Amanda Luxury 2D1N Cruise: Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay Tour

Ha Long Bay’s limestone towers are the main event, but this cruise gives you a second act: a night on the water and a route into quieter Lan Ha Bay. You’ll kayak or swim at Tra Bau, make spring rolls with the chef, and explore Dark and Bright Cave by kayak or local bamboo boat.

I like the mix of active stops and easy onboard comforts, especially the private-balcony cabins with bathtubs. I also like that the schedule makes room for small, memorable touches, from sunset cooking to early-morning tai chi.

The trade-off is a brisk two-day schedule, with an early start and a return around 11 a.m. on day two. Also, transport is not included in the Ha Long departure package, so check the exact terms before you book from Hanoi.

At a glance: two bays, one night, plenty to do

• Two distinct bays: Pair Ha Long Bay’s famous limestone formations with Lan Ha Bay, described as quieter and less visited.
• Tra Bau by kayak or swim: Paddle or take a dip in a spot known as a filming location for Kong: Skull Island.
• A private balcony in every cabin: The room gives you a place to watch the water without heading to the sundeck.
• Dark and Bright Cave: Explore this scenic area by kayak or in a traditional bamboo boat rowed by local people.
• A full onboard schedule: Expect a cooking class, sunset gathering, tai chi, squid fishing and evening entertainment, subject to conditions.
• Service is a big part of the appeal: Cruise manager Andy is frequently singled out for clear explanations, energy and attentive coordination. Staff can vary by departure.

Two bays make a more varied cruise

Amanda’s route is appealing because it does not stop at Ha Long Bay’s best-known views. The cruise also enters Lan Ha Bay, an extension of the same coastal region that is described as less touristy and more pristine. That gives you a chance to see familiar limestone scenery from a somewhat quieter stretch of water.

The distinction is not that the scenery suddenly changes at a border. The value is in having more than one part of the bay region in your short trip, and in adding time for kayaking, swimming and a night aboard. If you want a boat ride that is mainly about ticking off Ha Long’s most famous sights, a day trip may be enough. If you’d rather slow down and spend a night among the formations, this two-day route makes more sense.

Weather and traffic can change the schedule, so treat the timetable as a plan, not a promise. The cruise can still be worthwhile on a grey day: the limestone formations remain striking, though cloud and rain may soften the views and affect outdoor activities.

Day one: lunch, Tra Bau and a sunset cooking class

The listed departure window is 11 to 11:30 a.m. from the Amanda office at No. 12 Tuan Chau Harbor for those already in Ha Long. Arrive at least 10 minutes early, with the meet-up instructions also recommending 15 minutes. There is no refund for late arrivals or no-shows, so build in a little extra time.

Lunch is served as the boat sails toward Lan Ha Bay. It is a useful start to a busy day, and it means you can settle into the cruise while the scenery begins to open up. The exact menu is not provided, but meals are included, and food quality is a recurring strength in the trip’s overall feedback.

At Tra Bau, you can kayak or swim. The location is associated with the 2018 filming of Kong: Skull Island, which adds a fun bit of film trivia to a stop that is really about getting closer to the water and cliffs. You do not need to be a strong swimmer, and the operator says safety equipment and experienced instructors are provided. Still, bring swimwear and a change of clothes if you plan to get in the water.

Back on board, the sunset gathering leads into a Vietnamese spring-roll cooking class. The chef guides you through making fried spring rolls, then you get to try your own. It is a welcome change from simply watching the view, and the sort of hands-on activity that works well for couples, families and groups.

Dinner is described as a candle-lit meal featuring local cuisine, served on the sundeck when weather permits. If conditions are poor, the setting may change, but the meal is included either way. After dinner, you can watch the night settle over Lan Ha Bay from the deck or join the evening activities, which may include a bamboo dance, a traditional costume show or squid fishing from a boat. These are scheduled options, not a guarantee of every activity on every departure.

Day two: tai chi and Dark and Bright Cave

The second day starts early. Tai chi is scheduled for 6:15 a.m. on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast at 6:30 with tea, coffee and pastries. If you are not naturally an early riser, this is the one part of the timetable you may choose to skip. The reward for getting up is a quiet start while the cruise heads toward its next stop.

At Dark and Bright Cave, you can explore by kayak or take a traditional bamboo boat rowed by local people. The boat option gives you a relaxed way to see the area; kayaking puts you closer to the water and lets you set a more active pace. The cave is presented as one of Lan Ha Bay’s scenic highlights, rather than a long underground walk, so expect a water-based visit.

An early buffet lunch is served at about 9:45 a.m. on the second deck. The cruise returns at around 11 a.m., with a tender transfer to Tuan Chau International Marina. That early finish is handy if you have onward plans, but it also means the overnight portion is short. This is a compact introduction to bay cruising, not a long retreat at sea.

Cabins, meals and onboard comforts

The cruise’s cabin arrangement is one of its strongest practical selling points. Every room has a private balcony and bathtub, so you can take in the bay from your own space and have a comfortable place to return to between excursions. The cabin is also supplied with tea, coffee and bottled mineral water. Recent feedback has praised clean rooms, comfortable beds and surprisingly roomy bathrooms, though room details can vary.

Onboard facilities, Wi-Fi, a welcome drink, cold towel, life jacket and insurance provided by the operator are included. Wi-Fi can be useful for basic messages, but the real reason to choose a bay cruise is to spend time looking outward rather than expecting a dependable office connection.

Four meals are included: light breakfast, lunch, dinner and a buffet brunch before returning to Tuan Chau. The day-two meal is described as an early lunch, despite its brunch timing. Drinks beyond the stated cabin tea, coffee and water are not included, so budget for them separately.

What the service feels like

The cruise manager and crew can make a tightly timed trip feel either easy or hectic. Amanda’s staff receive especially warm praise for being friendly, attentive and willing to answer questions. Andy is repeatedly mentioned for energetic, clear guidance and keeping the schedule organized. Daisy, Lisa and Rose also receive kind words for their hospitality and help during meals and onboard activities.

Those names are useful to know, but they are not a promise that a particular person will be on your departure. The practical point is that service is often a highlight, and crew members appear to take an active role in helping people understand the plan and feel looked after. One account also described staff finding a room solution after a bed problem, a reassuring sign of flexibility when something does not go to plan.

The overall rating provided is 5.0 from 97 ratings. That is an unusually strong score, but it should not erase the practical limits: this is a short cruise with several scheduled activities, the weather can alter the route, and the published timings leave little room for lingering at a favorite stop.

What the fare covers, and what to check

The listed prices do not line up to one fixed starting figure. The headline price is from $183.15, while the package choices show departures from Ha Long from $159.29 and from Hanoi from $176.15. These are starting rates and can change by date and package, so compare the final price for your chosen departure rather than relying on a single headline.

The Ha Long package information says hotel pickup, drop-off and transport are not included. A Hanoi departure option is offered, and some feedback describes pickup and drop-off, but the package details do not clearly establish what transport is included in every option. Confirm this before paying, especially if you are staying in Hanoi. Do not assume the Ha Long fare includes the journey to the harbor.

Holiday surcharges are payable onsite: 950,000 VND per person for December 24 and 31, and 250,000 VND per person for April 30, May 1 and 2, and September 2. Lunar New Year and January 1 are also listed among dates to check for surcharges. Drinks, tips and personal expenses are extra.

For cancellations, the stated rule is a full refund if you cancel at least 48 hours before the activity date, using destination local time. In extreme weather or other unforeseen events, the operator can cancel and offer a reschedule or full refund. The schedule itself can also change with weather and traffic.

Who will get the most from this cruise?

I’d consider Amanda a good fit if you want a comfortable overnight on the bay without giving up active excursions. Couples may appreciate the balcony and bathtub; families and friend groups have a mix of kayaking, swimming, food and evening activities to share. You can opt for the bamboo boat instead of kayaking, and swimming ability is not required.

It is less suited to someone who wants a quiet, unstructured stay. The program is packed, day two starts early, and some evening activities are social rather than restful. If you are sensitive to a tight schedule, or need a guaranteed Hanoi transfer, settle those details before booking.

Should you book Amanda Luxury Cruise?

Book it if the appeal is a one-night stay that combines Ha Long and Lan Ha bays, a private-balcony cabin, included meals and a good range of water and onboard activities. The service is a meaningful plus, and Andy is a name worth recognizing, even though the crew may differ on your trip.

Choose another format if you want more time at each stop, an especially slow-paced escape, or transport details that are settled without checking package terms. For a short, comfortable introduction to bay cruising, Amanda offers a well-rounded route. Just confirm the departure point, transfer arrangements and final fare before you commit.

FAQ

How long is the Amanda Luxury Cruise tour?

It is a two-day, one-night cruise. It departs around 11 to 11:30 a.m. on day one and returns to Tuan Chau Marina at about 11 a.m. on day two.

Does the cruise visit both Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay?

Yes. The route includes Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, with activities at Tra Bau and Dark and Bright Cave in the Lan Ha area.

Is transportation from Hanoi included?

The Ha Long package information says transport is not included, while a separate Hanoi departure option is available. Confirm the specific transfer arrangements for the package you select.

What meals are included?

Four meals are included: light breakfast, lunch, dinner and a buffet-style early meal before the return to Tuan Chau. Drinks beyond the listed cabin tea, coffee and bottled water are extra.

What activities are included?

The stated inclusions include kayaking, tai chi and squid fishing, along with activities such as swimming at Tra Bau, a spring-roll cooking class and a visit to Dark and Bright Cave. Evening entertainment and outdoor activities can depend on conditions.

Do I need to know how to swim?

No. The operator says swimming skill is not required and that safety equipment and experienced instructors are provided. Bring swimwear and a change of clothes if you plan to swim.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, cash and valid identification. A passport with at least six months of validity is also listed.

Are children allowed on the cruise?

Yes, but infants and children must be included in the passenger count. Children aged 11 and older pay the adult rate. Each cabin permits one child aged 0 to 10 sharing a bed with adults; specific limits apply to children aged 0 to 4 and additional children.