Orchid Classic Cruise

Orchid Cruise — Itinerary

2 Days 1 Night

Day 1: Hanoi – Tuan Chau – Lan Ha Bay

Morning: Pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter hotel 8:30–9:00 AM (extra fee). 2.5-hour drive to Tuan Chau Marina. Welcomed at the lounge with special tea. Around 12:15 PM, tender transfers you to Orchid Cruise.

Afternoon: Check-in, briefing & safety instructions. Lunch served while cruising past Da Chong, Con Vit & Gia Luan islets. Explore Ao Ech — perfect for kayaking. Return to watch sunset over Gulf of Tonkin. Join cooking demonstration or enjoy Happy Hour at the bar.

Evening: Dinner at 7:15 PM. After dinner — squid fishing, movie, sundeck bar, or spa (extra fee). Overnight onboard. Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi

Morning: Tai Chi & sunrise. Breakfast served. Visit Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island — famed for stalactites & natural beauty.

Return: Check-out 9:45–10:00 AM. Brunch served while cruising back. Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina ~11:30 AM. Transfer to Hanoi. Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

3 Days 2 Nights Extended

Day 1: Hanoi – Tuan Chau – Lan Ha Bay

Same as 2D1N: pickup, welcome tea, tender transfer, lunch, Ao Ech kayaking, sunset, Happy Hour, dinner, overnight. Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Lan Ha Bay Exploration

Morning: Tai Chi on sundeck. Breakfast with panoramic views. Transfer to day boat for Viet Hai Village — explore by bicycle or electric car through forest & rice fields.

Afternoon: Traditional lunch onboard day boat. Visit Dark and Bright Cave — kayak or take bamboo boat through hidden lagoon. Return to Orchid Cruise. Leisure time: cooking class, swim, or sunset drinks.

Evening: Dinner at 7:15 PM. After dinner — sundeck, bar, movie, or squid fishing. Overnight onboard. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi

Morning: Tai Chi & sunrise. Breakfast served. Visit Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island.

Return: Check-out 9:45–10:00 AM. Brunch served. Disembark Tuan Chau Marina ~11:30 AM. Transfer to Hanoi. Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

What Is Included

• Welcome tea at the lounge
• Tender transfer to Orchid Cruise
• All meals: lunch, dinner, breakfast, brunch
• Briefing & safety instructions
• Entrance fees: Ao Ech, Trung Trang Cave, Viet Hai Village, Dark and Bright Cave
• Kayaking equipment
• Tai Chi session
• Cooking demonstration
• Happy Hour at onboard bar
• Day boat transfer & Viet Hai Village visit
• Bicycle or electric car at Viet Hai
• Bamboo boat ride at Dark and Bright Cave
• Access to restaurant, sundeck & bar
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Not included: Shuttle bus, spa, drinks outside Happy Hour, personal expenses, tips

About Orchid Cruise & Lan Ha Bay

Orchid Cruise — Your Lan Ha Bay Voyage

Orchid Cruise offers a refined journey through Lan Ha Bay — the emerald seascape south of Halong Bay. Departing Tuan Chau Marina, the vessel sails past hundreds of limestone islets rising from clear green water. Orchid Cruise combines warm hospitality with peaceful, unspoiled scenery — far quieter than crowded routes nearby.

Lan Ha Bay — Nature’s Emerald Gem

Lan Ha Bay stretches around Cat Ba Island with over 400 islands and islets. Waters stay calm and clear, beaches remain secluded, and forest cover is lush and vibrant. Orchid Cruise takes you deep into these sheltered channels where you can kayak, swim, and watch the sunset in peace.

Ao Ech — Calm Waters to Explore

Ao Ech is your first stop — a sheltered bay where karst peaks frame glass-smooth water. Paddle your kayak through winding passages to hidden coves accessible only from the water. Every turn reveals another quiet view that makes Lan Ha Bay so special.

Viet Hai Village — Timeless Island Life

On the extended itinerary, visit Viet Hai Village deep within Cat Ba National Park. Ride through rice fields and forest, meet local families, and see traditional homes built from bamboo and wood. This is authentic rural life unchanged for generations.

Dark and Bright Cave — Magic Beneath the Rock

Glide through a natural limestone tunnel into a hidden circular lagoon ringed by trees. Kayak yourself or relax on a bamboo boat rowed by a local. Sunlight filters through the canopy and reflects off emerald water — a truly unforgettable moment.

Trung Trang Cave — Ancient Beauty

On Cat Ba Island, Trung Trang Cave reveals vast chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. Cool, quiet, and awe-inspiring — a perfect complement to your time on the water.

Evenings Onboard Orchid Cruise

As night falls, Orchid Cruise becomes your peaceful sanctuary. Dine on fresh local food, watch the stars appear from the sundeck, try squid fishing, or simply relax with a drink. Every moment is crafted to feel as welcoming as it is beautiful.

Practical Information

• Departure: Tuan Chau Marina — tender transfer ~12:15 PM
• Shuttle bus: Hanoi pickup — extra fee
• Check-out: 9:45–10:00 AM on final day
• Disembarkation: ~11:30 AM at Tuan Chau Marina
• Spa: available onboard — extra charge
• Programs subject to change without notice
• Bad weather: decision by Halong Bay Management Board; alternative or refund offered per policy

Guest Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — “Peaceful & beautiful”
“Orchid Cruise was exactly what we wanted. Lan Ha Bay is quieter and prettier than Halong Bay. Ao Ech kayaking and Dark and Bright Cave were highlights. Staff warm and attentive. Highly recommended!”
— Elena, UK

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — “Authentic & relaxing”
“Viet Hai Village felt like stepping back in time. Trung Trang Cave impressive. Orchid Cruise well run and comfortable. Book it!”
— Mark, Australia

⭐⭐⭐⭐ — “Great value cruise”
“Everything ran smoothly. Note shuttle bus is extra — clearly stated. Brunch lovely. Orchid Cruise delivers a wonderful experience.”
— Thomas, Germany