(content by Christopher H)
Lan Ha Bay is a gorgeous and tranquil destination. Towering limestone mountains rise amidst the turquoise waters, exuding beauty and grandeur that leaves viewers in awe. In only two days and one night, the trip here on Orchid Classic left me with incredibly wonderful experiences.
Why is Orchid Classic regarded as the top favorite Lan Ha Bay Cruise?
Orchid Classic Cruise is one of the best boutique luxury cruises in Lan Ha Bay and is also one of the few cruises that include Trung Trang Cave, an ancient and mysterious cave, in a 2-day itinerary. The cruise features a junk boat design that seamlessly combines a strong steel exterior with a classical wooden interior and distinctive Asian decorations.
More importantly, this cruise ship stands out with high-class amenities and services. All cabins here are quite spacious, the smallest one is more than 35m² in size, equipped with a private balcony and a bathtub overlooking the vast sea. The cruise also offers an open-air jacuzzi pool at the bow, where I loved to spend dusk and dawn unwinding amidst the magnificent scenery. Especially, the crew staff here are helpful and attentive, taking care of every guest’s needs.
If you are interested in booking a cruise to explore this magnificent land, Orchid Cruise Lan Ha Bay on BestPrice Travel, where I booked this journey, is a good option to check out as their service is quick and professional.
My Experience on Orchid Cruise: Is It Worth The Price?
With a price starting from US $191 /pax, you can enjoy not only the luxurious amenities and interesting activities onboard but also experience a wonderful journey through famous attractions in Halong Bay with English speaking tour guide onboard.
Facilities & Amenities
At first, I was impressed by the modern and elite amenities on Orchid Cruise, particularly the jacuzzi and sky bar on the sundeck, which is easily the best spot for sightseeing. There is also a spa room on the first deck and an opulent restaurant on the 3rd deck. Our room was Premium Suite Balcony on the second floor with a spacious area of 36m2 for 2 people. The room was well-equipped with two comfortable beds and many convenient facilities, such as a minibar, a TV, aircon, a seat cushion next to the window, and more.
Especially, all of the personal items here, like shampoo and toothbrushes, came with eco-friendly packaging or containers. This is one of the cruise line’s efforts to protect the bay’s environment by reducing plastic waste and saving water and energy. The highlight of the room was a bathtub with a view of the bay, offering an amazing experience to relax while enjoying the beauty of Lan Ha Bay. The only problem with this cabin was that its bathroom was separated from the other areas by just a curtain, which was not private enough if you were staying with friends or family members.
Food & Beverages
On this cruise, we were served a buffet lunch and a set menu dinner. The buffet is all well-balanced in flavors and offers a wide range of food options from European cuisine to Asian, and somehow lacks Vietnamese cuisine. Fortunately, the shortcoming above was compensated for at dinner, where we enjoyed a delicious three-course meal that highlighted the authentic Vietnamese taste in a fusion presentation. The seafood dishes really stood out with the freshness and well-seasoning. However, the drinks here, in my opinion, need quality improvement for the price.
Activities & Itinerary
In two days of the cruise, we embarked on a journey through impressive destinations, particularly Dark & Bright Cave and Trung Trang Cave.
On the first day, we participated in a 45-minute kayaking session to explore Dark and Bright Cave. This activity required some strength, but paddling through the cave in the mountains was truly thrilling, especially as the stunning landscapes really captivated us. After this energetic activity, we back on board to participate in a cooking class where we learned to make Banh Xeo, a delicate pancake with savory fillings. Finally, the night squid fishing ended the day. The first day was great, but there were only a few nighttime activities, which may leave active travelers feeling bored.
On the second day, we visited Trung Trang Cave, the largest cave in Vietnam and the third-largest limestone cave system in the world. The cave was captivating, featuring numerous stalagmites and stalactites shaped into various tunnels and chambers formed over thousands of years. According to a famous legend, Trung Trang Cave was home to a goddess who taught the locals how to farm and fish. Over time, it became a sacred place where fishermen came to pray for safety before heading out to sea and for a good catch. More interestingly, this cave was also a historical site as it served as an army base for Vietnamese soldiers during the resistance war.
Services
During the cruise, we were really impressed with the service. The staff and management team were friendly and professional. Every request was attended to quickly and thoughtfully. One of my positive impressions was how the crew members in the restaurant were nice and enthusiastic about providing a special wedding anniversary celebration for a couple with pretty decorations, cake, and special drinks.
At the end of my journey on Orchid Cruise, we were truly satisfied with the wonderful experiences in Lan Ha Bay as well as the relaxing moments on the cruise. If you are looking for a trip to unwind or to celebrate a special occasion like a honeymoon, a Lan Ha Bay Cruise is an option worth considering for an unforgettable experience.
