Le Journey Cruise: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay 2D1N Review

Thinking of experiencing Lan Ha Bay, but just, you know, wanting to stay away from the Halong Bay crowds? That’s very understandable, as it’s definitely something you want to think about, to be honest. A 2-day, 1-night cruise is actually quite a great option, it is if you’re tight on time, that is, or if you’re just aiming for a taste of that beautiful bay. There are, you know, quite a few choices out there, I mean cruise-wise, but I recently took Le Journey Luxury Cruise, very great I must say, and I kind of wanted to share my thoughts. So, here’s my story, like I want to provide the full details.

Why Lan Ha Bay? A Quieter Alternative

So, why, like, would you even pick Lan Ha Bay over the famous Halong Bay? You see, it’s quite simple: fewer tourists. Like, that is the biggest plus, to be honest. Halong Bay can actually feel overly busy, especially in peak season. And you will want to chill out right? But Lan Ha Bay, which is just, like, to the south, it’s almost as if it offers pretty much the same breathtaking scenery – those limestone karsts and all – but with more of, you know, a peaceful vibe. I kind of figured that’s something I needed on my vacation. So, there I went.

Booking and Pre-Cruise Info

I secured my spot, it’s like through a travel agency, pretty good one too. It’s like, a pretty standard process, actually. They, you know, sent over all the information I wanted in terms of pick-up times, what to bring (sunscreen, that’s like definitely), and like some expectations about the schedule. It’s almost like that communication beforehand actually helped to make the experience smoother. Plus, you might even look at booking directly through their website. Actually, you probably could check prices and promos directly from them, which is very convenient, really.

Transfer from Hanoi

The transfer from Hanoi, it’s almost like it was quite comfortable, very, in fact. It is like, a minibus with comfy seats, and I will need that actually. The drive is that four hours-ish that I heard about so I’ll definitely take the opportunity to relax a bit and, like, just watch the countryside pass by. It gives you kind of a feel for Vietnamese rural life, it seems to me. When we arrived at the harbor, like there was a bit of waiting involved to, you know, get all the passengers sorted for the various cruises, it is I have to say though, Le Journey staff were very efficient. I mean the boarding itself was actually quick and easy.

First Impressions of Le Journey Luxury Cruise

Like stepping onto Le Journey, that, I have to say, the ‘luxury’ in the name felt, just you know, immediately right. So, the boat, it’s very, I mean very well-maintained, it is to say the least, with this modern decor. The staff, like were waiting with cold towels and welcome drinks, you see which is always, just, a plus. The main thing I want to do at the moment is relaxing a bit, after that long drive, very important, I guess.

The Cabins: Comfort and Views

My cabin, the key is actually spacious and, just you know, very tastefully decorated. I had that, you know, the balcony, which I thought was pretty important. And it’s kind of worth it that I want to stress that to myself. The, very you know breathtaking views as we sailed, especially were very worth it to my stay. So, that is very important in deciding which bay and type of cabin to pick.

Food and Dining: A Culinary Cruise

The food on Le Journey was, very delightful. So, that’s a buffet lunch on the first day. It’s like offering a variety of Vietnamese dishes, the Pho bo… hmm that beef noodles were just fantastic… And very different Western options. The seafood was fresh. Fresh!!, I am going to emphasize it once again. very delicious actually! The set menu dinner was, very great. Plus, the presentation was definitely something to enjoy and get you really excited and happy.

Activities: Kayaking, Swimming, and More

The itinerary packed a good punch of activities. We went kayaking in a pretty, I would have to say beautiful area of the bay, then swimming in the emerald waters. I’m pretty tired actually but, very you know enjoyable as well. You also visit that Dark and Bright Cave on bamboo boats rowed by locals, giving me that peaceful vibe. I mean who needs the noisy beach bars, that sounds good.

Sunset and Sunrise: Bay at its Best

The sunset that I saw from the sundeck, it is pretty amazing. I’ll need something relaxing to watch right? The colors of the sky over those limestone karsts were just magical, as people described it as. The next morning, so early I know, but, I woke up super early, that’s like around 6 a.m., and caught the sunrise. So, it’s quite worth getting up for, so I did that. The bay at that hour it feels like, very serene and peaceful. So, worth waking up very early indeed.

Onboard Experience: Staff and Atmosphere

The staff that I got, like really made the cruise a great one. I can’t compliment them enough as they provided outstanding hospitality, right from the front desk to the dining staff. Also, it creates a friendly atmosphere, a relaxed vibe. Like, people started socializing on the sun deck, swapping travel stories and pictures.

Value for Money

Le Journey Luxury Cruise, like falls in that mid-to-high range for Lan Ha Bay cruises, in terms of pricing, So, the service you get and everything makes it kind of worthy I guess. Like I have to be objective but you need to consider these things.

Overall Verdict

I can say, Le Journey Luxury Cruise in Lan Ha Bay it is very awesome and very unforgettable for a pretty valid reason. Those scenic landscapes, that you’d see in real life makes it so memorable to me. That good mix of activities, that you won’t even have the time to feel so bad. But also the good staff. The friendly service, great experience overall, makes it great.

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