Orchid Classic Cruise Review: 2 Days On The Enchanting Lan Ha Bay

Dive into my comprehensive review of the Orchid Classic Cruise. Over a 2-day journey, I explore the cruise’s amenities, service, and experiences, offering key insights for travelers. Discover why this cruise might be the perfect choice for your next adventure in Vietnam.

Why did I choose Lan Ha Bay and Orchid Classic?

Halong Bay is always known as a must-visit when you come to Vietnam. However, not many people tell you that besides Halong Bay, its neighbor – Lan Ha Bay, is also fantastic. I came across information about Lan Ha Bay while looking for a Halong cruise tour and noticed that Lan Ha Bay was equally beautiful but less crowded than Halong Bay. This discovery prompted me to immediately find a cruise with an itinerary in this pretty bay.

I found Orchid Classic Cruise on BestPrice Travel – a travel agency in Vietnam. It was a 5-star cruise with a very high rating of 9.4/10 on the website. Therefore, I decided to take the risk and book it right away. The booking process on BestPrice was pretty fast. I followed the instructions on the website and booked the tour online. Later, the company’s staff contacted me for more information.

Orchid Classic Cruise is highly rated over 260 reviews

What was the boat like?

To be honest, I had never booked a cruise tour online before, and I was really anxious about the possibility of being scammed. I worried that instead of a luxurious 5-star cruise, I might end up on an old, rundown boat. But the moment I stepped onto the Orchid Classic, all my worries vanished. The boat exceeded my expectations in every way.

The furniture shone with oriental style

The Orchid Classic Cruise mixes oriental vibes with fancy wooden furniture, giving it a cozy and elegant feel. Our Suite Balcony room was super spacious at 36 square meters, just right for two people. The two single beds were really soft and comfy, so we slept great. The best parts of the room were the private balcony and the big bathtub with amazing bay views. It’s a shame we didn’t get to enjoy them more.

My suite balcony features a spacious area and warm decor

The cruise also had a bunch of cool amenities, like a restaurant, spa, jacuzzi, bar, and a huge sundeck. Everything was well-organized and nicely decorated, making the whole experience truly awesome.

Is there any crowd on the cruise?

The answer is “No”. Despite it being a weekend trip, the cruise was not crowded at all, with fewer than 20 passengers on board. Initially, the transfer to the cruise by tender felt a bit crowded, but in reality, the group was split between two boats, ensuring a comfortable and uncrowded experience.

What were the food and drinks like?

The seafood dishes were a real highlight – super fresh and perfectly seasoned. The dinner plates weren’t just meals; they were works of art, beautifully presented with a traditional Vietnamese touch. One of my favorite parts was the dill sauce used with the grilled seabass at dinner. It had fish sauce, but it wasn’t fishy or too salty. Instead, it was slightly sweet and really elevated the fish. Another favorite was the two Happy Hours, one at sunset and another at night. Sipping a cocktail while watching the sun dip below the horizon was pure bliss.

The grilled seabass with dill sauce was the highlight of our dinner

There were a couple of minor hiccups, though. The lunch buffet leaned heavily on European cuisine, which was a bit disappointing since I was hoping for more Asian dishes. And while the drinks were good, they could definitely use a quality boost for the price. But honestly, these small issues didn’t really affect my overall experience much.

How was the staff?

During our trip, the restaurant staff was incredibly enthusiastic and well-trained, going above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every activity. Right from the start, it was clear that the cruise focuses on top-notch service and hospitality. The staff was super quick and always ready to help, even pulling out chairs for us each time we got up from the table during meals. Their proactive and flexible approach really stood out.

One memorable moment happened on the second day when I accidentally locked our cabin door with the key still inside. I found a staff member for help and then went to the restaurant for brunch. By the time I got back, the problem was already sorted out.

What did I do during 2 days onboard?

Kayaking through Dark & Bright Cave

Kayaking is an absolute must-try activity that you can find on nearly every Lan Ha Bay cruise. It’s such a fantastic way to get up close to the stunning scenery that these bays have to offer. At first, I found it a bit tricky, often bumping into other boats, but that just added to the fun and laughter.

The highlight of my kayaking adventure was exploring the Bright and Dark Caves. The views were simply breathtaking, and the majestic beauty of the caves made the entire experience unforgettable. If you ever find yourself on a cruise in this area, don’t miss out on kayaking – it’s an adventure you won’t regret!

Kayaking in Halong Bay is both tiring and thrilling – a must-do experience

Swimming in Tra Bau Area

The water at Tra Bau is cool and relatively clean, making it safe for swimming. I’ve heard a lot about the trash issues in Ha Long Bay, but they seem to be less severe in Lan Ha Bay.

However, even though it’s less serious, it remains a significant concern in the Ha Long area. As a result, many cruise lines are now implementing more environmental protection measures. These include reducing the use of plastic items and saving electricity and water. It’s encouraging to see these efforts, as they contribute to preserving the natural beauty of the area.

Vietnamese cooking class

The Vietnamese cooking class was quite an interesting experience. We learned how to make Bánh Xèo, a traditional pancake from central Vietnam. The cruise manager and the chef guided us through each step in detail, making it easy to follow along. They also shared fascinating stories behind the dish, which made the class even more engaging. I even tried making one myself and it turned out quite well.

The making of Banh Xeo was filled with fun and information

Exploring Trung Trang Cave

The visit to Trung Trang Cave was quite informative and eye-opening. As the largest cave in Vietnam and the third-largest limestone cave system in the world, it is undeniably vast and majestic. I was particularly impressed by the limestone formations, which have developed over thousands of years into various intriguing shapes.

Additionally, our guide shared the fascinating legend associated with the cave—it was once the dwelling of a goddess who descended to Earth and has since become a sacred site where fishermen pray before and after their sea journeys. Although cave exploration isn’t usually my preference compared to kayaking, I truly appreciated the natural beauty and cultural significance of Trung Trang Cave.

Uncover natural masterpiece and intriguing story behind Trung Trang Cave

My final thoughts on Orchid Classic Cruise

While I noted a few pros and cons above, my time on the Orchid Classic Cruise was fantastic and truly one of the best ways to experience the beauty and splendor of Vietnam and Halong Bay. The stunning landscapes, luxurious accommodations, and attentive service made it an unforgettable journey. Every moment was filled with wonder and enjoyment.

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam in the future, definitely consider giving the Orchid Classic Cruise a try. It promises a memorable adventure that will leave you with lasting impressions of this incredible destination.

If you have tried it before, please share your thoughts and memories in the comments below. Your feedback is incredibly valuable and might encourage others to select the best cruise in Halong Bay.