Alisa Premier gives you something a short Ha Long Bay cruise can’t: time to leave the best-known sights behind and reach the calmer waters of Lan Ha Bay. Over three days, you’ll visit Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island, kayak near caves, and spend two nights aboard a ship with a sea-view cabin.
I like the mix of headline sights and quieter stops, especially the day boat trip to Ba Trai Dao Beach. I also like that meals, two nights of accommodation and activities such as kayaking and squid fishing are included, so the core of the trip is covered upfront.
The main trade-off is a full schedule, with limited stretches of unplanned time during the day. And while the cruise is advertised with morning Tai Chi, the activity may not take place; don’t make it a reason to book.
- Two bays in one trip: The route pairs famous Ha Long Bay sights with a full day among Lan Ha Bay’s caves and beaches.
- A two-night cabin: The Junior Suite Ocean View cabin is listed for two or three people, depending on cabin type.
- Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island: Expect a cave visit, kayaking near Luon Cave, and time for swimming or a hike on Ti Top.
- A day boat on Day 2: This takes you farther afield to Trinh Nu Cave, Rooster Cave and Ba Trai Dao Beach.
- Meals and activities included: The price covers seven meals, admission, kayaking, swimming when conditions allow, squid fishing and onboard entertainment.
- Check the extras: Drinks, gratuities, transport and some holiday surcharges are not included in the stated package details.
- Three days to see more than the famous bay
- Day 1: Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave and Ti Top
- Day 2: Lan Ha Bay by day boat
- Day 3: Ti Top before the return
- What the cabin, meals and service are like
- The value of two nights on the water
- What to know before you book
- Should you book Alisa Premier?
- FAQ
- Where does the cruise depart and return?
- Is transport from Hanoi included?
- Which meals are included?
- What activities are included?
- Can the menu accommodate vegetarian or vegan diets?
- What happens if bad weather affects the cruise?
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Three days to see more than the famous bay
The appeal of this cruise is its longer route. Ha Long Bay’s limestone formations are the headline, but the second day gives you time to reach Lan Ha Bay, where the itinerary turns toward caves, kayaking and a beach stop. You get the famous sights without spending the whole trip among them.
Your departure point is Tuan Chau International Marina in Ha Long, with check-in set for 11:30. Arrive 15 minutes early. The cruise returns to the same marina at about 11:00 on Day 3, so it is worth planning your onward travel with that morning arrival in mind.
A Hanoi departure option is also offered, but transport is not included in the package details. The trip description says hotel transport is typically available, while the included and excluded lists say hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Confirm the exact transfer arrangement and price for your selected package before you book.
👉 See our pick of the 2 Best Airport Transfers In Ha Long
Day 1: Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave and Ti Top
After boarding, you’ll have a welcome drink and a short introduction to the route from the captain. Lunch follows as the ship heads into Ha Long Bay. It’s a good time to settle in and take in the limestone formations from the water, though you’ll want to keep your camera handy rather than assume the scenery will wait for you.
The first major stop is Sung Sot Cave, also called Surprising Cave. It is described as Ha Long Bay’s largest and most beautiful cave, and its scale is the main draw. Cave visits do involve walking, so bring shoes you can manage on uneven surfaces and steps. The tour is not listed as wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.
Next comes kayaking near Luon Cave, a cave opening framed by local vegetation. This is one of the more hands-on parts of the trip: you see the bay from close to the water rather than only from the ship. Kayaking is included, but outdoor activities depend on conditions, and the schedule can change with weather or traffic.
The itinerary then includes Ti Top Island. You’ll return to the cruise for a cooking class, happy hour and a sunset gathering on the fourth-floor sundeck, followed by dinner. Afterward, you can try squid fishing, sing karaoke or simply spend time on deck. These onboard activities offer a welcome change of pace after a day of stops, though the schedule leaves little room for a long, quiet evening if you want to do everything.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Ha Long
Day 2: Lan Ha Bay by day boat
Day 2 is the reason to consider the two-night option over a shorter cruise. After breakfast, you transfer to a day boat and pass formations including Face Stone and Horse Mountain on the way to Trinh Nu Cave and Rooster Cave. Kayaking here brings you close to the rock formations and cave scenery, with a different feel from the main Ha Long Bay route.
Lunch is served on the day boat. Then the route heads to Ba Trai Dao Beach, where you can swim and enjoy the white sand if conditions permit. This is the trip’s clearest chance to step off the boats and enjoy a beach setting. Pack a change of clothes and sun protection, and keep in mind that swimming is weather-dependent.
The return route passes Frog Stone and Satan Stone, with a visit to Ha Long Pearl Farm listed as part of the day. Back aboard Alisa Premier, the evening follows a familiar rhythm: cooking class, happy hour, sunset time on the sundeck, dinner and optional squid fishing or karaoke.
The itinerary is active, and a previous passenger described the daytime schedule as rushed, with only one to three hours for personal time. If your idea of a cruise is long stretches of reading on deck, this may feel too busy. If you want to use the time to see several places, the packed route is part of the value.
Day 3: Ti Top before the return
Breakfast comes before a visit to Ti Top Island, where you can swim or hike. The island is included on Day 1 as well, but the Day 3 stop gives you another chance to enjoy it. The schedule does not specify how long you’ll have ashore, so don’t count on an extended beach stay.
You’ll return to the cruise, check out of your cabin and have brunch before disembarking at Tuan Chau Marina around 11:00. The final morning is compact, so keep your belongings organized and avoid booking a tight onward connection.
What the cabin, meals and service are like
The package described here includes a Junior Suite Ocean View cabin for two nights, with a double or twin bed arrangement. Cabins accommodate two or three people depending on the type. The cruise is presented as a five-star experience, with onboard facilities, Wi-Fi and English- or Vietnamese-speaking guides. The available information does not name a guide, so you should not expect a particular person.
One passenger who sailed in December 2025 described a well-supplied room and especially friendly staff. The crew also took care to handle a severe food allergy by offering alternatives and explaining choices. That is encouraging, but you should contact the operator about serious allergies before departure rather than rely on a last-minute conversation.
Meals are included: three lunches, two dinners and two breakfasts. The food earns particular praise, with lunch and dinner described as exceptional. Breakfast had a smaller selection, so set your expectations accordingly. Menus can change with the season and ingredient availability, and vegetarian and vegan diets can be accommodated.
Drinks are not included, and onboard prices can add up. Service at happy hour and with meals may also take patience; one passenger found they had to call someone over to order. If you like a drink with dinner, budget for it and allow a little extra time.
The value of two nights on the water
The package options list the Junior Suite Cabin from US$347.85 for departure from Ha Long and from US$371.99 for departure from Hanoi. A separate summary gives a starting price of $400, so the amount you see will depend on the package and booking details. Check the final price for your dates and confirm whether a Hanoi transfer is included.
At first glance, the fare may seem high compared with a day cruise. But it covers two nights aboard, seven meals, admission to listed attractions, a sightseeing boat, a guide, kayaking, and activities such as squid fishing. You are also paying for the longer route into Lan Ha Bay, not just a cabin and meals. Drinks, tips, personal expenses and transport are additional, so they belong in your budget.
A surcharge applies on some public holidays and selected peak dates, with an extra charge of VND 1,800,000 per person listed for certain dates. The stated holiday dates include Tet, Hung Kings’ Festival, Reunification and Labor Day, National Day, Christmas and New Year. Since the listed date ranges vary, check the charge for your exact sailing date before you commit.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ha Long
What to know before you book
The cruise route may change with weather and traffic. In rainy or typhoon season, overnight cruises operate only with approval from the Ha Long Bay Management Authority. If the overnight sailing is suspended for weather or safety reasons, the operator says it will arrange the most suitable alternative when possible. That could affect what you see and how much of the planned route you cover.
The supplier may also substitute a similar cruise if Alisa Premier is unavailable. Cabin standards and services are meant to be comparable, but the ship’s name, design, facilities or itinerary details may differ. If the identity of the vessel matters to you, clarify the situation before departure.
Bring your passport with at least six months of validity, a valid ID, cash, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a change of clothes. Avoid feeding marine animals, walking on corals or doing anything that could harm the marine environment. The activity is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, epilepsy, heart disease, asthma or other serious medical conditions. Pets are not allowed, and anyone who appears intoxicated may be refused service without a refund.
Children aged eight and older pay the adult rate. One child aged zero to three can stay free per room; an additional charge applies for a second child. Confirm cabin capacity for your party, since limits depend on cabin type.
Should you book Alisa Premier?
Book this cruise if you want a well-filled three-day route, comfortable cabin accommodation and a mix of Ha Long Bay’s famous stops with a day in Lan Ha Bay. The friendly service, strong lunch and dinner meals, and the extra day boat trip are real pluses. You’ll get more variety than a short cruise, with the cost of meals and activities mostly built in.
Think twice if your priority is a slow, quiet sailing with lots of downtime, or if you are counting on morning Tai Chi. The schedule is busy, drinks cost extra, and Hanoi transport needs clarification. For a first visit to the bay, though, the balance of cave, island, beach and onboard time makes this a useful way to see more than the familiar postcard view.
Alisa Premier 3D2N Cruise: Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay
“This was a lovely cruise. Standards were high which was nice. Staff was super friendly and our room was well supplied. We had a severe allergy and…”
FAQ
Where does the cruise depart and return?
It departs from Tuan Chau International Marina in Ha Long at 11:30 and returns to the same marina at about 11:00 on Day 3. Arrive 15 minutes before departure.
Is transport from Hanoi included?
Hotel pickup and drop-off are listed as excluded, although a Hanoi departure package is offered. Confirm transfer arrangements and any added cost for your selected package.
Which meals are included?
The package includes three lunches, two dinners and two breakfasts. Drinks are not included.
What activities are included?
Kayaking, swimming when weather permits, squid fishing and music entertainment are included. The route also includes visits to named attractions, with admission covered.
Can the menu accommodate vegetarian or vegan diets?
Yes. Vegetarian and vegan diets are listed as accommodated. Menus may change depending on the season and available ingredients.
What happens if bad weather affects the cruise?
During rainy and typhoon season, overnight sailing depends on approval from the Ha Long Bay Management Authority. If the cruise is suspended for weather or safety reasons, the supplier will arrange the most suitable solution when possible.
