Amanda 3D2N Cruise: Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay Tour

Ha Long Bay’s famous limestone towers are only part of this cruise. Amanda’s three-day, two-night route also reaches quieter parts of the bay, with a second day on a smaller day boat for swimming, kayaking and more caves. That extra day is the point: you have time to see more than the best-known stops without treating the whole trip like a race.

I like the mix of marquee sights and slower moments, especially the early Tai Chi on deck and the chance to kayak or swim when conditions allow. I also like that the crew’s personal care has been a real strength, with managers such as Dan and Tom singled out for making people feel welcome. A note of caution: the timetable can change, activities may be cancelled in poor weather, and cabin upkeep, Wi-Fi and meal quality may not be perfect.

At a glance: what makes this cruise worth considering

1 / 9

2 / 9

3 / 9

4 / 9

5 / 9

6 / 9

7 / 9

8 / 9

9 / 9

1 / 9

• Two nights on the bay: The longer itinerary gives you more time than a quick overnight cruise, including a full second day away from the main vessel.
• A substantial day-two outing: A smaller boat takes you to Trinh Nu Cave, Ba Trai Dao beach and a pearl farm, with time for swimming and relaxing when conditions permit.
• A mix of classic sights: Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island bring the famous Ha Long Bay scenery, while Luon Cave offers a quieter water-level view by kayak or bamboo boat.
• Crew care is a strength: Dan, Tom, Lee and James are among the staff names guests have praised, though the team on your sailing may differ.
• Expect some compromises: Wi-Fi can be unreliable, the boat may show signs of wear, and kayaking or swimming depends on the weather.
• Check the transfer and price details: Transfers are not listed among the inclusions, and the displayed starting prices vary by departure point and package.

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

Three days gives the bay room to breathe

This is not a short sightseeing cruise with a cabin tacked on. The Amanda itinerary is designed for three days and two nights, and the extra time changes the pace. You still visit popular sights, but you also spend a day on a separate boat reaching areas farther from the busiest route.

That does not mean you will have every cove to yourself. Ha Long Bay is a major attraction, and the first day can feel busy in high season. The value of the longer cruise is that you are not limited to the first set of stops before heading back.

The vessel is described as a five-star cruise, with a Deluxe Cabin package and facilities on board. Treat the star label as a category, not a promise of flawless upkeep: reports include clean rooms and boats, as well as occasional maintenance issues and a cabin change. If room standards matter greatly to you, ask what cabin category is included and confirm your booking details before departure.

Day one: Ti Top Island and Sung Sot Cave

Boarding is scheduled at Tuan Chau Harbor between 11:00 and 11:30. Be there ten minutes early, as late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable. Once aboard, lunch is served in the restaurant while the boat heads toward Ti Top Island and Sung Sot Cave.

Ti Top gives you two choices: climb for a broad view over the bay or swim at the beach. The climb is the better pick if you want the classic panorama, while swimming is an appealing break from the boat. The itinerary does not give a climb duration or swimming time, so be ready to follow the guide’s timing rather than plan a long independent visit.

Sung Sot, or Surprise Cave, is the day’s major cave stop. Its large chambers and stalactites and stalagmites make it one of the most memorable natural sights on the route. The cave is popular, so expect other groups, especially during busy periods. Comfortable shoes are a sensible choice for a cave visit and the island climb.

Later, the boat hosts a sunset gathering and cooking class as it cruises toward shore. Dinner may be outdoors if the weather cooperates, or in the restaurant if it does not. After dinner, the evening program can include traditional costume performances, bamboo dancing, drinks at the Sky Bar and squid fishing. These are organized shipboard activities, not a quiet evening guaranteed to unfold at your own pace. A gala dinner on the sundeck is also weather-dependent.

Day two: a smaller boat and quieter water

The second morning starts early, with Tai Chi on the sundeck at 6:15, followed by a light breakfast at 6:30. If you prefer a slow start, this is an early alarm, but it lets you enjoy the bay before the day’s excursions begin.

A day boat carries you to Trinh Nu Cave and Ba Trai Dao, also known as Three Peaches. Trinh Nu is tied to a local love story and offers another look at the bay’s limestone scenery. At Ba Trai Dao, the plan is to swim, sunbathe or relax on the beach. Weather can cancel swimming or kayaking, and exact conditions determine how much time you spend ashore.

This day is a major reason to choose the three-day sailing instead of a shorter trip. You move away from the main cruise routine and reach a less crowded part of the route. The change of boat also gives the day a different feel, though it means you return to the Amanda vessel for the evening rather than spend the entire time on one ship.

After lunch on the day boat, the route visits a pearl farm, including its exhibition centre and museum. You can learn how pearls are cultivated and processed. It is a more explanatory stop than a scenic one, but it adds context to a local industry and breaks up the day’s time on the water.

Dinner is back on board, again outdoors only if conditions allow. Food earns mixed marks: some people have found the meals excellent, while others describe them as average or wished for more choice. Dietary needs such as vegetarian meals, allergies and gluten intolerance can be accommodated, but tell the operator in advance rather than waiting until you sit down.

Day three: Luon Cave and the return to shore

There is another early Tai Chi session at 6:15, followed by breakfast. The final excursion is Hang Luon, or Luon Cave, where you can see the water cave and surrounding cliffs by kayak or bamboo boat. This is one of the most distinctive stops because you experience the scenery at water level rather than from the deck.

The schedule includes a return to the cruise for check-out, settlement of any extra charges and an early buffet lunch. The vessel is due back at Tuan Chau International Marina around 11:00. If you have onward plans, leave room for delays: the operator may change the schedule because of weather or traffic, and the bay’s activity plan is not fixed in stone.

Luon Cave deserves a quick confirmation when you board. One sailing did not include the cave and kayaking as expected, while the published route lists both. This is not a reason to rule out the trip, but it is a good example of why you should ask the cruise manager about the day’s plan, especially if a particular activity is a priority.

What the crew and onboard experience are like

The strongest element of the experience is the crew’s personal attention. Dan has been praised for being warm, funny and attentive, while Tom has been described as a manager who went out of his way to make people feel welcome. Lee, James and server Dragon have also been remembered for their care and good humour. These names give you an idea of the service style, but they are not a promise that any one person will be on your sailing.

Cabins and shared spaces have been described as clean, though upkeep can vary. One person had to change rooms after the booked cabin was unavailable, and another noted that the ship needed more maintenance. Small service snags, such as a dinner table mix-up, were resolved, but it is fair to expect a working cruise operation rather than a perfectly polished hotel.

Do not count on Wi-Fi for important calls or work. It is available, but interruptions are expected at sea, and some people found it barely usable. Download any maps, tickets or entertainment you need before leaving shore.

There are also thoughtful extras: cabins include tea, coffee and bottled water, and the package lists a foot-bath basin and herbal bags for use after dinner. Tai Chi, squid fishing and kayaking are among the activities included. Their availability depends on the timetable and conditions, so see them as welcome options rather than guaranteed private sessions.

What the price includes, and what it does not

The headline price is listed from $295.80, while package options show Deluxe Cabin rates from US$257.25 for departure from Ha Long and US$276.05 from Hanoi. Prices can differ by package and date, so use the amount shown for your selected sailing as the one that matters. A holiday surcharge of VND 1,000,000 per person applies on specified dates, including Lunar New Year, April 30 to May 1, September 2, December 24, and December 31 to January 1.

The fare includes two nights in a cabin, admission to attractions, a guide speaking English and Vietnamese, meals, use of onboard facilities, a sightseeing boat tour, life jackets and listed activities such as kayaking and Tai Chi. Drinks beyond the listed cabin tea, coffee and water, spa services, tips and personal expenses are extra.

Pay close attention to transport. The cruise departs from Ha Long, and the package options distinguish between departures from Ha Long and Hanoi. Yet hotel pickup, drop-off and Hanoi to Ha Long transport are not included in the stated inclusions. Confirm exactly what your chosen package covers before booking, and budget separately if you need a transfer.

The activity details also contain a duration discrepancy: the summary labels it as 30 minutes, while the actual itinerary and accommodation describe a three-day, two-night cruise. The itinerary is clearly built around the longer sailing, but confirm the selected dates and duration with the seller before paying.

Practical details before you book

A valid passport is required at check-in, and boarding may be denied without one. Children and infants must be included in the passenger count; one child aged 0 to 4 per two paying adults may join free while sharing a bed, and each cabin allows only one child aged 0 to 10 sharing a bed.

The activity is described as wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, and special dietary requirements can be accommodated. The best way to reach the marina is by local taxi or private car, as local public transport is limited. Wi-Fi, swimming and kayaking all depend on conditions, and the operator can alter the schedule.

Should you book Amanda Cruise?

I would consider Amanda if you want two nights on the bay, a full second day on the water and a blend of famous sights with quieter stops. It is particularly appealing if you value attentive crew service and do not mind a schedule with early starts and group activities.

Choose another option, or ask more questions first, if reliable Wi-Fi, polished cabin upkeep, a fixed activity schedule or highly flexible dining matter most. Before paying, confirm your departure point, transfer arrangements, cabin category, current price and whether Luon Cave is planned for your sailing. If those details line up, the extra day offers a worthwhile way to see more of Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay without hurrying straight back to shore.

FAQ

How long is the Amanda Cruise tour?

The itinerary describes a three-day, two-night cruise. A separate summary field gives a duration of 30 minutes, so confirm the duration of your selected package before booking.

Where does the cruise depart?

The departure point is the Amanda office at No. 12, Tuan Chau Harbor, in Ha Long. The stated check-in window is 11:00 to 11:30.

What time does the cruise return?

The cruise is scheduled to return to Tuan Chau International Marina at about 11:00 on day three. The schedule may change because of weather or traffic.

Is transport from Hanoi included?

Hanoi to Ha Long transport, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the stated inclusions. Package options are offered for departures from Hanoi and Ha Long, so check the transport arrangements for your selected option.

Which meals are included?

The package includes meals during the cruise, including light breakfasts, lunches, dinners and a buffet brunch before returning to Tuan Chau Island. Drinks are not included, apart from tea, coffee and bottled water listed for the cabin.

Are kayaking and swimming guaranteed?

No. Swimming and kayaking excursions may be cancelled because of weather conditions.

Is Wi-Fi available on board?

Yes, Wi-Fi is available, but interruptions are expected because the signal at sea can be unreliable.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. A valid passport is required at check-in. The port authority may deny boarding if you do not have one.

Can the cruise accommodate dietary needs?

Yes. Dietary requirements, including allergies, gluten intolerance and vegetarian diets, can be accommodated. Share your needs with the operator in advance.

Is there a holiday surcharge?

Yes. A surcharge of VND 1,000,000 per person applies on listed public holidays, including Lunar New Year, April 30 to May 1, September 2, December 24, and December 31 to January 1.