Amanda Cruise: Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay Expedition (3 Days)

The adventure commences with a morning transfer from your Hanoi Old Quarter accommodation (if pre-booked) to Halong Bay. Upon reaching Tuan Chau Port between 11:30 AM and 12:00 PM, you will complete check-in procedures at the waiting lounge before boarding the Amanda Cruise. A warm welcome awaits with a refreshing drink and a cool towel, followed by cabin assignment. As the ship departs Tuan Chau Marina, a delicious lunch is served onboard, allowing you to settle in and admire the initial views of the bay. After lunch, take a brief rest in your cabin to prepare for the afternoon's activities.

Later in the afternoon, the cruise tenders to Titop Island, a renowned spot for its crescent-shaped beach and observation peak. Guests have the option to swim in the clear blue waters, soak up the sun on the sandy shore, or undertake a rewarding hike to the island's summit, which provides an expansive, scenic panorama of Halong Bay. Following this, the journey continues to Sung Sot Cave, also known as Surprise Cave, one of the largest and most impressive grottoes in Halong Bay. Inside, you'll be captivated by the intricate formations of stalactites and stalagmites, creating a unique backdrop for photography.

Returning to the cruise ship, the evening begins with a lively sunset party on deck. This is a perfect opportunity to relax with a cocktail during Happy Hour (Buy 2 Get 1 Free from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM) while watching the sun dip below the karsts. A cooking class follows, where the head chef guides you in preparing traditional Vietnamese Spring Rolls. Dinner is served on the sundeck as part of a special Gala Dinner, weather permitting. Nighttime activities include a "Footsteps of Heritage" fashion show, traditional bamboo dancing, an herbal foot bath, and squid fishing, offering diverse entertainment options before retiring for the night.

Start your second day with a light breakfast served in the dining room, preparing you for another day of exploration. Today involves transferring to a smaller day boat to delve deeper into the secluded areas of Halong Bay. The first destination is Trinh Nu Cave, often called "Virgin Cave," a site steeped in local legend and surrounded by picturesque scenery. Here, you'll have the chance to explore the cave and appreciate its unique natural beauty.

Following the cave visit, the day boat proceeds to Three Peaches Beach (Ba Trai Dao Beach). This idyllic spot is famous for its cool, clear emerald waters and pristine white sandy shores, offering a perfect setting for swimming and relaxation. Guests will have approximately 75 minutes to enjoy this tranquil environment. After soaking up the sun and sea, return to the day boat for a pleasant lunch, providing a moment to rest and recharge amidst the stunning bay views.

The afternoon continues with an educational visit to the Pearl Farm Exhibition Center and Museum. For about forty minutes, you will gain insights into the fascinating process of pearl cultivation, from farming techniques to the harvesting and processing of pearls. This offers a unique perspective on a significant local industry. Concluding the day boat excursion, you will transfer back to the main Amanda Cruise ship. The evening program mirrors that of the previous night, allowing you to partake in any activities you might have missed, such as the sunset party, dinner, squid fishing, or a relaxing massage.

Begin your final morning with a rejuvenating Tai Chi session on the sundeck, greeting the sunrise over Halong Bay's iconic karsts. A light breakfast is then served in the restaurant, providing energy for the day's last adventure. The cruise will navigate to the picturesque Luon Cave area, where guests can choose to kayak or enjoy a bamboo raft ride. This allows for an intimate exploration of the cave's unique geological formations and the surrounding serene emerald waters and towering mountains.

After returning to the main vessel, take some time to relax. You might opt for a complimentary herbal foot bath in your cabin, or simply unwind and sunbathe on the sundeck, soaking in the last moments of the bay's beauty. Guests are requested to check out and return their room keys at the reception desk by 9:30 AM, with luggage placed outside their cabins for collection. A comprehensive buffet brunch is then served in the restaurant as the ship makes its way back to the mainland, providing a final opportunity to enjoy the onboard cuisine and settle any outstanding bills.

Around 11:00 AM, the Amanda Cruise arrives back at Tuan Chau Marina. It's time to bid farewell to the crew and the ship. For those who pre-booked transfer services, a driver will be waiting to take you back to Hanoi, with an estimated arrival at your hotel between 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM. This concludes your memorable Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay journey.