Taliya Cruise · Tuan Chau Marina or Hanoi pickup
A luxury day boat from Tuan Chau Marina that runs past Ha Long Bay and on into Lan Ha Bay, off Cat Ba island: a bamboo boat through Dark and Bright Cave, then kayaking and a swim at Ao Ech. Pick it to see the quieter southern bay without spending a night on board.
Most day cruises loop around the classic Ha Long Bay sights and turn back. This one keeps going. After boarding at Tuan Chau Marina the boat crosses Ha Long Bay and heads south-west into Lan Ha Bay, the stretch off Cat Ba island that UNESCO added to the World Heritage property in 2023. The listing counts about 400 islands in this area. You see them from the air-conditioned restaurant over a Vietnamese fusion lunch, then up close: a local fisherman rows you by bamboo boat through Dark and Bright Cave into lagoons ringed by cliffs, and later you kayak and swim at Ao Ech.
The cruise lasts about 7 hours on the water. It starts from $57, with the Hanoi bus as an option: the luxury bus collects you at your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel between 6.30 and 7am, the drive takes about 3 hours on the expressway with one rest stop of 25 to 30 minutes, and you reach Tuan Chau at 10 to 10.15am. That makes it a long day, so set an early alarm. Entrance fees, lunch, the bamboo boat, kayaking, afternoon tea and a cooking class are included, and the boat has an outdoor jacuzzi. Drinks beyond the welcome drink and tips are extra.
One practical thing: the operator asks for a copy of your passport at least 24 hours before check-in, for registration. Send it as soon as you book and the morning is easy. Vegetarian? Say so when you book.
The luxury bus collects you at your Old Quarter hotel. About 3 hours on the expressway, with one rest stop.
A welcome drink, the cruise briefing and safety instructions, then the boat sets off across Ha Long Bay.
A Vietnamese fusion lunch in the air-conditioned restaurant while the boat threads between the limestone islands.
The boat anchors in a quiet cove. A local fisherman rows you by bamboo boat through the caves to hidden lagoons.
Paddle the calm water of Lan Ha Bay or swim off the boat. All activities are optional.
Afternoon tea, a cooking class and the sunset party on the way back to Tuan Chau, then the bus to Hanoi if you booked it.
★★★★★A perfectly organized tour. Everything went exactly according to schedule. A pleasant guide (Allan), courteous staff on the boat.
★★★★★Far exceeded our expectations and would highly recommend. [...] The trips on the traditional local boat to the caves was so tranquil and beautiful. We did the kayaking which was great fun. The team onboard catered for my food allergy (gluten free) and were so friendly and welcoming. Simply brilliant day all round.
★★★★★Fabulous day. Could not fault it. Fine if with older relatives too - my Mum loved it. [...] Lovely boat, friendly staff, [...] loads of time for relaxing & always somewhere comfy to sit, cave trip serene, kayaking if you want [...]
★★★★★Everything was wonderful. I highly recommend it. This cruise ship is unlike any other. It's worth it!
Read next:
Yes. It boards at Tuan Chau Marina, crosses Ha Long Bay and continues into Lan Ha Bay for Dark and Bright Cave by bamboo boat and kayaking and swimming at Ao Ech, per the listing.
It is an option. The tour starts from $57, and the option with the Hanoi bus collects you at your Old Quarter hotel between 6.30 and 7am. Choose it when you check availability; the price for your date shows there.
About 7 hours on the boat. With the Hanoi bus, add about 3 hours each way on the expressway.
Yes. The swim stop is at Ao Ech in Lan Ha Bay, where you can also kayak. All activities are optional.
Ready to book
Lan Ha Bay in a day: Dark and Bright Cave, kayaking and swimming at Ao Ech.
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