3-day V’Spirit Cruise of Halong Bay-Lan Ha Bay

Experience the Magic of Halong Bay on a 3-Day V’Spirit Cruise

When it comes to Vietnam’s most breathtaking sights, Halong Bay often tops the list. With its towering limestone karsts, emerald waters, and floating villages, it’s a place that truly captures your imagination. This 3-day cruise with V’Spirit Cruises is designed to take you well beyond the usual day-trip hustle, offering a more relaxed, in-depth experience of this UNESCO World Heritage site. At $279 per person, it’s a solid choice for travelers looking for a mix of adventure, comfort, and authentic local encounters.

We particularly appreciate how this cruise lets you experience Halong Bay at sunrise and sunset, times when the scenery is at its most dramatic. The tour also includes a visit to Lan Ha Bay and Cua Van Village, giving you a glimpse of daily life in the floating communities. Plus, with activities like kayaking, swimming, and a trip to a Pearl Farm, there’s plenty of variety to keep your interest piqued.

One possible consideration is the group size; with a maximum of 40 travelers, it’s not as intimate as a boutique cruise, but it still feels well-organized and manageable. The itinerary is packed but balanced, making it perfect for those who want a taste of everything without feeling rushed. If you enjoy scenic landscapes, local culture, and good food, this tour is an excellent fit.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy moderate activity levels, are keen to see both famous sites and hidden spots, and appreciate comfortable on-board amenities. It’s especially good for first-timers to Vietnam or those short on time but eager for a comprehensive Halong Bay adventure.

Key Points

• Stunning Views & Photography: The cruise offers countless chances to snap incredible photos of limestone formations, caves, and sunrise/sunset reflections.
• Authentic Local Life: Visiting Cua Van floating village provides a meaningful look at the people living on the water.
• Active & Relaxing: From kayaking and swimming to relaxing on pristine beaches, there’s a good balance of adventure and leisure.
• Delicious Food & Cultural Experiences: Enjoy Vietnamese cuisine with on-board demonstrations and local-style lunches.
• Convenient & Hassle-Free: Hotel pickup, round-trip transfers from Hanoi, and all entrance fees included make this a stress-free option.
• Moderate Group Size: With a maximum of 40 travelers, it strikes a good balance between social and private experiences.

A Deep Dive into the 3-Day V’Spirit Cruise

The Itinerary Breakdown

The cruise kicks off early with a pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, setting a tone of comfort and convenience. You’ll arrive at Tuan Chau International Harbor where the boat awaits, and after a warm welcome and safety briefing, you’re on your way.

Day 1 takes you from Ha Long Bay into Lan Ha Bay, a less crowded area known for its clear waters and stunning limestone karsts. The highlight here is a visit to Bright Cave, which can be explored via traditional bamboo boat — a quiet, scenic paddle that feels like stepping into a postcard. The boat crew’s friendly guides make the water activities, like swimming with floats, feel safe and enjoyable.

In the afternoon, you get to watch a cooking demonstration, a fun way to learn about Vietnamese flavors from the onboard chef. As evening falls, the Sunset Party offers a relaxed atmosphere with drinks as the sky turns orange over the water, setting the perfect scene for photos or simply soaking in the view.

Day 2 begins with a peaceful Tai Chi session at dawn, a calming ritual that many travelers mention as a favorite moment. After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island by speedboat. Here, you can explore the old village either by bicycle or electric car, passing through lagoons and caves, which makes this part of the trip feel intimate and connected.

Later, kayaking around Viet Hai and fish farms introduces you to local livelihoods and natural scenery. The afternoon includes more swimming and relaxing at Ba Trai Dao, a pristine beach perfect for unwinding or enjoying the last water activities of the day.

Day 3 starts early with Tai Chi again, this time as the sun rises over the bay. Kayaking in Tra Bau provides a closer look at the islands and possibly a visit to a hidden temple, depending on weather conditions. The cruise then departs around 9:30 a.m., with a final brunch as you sail back to Tuan Chau.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour covers all entrance fees, sightseeing, and meals—two dinners, three lunches, and two breakfasts—making it excellent value. The guides are English-speaking, which helps clarify the sights and activities, while kayaking, bamboo boat rides, and swimming gear are all provided.

However, beverages outside of the meals, tips, and personal expenses are extra. The tour also adds a $40 surcharge on specific dates like New Year’s Eve or Lunar New Year, so budget accordingly. Transport from Hanoi is not included, but the hotel pickup and transfers on the boat are well-organized, which reduces logistical stress.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

Reviewers frequently mention friendly staff, amazing views, and delicious food. One traveler described the bay as “very pretty, at least if it’s not foggy,” highlighting how weather can impact the scenery. Others praised the local guides like Nam, who made the experience more meaningful with his knowledge and friendliness.

The activities strike a good balance. Several reviews mention that water activities like kayaking and swimming are highlights, with some noting they appreciated the chance to explore the caves and floating villages close-up. The sunrise Tai Chi was also highlighted as a peaceful, memorable way to start the day.

On the downside, a review from Chris_B pointed out that food charges for drinks could be surprising, and not all guests felt the onboard beds were luxurious, though they were described as comfortable. This suggests that while the cruise offers a lot, some travelers may want to bring their own drinks or prepare for modest accommodations.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The combination of natural beauty, local culture, and active pursuits makes this cruise appealing. The scenery is jaw-droppingly gorgeous, especially during sunrise and sunset, which many reviews identify as the most memorable moments. The visit to Viet Hai Village adds a layer of authenticity and a chance to see traditional ways of life, not just tourist spots.

The meals are another highlight, with reviewers appreciating Vietnamese dishes that are both tasty and plentiful. The cooking demonstration provides insight into local flavors, adding a cultural touch that elevates the experience beyond just sightseeing.

On top of that, the organized transfers and all-included fees make this cruise a very convenient option, especially for those wary of logistical hassles in a foreign country.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

Travelers who enjoy scenic landscape photography will find plenty of opportunities to capture beautiful moments. Those interested in local culture and traditional villages will appreciate the visit to Viet Hai. If you’re looking for a balance of activity and relaxation with good food, this cruise checks those boxes.

It’s especially suited for first-time visitors to Vietnam or anyone wanting to see the iconic limestone columns and islands without the crowds of a day trip. The balanced itinerary offers enough adventure for energetic travelers but also plenty of time to relax, making it a good choice for couples, families, or small groups.

Final Thoughts

The 3-day V’Spirit Cruise provides a well-rounded, enjoyable way to experience Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. You get stunning vistas, authentic local experiences, and comfortable on-board amenities, all at a reasonable price. While weather can influence the scenery, the overall experience is highly praised for its friendly guides, delicious food, and memorable water activities.

This tour is ideal for those who want to see more than just a quick glimpse of the bay and are willing to participate in active pursuits like kayaking and cycling. If you value meaningful interactions, beautiful scenery, and well-organized logistics, this cruise will serve you well.

FAQ

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $279 per person, which includes meals, sightseeing fees, and activities. Additional expenses may include beverages outside of meals, tips, and personal expenses.

Is pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is provided, making departure seamless. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is each day’s activity?
The first day is around 12 hours, with a mix of cruising, exploring caves, and water activities. Day 2 lasts about 10 hours, including visiting Viet Hai Village and kayaking. The final day is approximately 6 hours, mainly kayaking, brunch, and return.

Are water activities safe?
Yes, the cruise provides kayaking gear, and guides are experienced in ensuring safety. Always listen to guides and wear life jackets when participating in water activities.

Can I participate if I don’t swim?
Absolutely. Swimming is optional; you can relax on the boat or at the beach if preferred. The tour offers plenty of land-based and land-adjacent activities.

What should I bring?
Pack your swimming suit, sun glasses, insect repellent, and perhaps a hat or cap. It’s also good to have a waterproof camera or phone case for water-based activities.

This 3-day cruise offers a well-balanced taste of Vietnam’s iconic Halong Bay — stirring scenery, authentic culture, and fun water pursuits. Whether you’re a nature lover, a cultural explorer, or simply seeking some peaceful escape, it’s worth considering.