What Does a Ha Long & Lan Ha Bay Cruise Price Include? Surcharges, Bay Entrance Fees, VAT, and How to Compare Prices

When comparing cruise prices, most people only look at the number shown on the booking page. But two cruises with similar prices can differ greatly in what's included: some already cover bay entrance fees, meals, kayaking, and taxes; others don't. By the time you reach the final payment, the difference can be quite significant.

This article helps you understand what Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay cruise prices typically include and exclude, common surcharges (children, single occupancy, weekends, public holidays), cancellation and amendment policies, and how to compare prices correctly — with specific examples from a cruise listed on Hotelux.

What Does a Cruise Price Typically Include?

For overnight cruises, an all-inclusive price usually covers:

• Accommodation: cabin of the selected category, typically for 2 guests.

• Meals as per the itinerary: lunch, dinner, breakfast, and sometimes an early lunch (brunch) before departure.

• Activities in the itinerary: cave visits, fishing village tours, kayaking or rowing, cooking classes, morning tai chi.

• On-board tour guide.

• Bay entrance fees: many cruises include these, but not all.

On-deck amenities such as a jacuzzi pool are usually included in the price; spa services are typically charged separately. Photo: Amanda Luxury Lan Ha Cruise.

Example: What Does a Cruise Package Include?

To give you a clearer picture, here is information about the Amanda Luxury Lan Ha Cruise currently listed on Hotelux:

Included:

• Welcome drinks; air-conditioned cabins, all with balconies; outdoor Swimming Pool.

• 2-day 1-night package: 1 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 Breakfast, and 1 early lunch. 3-day 2-night package: 2 lunches, 2 dinners, and 2 Breakfasts.

• Gala dinner on the sundeck (weather permitting), afternoon tea, cooking class.

• Tea, coffee, water, and muffins in the cabin; exclusive privileges by cabin category.

• Entertainment program during the gala dinner; complimentary decoration for birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and honeymoons.

• Kayaking, Wi-Fi, Ha Long Bay entrance fees, on-board insurance, VAT (not applicable to bay entrance fees).

Not included:

• Airfare and Airport Shuttle to and from Ha Long Bay.

• Visa fees (for international guests).

• Spa services.

• Beverages, tips, and personal expenses.

• Services not mentioned in the itinerary.

This is a fairly typical format. When reviewing another cruise, look for the same two lists — "included" and "not included" — to make a proper comparison.

Beverages such as wine, beer, and cocktails are usually charged separately. Photo: Amanda Luxury Lan Ha Cruise.

Common Exclusions and Surcharges

1. Transfer Service

Many cruises charge separately for transfers from Hanoi, either one-way or round-trip, and by vehicle type (shared shuttle, limousine, private car). If you arrange your own transport, you'll need to get to the port independently.

2. Beverages

Beer, wine, soft drinks, cocktails, and espresso-based coffee are usually charged separately; still water and in-room tea and coffee are typically complimentary. Bringing beverages on board may not be permitted, or a corkage fee may apply.

3. Bay Entrance Fees

If not included, bay entrance fees are charged based on the route and number of nights. According to the Ha Long Bay Management Authority's fee schedule, Route 2 overnight stays are VND 550,000 per person for 1 night and VND 750,000 per person for 2 nights; day trips on Route 1 and Route 2 are VND 250,000 per person.

4. Children's Surcharges and Extra Beds

Each cruise has its own policy based on age: young children sharing a bed may be complimentary or charged a partial rate, while older children may be charged at the adult rate or require an extra bed. Please declare children's ages accurately when booking.

5. Single Occupancy Surcharge

If you are travelling alone and occupying a cabin by yourself, many cruises apply a single supplement, as cabin prices are generally based on double occupancy.

6. Weekend and Public Holiday Surcharges

Prices may be higher on weekends, public holidays, Tet, Christmas, and New Year. Some cruises include a mandatory special dinner on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve, for which an additional charge applies.

7. Optional Services

Spa, massage, private dining, special decorations beyond the package, professional photography, additional seafood orders.

In-cabin beverages and fruit may be included as a cabin category perk. Photo: Amanda Luxury Lan Ha Cruise.

VAT: Included or Not?

Always check whether the listed price includes VAT, especially if you need a company invoice. On Hotelux, the listed prices for cruises such as Amanda Luxury Lan Ha and Hera Luxury Day Cruise already include VAT. If you need an invoice issued, please provide your company's details at the time of booking.

Cancellation, Amendment, and Weather Policies

• Cancellations and amendments by guests: cancellation fees are generally higher the closer you cancel to the departure date. Read the time-frame milestones and percentage charges carefully.

• Cancellations due to weather: when authorities suspend sailings due to storms or tropical depressions, cruises typically offer date changes or refunds according to their own policies.

• Itinerary changes: the cruise may alter visiting sites due to weather, tides, or regulations; this is generally non-refundable.

How to Compare Cruise Prices Correctly

• Compare the same number of nights, the same cabin category, and the same travel dates.

• Add up any exclusions: bay entrance fees, transfer costs, VAT if applicable.

• Count the number of meals and activities included.

• Factor in cabin category perks such as beverages, afternoon tea, and spa vouchers.

• Read the cancellation and amendment policy before choosing the cheapest rate.

Compare the vessel's space and amenities, not just the price tag. Photo: Amanda Luxury Lan Ha Cruise.

Example: Estimating the Total Actual Cost for 2 Guests

Suppose you're comparing two 2-day 1-night cruises with similar cabin prices. To determine which is the better value, draw up a simple table with the following rows:

• Cabin price for 2 guests on your exact travel dates.

• Bay entrance fees: if not included, add the current rate charged by the Bay Management Authority based on the number of guests and nights.

• Hanoi – port transfer: if not included, add the cost of a round-trip limousine or private car.

• VAT: if the price excludes tax, add the applicable tax rate.

• Estimated beverages: a bottle of wine for dinner, a few sunset cocktails, soft drinks for children.

• Optional services: spa, photography, birthday decoration (some cruises, such as Amanda Luxury Lan Ha on Hotelux, offer complimentary decoration for birthdays, anniversaries, and honeymoons).

Once you add everything up, a cruise with a lower listed price that excludes bay fees, transfers, and taxes can sometimes end up costing more than one priced slightly higher but fully inclusive. This is why you should compare the "total amount payable" rather than the "displayed price."

Signs of an Unusually Low Price

• Price significantly below the market rate for cruises of the same class and route, with no clear reason (low-season promotion, early-bird discount).

• No vessel name specified — only a vague description such as "5-star cruise" with a promise of an "equivalent vessel."

• Vague itinerary with no clear mention of the number of meals, visiting sites, or Check-in and Check-out times.

• Full payment required by bank transfer to a personal account, with no written booking confirmation.

Always book through a reputable channel and request a written booking confirmation clearly stating the vessel name, cabin category, travel dates, number of guests, and services included.

Should You Book Early or Last Minute?

For weekends, public holidays, Tet, and peak summer season, it's best to book early, as the most desirable cabin categories (large balconies, Suites) tend to sell out first. On regular days during the low season, last-minute deals may be available, but your cabin category choices will be more limited. Regardless of when you book, read the cancellation and amendment policy carefully so you know what you stand to lose if your plans change.

Checklist Before You Pay

• How many guests, which cabin type, and how many nights does the price cover?

• Does it include bay entrance fees, VAT, and insurance?

• Is a transfer included, and if so, at what cost?

• How are children's fees structured by age?

• Are there any surcharges for your travel dates (weekends, public holidays, Tet)?

• What is the cancellation and amendment policy, and what happens in case of bad weather?

• Are beverages and incidental services paid by cash or card?

Package information in this article is based on data available on Hotelux at the time of writing and is subject to change. Please confirm with the operator when booking.

Photo Credits

Cover photo and all images in this article: Amanda Luxury Lan Ha Cruise.