Hanoi: 2-Day Halong Bay on Hermes Luxury Cruise with Balcony

Traveling through Vietnam, many find that a trip to Halong Bay is a must-see highlight. While countless tours promise unforgettable scenery and relaxing days, few combine luxury, authentic experiences, and comfort quite like the Hermes Luxury Cruise.

This 2-day, 1-night journey offers a chance to relax in a stylish cabin with a private balcony while exploring some of the most iconic sights of the bay. From exploring caves to enjoying gourmet meals, this cruise packs a lot into a relatively short trip.

Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect, along with the pros and cons, so you can decide if this experience fits your travel style.

What We Love About This Tour

Stunning Views from the Balcony: The cruise’s cabins feature private balconies, giving you front-row seats to breathtaking limestone karsts and emerald waters. Waking up to sunrise views or sipping drinks at sunset here feels truly special.

Comfort and Luxury: The 5-star Hermes Cruise offers full en-suite, well-equipped cabins, making the experience both relaxing and indulgent. The attention to detail—like mineral water in-room and gourmet meals—adds value and comfort.

Authentic and Fun Activities: From kayaking and swimming to cave exploring, the tour includes a good mix of active and leisurely pursuits. The introduction of Tai Chi sessions and cooking classes add local flavor and wellness elements.

Gourmet Dining: Meals are prepared by top chefs and include breakfast, lunches, and dinner, often with local flavors and fresh ingredients. Many reviews mention the quality of food, which elevates the overall experience.

Convenient Transfers: Pickup and drop-off from Hanoi Old Quarter simplify logistics, saving precious time and hassle, especially for those with tight schedules.

Potential Drawback: The tour is non-refundable and fixed in its itinerary, so it’s not flexible if you need to change plans or if weather conditions impact certain activities.

Who it’s best for: Travelers seeking a luxury, all-inclusive experience with comfortable accommodations, stunning scenery, and a range of activities—perfect for honeymooners, couples, or anyone wanting a hassle-free, scenic escape.

Good To Know

• Luxury accommodations with private balconies enhance the visual experience of Halong Bay.
• The itinerary balances sightseeing and relaxation, including cave visits, kayaking, and island stops.
• Meal quality and inclusions make this a value-packed experience—chefs serve gourmet meals during the cruise.
• Efficient transfers from Hanoi minimize travel stress.
• The tour’s fixed schedule and non-refundable policy suit travelers with flexible plans who appreciate structured itineraries.
• Small group environment (up to 54 travelers) ensures a more intimate trip.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: From Hanoi to Halong Bay

The journey kicks off early with a pickup between 8:00 and 8:30 am. If you’re staying in Hanoi Old Quarter, the pickup is straightforward, and the drive, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours with a quick stop, provides a comfortable start to your adventure. For those outside the Old Quarter, the expressway helps cut down travel time and ensures a smoother ride.

Arriving at Tuan Chau harbor around 11:15-11:30 am, you’ll transfer onto the Hermes Luxury Cruise. The welcome drink and safety briefing help set a relaxed tone. Expect a warm and professional greeting, with crew eager to make your stay enjoyable.

Cruising and First Impressions

Once onboard, the cruise’s decor and presentation immediately signal a high level of comfort. The full-equipped en-suite cabins with balconies are spacious enough for relaxing or taking in the views. Many reviews highlight the cleanliness and modern design as standout features.

Lunch is served shortly after departure, featuring fresh ingredients and local flavors, giving an authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine in a refined setting. The afternoon is flexible—some guests choose to relax on deck, while others join activities like kayaking or bamboo boat rides, which are included. The crew is attentive and eager to facilitate activities, often praising their enthusiastic and friendly service.

Exploring Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island

On Day 2, early risers can enjoy the sunrise over the bay and participate in a Tai Chi session on the sun deck—a peaceful way to start the day. After breakfast, the highlight for many is venturing into Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most impressive in the area. The cave’s vast chambers and stalactites fascinate visitors, and many reviews note it’s a “must-see” attraction.

Following the cave visit, the cruise moves to Titop Island, where guests can hike for panoramic views, swim in the clear waters, or simply relax on the beach. Activities here are optional, but most find the scenery well worth the effort.

Morning Activities and Return to Hanoi

The cruise offers afternoon activities like kayaking, swimming, or relaxing on deck before heading back to Tuan Chau Harbor around noon. The return trip to Hanoi via limousine provides comfort and convenience, arriving back in the city around 3:00-3:30 pm.

What the Experience Means for You

The Hermes Luxury Cruise elevates the typical Halong Bay trip by combining comfort, sightseeing, and engaging activities. The balcony cabins ensure you’re never far from the incredible views, and the quality of food and service makes the experience feel indulgent without feeling overly opulent or inaccessible.

The planned activities, like cave exploration and island visits, allow you to see the bay’s natural wonders up close, while the included kayaking, bamboo boat rides, and Tai Chi give a well-rounded experience. Many travelers mention that the crew’s friendliness and professionalism contribute significantly to their overall satisfaction.

Price and Value

At $330 per person, this tour is priced competitively for the level of luxury and inclusivity it offers. Factoring in the meals, transportation, activities, and upscale accommodation, it provides good value, especially for those wanting a stress-free, all-in-one package.

However, it is worth noting that this is an all-inclusive experience, and extra costs for personal expenses or beverages outside the provided drinks are not covered. The non-refundable policy emphasizes the importance of planning around set dates.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re after a luxurious yet authentic cruise experience that minimizes hassle and maximizes comfort, this tour is an excellent pick. It’s particularly well-suited for couples, honeymooners, or groups of friends who value good service, gourmet meals, and stunning scenery.

Those with limited time in Vietnam will appreciate the organized transfers and structured itinerary, ensuring they get the most out of their short escape. However, travelers seeking complete flexibility or budget options might need to consider other alternatives.

The Sum Up

The 2-day Halong Bay on Hermes Luxury Cruise with Balcony blends comfort, authentic exploration, and scenic beauty into a well-rounded experience. It’s a particularly good fit for those who want to enjoy the bay’s stunning limestone formations without sacrificing luxury or convenience.

The included activities and gourmet meals make it a satisfying choice, and the private balconies provide a personal view of the landscape that’s hard to beat. While the fixed schedule and non-refundable policy require some planning, the overall value and quality make this cruise a memorable addition to any Vietnam trip.

For travelers who prioritize comfort, scenery, and a touch of indulgence, this cruise offers an experience worth considering. It’s a chance to unwind, enjoy spectacular views, and connect with nature—all from the comfort of your stylish cabin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is included in the tour price?
The $330 fee covers all meals (breakfast, two lunches, dinner), accommodation in a luxury en-suite cabin with a balcony, activities like kayaking, cave exploring, Tai Chi, and squid fishing, as well as transfers from and to Hanoi.

Is the cruise suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour caters to a range of activity levels, with options to relax or be active. However, those with mobility issues might want to check the cabin accessibility.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, the tour can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs if indicated when booking.

How long does the drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay take?
The transfer takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and the location of your hotel within Hanoi.

What are the main activities during the cruise?
Guests can enjoy cave visits, island hikes, kayaking, swimming, bamboo boat rides, cooking classes, Tai Chi, and squid fishing.

Can I cancel or reschedule this tour?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan accordingly.

What should I pack for the trip?
Bring comfortable clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and perhaps a light jacket for the evenings. Don’t forget your camera!

Is the accommodation comfortable?
Yes, the cruise offers full-equipped, modern en-suite cabins with private balconies, providing both comfort and privacy.

What time does the tour start and end?
Pickup occurs around 8:00 am, and you’ll return to Hanoi around 3:00-3:30 pm on the second day.

What makes this cruise stand out compared to others?
The combination of luxury, authentic activities, well-reviewed service, and stunning scenery makes it a top choice for those wanting a memorable Halong Bay experience.

Overall, this 2-day luxury cruise offers a fantastic way to see Halong Bay with style and ease. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to indulge in Vietnam’s natural beauty, it’s a trip that leaves lasting impressions—especially from your private balcony overlooking those incredible limestone formations.