Overview of La Pandora Cruise – 5-Star Floating Paradise
A Floating Masterpiece on Halong Bay
Board the lavish La Pandora Cruise, the highlight of our Halong tours stay La Pandora, the ultimate way to sail. This newest vessel was made with a refined steel frame and features warm wooden accents, which provide a smooth glide through the emerald waters of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay with elegance and charm.
Luxurious Cabins with Breathtaking Views
All cabins of La Pandora Cruise are focused on a sense of comfort, elegant style and tranquility. Regardless of whether you book the Suite Ocean, Panoramic Suite or the Family Connecting Suite, expect floor-to-ceiling windows, private balcony, and bathtubs that overlook the sea so you can soak it in directly from your room.
From couples seeking romance to solo travelers in search of adventure to family groups craving comfort, Halong Tours Stay La Pandora has something for every traveler to feel at home amid the natural charms.
Top-Class Amenities for a 5-Star Experience
On our Halong Tours, guests are offered a complete range of world-class facilities, including:
- A gorgeous restaurant specializing in Vietnamese cuisine and international dishes
- A large sun deck for taking in the views or participating in a sunset toast
- A tranquil Tai Chi space, where guests begin the day in tune with the bay
- A zesty spa and massage room for the short-selling who craves deep relaxation
- A chic bar and lounge for after-dinner conversations or a quiet drink under the stars
The onboard experience is designed in such a way that makes your Halong tours stay La Pandora one for the books.
Sail with Safety, Elegance, and Sustainability
However, more than luxury and aesthetics, La Pandora Cruise is also founded on the principles of liability. Safety first with professional crews and certified operations. At the same time, sustainability is ingrained in the experience — including eco-friendly waste management, energy-efficient systems, and more.
When you book Halong tours stay La Pandora, you are choosing a caring cruise —for you and the community as well, as for the environment.
La Pandora Cruise (Sours: thesinhtour)
Halong Tours Stay La Pandora: 2 Days 1 Night Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi – Tuan Chau – Lan Ha Bay – Ao Ech
08:30 – 09:00 | Hotel Pickup in Hanoi Old Quarter
Our adventure started in the early morning in downtown Hanoi & our luxury limousine gathered fellow passengers from their hotels located in Old Quarter. On the way to Tuan Chau Harbor, I shared a brief introduction about the magnificent heritage of Halong Bay, the epic stories of the descending dragon, and things that makes Halong tours stay La Pandora loved by many international travelers.
11:45 – 12:00 | Arrival at Tuan Chau Port & Tender Transfer
Just before noon, we arrived at Tuan Chau. We had first been hit by the sea breeze and then the amazing view of La Pandora Cruise waiting for us off the shore. Guests were ushered onto the tender boat and 10 minutes later they were transferred onto the smooth and modern 5-star yacht that would be their home for the next two days.
12:15 – 12:45 | Welcome Drink & Check-In
As we stepped on board, the crew presented us with chilled towels, welcome drinks and warm smiles. I took everyone through a short safety briefing and then showed them to their cabins. Most of the guests paused to step out onto their private balconies and appreciate the scenery — towering limestone mountains that rose directly from the sea.
13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch Onboard While Cruising
As the cruise started to glide deeper into Lan Ha Bay, we sat down for a multi-course lunch of fresh seafood and Vietnamese specialties. Each of the dishes was carefully prepared, and the view outside the windows resembled a painting.
15:00 – 16:30 | Kayaking or Swimming at Ao Ech Area
In the afternoon, we arrived at Ao Ech — a quiet, hidden lagoon ideal for kayaking and swimming. I kept a few guests company in the kayaks, gliding between karsts and floating quietly beneath the cliffs. The water was perfectly calm and transparent, clearly mirroring the sky above.
17:30 – 18:30 | Sunset Party on the Sundeck
Golden hour bathed the sky as we met on the sundeck for our Sunset Party. There was wine and fresh fruit, and much mingling between travelers from different countries. The horizon shone orange and pink — one of those times you never forget.
19:00 – 20:30 | Dinner in the Dining Room
Dinner was an elegant affair served in the main restaurant. Courses were grilled scallops, tamarind prawns and stir-fried lotus with mushrooms. We toasted to new friends, new adventures and the pleasure of cruising with Halong tours stay La Pandora.
21:00 Onwards | Evening Leisure Activities
The evening was open for everyone to enjoy. Some guests attempted squid fishing off the back of the boat, others enjoyed a cocktail at the bar and a few simply sat quietly under the stars. I paced from deck to deck, ensuring everyone was comfortable, and watched the bay transform to silver in the moonlight.
La Pandora Cruise in Lan Ha Bay (Sours: booking)
Day 2: Dark & Bright Cave – Cooking Class – Hanoi
06:00 – 06:30 | Tai Chi at Sunrise
Before sunrise, I lightly tapped on cabin doors and encouraged guests to join me on the top deck for a Tai Chi session. The bay was still asleep, and the only noises were the soft movements of water and the whispers of early morning. As we progressed through each posture, the sun slowly rose behind the islands.
07:00 – 08:00 | Light Breakfast
A simple breakfast was served: coffee, tea, warm, fresh pastries, and tropical fruits. We savored it as the cruise headed toward our morning destination.
08:00 – 09:00 | Explore Dark & Bright Cave by Kayak or Bamboo Boat
We were then taken by our tenders to the entrance of Dark and Bright Cave, one of the peaceful corners of Lan Ha Bay. Some guests opted to kayak through the cave, while others leaned back in a bamboo boat rowed by local guides. Within, the cavern opened to a still lagoon surrounded by cliffs — a place so quiet, that even birdsong reverberated.
09:30 – 10:00 | Return & Check-Out
We turned back to the cruise for a brief rest and started packing. I reminded guests to check for any last-minute belongings, and many took one final photo from their balconies.
10:00 – 10:30 | Cooking Class: Learn to Make Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Before we left we all gathered in the dining room for a quick, fun cooking demo. Traditional Vietnamese spring rolls — which everyone was taught to make by our chef. The best part? We got to eat what we made!
10:45 – 11:30 | Early Lunch Onboard
Lunch was there to bid farewell—a light delicious meal to finish the trip on a good note. There was a mood of quiet contentment as guests shared their experiences from the previous 24 hours.
11:45 – 12:00 | Disembarkation & Transfer Back to Hanoi
Returning to Tuan Chau Harbor, where our limousine was waiting. As we headed out of the bay, I took a look around and saw sleepy smiles, full memory cards, and a sense of wonder that only Halong Tours Stay La Pandora could create.
15:00 – 15:30 | Drop-off at Hotels in Hanoi
By mid-afternoon, guests returned to Hanoi, already plotting their next adventure.
Tour included & Tour not included
What’s Included
- 1 night onboard La Pandora Cruise (private cabin with balcony & sea view).
- Three meals delivered to you on board: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Welcome drink, cold towel, and fresh fruits on arrival
- All entrance fees and sightseeing as per itinerary
- Kayaking or bamboo boat ride at Ao Ech
- Visit to Dark & Bright Cave
- Tai Chi class, Vietnamese cooking class
- On board with an English-speaking guide
- Sunset Party (fruit & wine)
- Unlimited Wi-Fi (signal may be limited depending on physical location)
- Two bottles of water in each cabin daily
- Insurance on board
Not Included
- Transfer from/to Hanoi – Tuan Chau (optional, can be booked separately)
- Bus: 400,000 VND round-trip per person
Limousine: 600,000 VND round-trip per person
- Personal expenses, drinks from the bar, minibar in cabin
- Suggestions for crew and guide (optional but welcomed)
- 10% VAT if you ask for an invoice
- Public Holidays Surcharge (for exact rates contact us)
Dark & Bright Cave (Sours: lanhacruises)
Halong Tours Stay La Pandora: 3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi – Tuan Chau – Lan Ha Bay – Ao Ech
Day one of our 3-day itinerary is the same as our day two experience, and what another day it is! The 08:30 AM hotel pickup in Hanoi, Ao Ech kayaking, Sunset Party on the sundeck, gourmet dinner under the stars—it’s an epic introduction to Halong tours stay La Pandora. (If you so wish, you can view the detailed breakdown in the previous section, which is for Day 1.)
Ao Ech kayaking (Sours: vivuhalong)
Day 2: Cat Ba Island – Viet Hai Village – Van Boi Beach
06:30 – 07:30 | Breakfast with a View
We began the day with a generous breakfast as the cruise anchored in a peaceful section of Lan Ha Bay. The sun flooded the dining room, and I could feel the anticipation building—we were finally going to push past the bay and into the verdant splendor of Cat Ba Island.
08:00 – 08:30 | Transfer to Day Boat
Guests packed a small bag and transferred to our dedicated day boat — a smaller vessel that would take us further out into the less traveled waters around Cat Ba. The crew waved us off with cheerful smiles. “See you at sunset!” they called.
09:30 – 11:30 | Cycling to Viet Hai Village
After arriving on Cat Ba Island, we cycled into the jungles of Cat Ba National Park. The trail was tranquil, shady, and flanked by soaring green cliffs. We cycled for around 45 minutes on flat terrain, arriving at Viet Hai Village, an isolated settlement surrounded by mountains and rice paddies.
There we met families, toured a traditional wooden house, and watched them make herbal rice wine. As an elder recounted tales of life before electricity came to the village, I translated. It was a moving, eye-opening experience — one that few people on standard Halong Tours ever have the chance to see.
12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch by the Sea
We went back to the day boat and ate lunch on deck, drifting along the island’s fringe. The grilled fish, tofu in lemongrass , and seasonal vegetables were a deserved treat after the ride.
14:00 – 15:30 | Swimming & Kayaking at Van Boi Beach
The next stop was Van Boi Beach, an isolated, postcard-worth curve of white sand and turquoise water. Guests launched kayaks again, and others floated and swam in the calm waves. I often say: that time slows down on this beach. And on that day, it did.
16:30 – 17:00 | Return to La Pandora Cruise
We sailed back to La Pandora, where, as soon as we boarded, the staff presented us with cold towels and fruit. After a day spent adventuring, it felt like a return to a floating five-star sanctuary.
17:30 – 18:30 | Sunset Party on the Sundeck
And then back up to the top deck for another Sunset Party — but this particular view felt extra precious. Over Lan Ha Bay, guests compared photos and shared tales from the village, and as the sky once again turned gold.
19:00 – 20:30 | BBQ Dinner or Set Menu
Tonight’s dinner was a little special. Barbecues on deck, depending on the weather and guest preference, or a fine a la carte menu in the dining room. The smell of grilled prawns and lemongrass chicken wafted in. The mood was festive, but calm.
21:00 Onwards | Leisure Time Under the Stars
With the moon above and the bay as calm, as glass, guests passed their last night aboard. Some were playing cards in the lounge. Others enjoyed one final cocktail, soaking in the quiet elegance that has always marked Halong tours stay La Pandora.
Van Boi Beach (Sours: la-regina-cruise)
Day 3: Dark & Bright Cave – Cooking Class – Hanoi
06:00 | Tai Chi on the Deck
On our last morning, we awoke early to Tai Chi on the water as the sun rose. It is always the most spiritual part of the cruise — gentle breathing, gentle movement, encircled by silence and sea.
07:00 – 08:00 | Breakfast Buffet
We were served breakfast as we neared our final excursion spot. Guests partook of coffee, warm pastries, tropical fruits, and one last opportunity to sit in silence on their balconies.
08:00 – 09:00 | Visit Dark & Bright Cave by Kayak or Sampan
We visited Dark & Bright Cave — a little-known beauty only available by small boat. Some paddled in on kayaks, others lounged in a local sampan rowed by an affable guide. Inside was a lagoon, through which cliffs soared and birdsong reverberated.
09:30 | Cabin Checkout
We went back to the cruise for packing and check-out. The crew assisted with baggage and ensured a smooth process.
10:00 – 10:30 | Cooking Class: Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Before we parted, our chef took us into a back room for an exuberant cooking class in which everyone got to roll their own goi cuon — Vietnamese fresh spring rolls. Fun, and also a delicious, way to end the journey.
10:45 – 11:30 | Farewell Lunch
A last lunch was served on board: grilled chicken with lime leaves, sticky rice, and fruit. And many guests lingered, not wanting this to end.
12:00 | Disembarkation and Return to Hanoi
After leaving Tuan Chau Harbor around noon and returning to Hanoi, by 3:00 PM we arrived, full of story, pictures, and full of thanks.
Tour included & Tour not included
What’s Included
- 2-Night La Pandora Cruise in a private balcony cabin
- All meals onboard: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
- Welcome drink, chilled towel, fresh fruit
- Kayak or swim in Ao Ech and Van Boi Beach
- Cat Ba Island Full-Day Boat Trip
- Biking to Viet Hai Village
- Meeting local families
- Lunch by the sea
- Sightseeing entrance fees, cave visits (Dark & Bright Cave included)
- Sunset Party, Tai Chi session, cooking class
- Enlish-speaking guide on the boat and excursions
- Wi-Fi access
- 2 bottles of water daily in the cabin
- Onboard insurance
Not Included
- Transfer between Hanoi – Tuan Chau (Optional add on)
- – Bus: 400,000 VND round-trip per person
– Limousine: 600,000 VND round-trip per person
- Drinks, spa treatments, minibar items
- Personal shopping, laundry services
- Tips for your staff and guides
- VAT (10%) if invoice is requested
- Holiday surcharges (apply on certain dates)
Cooking Class (Sours: daiichitravel)
Tips to Maximize Your Cruise Experience
I have guided hundreds of travelers through the activities in Halong Bay, so let me outline some useful tips for you to get the best experience with your time during Halong tours stay La Pandora. No matter whether you’re cruising for two days or three, these tips will transfer your journey from memorable… to magical.
What to Pack for Your Halong Tours Stay La Pandora
Preparing is the first step toward a spontaneous journey. For your Halong tours stay La Pandora, I always recommend bringing the:
- Daytime wander about light, breathable clothing
- Cool eveninG sun deck cardigans or breezy shawls
- Swimming costume, flip-flops, dry-proof bag for kayaking/swimming
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide-brim hat (as of March to September)
- Your reusable water bottle (great for the environment, so practical!)
- Camera or phone with lots of storage—trust us, you will!
- Travel adapters (if you’re arriving from outside Vietnam)
- Some motion sickness medication (just in case, although most guests never use it)
With the right things, you are free so you can concentrate entirely on enjoying what Halong Tours are meant to take like unwind, investigate, and associate with nature.
Best Time of Year to Join Halong Tours Stay La Pandora
Halong Tours Stay La Pandora has one beauty that is operated all year round, however, the different seasons have different charms:
- October — April: Cooler, drier weather Great for photographers and hikers alike.
- May to September: Warmer, more humid, sporadic tropical rains — but also the best time to swim and kayak.
I’m a big fan of cruising in the late fall (October-November). The skies are blue, the air is brisk, and the sunsets are total magic.
Photography Tips for Halong Tours
As a guide, I have watched guests capture some extraordinary moments but also miss a few due to simple oversights. Halong tours stay La Pandora, here’s my answer to all guests.
- Golden hour is a thing: Stay alert between 5:00 and 6:00 PM to take the best shots during the sunset
- Pack a lens cloth or microfibre wipe—sea mist does enjoy getting all over your camera
- On the sundeck or kayak, use the panorama mode — Halong Bay’s horizon practically demands it.
- Want great people shots? The Sunset Party is the place to be — glowing faces + glowing sky = best portraits
- Remember your charging cable — and a backup power bank if you’re a photo fiend
Cruise Etiquette – A Little Courtesy Goes a Long Way
All of us inhabit this floating home together, so a modicum of respect and care makes the voyage enjoyable for everyone. Here’s my guide-approved cruise etiquette for the Halong tours stay La Pandora:
- Be on time: Things start when they’re supposed to, and you don’t want to miss anything
- Maintain a low noise level during quiet hours—with particular care if you are on your balcony
- Ensure trash is disposed of properly; sustainability is part of what makes these Halong Tours unique
- To respect fishing villages or temples dress modestly
- Be courteous with fellow travelers’ space and privacy (especially regarding kayaks and common areas)
Conclusion
Allow the enchantment of Halong Bay to imprint on your spirit. So whether we are part of you for two days or three, say Halong tours stay La Pandora brings you an unforgettable combination of luxury, nature, and culture, created by the experts behind a series of Halong Tours that are trusted in Vietnam. Want to try it out for yourself?
With Impress Travel, book your cruise now: