Hanoi Cruise
 
 
5-Star · Launched 2016 · TripAdvisor Top-Rated

Orchid
Classic Cruise

The original Halong Bay + Lan Ha Bay pioneer, consistently TripAdvisor's highest-rated cruise with 14 intimate suites.

14
Suites
5★
Rating
3
Max Nights
2016
Built
Orchid Classic Cruise
From $265 per person · All Inclusive

Orchid Classic Cruise
Highlights

Orchid Classic Cruise has the most enviable review record on TripAdvisor of any luxury cruise in Halong Bay, with the overwhelming majority of guests rating it 'Excellent'. Launched in 2016, it was the first cruise to pioneer the dual Halong Bay + Lan Ha Bay route now adopted by many competitors. With just 14 cabins, it remains one of the most intimate luxury cruise experiences available.

Top TripAdvisor Rating
Consistently among the highest-rated cruises on TripAdvisor with thousands of verified 'Excellent' reviews — a track record no newer cruise has been able to replicate.
Originator of the Dual-Bay Route
Orchid was the first cruise ship to combine Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay into a single itinerary. The route it pioneered is now considered the best sailing experience in the region.
Ultra-Intimate 14-Cabin Scale
A maximum of 28 guests means the crew outnumbers guests. Service quality is correspondingly exceptional — guests are known by name within an hour of boarding.
Jacuzzi & Sundeck
A dedicated jacuzzi and expanded sundeck were added in September 2019, significantly upgrading the relaxation facilities.
Viet Hai Village Cycling
The Day 2 cycling excursion to Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island is one of the most memorable activities included in any Halong Bay itinerary.
Widest Cabin Range
Five cabin categories — from a 36m² Balcony Suite to a 72m² Family Suite — offer more choice per ship than most comparably-sized cruises.

Choose Your
Duration

Select the itinerary length that suits your schedule and depth of exploration. Longer itineraries unlock additional bays, villages, and activities.

1
Night · 2 Days
Bay highlights with award-winning service.
From
$265 /person

Suite
Categories

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

Balcony Suite
Balcony Suite
36 sq. m
  • Private balcony
  • King-size bed
  • En-suite with bathtub
  • Panoramic bay window
  • Minibar & safe
From $265 /person /night (double occ.)
Premium Suite
Premium Suite
36 sq. m · Upper Deck
  • Upper-deck position
  • Wider bay view
  • King-size bed
  • Premium bedding
  • Priority activity booking
From $325 /person /night (double occ.)
Orchid Exclusive Suite
Orchid Exclusive Suite
45 sq. m
  • Largest standard suite
  • Extended balcony
  • Sitting area
  • Complimentary minibar
  • Welcome champagne
From $420 /person /night (double occ.)
Family Suite
Family Suite
72 sq. m
  • Two bedrooms (connected)
  • Sleeps 3–4 guests
  • Two bathrooms
  • Large balcony
  • Children's amenities
From $580 /person /night (double occ.)
Family Premium Suite
Family Premium Suite
72 sq. m · Upper Deck
  • Upper-deck twin 72m²
  • Best position on ship
  • Two bathrooms
  • Two balconies
  • Full butler service
From $680 /person /night (double occ.)

Ship Details &
Onboard Facilities

Orchid Classic Cruise was built to a high specification with modern safety systems and luxury finishes throughout. The following summarizes key vessel details.

Launch Year 2016
Star Rating 5-Star
No. of Suites 14
Max Capacity 28 guests
Operating Area Halong & Lan Ha Bay
Onboard Facilities Include
  • ✓ Fine dining restaurant with bay views
  • ✓ Bar & lounge with craft cocktail menu
  • ✓ Spa & traditional Vietnamese massage
  • ✓ Sundeck with loungers
  • ✓ Swimming pool or jacuzzi
  • ✓ Kayaking equipment & life vests
  • ✓ Guided activity program daily
  • ✓ 24-hour reception & room service

Cruise
Inclusions

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

Included

  • Round-trip Hanoi transfer
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Welcome drinks & afternoon tea
  • Non-alcoholic beverages with meals
  • Guided kayaking excursion
  • Cave & island guided tours
  • Sunrise Tai Chi on deck
  • Cooking class
  • Entrance & port fees
  • Use of all onboard facilities

Extra Cost

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

Departure Port &
Transport from Hanoi

Most cruises depart from Tuan Chau International Marina in Ha Long City, approximately 165 km from Hanoi (3–3.5 hours). The cruise includes a shared luxury minibus transfer from central Hanoi.

Cruise Transfer (Included)

Recommended · Hassle-Free

Shared luxury minibus from central Hanoi. Hotel pickup included. English-speaking guide. Private car upgrade available.

Shared minibusIncluded
Private car upgrade (2 pax)+$45
Airport pickup add-on+$15/person

Self-Travel

Budget Alternative

Independent options exist but add logistical complexity. Not recommended for first-time visitors.

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 and sea conditions. Longer sailings extend the route into more remote bay areas.

Day 1 · 12:00
Embarkation & Welcome
Board at Gia Luan Port, Cat Ba Island. Welcome lunch. Sail into Halong Bay with commentary.
Day 1 · Afternoon
Dark & Bright Cave
Guided visit to Dark & Bright Cave — a more secluded alternative to the busier Surprise Cave. Kayaking in the afternoon.
Day 1 · Evening
Jacuzzi Sunset
Jacuzzi open from 17:00. Squid fishing after dinner. Overnight anchor in a quiet Lan Ha Bay cove.
Day 2 · Morning
Tai Chi & Cat Ba Island
Sunrise Tai Chi. Cycling to Viet Hai Village — the highlight activity that Orchid pioneered.
Day 2 · Afternoon
Swimming & Cooking Class
Swim stop at secluded beach. Optional cooking class: Vietnamese fried spring rolls.
Day 3 · Morning
Final Kayaking & Departure
Morning kayaking. Brunch. Disembark and return to Hanoi.

Compare Prices
Across Booking Platforms

Prices for Orchid Classic Cruise vary across platforms. Check all options before booking. Prices shown are indicative for the shortest itinerary, per person based on double occupancy.

✦ Most Reviews
Booking.com
~$265
per person · shortest itinerary
Largest review base. Free cancellation on most rates. Genius discounts available.
Check on Booking.com →
Agoda.com
~$265
per person · shortest itinerary
Strong Southeast Asia coverage. AgodaCash rewards. Good for last-minute deals.
Check on Agoda →
Klook
~$265
per person · shortest itinerary
Popular with Asian travelers. Mobile vouchers. Klook Credits cashback.
Check on Klook →
Price Disclaimer: All prices are indicative and subject to change based on season, availability, and promotions. Always verify current pricing on the booking platform before purchase.

Expert Tips for
Orchid Classic Cruise

Insights from repeat guests and travel specialists who know this cruise well.

Book as Far Ahead as Possible
Orchid's reputation means it sells out further in advance than any other cruise on this list. For peak season (March–April, September–October), book 3–4 months ahead.
The 14-Cabin Size Is the Secret
Most guests cite the intimate atmosphere as what elevates Orchid above 5-star competitors. Staff remember your coffee order by morning of Day 2. This doesn't happen on a 35-cabin ship.
Jacuzzi at Dusk
The jacuzzi was added in 2019 and placed for maximum bay view. Book the 18:00–19:00 slot for golden hour light over the karst formations — it's one of the finest moments available on any Halong Bay cruise.
Ask About the Secret Beach
On the 3D/2N itinerary, the captain can anchor near a small sandbar beach accessible only at low tide. Ask the cruise director on Day 1 if conditions permit a visit.

Best Time to Cruise
Halong Bay

Halong Bay's weather varies significantly by season. Each period offers a different experience — from atmospheric winter mist to crystal-clear autumn conditions.

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