Cycad Indochine 2D1N Cruise: Ha Long Bay & Bai Tu Long Tour

Bai Tu Long Bay offers the same striking limestone islands as Ha Long Bay, but this cruise takes you to a quieter part of the water. The route gives you time for a cave visit, kayaking, swimming and a local fishing village, all over one night aboard an Indochine-inspired ship.

I like the combination of fewer-crowd scenery and hands-on outings, then the chance to slow down with Tai Chi and a bamboo-boat visit the next morning. I also like that the fare includes four meals and kayaking, though the price depends on your cabin and departure city. One thing to weigh: the cruise is short, and the schedule is fairly full. A cabin bathroom may also need extra care, since shower water can splash onto the tiled floor.

What makes this cruise worth considering

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• A quieter bay route: Cycad cruises through Bai Tu Long Bay, away from the busier Ha Long Bay routes.
• A cave with a view: Reach Thien Canh Son Cave on a guided walk, then take time for kayaking or a swim nearby.
• A sunset pause: Return to the ship for canapés, happy-hour drinks and time on the sundeck.
• A local morning visit: Ride a bamboo boat rowed by a fisherman through Vung Vieng fishing village.
• A choice of cabins and departure points: Packages include Ha Long or Hanoi options, with sea-view and balcony categories.

👉 See our pick of the 2 Best Airport Transfers In Ha Long

Bai Tu Long Bay instead of the busy waterway

The main reason to choose this cruise is its route. Bai Tu Long Bay sits northeast of Ha Long Bay, and Cycad’s stated draw is a quieter sailing area with a longer period on the water. That matters if you want the limestone scenery without spending as much of your time among clusters of boats.

The cruise does not trade away the essential views. You still pass limestone islands and islets, with time to appreciate them from the ship, the water and the shore. A guest who sailed on this route described the boat as nearly alone in its stretch of the bay. That is not a guarantee of solitude, but it gives a useful sense of what the route aims for.

The ship’s Indochine-inspired design is part of the appeal, and cabin comfort receives strong praise. Keep expectations measured, however: one recent account described some parts of the boat as worn. Think of this as a well-appointed overnight cruise, not a floating five-star hotel with every detail in pristine condition.

Day one: boarding, lunch and a cave above the bay

The schedule begins at noon. The listed departure point is Sunworld International Harbor in Ha Long, where you should arrive 15 minutes early. After a short wait, you transfer by boat to Cycad, receive a welcome drink and safety briefing, and check in to your cabin.

At 1 p.m., lunch is served as the ship cruises toward the heart of Bai Tu Long Bay. The included meals are a useful part of the value, especially on a short trip where there is little time to find food elsewhere. The ship serves a fusion buffet for lunch, so expect a mix of influences rather than a meal devoted solely to traditional Vietnamese dishes.

The afternoon stop is Thien Canh Son Cave, reached by a guided walk up the mountain. The cave’s geological formations are the main attraction, but the elevated position also gives you a view across the bay. Wear sport shoes, as recommended, and bring a camera. The path involves climbing, so this is the most physically active part of the first afternoon.

After the cave, you have time to kayak, swim, sunbathe or simply take in the scenery. Kayaking is included, giving you a closer look at the limestone islands than you get from the upper deck. Bring swimwear and a change of clothes if you plan to get in the water. The schedule is tight enough that you will want to keep an eye on the time and return when asked.

Sunset on deck, then dinner and music

Back aboard, the late afternoon is for a shower and a breather. Canapés are served during happy hour, which runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m.; drinks are not included with meals, so budget separately if you want cocktails or other beverages. The sundeck is the natural place to watch the light change over the bay.

There is also a traditional Vietnamese long-dress photo opportunity. The outfit is available to use onboard, so you can take pictures against the bay scenery without bringing your own. It is a light cultural touch rather than a deep introduction to Vietnamese dress, but it adds a memorable pause to an otherwise activity-heavy day.

Dinner is a set menu featuring lobster and Vietnamese delicacies. The food receives high marks overall, though the style may lean toward international or fusion cooking rather than a parade of classic Vietnamese dishes. If local food is a priority, treat this dinner as a special cruise meal, not your only chance to sample regional cooking.

A mini Vietnamese music show is scheduled after dinner. It gives the evening a distinct local note, though the program is short. You can also use the ship’s swimming pool or fitness room, both listed as included facilities, or settle in for a quiet night in your cabin.

Day two: Tai Chi and Vung Vieng by bamboo boat

The next morning starts early, with Tai Chi at 6:30 a.m. It is optional in practice, but a good fit if you like beginning the day on deck while the bay is calm. A light buffet breakfast follows at 7.

At 7:45, a tender takes you toward Vung Vieng fishing village. From there, you board a rowing bamboo boat, guided by a local fisherman. This is a quieter and more personal way to see the village than passing it from the cruise ship, and the boat ride offers a glimpse of local fishing life.

The visit is brief, so it is best approached as an introduction rather than an in-depth cultural tour. Still, it gives the trip a useful change of pace: the first day is about caves and open water, while the morning outing focuses on people and daily life in the bay.

You return to Cycad for the cruise back to port, taking a different route. Check-out is listed for 9:30, followed by a Vietnamese set-menu brunch at 10. The ship returns around 11:30, with the final transfer by tender to Tuan Chau International Port. Since the departure and return points are listed under different harbor names, confirm the exact port details for your booked package before arranging onward transport.

Cabins, meals and what the price buys

Prices vary by cabin and departure city. The listed options start at US$196.69 for a Ha Long Deluxe Sea View cabin, US$220.25 for a Ha Long Balcony Junior, and US$256.45 for a Ha Long Balcony Executive. Hanoi packages are listed at higher rates, from US$228.05 for Deluxe Sea View to US$287.79 for Balcony Executive. The advertised starting price is US$226.19, so check the specific date and package rather than assuming that figure applies to every option.

The fare covers one night onboard, four meals, admission to attractions, an English- or Vietnamese-speaking guide, insurance, a welcome drink, daily bottled water, kayaking, canapés during happy hour and access to the fitness room and pool. That is a solid bundle for a short cruise, particularly if you use the kayak and join both shore visits.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and drinks with meals are extra. Personal expenses, airfares and visa arrangements are also outside the fare. Factor in the journey to the harbor, drinks and any transfer costs when comparing this cruise with another bay trip.

Cabin choice is worth a little thought. A balcony gives you private outdoor space, which can be pleasant between scheduled activities, while a sea-view cabin costs less. One practical caution: a cabin bathroom has been reported to let shower water splash toward the toilet, leaving the tile slippery. Use care on a wet floor, and ask the operator about the cabin layout if that detail could affect your comfort.

Who should book, and what to pack

This cruise suits you if you want an overnight stay, a quieter bay route and a mix of gentle outdoor activities. It works well for couples and families who can manage the cave walk, and for anyone who likes a planned schedule with meals and transport between stops arranged. There is no stated age limit; children aged 0 to 4 travel free, while children 11 and older are charged the adult rate.

It is less suited to someone hoping for a long, unstructured stay in one place or a fully traditional food program. The activities move along at set times, and the dinner is a set menu with a fine-dining approach. If you want extra time in the bay, the suggestion from one passenger to stay for two nights is worth considering, if a longer option is available when you book.

Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, toiletries and a change of clothes. A raincoat or poncho is useful in changeable weather. Wear sport shoes for the cave walk, and avoid bringing sharp objects, which are prohibited. The operator may refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated, without a refund.

Confirmation is due within 24 hours of booking. The voucher is valid only on the date and time specified, and cancellation at least 48 hours before the activity is eligible for a full refund. If severe weather or another unforeseen event forces the operator to cancel, you can request a reschedule or full refund.

Should you book the Cycad cruise?

I would shortlist Cycad if your priority is a quieter route, comfortable overnight accommodation and a good range of included activities. Its best value comes from the combination: cave, kayak, sunset deck time, lobster dinner and a morning visit to Vung Vieng, all within two days.

Choose a balcony if private outdoor space matters to you, or the sea-view cabin if keeping the price down is more important. Before paying, check the departure point, transfer arrangements and cabin category for your date. If you are happy with a compact schedule and a cruise menu that may blend Vietnamese and international cooking, this is a strong way to experience Bai Tu Long Bay without spending several nights away.

FAQ

How long is the Cycad cruise?

It is a two-day, one-night cruise. The listed departure is at 12 p.m. on day one, with return around 11:30 a.m. the next day.

Where does the cruise depart and return?

Departure is listed at Sunworld International Harbor in Ha Long. The return is listed at Tuan Chau International Port, with the final transfer by tender boat. Confirm the precise harbor details for your package.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the fare.

What meals are included?

The fare includes four meals: lunch and dinner on day one, then a light breakfast and brunch on day two. Drinks with meals are not included.

Is kayaking included?

Yes. Kayaking is included, along with admission to the listed attractions.

What should I bring?

Bring a change of clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap or hat, swimwear, toiletries and a raincoat or poncho. Sport shoes are recommended for the cave walk.

Can children join the cruise?

There is no age limit stated. Children aged 0 to 4 travel free, and children aged 11 or older are charged the adult rate. The rate for children aged 5 to 10 is not specified.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 48 hours before the activity date, using local destination time. If extreme weather or another unforeseen event leads the operator to cancel, you can reschedule or request a full refund.