Full Day Tour Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay on 5tar Premium Cruise

Exploring Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay on a luxury cruise offers a picture-perfect escape to Vietnam’s most iconic seascape. This full-day tour, operated by Paradise Indochina Travel, promises a blend of scenic beauty, authentic activities, and comfort that’s hard to beat. With a highly rated 5.0/5 from 17 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find this experience unforgettable.

What we love most about this tour is the seamless combination of luxury and adventure—imagine dining on fresh seafood while cruising past towering limestone karsts or paddling into hidden lagoons. The professional guides and attentive staff are frequently praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the journey feel both special and informative.

One thing to keep in mind is the full-day schedule, which requires a good amount of your day. If you’re after a more relaxed pace or prefer shorter excursions, this might feel a bit intense. Still, for those who love natural beauty, engaging activities, and a touch of luxury, this tour offers excellent value. It’s especially suited for travelers seeking a comprehensive, hassle-free day out from Hanoi with all logistics handled.

Key Points

• Luxury Experience: Board a 5-star cruise that combines modern comfort with traditional Vietnamese style.
• All-Inclusive Dining: Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by an award-winning chef on board, paired with drinks.
• Authentic Activities: Kayak through lagoons, visit caves, and learn to make Vietnamese dishes, adding an immersive touch.
• Expert Guides: Friendly, professional guides provide insightful commentary and local folklore.
• Convenient Transfers: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter make it easy to start and end your day.
• Great Value: For $95 per person, the tour includes all entrance fees, meals, activities, and transportation—an efficient way to see the bay without extra costs.

An In-Depth Look at the Day

Convenient Pickup and Travel to the Bay

The day begins with early pickup from your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel between 7:50 am and 8:20 am. The comfortable limousine ensures a smooth ride as you leave the city behind, offering glimpses of Vietnam’s lush countryside. There’s a short 20-minute stop en route to stretch your legs and enjoy the sights of rural Vietnam, which adds a touch of local flavor before you reach the bay.

If your hotel isn’t within the Old Quarter or you prefer self-arrival, the meeting point is at Hanoi Opera House. This flexibility makes it easier for different travelers to join the tour.

Tuan Chau International Marina – The Gateway

Arriving at Tuan Chau Marina around noon, you’ll feel the excitement of stepping onto your cruise, which is described as both modern and traditional. The staff’s warm welcome and the boat’s clean, elegant appearance set a promising tone for your day. The 20-minute entrance fee is included, making entry straightforward.

Cruising Halong Bay – The Main Event

By 1 pm, the cruise kicks into gear with a mouthwatering lunch. The menu, created by an award-winning chef, is likely to feature seafood and Vietnamese specialties. Reviewers mention the delicious food paired with fine wines and cocktails, adding a luxurious touch to the experience.

Throughout the cruise, you’ll drift past some of the most iconic limestone formations like Dog Islet, Incense Burner Islet, and Fighting Cock Islet. The captain drives carefully around these natural sculptures, giving you ample opportunities for photos and marveling at the scenery.

Travelers appreciate the comfort of the cruise, with many mentioning the top-notch facilities that ensure a smooth and elegant journey. The staff’s attentive service, combined with the open bar, keeps spirits high while soaking in the views.

Kayaking and Private Lagoon – The Quiet Corner

After lunch, the tour shifts to Lan Ha Bay for a more intimate experience. You’ll paddle into a small grotto and into a private lagoon, surrounded by towering rock walls. Reviewers describe this as a peaceful, almost secret spot, where you can truly connect with nature. The kayaking experience is complemented by folklore stories told by the guide.

The tour also offers options to relax on the boat, jump into the water for a swim, or enjoy the trampoline and water slide—activities that add fun and variety to the day.

Cooking Class and Sunset Sail

In the late afternoon, you’ll learn how to make Vietnamese summer rolls, a fun, hands-on activity that leaves you with a skill to bring home. The guide explains Vietnam’s culinary traditions, making it both educational and delicious. Complemented by fresh fruit, teas, and cakes, this part of the tour is both relaxing and interactive.

As the sun sets, casting fiery hues across the sky, you’ll sail back to the marina. The gentle return journey is often described as a fitting end to a spectacular day.

Return to Hanoi

The tour concludes with a quick stop at the marina, then a scenic drive back to Hanoi. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or the meeting point by 8:30 pm, exhausted but filled with memories of limestone towers, kayaking adventures, and gourmet meals.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic cruising experience: The combination of modern and traditional Vietnamese design on the boat offers both comfort and cultural charm. Reviewers love the cleanliness, spaciousness, and modern amenities, including a terrace and even a jacuzzi.

Impressive scenery: Overwhelming limestone formations, lagoons, and caves make every moment picture-perfect. The views are often described as breathtaking, with luminous waters and towering cliffs creating the perfect backdrop for photos.

Knowledgeable guides: Many reviews highlight guides like Mr. Dung, who shares folklore and history with enthusiasm. Their friendliness and local insights enrich the experience, making it more meaningful.

Excellent food and drinks: The onboard lunch is frequently praised as delicious, with a good selection of seafood and Vietnamese dishes. The open bar offers wine, cocktails, and water, elevating the meal.

Activities for all interests: Kayaking, swimming, and even a cooking class provide a variety of ways to engage with the environment. For those who prefer relaxing, the boat’s comfortable lounges and sun decks are perfect.

Value for money: For just $95, you get hotel transfers, a full day of sightseeing, meals, activities, and entrance fees. Travelers note this as an excellent deal considering the quality and luxury.

Possible Considerations

While the tour offers fantastic value, some travelers mention that the full-day schedule can be quite long. It might feel tiring for those with limited stamina or very young children. Plus, drinks during lunch are not included, so budget for extra beverages if you have specific preferences.

The boat capacity can go up to 100 passengers, though the tour maintains a maximum of 35 travelers for a more intimate experience. Those seeking a quieter, less crowded vibe should inquire about the current passenger load.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is perfect for travelers looking for a luxurious, all-inclusive day trip from Hanoi that combines stunning scenery with engaging activities. It’s ideal if you enjoy comfort and gourmet food while exploring natural wonders. The guided storytelling and cultural activities make it a good fit for those interested in Vietnamese traditions.

It’s also well-suited for couples, small groups, or families wanting a seamless, fuss-free way to see some of Vietnam’s most famous landscapes. If you’re after a laid-back, scenic day with a sprinkle of adventure, this cruise hits the mark.

The Full Day Tour Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay on 5Star Premium Cruise offers an outstanding way to experience Vietnam’s iconic seascape in comfort and style. The combination of stunning natural scenery, delicious cuisine, engaging activities like kayaking and cooking, and professional guides makes it a well-rounded and memorable trip.

This tour delivers significant value, especially given its all-inclusive nature—meals, entrance fees, transfers, and activities are bundled into one straightforward package. It’s perfect for travelers who want to enjoy a full day of exploring without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

While the long hours might not suit everyone, those who love scenic views, cultural insights, and a touch of luxury will find it hard to beat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a unique experience, this cruise provides a beautiful, authentic taste of northern Vietnam.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter, making it convenient to start and end your day.

Can I join the tour if I stay outside the Old Quarter?
Yes, you can join at the meeting point at Hanoi Opera House if your hotel isn’t within the pickup zone or if you prefer to meet the group there.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather is recommended. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection, especially during kayaking and outdoor activities.

Are drinks during lunch included?
No, drinks during lunch are not included. The onboard bar offers wine, cocktails, and beers at extra charge.

How many people typically join this tour?
The tour is designed for a maximum of 35 travelers to maintain an intimate atmosphere, though the cruise can hold up to 100 passengers.

Is it suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but young children should be prepared for a full day of activities and long hours on the water.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour starts and receive a full refund.

Is there an option for vegetarian meals?
Yes, if you request vegetarian food when booking, the tour can accommodate your dietary preferences.

This full-day cruise strikes a balance between adventure and comfort, making it an excellent choice for those wanting a comprehensive, hassle-free exploration of Halong and Lan Ha Bays.