Catamaran Premium Day Cruise: Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay Tour

Book this day trip now!!! First time visitor to Hanoi here (family of 4 with teenage kids). I’ve heard a lot about Halong Bay, and was searching for a day trip. Looked around other packages which were cheaper and reviews were mixed, and especially concerning were those with buffet food and being herded like cattle from one place to another. Then I stumbled upon Halong Caramaran but saw only about 10 reviews, however all excellent. Took a chance and booked this. I’m telling you, no regrets and this was fantastic. Tour operator contacted me via WhatsApp to make arrangements. There were a bit of confusion as multiple people were contacting me after that about the journey from Hanoi to Tuan Chau port and ended up slightly late at the port (1230 instead of 1145) however Ben(Thanh) from Halong Catamaran was in constant communication with me on WhatsApp and the driver and all good in the end. Just a feedback to operator, ditch the pearl shop stop, I think most of your travellers are not interested in that was packed with people and can’t hear the pearl tour guide operator explanation. Really not necessary. Then we reached the port and got on the catamaran via speedboat. It was fantastic. New boat, total guests probably around 40-50 people only. 6 course meal served and they were delicious and well plated. You could order drinks as well (pay separately) and just enjoy the upper deck of the catamaran. There was enough space around to make it feel almost exclusive. After the 6 course meal, we went for the light/dark cave excursion by bamboo boat. A request for future travellers, consider tipping the bamboo boatman as it’s hard work rowing that boat of 8-10 passengers and some of them even stop after first cave and would help you take a 360 deg photo/video while singing a traditional Vietnamese song about Halong Bay. Best time to tip would be there after the singing/video before heading back through the dark cave and to the catamaran. After that catamaran would head to another spot and you could swim (slide down the twin slides at the back of the catamaran), and they would have an inflatable trampoline too for you to jump and go crazy. It’s an unbelievable experience with jaw dropping view of the bay all around you. Finally it ends with a guided food preparation session making Vietnamese spring rolls. Plenty of time during the trip back to the harbor to take beautiful sunset photos and group/family photos. I have to say this is more expensive than the others but it’s money well spent. Truly felt like going on a personal exclusive day trip out to Halong Bay and it was so relaxing and enjoyable. If you’re a social person you can connect with other travellers if you’re not you have enough space to stick to yourself. I would highly recommend this and big shoutout to Nam (tour bus from Hanoi to Tuan Chau), and Ben(Thanh) and Tommy onboard Halong Catamaran (22 Dec 2023) for such an enjoyable day trip! Book it now, no regrets!!

If you prefer a relaxing day trip around Halong Bay instead of rushing from spot to spot, this is a good choice for you. The bus will stop at a "pearl farm" but no one will push you to buy anything. Then you will board the main boat and you will be served a wonderful 6 course meal while enjoying beautiful scenery. I highly recommend this cruise because of the delicious lunch, we were so full and satisfied. Then we went kayaking or bamboo boat cruising to the bright and dark cave, up to you to choose. Afterwards you can swim or sunbath or just chill in the cabin enjoying the scenery. You can order cocktails, mocktails , beer, or coffee in the boat. At the end there is a simple spring roll making activity and cakes and fruit for afternoon tea. Although the itinerary is not action packed, it is different and more relaxing than the usual more rushed and tourist crowded Halong Bay itinerary.

our tourguide was Vinh and we had an excellent time during the trip. well paced and relaxed itinerary, food was really good too!!! we will definitely recommend this trip to friends just want to chill out!

Thoroughly enjoyed the day. I was already in Halong so didn't use their transfer from Hanoi. Excellent communication throughout by Mun. The extra money spent on this trip was well worth it. The Catamaran took us beyond all the crowds while we enjoyed a beautifully prepared multi course meal and enjoyed the views. The swimming, kayaking, water slides were very enjoyable. The hands on cooking demonstration and afternoon tea were a nice end to the trip. The chef is very talented with his edible bouquet arrangements - see pics. Prices for drinks were reasonable - same as you pay in restaurants onland. This was a very relaxing day with stunning views and friendly staff smiles. It is definitely worth the extra you pay compared to some of the large mass produced tours.

When I come to Hanoi this time, I highly recommend the new route! At this price, you can experience hotel pick-up and drop-off by a top-notch bus, which is really convenient for foreigners! I am also very satisfied with the cruise part. The interior is clean and comfortable. I am also very satisfied with the lunch meal, especially the staff on the ship. They are very kind and enthusiastic, which makes my experience even better. In the afternoon, I will dive in the sea and take a boat to see the caves. If I have the opportunity to experience it, I will choose canoeing, which is more fun! Among them, I would also recommend tour guide Tommy. He is very enthusiastic and considerate. He pays attention to details. Although his English accent is a bit heavy, it does not hinder basic communication. It is highly recommended to come to Hanoi to experience it. The overall terrain is really unique!

We've really enjoyed the trip. The transfer was smooth and comfortable. Lunch was great and they catered very we to vegetarians (both the meal and the cooking class). There was plenty of time to relax, and enjoy the scenery. The cruise was very comfortable, the amenities were good. The route, being a lesser travelled, was quiet and not a lot of people or cruise ships. Definitely recommend it for those who enjoy a quieter way of enjoying Ha Long Bay.

Being Indian I had never ever thought that the vegetarian food they will serve will be so delicious and 7 course meal was so filling. Had an awesome experience and a wonderful time at cruise. Definitely worth the money spent.

It was a long ride and pricey but it's an amazing experience. Our guide Eric is very accomodating and friendly. The experience was fun, food was scrumptious and the areas are neat and tidy. Over all it was excellent -- though it's much more pricey than the other tours but mind you it's the best you can have! Try it now 😁

There were Americans/Africans/Japanese/Indians in my group. The tour bus had a wide seat, but it was neither new nor very clean. It took about an hour to drive around in the old town and pick up everyone and then get on the highway, which took another hour. We took a break at a pearl farm to go to the bathroom. We finished our trip very quickly. There was a group of friends who were shopping and got into the car almost an hour ago😪The tour guide didn’t make it clear where we were going, which caused a bit of confusion during the gathering, which needs to be improved. Arrive at the pier around 11:00 and take the barge onto the catamaran. Looking around, our boat is probably one of the newest and most beautiful, and it’s worth the price. The food is top-notch and tastes ok. It takes about an hour to sit on the left to reach the kayaking place. The tour guide will take you around in a circle and pass through a hole on the left. It’s not too hard. If you don't want to go kayaking, you can take a bamboo boat with someone to support you, and you'll have to pay a tip. After that, we took the boat and drove for 10 minutes to a cleaner water area, where we could swim, play on slides and inflatable trampolines, and there was a jacuzzi! At tea time, there are fruits and cakes, and you can wrap your own rice paper rolls, which you can eat before the long journey back to Hanoi for dinner. It takes about two hours to drive back to Hanoi, and we will stop for ten minutes to go to the bathroom. When you return to Hanoi, you will be sent back to your hotel. Overall, it's a pearl-shaped piece, with points deducted for that part, but everything else is in line with expectations!

Lived up to what I’ve read in the reviews - excellent 6-course lunch on board the Halong Catamaran which has clean and fairly new facilities.