Hanoi: 2D1N Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay by Amanda Luxury Cruise

Amanda Luxury Cruise gives you a comfortable way to see Ha Long Bay without spending the whole trip on a crowded day boat. The best feature is simple: every cabin has a private balcony and bathtub, so you can watch the limestone islands from your own room.

I like the quiet route through Lan Ha Bay and the chance to kayak at Tra Bau, a filming location for Kong: Skull Island. I also like the careful service, from fresh fruit and a herbal foot bath to birthday room decorations arranged by the crew. The main drawback is the tight schedule, with early starts and several activities packed into one night.

• Private balconies in all 20 cabins: You can enjoy the karst views without leaving your room.
• Tra Bau kayaking stop: Paddle or swim in a calmer part of Lan Ha Bay.
• Dark and Bright Cave visit: Choose a bamboo boat or kayak on the second morning.
• French and Asian design: The iron ship mixes polished interiors with nostalgic Vietnamese touches.
• Hanoi pickup available: Optional transport runs from addresses in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
• Strong value at $181: The rate covers the cabin, four meals, sightseeing, activities, service fees, and insurance.

What the Amanda cruise experience is really like

Amanda Luxury Cruise is a 20-cabin ship built in an elegant French neoclassical style, with traditional Asian details worked into the design. It is not a tiny private yacht, but its limited cabin count gives the trip a more controlled feel than a large floating resort.

You spend one night in a Junior Suite. The room includes a private balcony, bathtub, tea, coffee, bottled water, fresh fruit, and daily amenities. That combination matters because the bay is best enjoyed at an unhurried pace, and you will have somewhere pleasant to sit between excursions.

The ship also has a Four Seasons swimming pool, free for you to use. The supplied details do not give its exact size, so I would treat it as an extra amenity rather than the main reason to book. The real draw is the view from the balcony and sundeck.

At $181 per person, the price is not a budget cruise fare, but it covers more than just transportation and a cabin. You receive lunch and dinner on the first day, breakfast and brunch on the second, kayaking or bamboo boating, a cooking class, afternoon tea, Wi-Fi, sightseeing tickets, service fees, and required insurance.

That makes the price reasonable for a short luxury stay, especially if you value a private bathtub and balcony. Personal spending, drinks, massage, air travel, airport transfers, visa costs, and other extras remain separate.

From Hanoi Old Quarter to Tuan Chau Marina

If you choose the Hanoi departure option, pickup runs from addresses in the Old Quarter. The scheduled collection window is 7:45 to 8:30 in the morning, and you should be ready in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before your assigned time.

The ride ends at Tuan Chau Marina, the cruise gateway in Ha Long City. You can also meet the ship directly at No 12 Tuan Chau Port if you arrange your own transport. A limousine upgrade is available on request, but the supplied information does not specify its cost or exact vehicle details.

At the marina, you check in at a waiting lounge and receive a welcome drink and special tea. This pause gives you time to get organized before boarding, though the overall day starts early. If you are coming straight from Hanoi, plan for a long first morning before the boat even reaches the bay.

The cruise begins around 1 p.m. with lunch. Your first meal comes as the ship moves through Ha Long Bay and toward Lan Ha Bay, where the scenery becomes quieter and less crowded. Finger Islet, Candle Islet, and other limestone formations provide the first clear sense of place.

Sailing through Ha Long and Lan Ha bays

Ha Long Bay is famous for its towering limestone karsts rising from the sea. Lan Ha Bay offers a similar setting, but the route is presented as a calmer extension of the better-known bay. That change in pace is one of the strongest reasons to choose an overnight cruise instead of a short sightseeing boat.

I like the way this itinerary gives you time to watch the scenery change. You are not simply being taken to one attraction, then rushed back to port. The ship continues through the karsts while you eat, rest, and move between the indoor areas and sundeck.

The French neoclassical styling may appeal to you if you want a polished setting rather than a plain cabin ferry. Traditional Asian lines keep the ship from feeling completely out of place in northern Vietnam. Still, anyone seeking a very small, informal boat should note the ship’s more hotel-like character.

The scenery is the main event, and weather will affect how much you enjoy it. The itinerary includes outdoor swimming, kayaking, Tai Chi, and sundeck dining, so bring clothing that works for changing conditions.

Kayaking and swimming at Tra Bau

At about 3:30 p.m., you head to Tra Bau for kayaking and swimming. This area is associated with Kong: Skull Island, which adds a fun piece of film history to the stop, but the setting itself is the reason to pay attention.

Tra Bau gives you a chance to leave the ship and experience the water at a slower speed. From a kayak, the limestone formations feel closer and more immediate than they do from the upper deck. Swimming is also available, so bring your swimsuit in your day bag rather than burying it inside your luggage.

The activity is included, and the itinerary allows you to choose kayaking or swimming at this stop. You should expect the timing to be organized around the cruise schedule, not a long independent paddle. If you prefer staying dry, you can enjoy the scenery from the ship instead.

A waterproof phone bag, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are especially useful here. Flip-flops or sneakers are recommended for moving between the ship, transfer boat, and activity areas.

Sunset drinks and a Vietnamese cooking lesson

After returning to Amanda, you have free time from roughly 5 to 6:30 p.m. The sundeck hosts a sunset party, with a buy two, get one free happy hour offer. Drinks are not included, so check the final price before ordering.

The cooking demonstration is more useful than a routine onboard show because it gives you a hands-on introduction to a familiar Vietnamese dish. The chef shows you how to prepare fried spring rolls, a practical skill you can try again after returning home.

Afternoon tea is also included. These small breaks help balance the active parts of the day, especially if you have been swimming or kayaking in the heat. You can sit back, watch the bay, and avoid turning every hour into another scheduled task.

The program remains fairly full. By the time the cooking activity ends, dinner follows at 7 p.m., so there is not much room for a long private pause before the evening meal.

Dinner on deck and nighttime activities

Dinner is served on the sundeck in a setting designed to blend French style with Asian details. The menu uses fresh ingredients, and the meal is included in the cruise price.

The dining setting is one of the more memorable parts of the trip because the scenery continues around you after dark. You may not see the limestone formations as clearly at night, but the quieter atmosphere gives the cruise a different character.

From 8 to 11 p.m., you can take part in several activities. A complimentary herbal foot bath is included, which is a welcome touch after a day on your feet. There is also a traditional bamboo dance and ethnic fashion show called Heritage Footsteps.

Squid fishing takes place on deck, though success is not guaranteed. You can also order a massage or drinks at the Sky Bar for an added charge. The range of options lets you make the evening as active or relaxed as you like.

If you are booking for a birthday, anniversary, or honeymoon, special room arrangements are available. The crew can decorate the room, prepare a decorated dining table, arrange a cake, and organize a birthday song. These extras are not just generic celebration language, they are specific touches worth requesting before departure.

A quiet morning with Tai Chi and karst views

The second day begins early, with Tai Chi on the sundeck from 6 to 7 a.m. This timing suits the bay, which is at its calmest before the day gets busy. It may not suit late risers, so decide in advance if you want to join or sleep longer.

A light breakfast follows at 7 a.m. as the ship continues past the limestone formations. The early meal is practical rather than a long dining occasion, since the next stop begins at 7:15.

The morning schedule gives you one last chance to use the balcony and take photographs. I would keep your camera and phone accessible, since packing everything away before breakfast means you may miss the best views.

You should also remember that this is a one-night cruise, not a slow multi-day voyage. The early start helps fit in another bay activity before the ship returns to port, but the quick pace is the tradeoff for keeping the tour to two days.

Dark and Bright Cave by bamboo boat or kayak

The Dark and Bright Cave visit is the main stop on the second morning. You can explore by bamboo boat or kayak, giving you two different ways to see the cave area and its unusual rock formations.

A bamboo boat is the easier choice if you want to sit back and focus on the scenery. Kayaking gives you more control and a closer connection with the water, but it requires more effort and may not appeal to everyone.

The cave area is known for its quiet water and natural setting. Since the visit begins early, you may appreciate the calmer feel before the ship finishes its return journey. The exact conditions can vary, so follow the crew’s instructions and choose the option that matches your comfort level.

All sightseeing tickets and service fees are included. That makes the morning easier to manage because you do not need to budget for a separate admission payment at the stop.

Brunch, check-out, and the return to Tuan Chau

A final brunch is served from about 10:45 to 11:30 while Amanda heads back toward port. This meal replaces the need to find lunch after leaving the ship, though you should not expect a full afternoon onboard.

The transfer boat returns you to the waiting area at Tuan Chau Marina between 11 and 11:45. The listed schedule overlaps slightly with brunch, so follow the onboard instructions for the exact time you need to leave your cabin and collect your belongings.

The activity ends back at the meeting point. If you are continuing to Hanoi, confirm your onward transport when booking, since the included pickup applies to the Hanoi departure option and airport transfers are not included.

Service, cabins, and the details that matter

The strongest part of the experience is the cabin design. A private bathtub is unusual on a short bay cruise, and the balcony gives you a quiet place to enjoy the views without competing for space on the sundeck.

Cleanliness and crew organization are also important here. The available feedback gives particular credit to the ship’s professional service, on-time operation, tidy rooms, and helpful cruise management. One named manager, Mr Alex, received especially warm praise for keeping the trip organized and welcoming.

The crew also handles special occasions thoughtfully. For one birthday setup, the room was decorated, the dining table was arranged, a cake was prepared, and staff sang for the couple. If you are marking an event, contact the operator early rather than assuming the arrangement happens automatically.

English and Vietnamese guiding are available. A small group option is also offered, though the ship itself has 20 cabins, so you should confirm the group size attached to your selected departure.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend Amanda Luxury Cruise if you want comfort, polished service, and a short overnight escape from Hanoi. It suits couples, birthday trips, honeymooners, and anyone who likes the idea of kayaking by day and returning to a private bathtub afterward.

It also works well for first-time visitors who want the major Ha Long Bay setting with a quieter Lan Ha Bay route. The included meals and activities make the cost easier to understand, especially when compared with arranging a cabin, transport, meals, and excursions separately.

I would hesitate if you dislike early mornings, fixed schedules, or organized onboard entertainment. The tour is not suitable for people over 70, according to the supplied activity conditions, and anyone with mobility concerns should check directly before booking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those options help if your Hanoi plans are still moving, but they do not remove the need to check the exact pickup time and transport arrangement.

Should you book Amanda Luxury Cruise?

Book it if the private balcony and bathtub matter to you, and if you want a well-planned two-day route with kayaking, cave scenery, meals, and a comfortable cabin. At $181 per person, the package offers solid value for a luxury-style overnight experience rather than a simple boat ride.

Skip it if you want a very loose schedule, a small private vessel, or a late start. For most couples and short-stay visitors, the best choice is the Hanoi pickup option, with a request for a celebration setup if you have a special occasion.

FAQ

How long is the Amanda Luxury Cruise experience?

The trip lasts two days and one night. The activity listing gives a duration range of 8 hours to 2 days, depending on the selected option and transport arrangement.

Where does the cruise start?

The main meeting point is No 12 Tuan Chau Port in Ha Long City. Hanoi Old Quarter pickup is available with the Hanoi departure option.

Is transport from Hanoi included?

Optional shuttle service is available from addresses in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and the Hanoi Opera House area for the Hanoi departure option. Limousine upgrades can be requested.

What type of cabin is included?

The package includes one night in a Junior Suite. Every room has a private balcony and private bathtub.

Which meals are included?

Day one includes lunch and dinner. Day two includes breakfast and brunch. Drinks are available on request and are not included in the listed package.

Are kayaking and bamboo boating included?

Yes. The experience includes kayaking or bamboo boating at the Dark and Bright Cave area, along with kayaking or swimming at Tra Bau.

Is a tour guide available in English?

Yes. Live guidance is available in English and Vietnamese.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a waterproof phone bag, sunglasses, a hat, flip-flops or sneakers, and a valid passport or citizen ID.