Orchid Cruises Halong Bay 2Days/1Night With 5 Star all included

Travelers seeking a luxurious, well-organized experience in Halong Bay will find this 2-day/1-night cruise from Orchid Cruises offers a blend of comfort, adventure, and authentic Vietnamese charm. With all-inclusive pricing, modern boats, and highly praised staff, this tour promises an upscale way to explore one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes.

One aspect many travelers love is the all-inclusive experience—from delicious meals to guided excursions, everything is designed to deliver value without hidden costs. However, potential guests should note drinks like beer and wine are extra, which could impact your budget if you plan to indulge.

This tour is especially suitable for those who appreciate comfortable, modern accommodations and want a taste of the local scenery combined with some light adventure. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family, this cruise aims to cater to a variety of guests, making it a versatile choice for different travel styles.

Key Points

• Luxury vessels with private balconies for every cabin enhance your views and privacy.
• The itinerary combines sightseeing, active exploration, and relaxation, balancing boat time with land excursions.
• Highly praised staff and guides, like Fiora, Jess, Louis, and Suzie, are often highlighted for their attentive service.
• The meals are a highlight, with international buffets and Vietnamese specialties that impress even the most discerning eaters.
• The scenery is breathtaking, with limestone karsts, historic islets, and quiet corners of Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha Bays.
• While drinks are not included, you can expect a generous selection of food and cultural activities like tea ceremonies and kayaking.

An Authentic Look at Orchid Cruises in Halong Bay

If you’re dreaming of a luxury escape in Vietnam, Orchid Cruises’ 2-day/1-night adventure offers a polished, all-inclusive package that manages to balance comfort with authentic scenic experiences. Owned by IMAGE HALONG Cruises JSC, the fleet features two sleek, modern boats named “Orchid,” which are as visually impressive as the landscapes they explore. Designed to appeal across the board—solo travelers, couples, and families alike—these boats come with all cabins boasting private balconies, allowing you to wake up to the gentle sounds of water and limestone formations.

Why Travelers Love It

What sets this tour apart, especially based on reviews, is the combination of luxurious amenities and expertly curated experiences. Travelers frequently mention the “fantastic food,” “attentive staff,” and “stunning views” as highlights. The modern vessels and private cabins help create a feeling of exclusivity—perfect for those who want to enjoy Halong Bay without sacrificing comfort.

Considerations Before Booking

While the cruise leaves from Dinh Vu port in Hai Phong—about 2.5 hours from Hanoi—the transportation is seamless, with luxury vans included for the round trip. However, some travelers have noted that drinks like beer and wine aren’t included, so if you plan to sip wine during sunset or crack open a cold beer with the crew, those costs are extra. Plus, the itinerary involves several land excursions, which means some guests might find the schedule packed.

Ideal For

This tour appeals most to those seeking a premium experience with excellent service, stunning scenery, and thoughtful activities. It’s particularly good for first-timers to Halong Bay who want a worry-free, all-in-one package that covers sightseeing, dining, and relaxing.

What to Expect: A Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: From Hanoi to Halong Bay

Morning Pickup & Transfer
The adventure begins with hotel pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a perk that makes the start seamless. The group size is quite manageable—up to 27 travelers—allowing for a more intimate experience. The drive to Hai Phong includes a scenic ride on the newest and longest bridge in Southeast Asia, which is an impressive feat of engineering and provides a picturesque start to your day.

Arrival at Dinh Vu Port & Scenic Transfer
Once at Got Ferry Terminal, you’ll experience the thrill of crossing Bai Tu Long Bay on the ferry, with breathtaking views that set the tone. The highlight here is the famous Bai Tu Long Bay scenery—limestone karsts rising out of the water, with fewer crowds than the more touristy areas.

Boarding & Welcome
After tendering to your vessel, you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink and a short briefing. This moment offers a chance to get your bearings and soak in the stylish, contemporary design of the boat, which combines luxury with practicality.

Cruising & Islet Exploration
The cruise begins with a three-hour journey through Halong Bay, passing notable spots like Con Vit area and the French-built Da Chong lighthouse. The scenery here is described as “impressive limestone formations”—a photographer’s dream.

Lunch on Board
The international buffet lunch is a big highlight, with reviewers praising the “fantastic” and “delicious” food. The spread typically includes a mix of local Vietnamese dishes and Western options, satisfying a variety of tastes. Keep in mind drinks are extra; ask the staff about prices before ordering.

Lan Ha Bay & Trung Trang Cave
After lunch, the vessel moves toward Lan Ha Bay, with a stop at Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island. The cave is located within Cat Ba National Park and surrounded by Kim Giao forest, creating a peaceful, natural setting. The cave visit, combined with biking options, provides a balance of land-based exploration amid stunning scenery.

Day 2: Early Morning & Return

Sunrise & Tai Chi
The early morning Tai Chi session on the deck is highly praised, offering a serene start with panoramic views of the bay. It’s a simple but powerful way to connect with nature and set a peaceful tone for the day.

Canoe & Toi Sang Cave
Exploring via canoe is a favorite activity, particularly because it offers close-up views of the limestone formations and quiet corners of the bay. The Toi Sang Cave visit is included, and guests often comment on the value of these intimate explorations.

Brunch & Tea Ceremony
Returning to the boat, a delightful brunch is served, and guests can enjoy a traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony. Reviewers like Fiora and Jess are often singled out for their attentive service during these moments, making the experience feel personalized and warm.

Disembarkation & Return to Hanoi
By mid-morning, it’s time to check out and head back. The entire trip process, from pickup to drop-off, is designed to be smooth, with efficient transfers and clear instructions.

What’s Included & What Not

The package covers all the essentials: pickup and drop-off from Hanoi, transfer via air-conditioned vehicle, relevant entrance fees, guided tours, meals, and accommodation on the boat. The meals are highly praised, with many reviews mentioning the variety and quality of food, which elevate this cruise beyond just scenic sightseeing.

However, drinks like beer and wine are not included, and you might find the onboard prices slightly on the higher side—so plan accordingly if you’re a beverage enthusiast. Wi-Fi is not mentioned in the data, so don’t count on staying connected during your trip.

Authentic Experiences and Review Highlights

Several reviewers have highlighted the expertise and friendliness of the staff, especially guides like Fiora, Jess, Louis, Suzie, and Gin. Their attentiveness is often praised, with some guests calling Fiora “amazing” and Suzie “wonderful,” which adds a genuine, personalized touch to the journey.

The scenery consistently receives high marks, with guests describing the views as “unbelievable” and “breathtaking,” especially during sunrise Tai Chi and kayaking excursions. The boat itself is often called “very comfortable” with “large, well-appointed rooms,” making the overnight stay feel like a true retreat.

Food is another consistent theme—reviewers appreciate the delicious, diverse menus and mention that some even wished they had booked the two-night option for more downtime and exploration.

The Sum Up

This Orchid Cruises tour offers a well-rounded, luxurious experience that combines stunning natural beauty with high-end comfort and attentive service. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to enjoy scenic landscapes without sacrificing style and are happy to pay a bit extra for quality meals and modern accommodations.

The carefully curated itinerary balances sightseeing, land excursions, and relaxation, making it an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Halong Bay or those celebrating a special occasion. While drinks are extra and Wi-Fi isn’t guaranteed, the overall experience appears to be very well regarded, with many travelers feeling it provides excellent value for the price.

If you’re looking for a comfortable, memorable trip that showcases the best of Halong Bay’s iconic limestone karsts with the perks of a 5-star setup, this cruise is worth considering.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter is included, making the start of your trip hassle-free.

What is the duration of the cruise?
The tour lasts approximately 2 days and 1 night, with both days packed with activities, sightseeing, and meals.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks like beer and wine are not included. You should inquire about prices before ordering onboard.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes for outdoor activities, a hat, sunscreen, and perhaps a light jacket for the early morning Tai Chi. Don’t forget your camera for the spectacular scenery.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The group size is limited to 27, fostering a friendly, intimate atmosphere suitable for solo travelers.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
The private balconies in every cabin, the scenic cruise through Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long Bays, the delicious Vietnamese and international cuisine, and the attentive staff are key highlights.

Can I do kayaking during the trip?
While kayaking is not explicitly mentioned as part of this tour, reviewers have enjoyed canoeing and exploring caves, so some activities may be available depending on the day.

This cruise offers a refined way to experience Halong Bay, pairing stunning natural vistas with top-notch service and comfortable accommodations. For travelers who value both adventure and relaxation, it’s a noteworthy option that many reviews suggest is worth the investment.