Marvel Travel · Tuan Chau Marina, Ha Long
A three-day, two-night cruise from Tuan Chau that uses the extra day for what one-nighters skip: cycling to Viet Hai village and a swim at Ba Trai Dao. The second night is the reason to book it.
You board at Tuan Chau Port in Ha Long at about 11:30 and eat lunch while the ship sails towards Lan Ha. After that, the trip stays in Lan Ha and on Cat Ba: Dark and Bright Cave on day 1, Viet Hai village and Ba Trai Dao beach on day 2, Trung Trang Cave (or Tra Bau and Ao Ech) on day 3. Out of three days, only the first lunch and the last sail home are Ha Long water.
The listed price covers the balcony cabin with bathtub, all meals, the speedboat transfer to the ship, entry fees, the Viet Hai bike ride, kayaking or bamboo boating and squid fishing. Extras add up, so read them: the Hanoi transfer at $25 per person, alcoholic drinks, tips and travel insurance, a $180 single supplement, holiday surcharges, a peak-season charge of $25 per person from 1 October to 30 April, and a government VAT line of $35 per person.
The ship takes up to 40 guests. Kayaking is on the itinerary, but kayak rules in Lan Ha have changed several times since late 2024, and on some days crews switch to a rowed bamboo boat at the caves. Treat the kayak as likely, not promised. A couple of 5-star reviewers found the cave visit rushed when several boats arrived at once.
The limousine bus collects transfer guests in the Old Quarter between 08:00 and 08:30; Ninh Binh pickup on request. Arrival at Tuan Chau Port at 11:30.
Speedboat to the ship at 12:15 and lunch at 13:00 on the way to Lan Ha. At 15:30, the cave by local boat or kayak, then a swim. Sunset happy hour at 17:30 and dinner at 19:00.
Tai chi at 06:00, a day boat at 08:00, and at 09:30 about 30 minutes of cycling along a lagoon and through a tunnel cave into Viet Hai. Lunch at 12:30 in the village or on board.
Kayaking and swimming at Ba Trai Dao beach, back on the ship at 16:00 with free time until dinner.
Tai chi at 06:00, a quick breakfast at 06:45, then about 30 minutes to Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba. Back on board at 09:30 to check out.
Lunch at 10:00 while the ship returns, off at 11:00, bus at 11:50, and the Hanoi Old Quarter or Ninh Binh around 15:00.
★★★★★Absolutely wonderful experience from start to finish! The service was outstanding: incredibly friendly, attentive and professional at the highest level. [...] The food was excellent and very varied, the rooms were beautiful and clean with fantastic views, and we really enjoyed the cocktails. The activities were also well organized and let us better experience the area. An amazing way to enjoy Lan Ha Bay in a luxurious way!
★★★★★Very beautiful yacht (reasonable size: 70 people / about 30 cabins). [...] Very friendly and attentive staff. Frequent activities/excursions: kayak, swimming, visit to a village and a cave, mini golf, cooking class, etc. Good and varied meals. Very good cocktails at a reasonable price during happy hour.
★★★★★A very great experience. It's definitely 100% worth doing the three-day tour every time. [...]
★★★★★Everything was very good, we particularly loved the bike ride to the small village in the middle of the main island.
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At Tuan Chau Port in Ha Long. A speedboat takes you to the ship, which crosses Ha Long Bay over lunch and spends the rest of the trip in Lan Ha and around Cat Ba.
A full day of outings: a bike ride into Viet Hai village and kayaking at Ba Trai Dao beach, then Trung Trang Cave on the last morning.
The Hanoi transfer ($25), a peak-season charge from October to April ($25), government VAT ($35), drinks, tips and holiday surcharges. Solo travellers add $180.
Kayaking or bamboo boating is included. Kayak rules in Lan Ha change, and crews can switch to a bamboo boat at the caves.
Ready to book
Two nights on a ship with a pool, longer in Lan Ha, with kayaking, a village bike ride and a cave.
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