If Ha Long Bay is the familiar "face," Lan Ha Bay is the quieter corner of the same heritage: emerald waters, fewer boats, numerous small limestone islands and fishing villages. Amanda Luxury Lan Ha Cruise is a 5-star cruise that has chosen this very bay to take guests on a relaxing getaway. This article summarizes everything you can expect on board, based on information provided by the operator, so you can decide whether this cruise is right for you.
Overview of Amanda Luxury Lan Ha Cruise
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Category: 5-star cruise.
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Number of cabins: 20 cabins, all with private balconies and bathtubs overlooking the bay.
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Style: French neoclassical architecture blended with traditional Asian details.
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Itineraries: 2 days 1 night and 3 days 2 nights on Lan Ha Bay.
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Embarkation point: Tuan Chau International Passenger Port (Ha Long, Quang Ninh).
The outdoor jacuzzi at the bow, seen from above. Photo: Amanda Luxury Lan Ha Cruise.
Cabins: Private Balconies and Bathtubs in Every Category
The most noteworthy feature of Amanda is that there is no "bad view" cabin: every room comes with a private balcony and a bathtub to enjoy the bay views. The cruise offers three main cabin categories, each accommodating 2 guests:
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Cabin Category |
Size |
Included Perks (per cruise package) |
|---|---|---|
|
Junior Suite |
30 m² |
Herbal foot soak voucher per guest |
|
Senior Suite |
30 m² |
One glass of wine or soft drink and herbal foot soak voucher per guest |
|
Amanda Luxury Suite |
45 m² |
Fresh fruit, one bottle of wine and afternoon tea |
Each cabin is stocked with tea, coffee, water and muffins. If you're celebrating a wedding anniversary, honeymoon or birthday, the cruise offers complimentary decoration setup — just let them know when booking.
Cabin with bathtub and private balcony overlooking Lan Ha Bay. Photo: Amanda Luxury Lan Ha Cruise.
Bathroom with a bathtub positioned next to a large glass window. Photo: Amanda Luxury Lan Ha Cruise.
Highlights on Board
Outdoor Jacuzzi at the Bow
The jacuzzi positioned at the very bow of the ship is the perfect spot to soak while the cruise glides past limestone islands — especially stunning at sunset and in the evening when the jacuzzi is lit up.
The jacuzzi illuminated at night. Photo: Amanda Luxury Lan Ha Cruise.
Gala Dinner and Cultural Performances
The gala dinner is held on the sundeck (weather permitting), accompanied by the "Footsteps of Heritage" cultural show. According to the cruise's introduction, guests are also treated to a Vietnamese traditional costume showcase and a sạp bamboo dance from the Northwest region.
Relaxation: Herbal Foot Soak and Spa
The cruise features a dedicated spa (spa services are charged separately) and wellness experiences. A traditional herbal foot soak is included as a perk with select cabin categories.
Cooking Class, Afternoon Tea and Kayaking
The package includes a cooking class, afternoon tea on the sundeck and kayaking — giving you the perfect balance of relaxation and light activities on the bay.
The private balcony — a perfect spot to sit and enjoy tea while admiring the limestone karsts. Photo: Amanda Luxury Lan Ha Cruise.
Attractions: Lan Ha Bay and Quan Y Cave
Amanda's itinerary includes a stop at Quan Y Cave on Cat Ba Island. This secret hospital was built by Cat Ba locals inside a mountain between 1963 and 1965, featuring 3 floors with 17 rooms of various sizes, and is now one of the island's most notable historical attractions.
On Lan Ha Bay, the cruise passes through areas dotted with small limestone islands and floating fishing villages. With fewer vessels than Ha Long Bay, the atmosphere is tranquil — ideal for kayaking and enjoying the scenery from your balcony.
Cai Beo fishing village, one of the oldest floating villages in the Cat Ba – Lan Ha area. Photo: Superbass / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
What's Included in the Package?
According to information provided by the operator, the package price includes:
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Welcome drinks, air-conditioned cabin with balcony.
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Meals: the 2-day 1-night package includes 1 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 Breakfast and 1 early lunch; the 3-day 2-night package includes 2 lunches, 2 dinners and 2 Breakfasts.
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Gala dinner on the sundeck (weather permitting), afternoon tea, cooking class.
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Kayaking, Wi-Fi, cruise insurance.
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Bay entrance fees.
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VAT (not applicable to bay entrance fees).
Not included: Airport Shuttle to and from Ha Long, spa services, extra drinks, tips and personal expenses.
Who Is Amanda Luxury Lan Ha Best Suited For?
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Couples and honeymooners: every cabin has a balcony and bathtub, plus complimentary celebration decoration setup.
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Those seeking genuine relaxation: Lan Ha Bay is peaceful and the cruise has only 20 cabins, so it never feels crowded.
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Culture enthusiasts: the gala dinner features cultural performances and the itinerary includes the historical Quan Y Cave.
If you're looking for a packed itinerary with popular attractions such as Sung Sot Cave or Ti Top Island, a cruise on Ha Long Bay may be more suitable.
Tips for Booking Amanda Cruise
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Book early for weekends or public holidays, as the cruise has only 20 cabins.
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Plan your transportation to Tuan Chau Port in advance, as transfers are not included in the package price.
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Notify the cruise in advance if you're celebrating a special occasion so decorations can be arranged.
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Ask about the bad-weather policy, particularly from July to September which is typhoon season in northern Vietnam.
Information about the cruise and its services has been compiled from the operator and is subject to change. Please verify details at the time of booking.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Amanda Luxury Lan Ha Cruise depart from?
The cruise picks up guests at Tuan Chau International Passenger Port (Ha Long, Quang Ninh) before heading to Lan Ha Bay. Transfers to the port are not included in the package price.
Do the cabins on Amanda Cruise have balconies?
Yes. All 20 cabins on Amanda feature private balconies and bathtubs overlooking the bay. Cabin categories include Junior Suite and Senior Suite (30 m²) and Amanda Luxury Suite (45 m²).
Does the package price include bay entrance fees and transfers?
According to the operator, the package price includes bay entrance fees, meals as per the itinerary, kayaking, Wi-Fi and cruise insurance. Transfers, spa services and extra drinks are not included.
Is Amanda Cruise suitable for a honeymoon?
Absolutely. Every cabin features a balcony and bathtub, the cruise has a jacuzzi, gala dinner and complimentary decoration setup for honeymoons, wedding anniversaries or birthdays when requested in advance.
What attractions does Amanda's itinerary include?
The cruise sails through Lan Ha Bay and includes a stop at Quan Y Cave on Cat Ba Island — a secret hospital built inside a mountain between 1963 and 1965. The itinerary also features kayaking, a cooking class and afternoon tea on the deck.