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 treating the famous karsts like a quick photo stop. The best feature is the private balcony and bathtub in every cabin, so you can watch the limestone islands from your own room instead of competing for deck space.

I like the quieter route through Lan Ha Bay and the chance to kayak at Tra Bau, a filming site for Kong: Skull Island. I also like the small 20-cabin design, which should feel more personal than a large floating hotel. The main consideration is time: the trip is tightly scheduled, and the Hanoi transfer can make the first and last days feel long.

Key points to know before booking

• Private comfort in every cabin: Each room includes a balcony, bathtub, tea and coffee, bottled water, fresh fruit, and daily amenities.
• A quieter bay route: The ship sails through Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, with quieter stretches beyond the busiest viewpoints.
• Tra Bau by kayak or swim: Afternoon water time brings kayaking and swimming near a location used in Kong: Skull Island.
• A polished evening program: Sunset drinks, a Vietnamese cooking lesson, dinner on deck, a foot bath, ethnic fashion, bamboo dancing, and squid fishing fill the night.
• A full second morning: Tai Chi, breakfast, Dark and Bright Cave, and brunch fit into the return to Tuan Chau Marina.
• Hanoi pickup is optional: Transfers from the Old Quarter or Hanoi Opera House can be added, with limousine upgrades available on request.

What Amanda Luxury Cruise is really selling

At $181 per person, Amanda Luxury Cruise is selling more than a boat ride. The price covers one night in a Junior Suite, four meals, sightseeing tickets, service fees, required insurance, kayaking or bamboo boating, and the ship’s onboard activities. You also receive a private balcony and bathtub, which are costly extras on many overnight boats but standard here.

The ship has 20 cabins and uses French neoclassical styling mixed with traditional Asian details. That gives the public rooms a dressier feel than a basic sightseeing boat, while the cabin features keep the stay practical. The private bathroom, balcony, fresh fruit, and herbal foot bath matter most after a morning transfer from Hanoi or an afternoon in the sun.

I would judge the value by how much use you make of the ship. If you plan to spend the evening on the balcony, enjoy the cooking class, attend the entertainment, and take advantage of the pool and deck, the price is easier to justify. If you only want a quick view of Ha Long Bay and do not care about sleeping onboard, a day trip will cost less.

The ship has a Four Seasons swimming pool with free access, but the schedule is active and the water stops are weather dependent. Think of the pool as a pleasant bonus rather than the main reason to book.

From Hanoi to Tuan Chau Marina

The optional Hanoi transfer begins between 7:45 and 8:30 in the morning. Pickup is offered from addresses in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, and you should be ready in your accommodation lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The transfer can also begin from the Hanoi Opera House, depending on the selected option.

This early start is useful if you are staying in central Hanoi and want a direct connection to the cruise. It is less appealing if you have just arrived after a late flight. Airfare, airport transfers, visa fees, and personal expenses are not included, so you need to arrange the airport portion separately.

At Tuan Chau Marina, you check in at a waiting lounge between 11:00 and 11:30. A welcome drink and special tea help fill the gap before boarding. The meeting point is No. 12 Tuan Chau Port in Ha Long City, and the return transfer boat brings you back to the waiting area at the end.

The marina process is not the scenic part of the day, but it gives the cruise team time to organize boarding. If you arrange your own transport, allow enough time to reach Tuan Chau before check-in closes.

Lunch among Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts

At 13:00, the ship begins its route with lunch. The cruise passes Finger Islet, Candle Islet, and other tall limestone formations as it moves toward Lan Ha Bay.

This is a good first meal because you can settle into the ship while the view changes outside. Amanda serves lunch and dinner on the first day, then breakfast and brunch on the second. Drinks are available on request, so check the onboard prices before ordering several rounds.

The French neoclassical interior and Asian decorative touches give dinner and lunch a more formal setting than an ordinary ferry. That said, the main attraction is outside the dining room. Keep your camera and sunscreen handy, and use the balcony if your cabin has a clear view.

The bay scenery is beautiful, but it is not a private wilderness. You may see other boats, especially near popular routes and activity points. Lan Ha Bay offers a quieter extension of the better-known Ha Long route, which helps, but the cruise remains a scheduled group activity.

Tra Bau kayaking, swimming, and the afternoon pause

At about 15:30, you reach Tra Bau for kayaking and swimming. The area is linked with Kong: Skull Island, which gives the stop a film connection, but the real reason to care is the chance to get close to the water and limestone formations.

You can paddle through the area by kayak and swim when conditions allow. Pack swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a waterproof phone bag. Flip-flops or sneakers are also recommended. The phone bag is especially useful here because you will want photos but will not want to risk your phone near the water.

This stop breaks up the sightseeing nicely. Ha Long Bay can become a parade of views from a deck chair, and kayaking lets you change the pace. It also comes with practical limits: weather and sea conditions can affect water activities, and anyone uncomfortable with swimming should treat the kayak option as the main activity.

After returning to the ship between 17:00 and 18:30, you have time to rest. This is one of the better moments to use the private balcony, take a bath, or visit the Four Seasons swimming pool before dinner.

Sunset drinks and a Vietnamese cooking lesson

The afternoon program includes a sunset party on the sundeck, with a Buy 2, Get 1 Free happy-hour promotion. Since drink prices are not included, the promotion may help if you already plan to order beverages, but it is still worth checking the final bill.

The onboard chef also leads a Vietnamese cooking demonstration. You learn to prepare traditional dishes such as fried spring rolls, and the activity is hands-on rather than just a presentation. This is a useful touch for anyone who wants more than sightseeing photos. You get a small connection to Vietnamese food culture without leaving the ship.

The cooking class is also a good fallback if the weather makes swimming or kayaking less appealing. Amanda’s program has several layers, so a change in conditions does not leave you with nothing to do.

Dinner on deck and the night program

Dinner begins at 19:00, with the ship’s French and Asian design used as part of the setting. The menu is built around fresh ingredients, and the meal is included in the package.

After dinner, the evening continues until around 23:00. You can enjoy a complimentary herbal foot bath, watch traditional bamboo dancing and an ethnic fashion show called Heritage Footsteps, try squid fishing from the deck, or order massage and Sky Bar drinks for an additional charge.

I like the range here because you can make the evening quiet or social. The foot bath suits anyone who wants an early night. The dance and fashion program gives the ship some cultural content. Squid fishing adds a simple, old-fashioned activity, though it depends on conditions and luck.

Do not expect a silent night in the same way you might on a remote island. The ship has scheduled entertainment, and the deck can be active. If you are sensitive to noise, ask about cabin placement when booking. No specific quiet-cabin policy is provided, so it is best to raise the question before paying.

Morning Tai Chi and Dark and Bright Cave

The second day starts early. Tai Chi takes place on the sundeck from 6:00 to 7:00, followed by a light breakfast at 7:00. The early hour is worth accepting because the bay is usually at its calmest during the morning program, and the open deck gives you a clear view of the limestone formations.

At 7:15, the cruise visits Dark and Bright Cave. You can explore by bamboo boat or kayak. The stop focuses on the cave’s natural rock shapes and quiet water rather than a long walk or strenuous hike.

The choice between bamboo boat and kayak matters. A bamboo boat lets you sit back and look around, while kayaking gives you more control and a closer feel for the water. The schedule is compact, so this is an organized visit rather than an open-ended exploration.

You should bring your phone bag and sun protection again. The route includes several transfers between the large cruise ship, smaller boats, and the marina, so keep essential items in a small day bag rather than buried in your luggage.

Brunch and the return to Hanoi

From 10:45 to 11:30, you have a final brunch onboard while Amanda returns toward port. A transfer boat brings you to the waiting area at Tuan Chau Marina between 11:00 and 11:45, ending the cruise at the same general meeting point.

The return schedule is convenient for anyone continuing to another Ha Long hotel or arranging a later transfer. If you are returning to Hanoi, remember that the boat schedule is only the beginning of the journey. The drive back takes additional time, so do not book a tight afternoon flight from Hanoi.

The cruise is officially described as lasting from eight hours to two days, depending on the chosen option, but the overnight package is the two-day, one-night program described here. Check the selected departure option carefully, especially if you want Hanoi pickup rather than marina-only boarding.

Cabins, service, and special occasions

Every cabin includes a private balcony and bathtub. That is Amanda’s strongest practical feature. A balcony gives you a personal viewing spot, while the bathtub can make the room feel more like a hotel suite than a ship cabin.

The Junior Suite also includes a welcome drink, cold towel, in-room tea and coffee, bottled water, fresh fruit, and daily amenities. Wi-Fi is included, though signal strength on the bay can vary, so I would not book this as a reliable work retreat.

The crew service has received especially strong praise, with attention given to cleanliness, organization, timing, and a professional attitude. Cruise manager Alex is specifically noted for making the operation run smoothly. That is important on a short cruise because missed timings quickly affect kayaking, meals, and port transfers.

Amanda can also arrange special room setups for birthdays, anniversaries, and honeymoons. Birthday arrangements have included room decoration, a decorated dining table, cake, and a staff birthday song. These extras can make the cruise a good choice for a celebration, but confirm the arrangements and any added cost before departure.

Who should choose this cruise?

I would recommend Amanda Luxury Cruise to you if you want a polished overnight stay with strong cabin comforts and a full activity schedule. It suits couples, first-time visitors to Ha Long Bay, and anyone who values having a private balcony and bathtub.

It also works well for a birthday or anniversary. The crew can help with special setups, and the combination of sunset views, dinner on deck, and a private room gives the occasion a clear sense of place.

Families and older visitors should read the physical demands carefully. Kayaking, swimming, bamboo boating, transfers, and early Tai Chi are all optional or activity-based, but the operator lists the cruise as unsuitable for people over 70. If mobility is a concern, ask the provider for current details before booking.

You should look elsewhere if you want a very independent schedule, a quiet sailing with no entertainment, or a budget boat with minimal extras. Amanda is designed around a fixed program, shared activities, meals, and onboard service.

Booking details worth checking

Hanoi Old Quarter pickup is optional, and limousine upgrades are available on request. The cruise is led in English and Vietnamese, with a small-group option available.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Personal expenses, drinks ordered onboard, massages, Sky Bar purchases, airfare, airport transfers, visa costs, and anything not clearly included remain your responsibility.

Bring a valid passport or citizen ID. The recommended packing list includes swimwear, sunscreen, a waterproof phone bag, sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable shoes or flip-flops.

Should you book Amanda Luxury Cruise?

Book it if you want Ha Long Bay with hotel-style comfort, a private balcony, a bathtub, and a well-filled two-day schedule. The $181 price makes the most sense when you use the meals, activities, foot bath, pool, cabin, and evening program rather than simply sleeping onboard.

The key tradeoff is structure. You will follow a fixed timetable, wake early, share activities with other passengers, and spend extra time getting between Hanoi and Tuan Chau. For many people, that is a fair price for an easy overnight introduction to Ha Long and Lan Ha bays.

If the private balcony, clean Junior Suite, and helpful crew matter more to you than total freedom, Amanda is a sensible choice. If your priority is the lowest possible fare or a completely quiet and flexible boat, choose a simpler day trip instead.

FAQ

How long is the Amanda Luxury Cruise experience?

The overnight program lasts two days and one night. The activity information also lists a duration range of eight hours to two days, depending on the selected option.

Is pickup from Hanoi included?

Pickup from addresses in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is available for the Hanoi departure option. Pickup from the Hanoi Opera House is also available depending on the selected option. Limousine upgrades can be requested.

Where does the cruise start?

The marina meeting point is No. 12 Tuan Chau Port in Ha Long City. You check in at Tuan Chau Marina before boarding.

What meals are included?

The package includes lunch and dinner on the first day, followed by breakfast and brunch on the second day. Drinks are available on request.

Does every room have a balcony and bathtub?

Yes. Every room on Amanda Luxury Cruise includes a private balcony and private bathtub. The overnight package provides accommodation in a Junior Suite.

Are kayaking and bamboo boating included?

Yes. The package includes kayaking or bamboo boating at the Dark and Bright Caves, and the itinerary also includes kayaking and swimming at Tra Bau.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.