A Luxurious 2-Day Cruise Through Vietnam’s Stunning Bays
This Catherine Cruise experience offers a 2-day, 1-night journey that takes you beyond the typical day trip and into the heart of Vietnam’s most breathtaking scenery. Starting from Hanoi, you’ll be whisked away in a luxurious, Oriental-inspired vessel that balances modern comfort with traditional elegance. For $490 per person, this tour includes hotel pickup, meals, and an overnight stay on board, making it a convenient and immersive way to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.
What we particularly love about this experience is how much it combines stunning natural views with personalized activities like squid fishing and a cooking class, all while staying in a ship that’s both comfortable and beautiful. The spectacular sundecks offer perfect spots for relaxing and taking in the scenery. Another highlight is the exceptional service, with staff members like Julie and Mike earning rave reviews for their friendliness and attentiveness.
One possible consideration is the non-refundable policy—if your plans change, you won’t be able to get your money back or reschedule easily. So, it’s best suited for travelers who are fairly certain about their travel dates and want a reliable, high-end experience. This cruise is perfect for those who appreciate luxury, scenery, and authentic cultural touches like visits to caves and traditional villages.
- Luxury and Comfort: Spacious, beautifully designed ship with modern amenities and traditional touches.
- All-Inclusive Experience: Meals, overnight stay, entrance fees, and transportation included for seamless travel.
- Authentic Activities: Enjoy squid fishing, cooking classes, cave visits, and stops at local villages.
- Stunning Views: Sunsets, sunrises, and panoramic vistas from the deck are awe-inspiring.
- Highly Praised Staff: Reviewers emphasize the helpful, friendly, and professional crew members.
- Ideal for Relaxation and Culture: Perfect for travelers wanting both scenic beauty and cultural insights.
An In-Depth Look at the Catherine Cruise Experience

Setting the Scene: Where You’ll Be Exploring
This cruise whisks you away from Hanoi early in the morning, with a convenient pickup option, and delivers you straight into Vietnam’s most iconic scenery—Halong Bay. Known for its towering limestone karsts and emerald waters, Halong Bay has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for years, and a 2-day cruise allows you to soak in its grandeur at a relaxed pace.
The cruise also includes a visit to Lan Ha Bay, a less crowded but equally stunning area known for its tranquil waters and hidden coves. You’ll spend the night on the ship, which offers spectacular views of the sun setting and rising over the bays—an experience that’s hard to beat when traveling in Vietnam.
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The Ship: Combining Modern Comfort with Oriental Charm
The vessel measures around 28 meters by 6 meters across its three decks, crafted with wood and iron to give a cozy yet elegant ambiance. Reviewers mention how clean, large, and beautiful the ship is, with modern amenities that make your stay comfortable without sacrificing traditional aesthetics. The onboard restaurant, bars, and an elegant dining area make mealtimes both a treat and an opportunity to socialize or relax with scenic views. The sundecks serve as prime spots for lounging and picture-taking.
Day 1: Exploring Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay
Your day begins at 8:30 am, after which you’ll be driven in an air-conditioned vehicle to the cruise. The first stop is Halong Bay, where you’re free to enjoy the natural beauty with an admission ticket included. Expect panoramic vistas, dramatic limestone formations, and plenty of time for photos.
Next, the ship sails to Lan Ha Bay, where the admission is included in your package. This quieter bay offers a more intimate experience, with opportunities to explore caves, swim, or simply soak up the tranquility. Reviewers rave about the stunning views here and mention how the crew facilitates activities like cave visits and even cave exploration, which adds an adventurous touch to the trip.
The Onboard Experience
Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy meals included in the package—from lunch to dinner—featuring a variety of dishes, with some reviewers noting the delicious food options, including halal options. The staff, including specific mentions of someone like Julie, are praised for their professionalism and friendliness, making all guests feel cared for.
Guests often highlight the helpfulness of crew members like Mike, Brian, and Jane, who go out of their way to assist. Whether it’s explaining the day’s activities or helping with special requests, the crew’s attentiveness makes the experience more enjoyable.
Activities That Make It Special
While relaxing is the main goal, the cruise offers fun activities such as squid fishing, which is surprisingly addictive, and a cooking class where you might learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes. These are small touches that add authenticity and fun.
Reviewers mention how helpful staff like Joana, Husna, and Hun enhance the experience, ensuring that even if the weather isn’t perfect, you still feel well taken care of. One guest notes the activities were fun and exciting, and the caves were amazing, making each day varied and interesting.
While in Hanoi, here are other experiences we've covered
- 2-day Motorbike Ha Giang Loop Luxury Tour With Easy Rider
- 2-day Experiences of Sapa Ethnic Homestay Trek
- 2 Day Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu/Bai Dinh- Trang An/Tam Coc- Mua Cave
- 2-Day Mai Chau Valley Tour from Hanoi
- 2-Day: Halong Lan Ha Bay 5 Stars Cruises w/Balcony & Bathtub
- From Hanoi: 2-Day Ninh Binh Tour with Ha Long Bay Cruise
The Second Day: More Exploration and Return
The next morning, you’ll wake up early to catch the sunrise over the bay—an unforgettable moment. After breakfast, there’s time for more sightseeing or relaxing on deck. The cruise concludes around midday, with your transportation back to Hanoi.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This tour is ideal for travelers who value comfort and scenery. The small group size (max 24 travelers) means you get a more intimate experience, but also the chance to connect with others. If you enjoy luxury touches like elegant dining and spacious cabins, this cruise delivers.
It’s also a great fit if you appreciate authentic cultural experiences—visiting traditional villages or caves—alongside stunning natural visuals. The highly positive reviews about staff and service suggest this is a well-organized, customer-focused trip that will appeal to those seeking a relaxing, scenic escape in Vietnam.
The Value and Price
At $490 per person, the value hinges on the all-inclusive nature—meals, overnight stay, entrance fees, and transportation are covered. When compared to other luxury cruises, reviewers consistently mention the excellent service and beautiful ship as worth the price. The upgraded pickup and drop-off add convenience, especially after a long day of exploring.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For those looking to combine luxury, scenic beauty, and authentic activities in Vietnam, this cruise stands out. It offers a comfortable, well-organized way to explore Halong and Lan Ha Bays without feeling rushed, with enough activities and downtime to suit different travel styles.
The friendly, professional staff, beautiful design, and high praise from previous travelers make it an appealing choice. This cruise is especially suited for first-time visitors wanting a hassle-free, memorable experience or travelers seeking a luxurious escape in one of Vietnam’s most famous spots.
FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are offered as part of the package, with the option to upgrade for added convenience.
What’s included in the price?
The cost covers meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), overnight accommodation on the cruise, entrance fees, and transportation.
Are beverages and tips included?
No, beverages (like alcohol or soft drinks) and gratuities are not included, so you might want to carry some cash for tipping or extra drinks.
Can I participate if I’m traveling alone?
Absolutely—this tour is designed for small groups (up to 24 travelers), making it easy to meet others or enjoy a more private experience.
How long is the cruise?
It’s a 2-day, 1-night cruise, giving you ample time to relax and see the highlights without feeling rushed.
Are activities like squid fishing and cooking classes guaranteed?
They are offered as part of the itinerary, and reviews suggest they are enjoyable and well-organized, though schedules may vary.
Is the ship suitable for families or travelers with special needs?
Most travelers can participate, and the ship’s modern, accessible design makes it suitable for families and most guests.
What about weather considerations?
While weather can influence visibility and activities, the cruise’s flexible schedule and staff support help ensure a pleasant experience whatever the forecast.
In the end, a 2-day cruise with Catherine Cruise proves to be a delightful way to experience Vietnam’s iconic bays in comfort and style. It balances scenic splendor, authentic activities, and luxury, making it a top choice for travelers eager to enjoy Vietnam’s natural beauty without sacrificing comfort.
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