Hanoi Cruise
 
 
5-Star · Launched July 2025 · Wellness-Inclusive Boutique

Bhaya
Soul Cruise

The newest Halong Bay cruise (July 2025) — 20 cabins inspired by Vietnamese ceramics, wellness-inclusive program with yoga, tea ceremony, and rice wine tasting.

20
Cabins
5★
Rating
3
Max Nights
2025
Built
Bhaya Soul Cruise
From $290 per person · All Inclusive

Bhaya Soul Cruise
Key Highlights

Bhaya Soul Cruise made its debut in July 2025 as the fourth-generation flagship of the Bhaya Group — one of Vietnam's most established cruise operators with 20+ years of experience in Halong Bay. Designed around a wellness concept, Bhaya Soul redefines what luxury cruising means in the bay: the program explicitly includes morning yoga, traditional tea ceremonies, Vietnamese rice wine tasting, and complimentary 30-minute wellness sessions — making it the most wellness-integrated cruise in this guide. The ceramic-inspired blue design language, 20 intimate cabins (30–80 sq. m), and a four-season heated pool position it against the very top of the Halong Bay market.

Wellness-Inclusive Program — First in Halong Bay
Bhaya Soul is the first Halong Bay cruise to build a comprehensive wellness program into the standard rate: morning yoga, tea ceremonies, rice wine tasting, and 30-minute complimentary wellness sessions are all standard inclusions.
Newest Cruise in Halong Bay (July 2025)
Launched in July 2025, Bhaya Soul is the most recently launched cruise ship operating in Halong Bay. Everything is brand new — hull, interiors, safety systems, and equipment.
Vietnamese Ceramics Design Inspiration
The ship's design draws from the deep-blue glazes of traditional Vietnamese ceramics — a visually distinctive concept that gives Bhaya Soul one of the most coherent and beautiful interiors in the bay.
Off-the-Beaten-Track Destinations
Bhaya Soul's route deliberately avoids the tourist-heavy central Halong Bay corridor. Itineraries focus on Ba Ham Lake, Tien Ong Cave, Cua Van Fishing Village — locations with a fraction of the visitor traffic of the main bay.
Four-Season Heated Pool — 5th Floor
The heated pool on Deck 5 (the highest deck) provides year-round swimming with a panoramic 360° view — the highest pool position on any cruise in this guide.
Bhaya Group Legacy — 20+ Years of Excellence
Behind Bhaya Soul is the Bhaya Group, which has operated award-winning cruises in Halong Bay since the early 2000s. The institutional knowledge behind Soul's service and safety standards is the deepest of any operator in this guide.

How Bhaya Soul Cruise Compares

Feature Bhaya Soul Cruise Dora Cruise Rita Cruise Capella Cruise
Launch Year July 2025 (newest) 2019 2020 2020
Wellness Program ✓ Yoga, tea, wine tasting
Complimentary Wellness Session ✓ 30 min included
No. of Suites 20 (intimate) 22 31 30
Pool Height / View ✓ Deck 5, 360° view Deck 4 Deck 4 Deck 3
Operator Pedigree Bhaya Group (20+ yrs) Medium operator Alisa Group Viet Star Cruise
From Price (2D/1N) $290 $245 $262 $315

Choose Your
Duration

Select the cruise length that suits your schedule. Longer itineraries unlock more remote anchorages, additional activities, and exclusive areas of the bay inaccessible on shorter trips.

1
Night · 2 Days
Wellness intro: yoga, tea ceremony, Ba Ham Lake kayaking, heated pool.
From
$290 /person
Our Recommendation

The 3-day/2-night itinerary is recommended — the wellness program is designed as a progressive journey across the three days, and the Cua Van Floating Village excursion on Day 2 is one of Halong Bay's most memorable cultural experiences.

Ship Details &
Onboard Facilities

Bhaya Soul is a boutique 5-star vessel launched in July 2025 — the fourth generation of the Bhaya Group's fleet. The ceramic-blue hull and interiors were designed around a holistic wellness concept. 20 suites across four categories accommodate a maximum of 40 guests, ensuring an intimate atmosphere. Departure: Tuan Chau International Marina.

Launch Year July 2025 (newest in bay)
Star Rating 5-Star
No. of Suites 20
Max Capacity 40 guests
Design Inspiration Vietnamese Ceramics
Special Program Wellness-inclusive
Operator Bhaya Group (20+ years in Halong Bay)
Operating Area Halong Bay · Ba Ham Lake · Cua Van Village
Onboard Facilities
  • ✓ 5th-floor four-season heated pool (panoramic 360° views)
  • ✓ Upscale restaurant & bar
  • ✓ Chic indoor wellness lounge
  • ✓ Full spa & massage center
  • ✓ Morning yoga on deck (daily)
  • ✓ Traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony (included)
  • ✓ Rice wine tasting (included)
  • ✓ 30-minute complimentary wellness session
  • ✓ Cooking class station
  • ✓ Kayaking & bamboo boat equipment
  • ✓ Live music entertainment (evenings)
  • ✓ Wi-Fi

Cabin
Categories

All cabins feature private balconies or terraces, en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and direct bay views. Categories differ in floor area, deck position, and premium amenities.

Signature Suite
Signature Suite
30 sq. m
  • Private terrace / balcony
  • En-suite with bay-view bathtub
  • King or twin beds
  • Design: 'Asian Scenery' concept
  • TV, minibar, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi
  • Max 2 adults + 1 child
From $290 /person /night
Symphony Suite
Symphony Suite
40 sq. m
  • Larger terrace with loungers
  • Soaking tub, 'Quiet Harmony' interior
  • King bed
  • Nespresso machine
  • Priority yoga deck booking
  • Welcome wellness amenity kit
From $370 /person /night
Horizon Suite
Horizon Suite
60 sq. m
  • Wide panoramic bay-view terrace
  • 'Nature's Symphony' design concept
  • Sitting area with wellness reading corner
  • Bathtub + rainfall shower
  • Complimentary spa (30 min)
  • Priority pool access
From $480 /person /night
Soul Legacy Suite
Soul Legacy Suite
80 sq. m
  • Largest suite · wraparound terrace
  • Dual-aspect views of bay & sky
  • Separate living & sleeping rooms
  • Dedicated wellness butler
  • Personalized tea ceremony setup
  • Full spa session (60 min, complimentary)
From $650 /person /night

Cruise
Inclusions

The following is included in all cabin rates. A small number of premium services are available at extra cost during the voyage.

Included

  • Round-trip Hanoi transfer
  • All meals (4-course format)
  • Welcome drink
  • Non-alcoholic beverages
  • Daily morning yoga session
  • Traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony
  • Vietnamese rice wine tasting (evening)
  • Complimentary 30-minute wellness session (per stay)
  • Guided kayaking (Ba Ham Lake & lagoons)
  • Cave & fishing village tours
  • Cooking class
  • Squid fishing
  • Entrance & conservation fees
  • Heated pool access

Extra Cost

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Additional spa treatments beyond complimentary session
  • Laundry service
  • Travel insurance
  • Single supplement
  • Gala dinner surcharge (Dec 24 & 31: +$80/person)

Departure Port &
Transport from Hanoi

Departure point: Tuan Chau International Marina, Ha Long City (~165 km from Hanoi). Shuttle bus: $30/person round trip from Hanoi Old Quarter. Transfer must be added separately at booking

Cruise Transfer

Recommended

Shared luxury minibus/limousine from Hanoi Old Quarter. Hotel pickup included. English-speaking guide. Departs ~07:30–08:00 AM.

Shared limousine (incl.)Included
Private car upgrade (2 pax)+$45
Airport pickup (Noi Bai)+$15/pp

Self-Travel Options

Budget Alternative

Independent travel adds logistical complexity. Not recommended for first-time visitors. Allow 3.5h total travel time from Hanoi city center.

Open-tour bus~$10–15

Cruise Route
Day by Day

The following outlines the standard itinerary. Routes may be adjusted by the captain for weather, tides, and sea conditions. Longer sailings extend the route into more remote bay areas.

Day 1 · 11:45
Board & Welcome Ceremony
Board at Tuan Chau Marina. Welcome drink and 4-course lunch served as Bhaya Soul sails past iconic islets: Trong Mai, Ngon Tay, and Con Coc.
Day 1 · 14:30
Ba Ham Lake — Kayaking or Wellness Session
Arrive at Ba Ham Lake. Guests choose: kayaking through the lake's calm corridors, or a complimentary 30-minute wellness session on board while others kayak.
Day 1 · 16:45
Heated Pool & Tea Ceremony
Return to ship. Heated pool open on Deck 5. Traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony led by the wellness host — a signature Bhaya Soul experience.
Day 1 · 21:00
Rice Wine Tasting & Live Music
Evening rice wine tasting program — sampling regional varieties with commentary. Live musical performance in the lounge.
Day 2 · 06:00
Yoga at Sunrise
Morning yoga session on deck as the sun rises over Tien Ong Cave area. All levels welcome. Mats and instruction provided.
Day 2 · 09:00
Tien Ong Cave & Cua Van Floating Village
Visit Tien Ong Cave, anchored near the overnight position. Then sail to Cua Van Floating Fishing Village — one of Halong Bay's last inhabited floating communities.
Day 2 · Afternoon
Cooking Class & Free Wellness Time
Vietnamese cooking demonstration on deck. Free afternoon for spa, pool, or meditation in the wellness lounge.
Day 3 · 09:00
Viet Hai Village & Return (3D/2N)
(3D/2N) Cycle or take electric car to Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island. Brunch on board. Return to Tuan Chau by 12:00. Hanoi by 17:00.

Compare Prices
Across Booking Platforms

Prices for Bhaya Soul Cruise vary across platforms due to promotions, cancellation policies, and seasonal rates. Check all platforms before booking. Prices shown are indicative for the shortest available itinerary, per person, double occupancy.

✦ Most Reviews
Booking.com
~$290
per person · shortest itinerary
Largest review base. Free cancellation on most rates. Genius discounts available. Secure card payment.
Check on Booking.com →
Agoda.com
~$290
per person · shortest itinerary
Competitive Southeast Asia rates. AgodaCash rewards on every booking. Good for last-minute deals.
Check on Agoda →
Klook
~$290
per person · shortest itinerary
Popular with Asian travelers. Mobile vouchers. Klook Credits cashback on bookings.
Check on Klook →
Price Disclaimer: All prices are indicative and subject to change. Seasonal rates, promotions, and availability affect final pricing. Always verify on the booking platform before purchase.

Best Time to Visit
Halong Bay

Halong Bay's subtropical climate delivers four distinct experiences across the year. Understanding the seasonal rhythm helps you choose the right time for your cruise.

Nov – Feb
Cool & Misty
⭐⭐⭐⭐
15–20°C. Atmospheric mist. Excellent for photography. Fewer crowds.
Mar – Apr
Shoulder Peak
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
22–28°C. Clear skies. Ideal swimming. Best overall value.
May – Sep
Hot Season
⭐⭐⭐
28–35°C. Typhoon risk Jul–Sep. Busiest period. Book early.
Oct – Nov
Autumn Ideal
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
22–27°C. Lowest rainfall. Crystal-clear water. Quieter bays.

Expert Tips for
Bhaya Soul Cruise

Accumulated insights from repeat guests and travel specialists with first-hand Bhaya Soul Cruise experience.

This Is the Right Choice for Wellness Travelers
If your travel philosophy includes mindfulness, slow travel, or wellness, Bhaya Soul is the only Halong Bay cruise specifically designed for you. The yoga, tea ceremony, and wellness sessions are genuinely integrated — not token additions.
Book the Soul Legacy Suite for the Full Experience
The 80 sq. m Soul Legacy Suite comes with a personalized tea ceremony setup and a full 60-minute spa session — experiences that define what 'luxury wellness cruising' means. For a special trip, the premium is worth it.
Newly Launched — Leave Reviews
As a July 2025 launch, Bhaya Soul is building its review base. Guests who book early and leave honest reviews on Booking.com and TripAdvisor directly benefit future travelers — and may receive a small booking discount for doing so.
Evening Rice Wine Tasting — Ask for the Local Varieties
The rice wine tasting program includes regional varieties from Ha Giang and Hue. Ask the wellness host to include a glass from Ha Giang's corn wine — distinctly different from rice wine and rarely available on cruise itineraries.

Frequently Asked
Questions

What makes Bhaya Soul different from other luxury cruises? +
Bhaya Soul is the only Halong Bay cruise built around a wellness-inclusive concept. Morning yoga, a daily tea ceremony, rice wine tasting, and a complimentary wellness session are included in the standard rate — features that other cruises either don't offer or charge extra for.
Is Bhaya Soul suitable for first-time Halong Bay visitors? +
Yes. The Bhaya Group's 20+ years of operational experience means the logistics are seamless for first-timers. The wellness programme adds value for all guests, not just wellness enthusiasts — the morning yoga and tea ceremony are gentle introductions, not intense programs.
What is Ba Ham Lake? +
Ba Ham Lake is a series of three connected lagoons in the Halong Bay UNESCO zone, accessible only by rowing boat or kayak through low cave passages at certain tide levels. The lakes are surrounded by vertical limestone walls and are one of the most photographed destinations in the bay.
When did Bhaya Soul launch? +
Bhaya Soul made its maiden voyage in July 2025, making it the most recently launched cruise ship operating in Halong Bay as of the date of this guide. It is the fourth-generation flagship of the Bhaya Group.