Cycad Cruise

A new 6-star Indochine escape into the quiet of Bai Tu Long Bay.

2 Days / 1 Night · Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long Bay

The Cruise

2 Days / 1 Night aboard the Cycad Cruise.

Launched in late 2025, the Cycad is the first 6-star cruise to pioneer the quieter Bai Tu Long Bay, a steel vessel of Indochine-inspired design with warm teakwood tones, handcrafted décor and 24 luxurious cabins, most with private balconies, bathtubs and bay views. Sailing from Sunworld Harbour into the less-visited heritage waters, it offers a longer, more distinctive route than the busy Ha Long and Lan Ha lines, taking in the stalactite-filled Thien Canh Son Cave, kayaking among limestone islets, and a rooftop sundeck with a swimming pool and bar. A canapé happy hour, a fine-dining lobster dinner, complimentary traditional long dresses for photos and a mini Vietnamese music show add a rich cultural touch.

Highlights

What makes it special.

The first 6-star cruise into the quieter Bai Tu Long Bay
Indochine-inspired design, teakwood, handcrafted décor
24 cabins, most with private balconies and bathtubs
Thien Canh Son Cave, kayaking and a rooftop pool
Canapé happy hour and a fine-dining lobster dinner
Complimentary traditional long dresses, Tai Chi and a music show

Cabins & Suites

Where you'll stay aboard.

Junior Suite

32–35m² · 1st deck · 1 Double or 2 Single beds

32–35m² Indochine-style suite on the 1st deck with a private bathroom, bathtub and shower, and a choice of 1 double or 2 single beds.

Executive Suite

32–35m² · 2nd deck · 1 Double or 2 Single beds

32–35m² Indochine-style suite on the 2nd deck with a private bathroom, bathtub and shower, and a choice of 1 double or 2 single beds.

The Itinerary

How your 2 days / 1 night unfolds.

Day 1

Hanoi → Bai Tu Long Bay

Limousine pick-up from the Hanoi Old Quarter around 08:00–08:30 for the drive to Sunworld International Harbour, arriving around noon. Transfer by tender to the Cycad, with a welcome drink and safety briefing at 12:45 before checking in. Enjoy a fusion buffet lunch as the cruise glides into Bai Tu Long Bay. In the afternoon, visit the Thien Canh Son Cave on its limestone mountain, then kayak, swim or relax on the beach. Back on board, enjoy a canapé happy hour and high tea on the sundeck, try on a traditional long dress for photos, then a fine-dining lobster dinner and a Vietnamese music show.

Day 2

Bai Tu Long Bay → Hanoi

Begin with a sunrise Tai Chi session on the sundeck and a light buffet breakfast as the cruise sails on. Visit the Vung Vieng Fishing Village by local bamboo rowing boat, then return to check out around 09:30. A Vietnamese set-menu lunch is served before disembarking at Sunworld Harbour around 11:30 for the transfer back to Hanoi.

Our experience of

Cycad Cruise

We've hosted guests aboard the Cycad and been over her ourselves, and she's quietly become one of our favourites for Bai Tu Long Bay. She's new, and it shows - modern cabins with floor-to-ceiling glass and private balconies, and guests keep mentioning the rooms and bathrooms as a step above what they expected for the price.

The food gets specific praise, and the kitchen is genuinely good with dietary requests - vegans and vegetarians tell us they were looked after properly, not as an afterthought. The crew make an effort to learn who you are, which sets a relaxed tone, and the days are unhurried: kayaking through Vung Vieng fishing village, sunset paddles and tai chi on the sun deck as the bay wakes up. Bai Tu Long is the quiet corner, with far fewer boats than Ha Long proper.

What we've found: the Cycad is a strong-value pick for couples and families who want the scenery without the crowds, a proper cabin and a crew that looks after them.

Add this cruise to your trip

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