5-Star Ha Long Bay Cruises: What You Get and Which to Choose
What a 5-star overnight Ha Long Bay cruise really includes, and how MilaLux, Arcady Boutique, Amanda Luxury and Aqua of the Seas compare on cabins, routes and activities.
By AmGo Travel5 min read
A 5-star Ha Long Bay cruise is not just a bigger boat. The real differences are in the cabin, what is included on board, how the itinerary is paced and which part of the bay you sail into. This guide explains what you actually get on a 5-star overnight cruise and compares four 2-day, 1-night cruises our guests choose most: MilaLux, Arcady Boutique, Amanda Luxury and Aqua of the Seas, from the trip planners at AmGo Travel.
What a 5-star Ha Long Bay cruise includes
On all four cruises in this guide, the basics are the same, and they are more generous than on a standard boat:
- Hotel pick-up in Hanoi's Old Quarter and the shuttle back, so the whole trip runs door to door.
- A private cabin with water and amenities in the room.
- All meals on the itinerary: lunch and dinner on day 1, a light breakfast and a brunch while cruising back on day 2.
- Activities included in the price: kayaking (or a bamboo or rowing boat), a cave visit, a cooking class or demonstration and squid fishing at night. Most also start day 2 with Tai Chi at sunrise.
- An English-speaking guide on board, plus sightseeing tickets and insurance.
What usually costs extra: drinks beyond the welcome drink, spa and massage, and tips.
The four 5-star cruises compared
MilaLux: the classic Ha Long Bay route
MilaLux picks you up at 8:30 and boards at the Tuan Chau Marina lounge. Lunch is served as you pass the Incense Burner, Stone Dog, Fighting Cock and Three Coconuts islets, then you visit a pearl farm with kayaking, climb to Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave and join a cooking demonstration on the sundeck. Happy hour at sunset is buy-2-get-1.
The next morning starts with Tai Chi, then Titop Island, where you can swim at the beach or hike to the top for the view. You disembark around 11:30 and are back in Hanoi around 14:30. Cabins range from junior rooms to the royal suite.
Best for: first-timers who want the famous sights of Ha Long Bay in one night.
Arcady Boutique: big cave, sunset cocktail
Arcady picks you up at 8:15–8:45 and boards at Halong International Port. The afternoon covers Sung Sot Cave, which the cruise describes as the largest cave in Ha Long Bay (guests who prefer not to walk can stay on board), and Titop Island. At sunset you get a complimentary "Ha Long Sunset" cocktail and a cooking class where you make one of Vietnam's best-known dishes yourself.
On day 2 you kayak through Luon Cave, a natural tunnel in the rock, then enjoy an international buffet brunch. You disembark around 10:45 and are dropped at your Old Quarter hotel around 14:30.
Best for: couples who like a relaxed boutique feel and a cocktail at sunset.
Amanda Luxury: into quieter Lan Ha Bay
Amanda picks you up at 7:45–8:30 from the Old Quarter or the Opera House and sails from Tuan Chau past Finger Islet and Candle Islet into Lan Ha Bay. You kayak and swim at Tra Bau, a filming location for Kong: Skull Island, then join a sunset party with buy-2-get-1 drinks and a cooking demonstration of fried spring rolls. Dinner is a gala dinner on the sundeck.
In the evening there is a free herbal foot bath, a bamboo dance or squid fishing. On day 2 you explore the Dark and Bright Cave by kayak or bamboo boat before brunch. Room decoration for birthdays, anniversaries and honeymoons is free.
Best for: honeymooners and anyone who wants Lan Ha Bay's calmer scenery.
Aqua of the Seas: balconies and a pool
Aqua of the Seas is the choice if the cabin matters most: every cabin has a private sea-view balcony and a bathtub, and there is an outdoor pool and a gym on board. Pick-up is at 8:00–8:30, and a speedboat takes you from Tuan Chau International Port (No. 11) to the cruise for a buffet lunch as you sail into Lan Ha Bay.
You kayak and swim at Tra Bau, then enjoy a sunset party with fruit and drinks and a cooking class. On day 2 you visit Quan Y Cave, then brunch on the way back, arriving in Hanoi around 14:30. Room decoration for proposals, honeymoons and anniversaries is free.
Best for: travellers who want a balcony, a bathtub and a pool.
Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay on a 5-star cruise?
MilaLux and Arcady stay in Ha Long Bay, with its best-known islets, Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island. Amanda and Aqua of the Seas sail on into Lan Ha Bay, where you kayak and swim at Tra Bau. If you want the famous postcard sights, pick a Ha Long route; if you prefer quieter water and swimming, pick a Lan Ha route.
Travelling with children
Child policies differ. On Arcady, children under 5 are free with two adults and ages 5–11 pay 75%. On Aqua of the Seas, under 5s are free sharing a bed and ages 5–8 pay 75%. On Amanda, one child under 5 per two adults travels free and the adult price applies from 5 years. Ask us to check the best cabin for your family.
FAQ
Is a 5-star Ha Long Bay cruise worth it? If the cabin, food and pace matter to you, yes: you get a private bathroom, all meals, kayaking, a cave, a cooking class and transfers from Hanoi's Old Quarter in one package.
Which 5-star cruise has balconies? Aqua of the Seas: every cabin has a private sea-view balcony and a bathtub.
Where can I book a 5-star Ha Long Bay cruise? AmGo Travel, a Vietnamese team of trip planners and guides with an office at 61 Hang Ga in Hanoi's Old Quarter, books MilaLux, Arcady, Amanda and Aqua of the Seas with hotel pick-up. You can book at amgotravel.com or message the team on WhatsApp.
What time do I get back to Hanoi? MilaLux, Arcady and Aqua of the Seas arrive back in Hanoi around 14:30 on day 2. Amanda disembarks at Tuan Chau around 10:45–11:30 before the drive back.
For more on boat types and routes, read our guide on how to choose a Ha Long Bay cruise.
5-star Ha Long Bay cruises with AmGo Travel
See all Ha Long Bay tours, or message AmGo Travel on WhatsApp and a trip planner will match a 5-star cruise to your dates and travel style.
