Do you dream of a peaceful cruise, far from the crowds of Halong Bay? Lan Ha Bay, located around Cat Ba Island, is a still well-preserved alternative, where karst landscapes unfold in a more intimate and authentic atmosphere.
To help you choose the best junk boat for your cruise, we have selected the most reliable and most highly appreciated vessels by our travelers — ranging from simple comfort to high-end luxury.
And if you are looking for a truly unique experience, discover our exclusive cruises in Lan Ha Bay, operated aboard our traditional junks reserved for our travelers.
Why take a cruise in Lan Ha Bay?
Let’s first briefly revisit the reasons why Lan Ha Bay is a wise choice for discovering Halong Bay.
Lan Ha Bay is, above all, much quieter than Halong Bay: only 135 boats are allowed to operate there, ensuring a peaceful cruise far from the heavy traffic of Halong Bay.
This part of the bay is home to around 300 families living in floating houses. In Halong Bay, fishing villages are no longer allowed to settle on the water. By cruising in Lan Ha Bay, you will therefore have the opportunity to discover and better understand the traditional lifestyle of the bay’s fishermen.
There are no caves in Lan Ha Bay, but arguably more beautiful beaches and secluded coves to explore. Your cruise will include stops where you can enjoy sunbathing and swimming in complete tranquility.
Finally, in Lan Ha Bay, you will have the chance to sail on small traditional junks, whereas only large cruise ships are permitted in Halong Bay. This makes Lan Ha Bay the best choice for a truly authentic experience.
Last but not least, before or after your cruise in Lan Ha Bay, you can visit Cat Ba Island. It would be a shame not to take advantage of the many activities offered by this large island, known for its dense and tropical forest.
For more information about Lan Ha Bay >> Read our full article on Lan Ha Bay.
Hang Vieng fishing village, Lan Ha. Photo: Mathieu Arnaudet
From which port do you board for a cruise in Lan Ha Bay?
There are two departure points for cruises in Lan Ha Bay: Tuan Chau Port and Beo Port.
While Beo Port only welcomes small traditional junks, Tuan Chau Port is the departure point for all the large, modern cruise ships operating in Halong Bay. Some cruise companies include both Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay in their itineraries. These are the companies we will focus on first.
Here is therefore our selection of the best boats and junks cruising in Lan Ha Bay.
We have organized our selection according to the type of boat you may be looking for:
- Smaller traditional junks departing from Beo Port
- Modern and luxury cruise ships departing from Tuan Chau Port
Junks departing from Beo Port
If you are looking for a different and authentic cruise on a smaller boat, we recommend the junks departing from Ben Beo Port, located in the south of Cat Ba Island.
Here is our selection of junks offering private or shared cruises that should appeal to you.
Parfum d’Automne Junk (7 cabins)
The Parfum d’Automne junk is a 7-cabin boat offering one of the best value-for-money cruises in Lan Ha Bay. For around €160 per person, you will enjoy a 24-hour cruise including numerous activities, a comfortable and spacious cabin, and the services of an English-speaking guide on board.
All cabins offer a beautiful open view over the bay, each with a private bathroom. They are spacious and ideal for couples and small families (for example, a couple with one child). Three cabins feature private balconies on the upper deck.
An English-speaking guide will be on board throughout the cruise and will be happy to share insights about the daily life of the bay’s inhabitants. The guide also leads the activities such as kayaking, cycling, and cooking classes. The onboard kitchen team is trained to serve fresh Vietnamese dishes, using as much local produce from the bay as possible.
You can either book an individual cabin or privatize the entire boat if you are traveling as a larger group (for example, around 10 people).
The Parfum d’Automne junk in Lan Ha Bay. Photo: Parfum d’Automne
The Four Seasons Junk by Parfum d’Automne (4 cabins)
The Four Seasons junk, owned by Mrs. Huong, director of the Parfum d’Automne agency, is without a doubt one of the most beautiful boats sailing in Lan Ha Bay. Its impressive sails in particular give it a unique and elegant charm.
The boat features only four cabins, ensuring a pleasant cruise focused on relaxation and contemplation.
This junk is available exclusively for 2- or 3-day cruises. You can book the cruise departing from Hanoi or Cat Ba Island. In the latter case, our local colleague Mr. Binh will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Ben Beo Port.
Beyond the boat’s beautiful traditional design, you will especially appreciate the chef’s cuisine, which is considered a must in Lan Ha Bay.
For a 2-day / 1-night shared cruise on this junk departing from Cat Ba Island, the price is usd 190 per person.
Four Seasons Junk in Lan Ha Bay. Photo credit: Parfum d’Automne
The Romance Junk by Parfum d’Automne (2 cabins)
The Romance junk is a traditional boat featuring two air-conditioned cabins, each with a private bathroom (shower and toilet). It has an upper deck with a sheltered dining area, where you can enjoy your meals. Sun loungers are also available, allowing you to relax and take in the fairytale scenery of Halong Bay.
The Romance junk is ideal for couples, small families, or two couples traveling together. It can accommodate up to 4 adults and 2 young children.
Romance Junk. Photo: Mathieu Arnaudet
The Moonlight Junk by Parfum d’Automne (2 cabins)
The Moonlight junk is also a traditional two-cabin boat sailing in Lan Ha Bay. Slightly older than the Romance junk, it is offered at a lower price. Unlike the Romance, this junk allows you to book a single cabin for shared (group) cruises, making it a more affordable option than a fully private cruise.
View of one of the two cabins of the Moonlight junk from the corridor. Photo: Mathieu Arnaudet
The Ocean Junk (9 cabins)
Built in the same style as the Honey junk, the Ocean junk is a modern boat with 9 cabins, featuring rooms that are slightly more tastefully decorated than those on Honey. An English-speaking guide is on board, and activities include kayaking and a bicycle ride to Viet Hai village.
The Cozy Junk (11 cabins)
The Cozy junk is a modern boat with character, featuring 11 cabins. All cabins offer a beautiful open view over the bay, and each one has a private en-suite bathroom. The rooms are spacious and ideal for couples and small families (for example, a couple with one child).
An English-speaking guide will be on board to share insights into the daily life of the bay’s inhabitants. The guide also leads the activities, including kayaking, cycling, and cooking classes.
The Cozy junk in Lan Ha bay. Photo credit : Mathieu Arnaudet
The Petit Prince Le Coeur Junk (7 cabins)
Launched in late 2025, Petit Prince Le Cœur is an intimate junk welcoming only 22 passengers across 7 cabins. Built from bamboo, teak and ironwood, it combines the charm of traditional Vietnamese junks with modern comfort.
Its 15 m² cabins all feature a private bathroom, air conditioning, and large windows overlooking the bay. On board, you will also find a restaurant with a bar and a 140 m² sun deck.
Thanks to its small capacity and crew of 11, Le Cœur offers a personalized service, ideal for couples, families, small groups, or a full private charter.
Modern and luxury cruises departing from Tuan Chau
Several cruise operators depart from Tuan Chau and sail through both Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Here is a selection of recommended boats.
Amanda Luxury Cruise
The Amanda cruise company owns several vessels: Amanda Cruise, Amanda Legend Cruise, and Amanda Luxury Cruise. Among them, Amanda Luxury Cruise operates in Lan Ha Bay.
Amanda Luxury Cruise is a steel-built ship with 20 cabins, designed in an elegant French neoclassical style enhanced with nostalgic Asian touches. All 20 cabins feature private bathtubs and balconies with panoramic views. A spa-style swimming pool located at the bow allows guests to fully enjoy the spectacular natural scenery. The itinerary of Amanda Luxury Cruise is specifically focused on exploring Lan Ha Bay.
The Amanda Luxury boat in Lan Ha Bay
Amanda Luxury Cruise cabin
Orchid Cruises
The Orchid company owns three boats: Orchid Trendy (20 cabins), Orchid Classic (14 cabins), Orchid Premium (5 suites).
All three vessels offer beautiful, spacious cabins, but Orchid Premium truly stands out with a 5-star experience. This elegantly sized ship features only five luxurious suites, ranging from 45 to an impressive 96 square meters.
Orchid Classic boat
Family suite with terrace on Orchid Premium
For those interested in Orchid cruises, you can find more details on this page.
Feel free to request a quote for a cruise in Lan Ha Bay!
FAQ: Junks in Lan Ha Bay
What are the best junks in Lan Ha Bay?
It really depends on what you are looking for. If you want a luxury junk, you can take one of the large boats departing from Tuan Chau. If you prefer a more intimate cruise experience, we highly recommend the junks departing from Beo Harbor on Cat Ba Island: Romance (2 cabins), Quatre Saisons (4 cabins), or Parfum d’Automne (7 cabins)
Why choose Lan Ha Bay over Halong Bay?
Lan Ha Bay offers the same spectacular karst scenery as Halong but with three times fewer boats. The waters are clearer, the atmosphere wilder and the anchorages more peaceful. It is our recommendation for travelers who want an authentic experience away from the crowds.
Can you privatize a junk for a group or family?
Yes, the junks departing from Beo Harbor can be chartered privately. The Romance and Moonlight junks (2 cabins) are perfectly suited for couples or small families. The Quatre Saisons (4 cabins) and Parfum d’Automne (7 cabins) junks can also be booked privately for larger families or groups of friends.
What activities are offered on Lan Ha Bay junks?
Aboard our junks in Lan Ha Bay: kayaking among the limestone karsts, swimming in secluded coves, cycling, traditional sunset fishing, and onboard Vietnamese cooking classes. All meals are freshly prepared by our onboard chef.
