Amanda Cruise: A Close Look at a 3-Day Trip around Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Lan Ha Bay

So, thinking about a short getaway that mixes a bit of city exploration with some amazing scenery? That three-day cruise with Amanda Cruise, visiting Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Lan Ha Bay, might be something you are looking for. Basically, this article is really here to give you what I feel is a useful and practical look, at what this cruise is like, with some personal thoughts to really help you decide if it’s the thing for your next trip.

First Impressions: Hanoi and Setting Sail

First off, the cruise started in Hanoi, so, the pickup from the hotel was pretty straightforward. Actually, the drive out to Ha Long Bay can take a few hours, so it is useful to be ready for a reasonably long ride. I guess that on arrival, you get a good first peek at the cruise ship, which, looked well-maintained and, alright, inviting too. In some respects, checking in was quite smooth, with a welcome drink in there, it’s almost like things start off on a super relaxed foot. Very quickly getting to the cabin, too it’s good to see it, typically, it’s neat, clean, and really does the job as a base for the journey.

Anyway, once everyone’s more or less on board, then there is setting sail. Sailing into Ha Long Bay is just something else, as a matter of fact. Honestly, the views of those limestone karsts rising out of the water? Just wow, you know. Seriously, that first evening typically includes dinner, often served in the dining area, and you know what? It’s really very much an chance to get to know your other passengers. I will say the food’s good, very good, with local seafood taking center stage, just as a note.

Ha Long Bay: Kayaking and Caves

Now, on day two, it’s almost where the heart of the cruise starts to reveal itself with activities planned around Ha Long Bay, very much. One highlight for many, apparently including me, tends to be the kayaking. In a way, you get to paddle through these quiet areas, getting super close to those incredible rock formations. Really, it lets you experience the bay at your own pace, alright.

First, there are cave visits, just, so be aware. The cruises will often stop at one of the bigger cave systems in the bay, so just be ready. Anyway, the caves are pretty amazing, seriously, with those cool stalactites and stalagmites, you know? So it’s all lit up inside, still, do remember it can get rather crowded in places.

Also, you get, you just get time to chill on deck, it seems, often too. Typically, you can just soak up those views and just relax. They often hold cooking classes where you get to learn how to make some Vietnamese food, too it’s great. Arguably, dinner that night has a tendency to be pretty social, everyone comparing stories and photographs.

Lan Ha Bay: Hidden Gems and Tranquil Waters

As a matter of fact, day three sees the cruise move into Lan Ha Bay, that is, which is just a bit less known than Ha Long, too it’s like.

Honestly, what I am saying is Lan Ha has a much more, really, laid-back vibe. You just have time for swimming and to be fair, those beaches look super appealing too, you know. Anyway, the water’s super clear, so just prepare to make the most of it. Similarly to Ha Long Bay, expect some beautiful limestone formations jutting up everywhere, honestly.

Usually, the afternoon will just involve sailing back toward Hanoi, like, which can be very relaxed. They do hold a lunch on the boat just as one last chance to appreciate those bay views. Seriously, this cruise isn’t like a crazy party one, very, very important thing to understand. And yet the mellow vibe and friendly staff tends to leave most people completely chilled.

Cabins, Food, and What’s Included

So, alright, let’s cover those basic details, which are important, I am told. When it comes to the rooms, really, those cabins are totally comfortable and come with their own bathrooms, alright, a bit basic, to be honest. So some might even have a little balcony where you can see the bay.

Anyway, let’s have a discussion about grub, okay? The food is one of the main events on this sort of cruise, arguably. It really covers loads of those really tasty Vietnamese dishes, with seafood being super common. Typically, they do serve stuff buffet-style, but then there’s some meals where they’ll serve you at the table. Just let the cruise know ahead if you’ve got any kind of food problems and the staff will sort of take care of you.

Anyway, typically, drinks aren’t going to be included, to be honest, so you just buy them at the bar. That kayaking and those trips, well those are part of the overall package though, but look out because other trips could cost a little extra.

What I Think Is Good and Not So Good

Let’s get down to what’s the good stuff, right?

• The Scenery: Seeing Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay is the actual goal of a trip to Vietnam. Those incredible landscapes aren’t a letdown.
• Peaceful Vibe: It’s pretty mellow, so you will relax a whole bunch without a doubt. It’s not as loud as you’re expecting, to be honest.
• Nice Food: You actually do get served really excellent meals of local flavors. If you do get the opportunity you have to take part in those food classes as well.

Things I reckon are not too perfect:

• Drive Time: Very much like I’ve told you already that the journey between Hanoi and Ha Long Bay does, without a doubt, eat into your free time.
• Could Be Busy: There’s the times that places such as the caves or specific times on those little beaches are swarming with travelers.

Very much a final point of consideration to take away from this review? Basically, for me, I will be honest, this three day, two night jaunt is an enjoyable means to discover Ha Long Bay alongside the somewhat calmer, similarly wonderful Lan Ha Bay, really. And if this review really provided information which can assist with determining whether Amanda Cruise suits a three day hop away, I have provided my purpose of making the comment.

Here are a few tips that I learned during the experience:

• Think About Packing. If you’re going, don’t forget your gear for swimming, sunblock, some cool shades, and anything relaxed which will suit both on- and off-ship.
• Get Hold Of Some Cash. There are circumstances which will necessitate the paying of extra tips/expenses while you’re around and it will suit being in local currency in most occurrences.
• Check Before You Do Go. When you reserve a space confirm precisely everything which is encompassed inside. Some stuff are an extra in price terms.

Right then, I suggest anyone searching both nature plus relaxation seriously considers investing on this kind of journey: that gorgeous picturesque site definitely does repay anyone’s period over that stretch! #AmandaCruise #HalongBay #LanHaBay #VietnamTravel #CruiseReview #TravelTips