3-Day Hanoi & Halong 5-Star Cruise Review (2025 Balcony Tour)

So you’re thinking about a trip that puts together some of Northern Vietnam’s most talked-about spots, right? Well, we just did this exact 3-day adventure, covering Hanoi, the green fields of Ninh Binh, and then Halong Bay plus Lan Ha Bay on what was sold as a top-shelf 5-star cruise. At the end of the day, people always want to know if these package deals are really worth the money. We feel it’s honestly just our job to give you the real story. This is, you know, our full experience of the whole thing from start to finish. I mean, we’ll tell you about the high points, and of course, some things that could be a little better. You’ll get a really clear picture of what it feels like to be on this trip, from the food to the views and everything else that happened in between.

Day 1: From Hanoi’s Energy to Ninh Binh’s Calm

Okay, so the first day started with a pickup in Hanoi, which was honestly very convenient. The van was quite comfortable, so that was a good start. As a matter of fact, the drive to Ninh Binh takes a couple of hours, but it’s a pretty interesting way to see the countryside unfold right outside your window. The whole scene just changes from city buildings to rice paddies, you know? Ninh Binh itself is often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” and frankly, you can totally see why. The main event for us was the Trang An boat tour, which is just absolutely the best way to see the area.

You get on this small rowboat, and a local person, typically a woman, rows you through this network of rivers. You actually go through these low-hanging caves, which is pretty much an amazing experience. Sometimes you have to duck your head, which is kind of fun. The whole place is just so green and peaceful, with massive limestone karsts shooting up everywhere around you. Frankly, it’s a seriously different feel from the noise of Hanoi. After the boat trip, we usually went to Mua Cave Viewpoint. Be warned, the climb up the 500 steps is sort of a serious workout, but the view from the top is just completely worth the effort, for instance. You get this sweeping picture of the entire river valley, and it’s something that, to be honest, pictures don’t fully capture.

Day 2: First Impressions of the 5-Star Cruise in Halong Bay

The next morning, we made the trip from Ninh Binh over to the Tuan Chau Harbor for Halong Bay. At the end of the day, the transfer was organized as part of the package, so we didn’t have to think about a thing. We reached the check-in lounge, which felt pretty organized and just a little bit fancy. They give you a welcome drink and process your paperwork right there. Pretty soon, we were on a smaller boat heading out to the main ship, and honestly, seeing it for the first time was really exciting. The ship looked pretty much just like it did in the pictures online, which is always a relief, right?

Once we were on the boat, we got a quick briefing and then the keys to our room. So we had booked a cabin with a private balcony, and I have to say, it’s something we definitely recommend. Having your own little outdoor space to just sit and watch the amazing scenery go by is sort of the main point. The room itself was very clean and honestly had a great bathroom with a full shower. I mean, it wasn’t a huge room, but it had everything you needed and that view was just incredible. The boat started moving smoothly through the famous limestone pillars of Halong Bay, and we spent the first hour just sitting on our balcony, completely stunned by the view.

What About the Activities Like Kayaking?

In the afternoon, they offered a few things to do, like your classic kayaking or a bamboo boat ride. We picked kayaking because, you know, it felt a bit more adventurous. They take you to a calmer part of the bay, give you some quick instructions, and then you’re off. Paddling around those huge rock formations is just a bit of a surreal feeling. You can get really close to the rock faces and see the water and the islands from a completely different point of view. It’s pretty quiet out on the water, just the sound of your paddles. Honestly, we spent about an hour out there, and it was a really great way to feel more connected to the bay itself. Some people just relaxed on the sundeck instead, which also looked like a very good option, to be honest.

Day 3: Sunrise in Lan Ha Bay and the Trip Back

Waking up on the water is, frankly, something special. We actually got up early to see the sunrise from our balcony, which was just completely quiet and peaceful. That morning, the ship had sailed over to Lan Ha Bay, which is right next to Halong but apparently gets a little less boat traffic. It looked pretty much the same kind of beautiful, but it felt a lot more untouched, you know? After breakfast, the main activity was a visit to one of the area’s caves, Dark and Bright Cave. You get on a small bamboo boat rowed by a local and go through this low rock archway into a hidden lagoon inside. The whole thing is just surrounded by tall cliffs on all sides; it’s basically like a natural, secret room.

After the cave trip, we sailed back towards the harbor while having a sort of brunch meal. It was a good chance to get one last look at the stunning views before getting off the ship. Disembarking was just as smooth as getting on. By the time we were back on the transfer bus headed for Hanoi, we were definitely feeling a little tired but really happy. The whole experience, from the peacefulness of Ninh Binh to the grand feeling of the bays, felt very well-paced. The drive back to Hanoi was pretty quiet as most people, like us, were just looking through their photos and sort of re-living the last few days.

The Food and Service: What to Really Expect

Okay, let’s talk about the food, because it’s a big part of any trip, right? So, the meals on the cruise were actually really good. It was mostly a mix of Vietnamese specialties and some Western-style dishes, so everyone could find something they liked. The lunches and dinners were usually multi-course affairs or a very nice buffet, for example. We really liked the seafood, which was obviously very fresh, and there were always a ton of fresh vegetables and fruits. Seriously, you won’t go hungry. Drinks, on the other hand, are typically not included in the price, so just be ready for that. A beer or a glass of wine at sunset is a little bit pricey, but kind of worth it for the experience.

You know, what really made the trip feel special was the staff. They were just so friendly and always seemed happy to help you with anything. From the tour guide in Ninh Binh to the crew on the boat, everyone was really professional, yet very approachable. They were kind of always smiling, and that just makes a huge difference in how you feel about a place. They did a cooking demonstration one evening which was pretty fun, and a tai chi session on the sundeck in the morning, which a few people joined. It’s those little extra things that sort of stick with you, honestly.

So, Is This 3-Day Luxury Trip a Good Fit For You?

So at the end of the day, who is this trip for? Well, if you have a pretty short amount of time in Northern Vietnam and want to see some major highlights without any stress, this is honestly a fantastic option. You get the country charm of Ninh Binh and the world-famous views of Halong and Lan Ha Bay all rolled into one easy package. It’s obviously perfect for couples or families who want a comfortable, almost all-inclusive experience. The 5-star label felt pretty accurate; the ship was modern, the room was great (especially with the balcony), and the service was just excellent.

Frankly, if you’re a backpacker on a very tight budget or a traveler who really loves figuring out all the logistics yourself, this might feel a little too structured. It’s about convenience and comfort more than, say, spontaneous solo exploring. You are on a schedule, for instance, but it’s a very relaxed one. For us, not having to worry about booking buses, finding good food, or getting from point A to point B was a huge plus and let us just enjoy the incredible surroundings. You are basically paying for a smooth, high-quality experience, and in that respect, it totally delivers.

• You get variety: This tour actually combines two very different but equally beautiful places, which is a great use of 3 days.
• It’s truly convenient: All your transfers, activities, and most meals are sorted out, which makes for a very relaxing time.
• A balcony is worth it: Honestly, having that private outdoor space to watch the bays go by is a really special part of the experience.
• The food is solid: You’ll have plenty of delicious food to eat, with a really good mix of local and international choices.
• It feels luxurious: The boat is comfortable, the staff is wonderful, and the whole thing feels like a proper treat.

Read our full review: 3-Day Hanoi & Halong 5-Star Cruise Full Review and Details
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