Hanoi Cruise
 
 
5-Star · Built 2019 · Lan Ha Bay Specialist

Dora
Cruise

A steel-hulled, 4-deck luxury cruise with a rooftop jacuzzi pool, fitness center, spa, and a Skull Island filming site swimming stop.

22
Cabins
5★
Rating
3
Max Nights
2019
Built
Dora Cruise
From $245 per person · All Inclusive
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Why Choose This Cruise

Dora Cruise
Key Highlights

Built in 2019 and designed on 4 decks with a contemporary interior, Dora Cruise offers 22 all-suite cabins — every one equipped with a private balcony and jacuzzi bathtub. The ship focuses exclusively on Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island, navigating quieter, less-touristed waters than the central Halong Bay corridor. Guests consistently praise the spacious cabins, attentive crew led by manager Bruce, and the memorable swimming stop at the Tra Bau area — the exact location where Hollywood blockbuster Kong: Skull Island was filmed.

Kong: Skull Island Filming Location
The swimming stop at the Tra Bau area in Lan Ha Bay is the exact site where the 2017 Hollywood blockbuster Kong: Skull Island was filmed — a unique bragging right no other cruise can match.
Jacuzzi Bathtub in Every Cabin
All 22 suites include a private balcony and jacuzzi bathtub — a premium feature that elevates Dora above most 4-deck cruise ships in this price bracket.
Rooftop Four-Season Jacuzzi Pool
The top-deck jacuzzi pool operates year-round with a heating system, making it usable even in winter months when many Halong Bay pools close.
Fitness Centre on Board
A fully equipped fitness room is available to all guests — a rare inclusion on cruise ships of this size, and one that sets Dora apart for health-conscious travelers.
Exclusive Lan Ha Bay Route
Dora's itinerary focuses on Lan Ha Bay, Ba Trai Dao beach, and Dark & Bright Cave — areas with dramatically fewer tourist boats than the central Halong Bay zone.
Family Connecting Cabin Available
Dora offers a 54 sq. m connecting family suite — two adjacent rooms that open into each other, ideal for families with children or groups requiring adjacent accommodation.
Itineraries

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
Lan Ha Bay highlights: Tra Bau swimming, Dark & Bright Cave, kayaking, sunset party.
From
$245 /person
2
Nights · 3 Days
Adds Viet Hai Village cycling and Ba Trai Dao Beach. The most popular choice.
From
$410 /person
3
Nights · 4 Days
Extended deep exploration of Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island national park areas.
From
$580 /person
Our Recommendation

The 3-day/2-night itinerary is the recommended choice: it includes the Viet Hai Village cycling excursion and a full second day in Lan Ha Bay's best areas, without over-extending the trip.

The Vessel

Ship Details &
Onboard Facilities

Dora Cruise is a steel-hulled vessel launched in 2019, constructed across 4 decks. The classic exterior gives way to a luxurious contemporary interior finished in warm wood tones. With 22 suites accommodating a maximum of 44 guests, the ship maintains an intimate ratio that delivers personalized service.

Launch Year 2019
Star Rating 5-Star
No. of Cabins 22
Max Capacity 44 guests
Hull Material Steel
No. of Decks 4
Operating Area Lan Ha Bay · Cat Ba Island
Onboard Facilities
  • ✓ Rooftop 4-season jacuzzi pool
  • ✓ Full spa & massage center
  • ✓ Fitness room (gym equipment)
  • ✓ Dora Restaurant & Bar (Deck 3, panoramic views)
  • ✓ Sky bar (open late)
  • ✓ Sundeck with sun loungers
  • ✓ Cooking class station
  • ✓ Kayaking equipment
  • ✓ Children's programs on request
Accommodation

Cabin
Categories

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

Junior Suite
Junior Suite (Double/Twin)
27 sq. m · Deck 1
  • Private balcony
  • Jacuzzi bathtub
  • King or twin beds
  • Minibar & safe
  • A/C, flat-screen TV
  • Max 2 adults + 1 child
From $245 /person /night
Family Triple Suite
Family Triple Suite
30 sq. m · Deck 1
  • Private balcony
  • Jacuzzi bathtub
  • King bed + single bed
  • Sleeps 3 adults + 1 child
  • Minibar & safe
  • A/C, flat-screen TV
From $195/pp (3 guests) /person /night
Executive Suite
Executive Suite
45 sq. m · Deck 2–3
  • Large private terrace
  • Jacuzzi bathtub bay view
  • King-size bed
  • Sitting area with sofa
  • Nespresso & premium minibar
  • Priority activity booking
From $340 /person /night
Honeymoon Suite
Honeymoon Suite
48 sq. m · Deck 3
  • Panoramic terrace
  • Freestanding jacuzzi tub
  • King bed with premium bedding
  • Welcome flowers & champagne
  • In-room dining option
  • Turndown service
From $380 /person /night
What's Included

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 limousine transfer
  • ✓ All meals: 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast (2D/1N)
  • ✓ Welcome drink & afternoon tea
  • ✓ Non-alcoholic beverages with meals
  • ✓ Guided kayaking excursion
  • ✓ Bamboo boat cave exploration
  • ✓ Swimming at Tra Bau (Skull Island site)
  • ✓ Cooking class (spring rolls)
  • ✓ Sunset party on sundeck
  • ✓ Squid fishing (evening)
  • ✓ Entrance & conservation fees
  • ✓ Use of all onboard facilities

Extra Cost

  • ✗ Alcoholic beverages
  • ✗ Spa & massage treatments
  • ✗ Private dining decoration setup
  • ✗ Laundry service
  • ✗ Travel insurance
  • ✗ Single supplement
Getting There

Departure Port &
Transport from Hanoi

Departure point: Gate 35, Tuan Chau International Marina, Ha Long City (~165 km from Hanoi, 3.5h via Expressway 5B)

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
Itinerary

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 · 11:30
Check-in at Tuan Chau Marina
Arrive at Gate 35, Tuan Chau Marina. Welcome drink and safety briefing with the captain.
Day 1 · 13:00
Lunch While Sailing through Halong Bay
Seafood lunch served as Dora Cruise sails past limestone formations. Route continues toward Lan Ha Bay.
Day 1 · 15:00
Tra Bau Area — Skull Island Site
Swim and kayak at the Tra Bau area — the filming location for Kong: Skull Island (2017). The emerald water and karst backdrop are extraordinary.
Day 1 · 17:30
Sunset Party on Sundeck
Return to Dora for the signature sunset party with cocktails (at cost). Overnight anchor in Lan Ha Bay.
Day 2 · 06:30
Morning Yoga & Dark and Bright Cave
Optional morning yoga on deck. Guided visit to Dark and Bright Cave — a highlight of Lan Ha Bay. Kayaking around rocky islands.
Day 2 · Evening
Second Overnight (3D/2N only)
Ship sails to a new anchor position for the second night. Squid fishing off the stern. Cooking class: Vietnamese spring rolls.
Day 3 · 09:00
Viet Hai Village Cycling & Return
(3D/2N) Cycle to the remote Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island. Brunch served while sailing back to Tuan Chau. Return to Hanoi by 17:00.
Where to Book

Compare Prices
Across Booking Platforms

Prices for Dora 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
~$245
per person · shortest itinerary
Largest review base. Free cancellation on most rates. Genius discounts available. Secure card payment.
Check on Booking.com →
Agoda.com
~$245
per person · shortest itinerary
Competitive Southeast Asia rates. AgodaCash rewards on every booking. Good for last-minute deals.
Check on Agoda →
Klook
~$245
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.
Planning Your Trip

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.
Inside Knowledge

Expert Tips for
Dora Cruise

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

The Skull Island Stop — Go Early
The Tra Bau swimming area is at its most photogenic before 16:00 when the afternoon light hits the karst walls. If the schedule allows an early stop, it's worth requesting.
Rooftop Pool Is Year-Round
The jacuzzi pool on Dora's rooftop is heated, which means it's usable even in the cool winter months (Dec–Feb) when most Halong Bay pools are empty. A genuine advantage in the cooler season.
Cabins Near the Engine — Deck 1
The Family Triple cabins are on Deck 1, which is closest to the engine. Light sleepers may notice vibration underway. If noise sensitivity is a concern, request Deck 2–3 on booking.
Squid Fishing After Dinner
The squid fishing session happens at anchor after dinner. It requires no skill and is a genuinely fun social activity. Bring a light jacket — bay temperatures drop quickly after 21:00.
Common Questions

Frequently Asked
Questions

Is Dora Cruise suitable for families with young children? +
Yes. The Family Triple cabin (30 sq. m) and the connecting Family Suite (54 sq. m) are well-suited to families. Children under 5 travel free; ages 5–11 are charged 75% of the adult rate. The crew accommodates dietary requirements for children.
Does the jacuzzi pool operate in winter? +
Yes. Dora's rooftop jacuzzi pool has a heating system that keeps it operational year-round. This is one of Dora's key advantages in the November–February period when most competitors drain their pools.
What is the cancellation policy? +
More than 7 days before arrival: free cancellation. 7–4 days before: 50% of total rate. Less than 4 days: 100% of total rate. No-show: 100%. Cancellations due to inclement weather: full refund or rescheduling as directed by Halong Bay authorities.
Is the Skull Island filming location really included? +
Yes. Dora Cruise anchors at the Tra Bau area in Lan Ha Bay, which is the verified filming location for Kong: Skull Island (2017). Guests can swim and kayak in the same emerald waters shown in the film.