Hanoi Cruise
 
 
4-Star · Launched 2018 · Lan Ha Bay Specialist

UniCharm
Cruise

The leading dedicated Lan Ha Bay cruise — quieter waters, wilder scenery, and a breath-taking overview from Ngu Lam Peak.

23
Suites
4★
Rating
3
Max Nights
2018
Built
UniCharm Cruise
From $180 per person · All Inclusive
Compare Prices Check Availability
Why Choose This Cruise

UniCharm Cruise
Highlights

UniCharm Cruise takes an unconventional approach: instead of the well-trodden Halong Bay corridor, it focuses exclusively on Lan Ha Bay — the less-visited, arguably more beautiful neighbor. Launched in 2018, UniCharm offers 23 glass-fronted cabins with sea views, a restaurant serving fresh local seafood, and a standout excursion to Ngu Lam Peak on Cat Ba Island.

Lan Ha Bay Exclusive Route
UniCharm specialises in Lan Ha Bay, which has fewer boats, clearer water, and equally dramatic karst scenery. A rare focus among Halong-area cruises.
Ngu Lam Peak Trek
An exclusive excursion to the summit of Ngu Lam Peak on Cat Ba Island, offering a panoramic view that most Halong Bay cruises don't access.
Floor-to-Ceiling Sea Windows
All 23 cabins feature large glass windows overlooking the sea — no obstructed views. Wooden floor throughout.
Best Value Luxury Cabin
UniCharm delivers 4-star quality at a price that undercuts many 5-star competitors, making it the best value option on this list.
Intimate Scale
23 cabins means a maximum of 46 guests — well below the average for Halong Bay cruise ships, ensuring a quieter, more personal atmosphere.
Active Excursion Focus
Cycling, trekking, cliff climbing, and kayaking are core activities — UniCharm appeals more to active travelers than purely relaxation-focused guests.
Itineraries

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
Lan Ha Bay highlights and Ngu Lam Peak excursion.
From
$180 /person
2
Nights · 3 Days
Full Lan Ha Bay circuit with Cat Ba Island cycling.
From
$300 /person
Accommodation

Suite
Categories

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

Deluxe Cabin
Deluxe Cabin
28 sq. m · Deck 1
  • Large sea-view window
  • Wooden floor
  • King or twin beds
  • Private balcony (most rooms)
  • Minibar & safe
From $180 /person /night (double occ.)
Superior Cabin
Superior Cabin
30 sq. m · Deck 2
  • Elevated sea view
  • Larger window
  • King bed
  • Nespresso machine
  • Extra seating area
From $230 /person /night (double occ.)
Family Cabin
Family Cabin
40 sq. m · Deck 1
  • Extra bed option
  • No private balcony
  • Ground-floor access
  • Ideal for 3–4 guests
  • Children welcome
From $160/person /person /night (double occ.)
Suite
Suite
35 sq. m · Deck 3
  • Panoramic balcony
  • Top-deck position
  • King bed
  • Sofa area
  • Priority activity booking
From $290 /person /night (double occ.)
The Vessel

Ship Details &
Onboard Facilities

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

Launch Year 2018
Star Rating 4-Star
No. of Rooms 23
Max Capacity 46 guests
Operating Area Lan Ha Bay · Cat Ba Island
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 programme daily
  • ✓ 24-hour reception & room service
What's Included

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
Getting There

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
Itinerary

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 · 12:30
Departure from Gia Luan Port, Cat Ba
Board and sail into Lan Ha Bay. Welcome lunch with fresh seafood. Afternoon kayaking in secluded lagoons.
Day 1 · Evening
Overnight Anchor in Lan Ha Bay
Sunset cocktails on deck. Dinner with catch-of-the-day menu.
Day 2 · Morning
Ngu Lam Peak Trek
The signature excursion: 45-min guided hike to the summit for panoramic bay views. Return to ship for brunch.
Day 2 · Afternoon
Cat Ba Island Cycling
Cycling through the national park buffer zone to Viet Hai Village. Return for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 · Morning
Kayaking & Return
Final morning kayaking session before brunch and disembarkation.
Where to Book

Compare Prices
Across Booking Platforms

Prices for UniCharm 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
~$180
per person · shortest itinerary
Largest review base. Free cancellation on most rates. Genius discounts available.
Check on Booking.com →
Agoda.com
~$180
per person · shortest itinerary
Strong Southeast Asia coverage. AgodaCash rewards. Good for last-minute deals.
Check on Agoda →
Klook
~$180
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.
Inside Knowledge

Expert Tips for
UniCharm Cruise

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

Note the Different Departure Port
UniCharm departs from Gia Luan Port on Cat Ba Island, not from Tuan Chau Marina like most Halong cruises. Transfer includes a ferry from Haiphong. Allow extra travel time.
Pack for Trekking
Ngu Lam Peak involves 200+ steps and an uphill trail. Bring proper shoes, not sandals. The view is worth every step.
Great for Repeat Visitors
If you've done Halong Bay before and want something different, UniCharm's Lan Ha Bay focus offers genuinely new scenery and activities.
Budget Tip
UniCharm's price is 30–40% lower than 5-star competitors with a nearly comparable experience. An exceptional choice for value-conscious luxury travelers.
Planning

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.