Bai Tu Long Bay 2D1N Limousine Kayak: 4*++ La Regina Royal Cruise

Traveling to Vietnam and looking to explore its iconic waters in style? This review covers the Bai Tu Long Bay 2D1N Limousine Kayak tour aboard the La Regina Royal Cruise, a vessel that balances luxury, authentic experiences, and affordability. Whether you’re after breathtaking views, engaging activities, or a touch of comfort, this cruise might just tick your boxes.

What we love about this experience is the combination of modern luxury with traditional Vietnamese design, creating a cozy yet elegant atmosphere. The cabins with large windows allow you to enjoy the scenery from bed, which is perfect for lazy mornings or sunset gazing. One potential drawback? The tour’s timing and group size might not appeal if you’re seeking a highly exclusive or ultra-private experience. Still, it’s a solid choice for travelers who want good value and memorable sights without breaking the bank.

If you’re someone who appreciates scenic cruising, local cultural encounters, and active outdoor options like kayaking, this trip is likely to suit you best. It offers a balanced mix of relaxation and adventure, making it an appealing choice for first-timers or those with limited time in Vietnam.

Key Points

• Comfort and Style: The cruise combines 4*++ amenities with Vietnamese-inspired design, making it both cozy and elegant.
• Stunning Scenery: Expect panoramic views of Bai Tu Long Bay and the opportunity to visit Thien Canh Son cave, with some reviewers noting it as a highlight.
• Engaging Activities: Kayaking, bamboo boat rowing, swimming, and visiting floating villages add rich, authentic experiences.
• Value for Money: Price point around $249 per person offers a comprehensive itinerary, including meals, entrance fees, and guided activities.
• Well-Organized Itinerary: Clear schedule with a good mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and culture.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guests mention the guides are friendly, helpful, and informative, enhancing the overall experience.

A Full Breakdown of the Experience

Booking and Price

For $249 per person, this tour offers an impressive balance of features and value. The price includes almost everything — meals, entrance fees, activities, and WiFi on board. The tour is operated by Little Orchid Travel, known for reliable trips in Vietnam, and the tour capacity is capped at 40 travelers, maintaining a friendly group size that facilitates interaction.

Pickup and Transportation

The journey starts early, with hotel pickup between 8:30 and 9:00 am in Hanoi. The transfer to Halong Bay is via the newest expressway, taking about 2.5 hours. This modern route helps keep travel time comfortable, avoiding the old, more crowded roads. While the tour offers pickup, there’s an extra charge for limousine shuttle—a consideration if you’d prefer a more private or luxurious transfer.

Day 1: Scenic Cruising and Cave Exploration

Soon after arriving at Bai Tu Long Bay at around 12:45 pm, you’ll be welcomed aboard La Regina Royal Cruise with a drink and safety briefing. The lunch served at 13:15 features a set menu, and you’ll quickly realize the quality is high, with fresh ingredients and nicely presented dishes.

The first major activity is a visit to Thien Canh Son Cave, perched atop a mountain. The cave’s geological significance and natural beauty make it a worthwhile spot, especially if you’re camera-ready and don’t mind some light hiking. The tour recommends bringing sport shoes for this part, so pack accordingly.

In the afternoon, guests can swim, sunbathe, or relax at the beach—weather permitting. The sunset views from the cruise are often described as spectacular, with one reviewer noting they enjoyed “the peaceful beauty of the bay at dusk.” As evening falls, you can unwind with a happy hour offering 30% discounts on drinks, perfect for socializing or simply soaking in the scenery.

They also include activities like a cooking demonstration—a fun way to learn a bit about Vietnamese cuisine—and squid fishing, which adds a playful, local touch to the evening.

Day 2: Morning Activities and Village Visit

The next morning begins early at 6:30 am with Tai Chi on the sundeck—a calming way to start your day—and a light breakfast. The main highlight here is a visit to Vung Vieng floating fishing village, widely praised for its authenticity. Guests learn how locals live and work on the water, which adds cultural depth to the trip.

Kayaking or bamboo boat rowing in the village is a highlight, offering close-up views of daily life on the water. One guest described it as “a peaceful, eye-opening experience” that gave a real sense of local livelihood.

By 9:30 am, the cruise begins its return to the harbor. Before disembarking around 11 am, a brunch is served, and luggage assistance is provided to make the land transfer smooth.

Return to Hanoi

The return drive is another 2.5 hours, providing a chance to unwind and reflect on the scenic beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay. The entire trip is designed for convenience and comfort, with a focus on delivering memorable sights, tasty food, and engaging activities.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The combination of luxury and local experience makes this cruise appealing. The large windows in cabins mean you can enjoy the bay views anytime, a feature that many reviews highlight as a real perk. Guests frequently mention the friendly guides, who are helpful and knowledgeable, making the experience more engaging and informative.

The value is another major selling point. For roughly $249, you get all meals, activities, entrance fees, WiFi, and a well-curated itinerary. It’s a practical choice for travelers wanting quality without the hefty price tag. Plus, the privacy of an exclusive cruise combined with group activities offers a nice balance.

The scenery itself is breathtaking, with many describing it as a more tranquil and less crowded alternative to Halong Bay. Bai Tu Long Bay remains less commercialized, allowing for more authentic moments like kayaking alongside fishing boats or wandering through untouched caves.

Possible Drawbacks and Considerations

While the trip is well-organized and offers great value, a few points are worth considering. The group size maxes out at 40, which is comfortable but not entirely private. If you’re after a very intimate or exclusive experience, this might not fully satisfy.

Weather can also be a factor. The tour relies on good weather for activities like swimming or beach time, so if rain or storms arrive, some parts of the itinerary could be limited. The tour does offer a full refund or rescheduling if canceled due to bad weather, though.

The limousine shuttle is an optional extra, and travelers seeking a more luxurious transfer should be prepared for additional costs. Also, drinks outside the included ones are paid separately.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is ideal for first-time visitors to Vietnam who want a comprehensive, scenic, and culturally rich experience of Bai Tu Long Bay without overspending. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy active outdoor activities such as kayaking and cave exploration but also want some downtime to relax and enjoy the views.

Families, couples, or groups of friends will find the balanced itinerary and friendly group size appealing. The comfortable cabins and onboard amenities make it suitable for those who prioritize a relaxed, hassle-free trip with good food and beautiful scenery.

However, it may not be the best fit for luxury seekers craving total privacy or for solo travelers wanting a more intimate experience. Those with mobility issues might want to check the hiking and walking involved in some activities.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your Hanoi hotel between 8:30 and 9:00 am, with an optional limousine shuttle at an extra charge.

How long is the transfer from Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay?
It takes about 2.5 hours via the expressway, making for a relatively quick and comfortable journey.

What meals are included?
Both dinner on the first night and breakfast and brunch on the second are included, with a set lunch on the first day.

Are entrance fees covered?
Yes, all entrance and sightseeing fees, including cave exploration and village visits, are included.

Can I kayak during the trip?
Absolutely. Kayaking is one of the highlighted activities, along with bamboo boat rowing, offering close-up views of the local life and scenery.

Is WiFi available onboard?
Yes, WiFi is provided on the cruise, so you can share your stunning views or stay connected.

What activities are offered?
You can enjoy cave visits, kayaking, bamboo boat rowing, swimming, sunbathing, cooking demonstrations, and squid fishing.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues or who dislike hiking might want to check activity specifics first.

What if the weather turns bad?
The tour is dependent on good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 3 days in advance for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day cruise on Bai Tu Long Bay with La Regina Royal strikes a fine balance between luxury, adventure, and authenticity. It’s a well-organized, value-packed trip that offers plenty of sightseeing, engaging activities, and comfortable accommodations. The scenic beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay is truly a highlight, and the inclusion of local cultural visits adds depth to the experience.

Ideal for those seeking a moderately priced, scenic getaway that combines comfort and adventure, this cruise is likely to leave you with plenty of memorable moments. Whether you’re a first-timer in Vietnam or a seasoned traveler looking for a relaxed yet active escape, this tour deserves serious consideration.

In brief, if you want a mix of stunning vistas, genuine local experiences, and comfortable amenities without splurging, this cruise fits the bill perfectly. Just be sure to pack your camera, some sport shoes, and a sense of adventure — the spectacular scenery and warm hospitality will do the rest.