Halong & Lan Ha Bay: Scarlet Pearl Ultra Luxury Cruise with Catamaran

Summary

Lan Ha Bay sunrise tai chi, kayaking Sang Cave, luxury catamaran ride

You’ll glide from Hanoi to Halong & Lan Ha Bay in comfort, kayak through hidden caves, join sunset cocktails or a cooking class on deck, and explore remote corners by catamaran with your local guide. Sunrise Tai Chi and fresh sea air are included—plus good food and better company along the way.

What’s the experience like?

We were already rolling out of Hanoi in this plush limousine before I’d even finished my coffee — I remember the driver’s playlist was all gentle Vietnamese pop, kind of soothing for the early start. The road to Halong wasn’t as long as I’d feared; we watched rice paddies blur past, and then suddenly we were at the port. The Scarlet Pearl looked almost too sleek to be real. Our guide, Minh, handed us a welcome drink and grinned like he’d been waiting all week for this group. I liked him instantly.

Lunch was served just as we started gliding into Lan Ha Bay — honestly, it’s hard to focus on food when you’ve got those limestone islands sliding by outside every window. The air tasted faintly salty and fresh. Minh told us about Ao Ếch (Frog Lagoon) and laughed when I tried to say it in Vietnamese — probably butchered it. Kayaking into Sang Cave felt like slipping into another world; water echoed under the rock archway and everything went cool and quiet for a minute. There was this moment where sunlight hit the water just right and it looked almost green underneath us.

Later, back on deck with a cocktail (happy hour is dangerous here), everyone drifted toward the railings for sunset without really saying anything — you could hear the ice clinking in glasses and someone quietly humming along to the music from the Sky Bar. Some folks tried their hand at a cooking class with Chef Lien; I mostly just watched and nibbled on spring rolls. Dinner was more social than I expected — people swapping stories in English, French, Vietnamese. It felt easy.

I woke up early for Tai Chi on the top deck because Minh said “just try” — still not sure if my moves were right but nobody cared. The sunrise over Lan Ha Bay was soft pink behind misty rocks. Later we boarded this ultra-luxury catamaran that zipped us out to quieter corners of the bay where big boats can’t go. The silence out there stuck with me; even now when things get loud at home I think about that calm water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay exploration

• Pick up from Hanoi hotel
• Drive 2.5 hours to Halong Port
• Check in and board Scarlet Pearl Cruise
• Enjoy welcome drink and safety briefing
• Lunch at Tahiti Restaurant on cruise
• Kayak to Sang Cave
• Swim and kayak at Ech Lagoon
• Relax and watch sunset on sundeck
• Attend Sunset Party or cooking class
• Enjoy fine dining dinner with cultural exchange

Day 2 — Lan Ha Bay morning and return to Hanoi

• Morning Tai Chi session or photography
• Light breakfast on board
• Explore remote Lan Ha Bay by catamaran
• Prepare for check out
• Buffet brunch at Tahiti Restaurant
• Disembark at Halong Port
• Return to Hanoi by limousine

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included from Hanoi?

Yes, pickup from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter is included if you book the transfer service.

What activities are part of this Scarlet Pearl cruise?

The cruise includes kayaking at Sang Cave, swimming at Ech Lagoon, Tai Chi session at sunrise, cooking class or sunset party, dining onboard, and a catamaran ride to remote spots in Lan Ha Bay.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

Yes, lunch, dinner, breakfast, welcome drink, and buffet brunch are included.

Is there an English-speaking guide on board?

Yes, an English-speaking guide accompanies guests throughout the trip.

Can infants join this cruise?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during transfers.

How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Halong port?

The drive takes about 2.5 hours via highway if using their limousine service.

What type of accommodation is provided?

You’ll have a cabin with private balcony, hot water shower, western toilet & air conditioning.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes, all entrance fees and sightseeing tickets are covered in your booking.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter (if selected), all entrance fees for Lan Ha Bay attractions like Sang Cave and Ech Lagoon, kayaking equipment for exploring tunnel caves, full-board meals including lunch at Tahiti Restaurant plus dinner and brunch onboard, a private balcony cabin with modern comforts like hot water and air conditioning, daily Tai Chi classes at sunrise led by your local guide Minh or another crew member (they’re patient!), optional cooking classes or sunset parties depending on season—and return transfer back to Hanoi if booked together.