Off The Beaten Track to Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay on 5 Star Cruise
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 144 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
3.7/5
Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Off The Beaten Track to Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay on 5 Star Cruise worth booking?
Off The Beaten Track to Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay on 5 Star Cruise is a 48-hour experience in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, from $169 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.7/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 144 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 56 / 100
- Rating
- 3.7/5 (13)
- Duration
- 48 hours
- From
- $169 per person
Lan Ha Bay, like a hidden place, shows its scenery thanks to its unspoiled and magnificent natural beauty. For those who look for less-crowded destinations. Spend 2 days cruising around Halong Bay to Lan Ha Bay with high
What you get
- Meeting Point at TUAN CHAU MARINA (CRUISE FROM HALONG)
- Fully furnished cabin with Private Seaview Balcony
- Cooking Class & Morning Tai Chi on Boat
- Entrance & sightseeing fees as mentoined in itinenary
- Lunch
- Dinner
About this experience
Lan Ha Bay, like a hidden place, shows its scenery thanks to its unspoiled and magnificent natural beauty. For those who look for less-crowded destinations. Spend 2 days cruising around Halong Bay to Lan Ha Bay with highlights includes Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches) Islets and Beach or Dark and Bright Cave or Tra Bau area of Lan Ha Bay. Tour includes luxury cruises with deluxe accommodation, meals, activities with optional limousine round-trip transfers from Hanoi. ✅Only 2.5 hours/1 Way Limousine Transfer from Hanoi by expressway (instead of 4 hours as normal tour) ✅Unique itinerary 2 days to explore Halong – Lan Ha Bay Areas ✅Experience Lan Ha bay with many an exciting activities such as bathing sea, kayaking, squid fishing at night, watching the sunset, sunrise at sea. ✅All cabin is connected to nature with private balconies. ✅Professional and enthusiastic team with great service on Boat.
What's included
Included
- Meeting Point at TUAN CHAU MARINA (CRUISE FROM HALONG)
- Fully furnished cabin with Private Seaview Balcony
- Cooking Class & Morning Tai Chi on Boat
- Entrance & sightseeing fees as mentoined in itinenary
- Lunch
- Dinner
- English Speaking Guide/ Cruise Manager onboard
- Breakfast
- Kayaking/Rowing Bamboo Boat, Photo Hunting, Relaxing...
- Limousine Bus Transfer Hanoi Ha Long (CRUISE FROM HANOI Only)
Not included
- Beverages, Personal Expenses & Tips
- Holiday Surcharge
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Ha Long Bay
FOR GUESTS NOT USING TRANSFER, BOOK TOUR FROM HALONG: Please come to Tuan Chau Harbor on your own before 11:30 am to complete the registration procedures for boarding the cruise. If any late arrival, you might be denied by port authority or subject to an extra fee.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 20 minutes before departure.
Ends at
FOR GUESTS NOT USING TRANSFER, BOOK TOUR FROM HALONG: Please come to Tuan Chau Harbor on your own before 11:30 am to complete the registration procedures for boarding the cruise. If any late arrival, you might be denied by port authority or subject to an extra fee.
Options you can book
OVERNIGHT CRUISE FROM HALONG
Start & Finish at Halong Bay: Please come by your own to Tuan Chau Marina at 11h30 AM for meeting point and boarding cruise (No later than) Transfer on REQUEST: Please note that Transfer from Hanoi/Halong Area not included in this option. Pay extra if you need this service JUNIOR SUITE CABINS: Luxury Cabin on the First Deck . We will use some cruises for this tour: La Casta/Rosy/Dora/Doris/Rita and Similar Meals on Boat as Program Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay: Tuan Chau Marina -Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay - Overnight Cruise - Lan Ha Bay - Halong Bay -Tuan Chau Marina
FROM HANOI BY SHARED LIMOUSINE
P/U AT HANOI OLD QUARTER AREA: Time Pick Up: 8h00 AM - 8h30 AM at Hotels/Stays in Hanoi Old Quarter Area or Hanoi Opera House if stay outside LIMOUSINE TRANSFER ROUNDTRIP JUNIOR SUITE CABINS: Luxury Cabin on the First Deck . We will use some cruises for this tour: La Casta/Rosy/Dora/Doris/Rita and Similar HANOI - HALONG BAY -LAN HA BAY: Hanoi -Tuan Chau -Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay - Overnight Cruise - Lan Ha Bay - Halong Bay -Tuan Chau -Hanoi Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- LOCAL TOURS VIETNAM
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration depends on the time of day and traffic conditions.
- Meals on-board are served with seafood, Vietnamese and international Cuisine. Any special request for food preference, allergies or dietary requirements should be informed at least 1 days before the departure date.
- Wi-Fi is available in the restaurant/bar area only. Internet connectivity is limited due to geography of Ha Long bay.
- Cruise itinerary might be changed due to weather and other conditions without prior notice.
- Swimming or kayaking activity may not be possible due to bad weather. Unused services are not subjected to a refund.
- The tour organization is subject to favorable weather conditions. If the tour is cancelled due to poor weather (Not allowed from Government) , you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
- Cancellation will ONLY be announced by the Halong Local Port Authority and often at short notice. Therefore, your understanding in these situations will be highly appreciated as these circumstances are entirely not under our control.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for Off The Beaten Track to Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay on 5 Star Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
False advertisement, different itinerary
La Casta Cruises were fantastic, and if I went into the experience aware of their itinerary I would have rated it highly. But I am rating this experience via Viator a 2 because I specifically booked it for the itinerary provided on the website, which included caves and stops in Lan Ha Bay which were not included on the cruise we were booked on. False advertising is always disappointing, setting incorrect expectations and causing an otherwise good experience in itself to be dampened by the idea of a different itinerary of what I knew I had paid for and booked.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback, Kate As we informed you, depending on the weather and water level we will visit Dark & Bright Cave or the Ba Trai Dao area, and our cruise manager explained to you. We must follow for the safety. We are sorry for not informing you in advance the date before. We will note and inform the customers in advance due to the weather and water level. Hope you had a good time on the cruise and enjoyed sencery in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay Best regards, Luong
via Viator
DO NOT USE LOCAL TOURS VIETNAM AS AN AGENT FOR YOUR EXCURSION
We can't stress enough NEVER to use Local Tours Vietnam for a travel agent. We paid for pickup/drop-off fee and my travel companions still owe $20 for their part since it wasn’t included in the initial total. They were late in picking up and when I called, they advised TripAdvisor have given them the wrong hotel which is not true. I have email confirmation that they had received our hotel details. The buses had left and they requested we take a one-way taxi for a million dong, (equivalent to $50) to the port, reimbursement to follow when past correspondence was confirmed. We had a wonderful time on the cruise and I can’t say enough how great Dory cruise, accommodations, staff, food and amenities were. This is a SEPARATE company from Local Tour VN. They truly deserved 5 + stars. However, post cruise, we were loaded on the bus, myself and 2 other companions for a 2-hour return to our hotel, Giang, the manager of Local Tours, not only refused to credit our $50 for added expenses, he told the tour operator to collect the $20 owed from my friends. He screamed at the bus driver, myself and the operator to pay up or he will tell the bus driver to drop us off on the side of highway with our suitcases! The bus driver refused and Giang threatened that if they don’t collect the $20, he would deduct it from their wages. I speak Vietnamese and told him he was unprofessional and dishonorable. Can you imagine if you couldn’t speak the language and were dropped you off on the side of the freeway 2 hours away the city? It’s not the monetary amount, t’s simply the way we were mistreated and the immoral actions of Local Tours Vietnam. TripAdvisor uses many local tour companies for Halong Bay, if you get this company, simply cancel and book with a different agent. Vietnam is an incredible journey and Halong Bay is must but avoid Local Tours at all cost.
Response from the operator: Dear Sherry Cannal, Thank you so much for your feedback. We highly appreciate all customer reviews. But, this review is TOTALLY WRONG: 1. You booked the tour option which start from Tuan Chau harbor. NOT INCLUDE TRANSFER from Hanoi. It was mentioned very clear on the tour detail. When we contact you and offer only 10 USD/person for Limousine transfer round trip, you said agree and happy to pay when you on the cruise. 2. YOU PROVIDED WRONG HOTEL ADDRESS: We tried to contact you and the hotel which you gave to us but you did not response. And we still came to hotel 2 times, wait long time but no one there. We even stop long time on the mid way and wait for you when you take the taxi. 3. Our Cruise tour are GREAT. You agreed that, and the problem is your mistake. We also have many offer for you, ex: cheapest cost for limousine transfer round trip (10$/person), drop off at your request address which far from old quarter area.... 4. You threatened us with bad review, when we want to talk with you to make clear all information and resolve situation. You can not show any picture or email which indicate your reason.You never do it because it was not corrected. We always highly appreciate all customer reviews if it truth. Lastly, we are happy with all guest reviews and for sure, we will improve to make our service better. Hope we can host you again. Best regards, Huy
via Tripadvisor
Disappointing discovery
Without knowing the reason we were put on a different boat from the one we had chosen. We would have liked to have been informed and not presented with the fait accompli.In the end we were transported in a fast shuttle on a hotel boat anchored in the bay which ultimately sailed very little. The meals were very poor. We were asked to return keys at 9:45 for lunch served at 10:00 In the end a disappointing tour because too formatted we must be able to do better to discover Halong Bay
Response from the operator: Dear Michel Gandon, Thank you so much for your feedback. We highly appreciate its. Firstly, we are really sorry about your food feeling. We always try our best to serve all the guest and we are already fixed it. Secondly, hope you understand about check in and check out time on the cruise. It was list very clear on our itinerary (We check out the room before lunch and then arrive at harbor, get on the bus, save your time. We also need to clean and prepare the room for new guest, who will check in after you, at 11.45 AM). Lastly, we are happy with all guest reviews and for sure, we will improve to make our service better. Hop we can host you again. Best regards, Huy
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Cat Ba island
From the moment we were collected by bus in Hanoi to when we returned Sean and Brian ensured our travels to Halong Bay with Serenity cruises was smooth sailing. We were treated to the most wonderful service, incredible meals and the right amount of organised activities.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for your review! It was great that you spent a good night in Halong - Lan Ha Bay. You are very amazing customers for us. We would love to have you on our trip next time! Best reagards, Luong
via Viator
The trails are still well beaten!
A first day very well, the second with boat activity by the locals was very disappointing. At night all the generators of the boats of the creek run at full speed, so calm is to be prohibited! Much less magic in this place than we hoped, the factory side to tourist is very quickly felt.
Response from the operator: Thanks for your review, Laure! Thanks so much for your feedback, we do appreciate and would do better next time! Best regards, Luong
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 48 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 144h before
- Minimum age to book
- 4+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $169 to $419
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Off The Beaten Track to Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay on 5 Star Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ha Long Bay.
How much does Off The Beaten Track to Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay on 5 Star Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $169 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Ha Long Bay usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Off The Beaten Track to Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay on 5 Star Cruise take?
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Plan for about 48 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Ha Long Bay is not rushed.
Is Off The Beaten Track to Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay on 5 Star Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.7/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in Ha Long Bay, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Off The Beaten Track to Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay on 5 Star Cruise?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 144 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Off The Beaten Track to Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay on 5 Star Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 4. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 48-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Off The Beaten Track to Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay on 5 Star Cruise?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Ha Long Bay can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Ha Long Bay and add a light layer if any part of the 48-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Off The Beaten Track to Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay on 5 Star Cruise start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Ha Long Bay within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Ha Long Bay?
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On Outty we rank every Ha Long Bay experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include All Inclusive 2 Days Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay on Au Co cruise, Top Tier: Overnight Ha Long Bay Cruise 5-Star, Balcony Cabin-2D1N, All inclusive Bhaya 2-Day Halong Bay Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Ha Long Bay?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Ha Long Bay?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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