twin/ double;
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, unless otherwise stated;
- All applicable taxes and service charges;
- Package 3D/2N on sharing cruise in Lan Ha Bay;
- All meals as indicated in the programme (food only).
- Voluntary Carbon Offset Compensation: USD 1.50 per person per day;
- Personal expenses such as other meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours/ visits, unless otherwise stated;
- Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement;
- Private guide on board the cruise;
- Any domestic/ international airline tickets, airport taxes, visa fees, specific camera / video fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general pick-up / drop-off regions (such as airports, out-of-town resorts, ports, harbours and accommodation in surrounding towns);
- Any accommodation expenses of a personal nature. This includes (compulsory festive) meals and drinks, mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the programme;
- International travel and medical insurance coverage for customers;
- Vietnamese visa approval letter and visa stamping fee;
- Asian Trails reserves the right to charge a supplement to all guests if the tourism authority decides to increase the fees applied to cruises in Lan Ha Bay (e.g USD 21/person on 3D/2N cruise programme).
