La Stella Cruise Review 2025: Halong to Lan Ha Bay Guide

So, you’re dreaming of Vietnam’s limestone karsts, right? Honestly, picking a cruise through that famous seascape can feel a little overwhelming with so many options. We were looking for something a bit special for 2025, you know, something that escapes the main crowds of Halong Bay. That is how we actually found our way to Lan Ha Bay, which is sort of Halong’s quieter, more pristine next-door neighbor. The La Stella Cruise came up, and basically, it seemed to offer just what we wanted: a modern boat, a great 2-day itinerary, and a path that felt a little less traveled. To be honest, we booked it with a good bit of excitement.

First Impressions and Checking In

Getting there started at the Tuan Chau Marina, which is the main hub, and frankly, it’s very organized. At the La Stella check-in lounge, things felt immediately more personal, you know? It’s just a little bit calmer than the hustle outside. They offered us a welcome drink, checked our details, and pretty much handled the luggage from there. A smaller tender boat then took our group out to the main La Stella vessel, which was actually waiting in the bay. That short boat ride itself is an experience, I mean, as the limestone islands get bigger and bigger as you approach. Stepping aboard the La Stella, the crew was all smiles and obviously very welcoming. The boat itself has this clean, modern feel that is very stylish yet still comfortable, which we really liked.

A Look Inside Your Cabin

Alright, let’s talk about the room, which is really your private little sanctuary for the trip. We stepped into our cabin and were, frankly, very impressed with the space. The first thing you notice is the floor-to-ceiling glass door that leads out to your own private balcony; that part is a real highlight. The room was extremely clean, with a big comfy bed and crisp white linens. The bathroom was also surprisingly spacious for a boat, you know, with a nice rain shower and all the usual amenities. But honestly, the balcony is where we spent most of our time. Just sitting out there with a drink, watching the unbelievable scenery glide by is pretty much priceless. It’s basically a front-row seat to one of the world’s most amazing natural wonders.

What’s on the Menu? The Dining Experience

Food on a trip like this is definitely a big deal, and La Stella absolutely delivers. For our 2-day trip, we had four meals, and to be honest, every single one was a treat. Lunch on the first day was this huge buffet with a mix of Vietnamese and Western options, so there’s sort of something for everyone. You could find everything from fresh spring rolls and salads to grilled seafood and pasta, and it was all very delicious. Dinner was a bit more formal, a set menu that really showed off the local flavors with a fine-dining twist; the grilled squid was a standout, actually. Breakfast was another big spread, just right to fuel you up for the morning’s activities. You could tell they really put a lot of effort into the quality of the food, especially the very fresh seafood.

Activities and Exploring Lan Ha Bay

This trip is really all about getting out and experiencing the bay up close. The main activity on the first afternoon was kayaking, and honestly, this was the moment we were waiting for. They anchor the boat in a really quiet lagoon, and you just paddle off to explore. Being down on the water level, paddling through tiny archways into hidden lagoons is just magical, you know? It’s so peaceful, and you get a completely different perspective of just how massive these limestone islands are. For those not wanting to kayak, there was a bamboo boat option with a local rower, which was also a lovely, relaxing way to see the sights. After kayaking, there’s swimming time, and jumping off the side of the boat into that cool, green water is seriously so much fun. Later that evening, they had a quick cooking demonstration where we learned to make traditional Vietnamese spring rolls, and then some squid fishing off the back of the boat, which was a pretty fun group activity.

The Itinerary: A Gentle Pace Through Paradise

What we really loved about the La Stella itinerary is that it actually focuses on Lan Ha Bay. As a matter of fact, the boat heads there pretty quickly, leaving the more congested parts of Halong Bay behind. This means the views are just as spectacular, but with way fewer boats around you, which honestly makes a huge difference. The pace of the two-day, one-night trip felt just right; it was relaxing without any long, boring stretches. Waking up on the second day in the middle of the bay, surrounded by those silent, misty giants, is something I don’t think we’ll ever forget. You just open your curtains to this breathtaking view, I mean, it’s surreal. The morning activity was a visit to the Dark and Bright Cave area, which you explore by bamboo boat. After that, it’s a slow cruise back to the marina while you enjoy a final brunch. The whole schedule is clearly designed for relaxation, not rushing from one spot to the next.

You think you’ve seen pictures of the bay, but honestly, being right in the middle of it, feeling the calm and hearing nothing but the oars in the water, is a completely different thing. It’s just incredibly peaceful.

Key Takeaways from the La Stella Cruise

• The private balcony in every room is seriously a massive plus and worth it.
• Focusing on the less-crowded Lan Ha Bay is a really smart choice for a more serene experience.
• The food was consistently fresh, delicious, and honestly, there was plenty of it.
• Activities like kayaking allow you to, you know, really connect with the natural surroundings up close.
• The staff were genuinely friendly and professional, making the whole trip feel very smooth and enjoyable.

Read our full review: La Stella Cruise 2-Day Review and Details

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