Bhaya Soul • Sail to Happiness

Bhaya Soul provides an outstanding level of privacy with just 20 spacious cabins on a large ship, designed specifically for small groups and is the newest addition to the Bhaya Cruise family's fleet of vessels. The cozy environment guarantees personalized service and unrivaled peace, with every aspect carefully designed to deliver a harmonious mix of sophistication, cultural artistry, and environmentally-friendly design. Luxury is best personified when it transforms into a deep and personal experience.

As we set off on a tranquil journey to nurture our spirits and reconnect with the natural world, Bhaya Soul guided us through untouched landscapes, allowing us to uncover the hidden culture of Halong Bay, engage with local communities, and forge meaningful connections while enjoying moments of peace and introspection.

With a focus on intimacy, we embarked on this journey through tranquil waters, guided by a wellness-centric cruising concept. We indulged in personalized spa treatments, relaxed with a complimentary mini bar stocked with a variety of choices, and relished the exquisite Vietnamese Halong Bay cuisine. Unique excursions enriched our exploratory adventure, and gourmet dining rounded off this bespoke journey, designed to satisfy our every wish.

Bhaya Soul’s commitment to sustainability was reflected in its eco-friendly design and use of locally sourced materials, honouring the art of traditional craftsmanship. Every element onboard demonstrated deep respect for Halong Bay’s natural and cultural heritage. We could also participate in conservation efforts, ensuring that our journey contributed to protecting the environment and supporting local communities, especially on Cat Ba Island.

3 Day 2 Night Experience

In July 2026, we embarked on an awesome cruise with the Bhaya Soul to discover the natural symphony of Halong Bay, a World Heritage site on a wellness voyage. Throughout our cruise journey, we were indulged at every turn, as this exploratory cruise was thoughtfully crafted with meticulous attention to detail.

Bhaya Soul’s 3-day-2-night programme is a boutique wellness cruise through Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, combining quiet sailing, kayaking, cave exploration, village visits, mindful activities, elevated dining and time for relaxation. The cruise departs from Tuan Chau International Marina at approximately 12:00 noon on Day 1 and disembarks at 10:00 am on Day 3.

The route takes us through Tuan Chau Marina, Ba Ham Lake, Lan Ha Bay, Viet Hai Village, Cua Van Floating Village, Tien Ong Cave and Ha Long Bay. It was an intimate, wellness-oriented and cruise designed for slow pace rather than a highly programmed sightseeing itinerary. With approximately 35 crew members, Bhaya Soul took us through a series of kayaking, sustainable cycling, cave meditation, a floating-village excursion, herbal foot ritual, wellness treatment, heated pool, sunset drinks, stargazing and squid fishing, with full-board onboard dining, combing Vietnamese culinary influences with refined Western techniques.

Day 1: Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay

Morning transfer and embarkation

Our transfer limousine coach arrived at Ly Quoc Su, in the Hoan Kien area, to pick us up and the journey took 3 hours, with a rest stop along the journey and arrived at Tuan Chau International Marina for boarding. We were greeting by our Journey Host Concierge, Hill (or Hieu) who would be our personal butler for the next 48 hours, and quickly briefed on expectations and the afternoon's itinerary.

The cruise begins with:

• Welcome drink, including sparkling wine.

• Introduction to the crew and cruise briefing.

• Cabin check-in and time to settle into the suite.

• Lunch while sailing towards the Ba Ham Lake area, we call it "a lunch in a moving cinema" as the accompanying limestone karst island landscapes fill the serenity and calmness of the Bay during this captivating lunch.

Accommodation : Suite Cabin

We checked into our Signature Suite on the Main deck, was briefed by Hill on the facilities, amenities and mini-bar options, alongside our King bed, private balcony, sun loungers, ocean-view bathtub, just gorgeous! The ship’s main facilities include an indoor lounge, outdoor lounge, restaurant, wellness area, Horizon Lounge, pool bar, sun deck and heated pool. Suites are equipped with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, minibar, television, towels, bathrobes and VIP bathroom amenities. Just stunning!

Our Lunch comprised of an appetizer of Tempura soft-shell crab & green mango, super fresh and tasty, and also a Charcoal-grilled Ha Long octopus with XO sauce - tangy yet crunchy and served with Mediterranean-style grilled vegetable ratatouille and garden pickles. We had a Bhaya-style grouper with brown rice noodles & Vietnamese glazed dressing, that was distinctly from the Ha Long Bay, and a Ha Long coconut mousse with sun-kissed orange to complete a delicious meal (we were famished as we didn't have time for breakfast)

Day 1:

Afternoon Excursion - Viet Hai Village

After lunch, the cruise continues towards Viet Hai Village, a small community situated within Cat Ba National Park. The village is surrounded by jungle and mountains, with local livelihoods traditionally linked to farming, fishing and self-sufficient living.

One can choose to explore the area by either:

• Bicycle, for a more active and immersive experience (for fit and strong, adventurous folks)

• Electric cart, for a gentler and more comfortable ride (perfect for folks like me), especially during the warmer months of June to August, so we took this, and went through a nice, cemented pathway and passed through 1-2 tunnels to reach the peak of Cat Ha village commune

  
  

There were sufficient guides from the Bhaya crew to take us on the tour, ensuring our safety and comfort level, and they bothered to fetch cold towels with them, so we were refreshed after the long electric cart journey - that's called personal service!

The excursion offers an opportunity to observe local village life and learn about Bhaya Cruises’ community initiatives, which included the "Bhaya Community Farm" and "Save the Langurs". We were informed that very few places have langurs in Vietnam, aside from Cat Ba Island, Ninh Binh and Danang.

At Bhaya Café, we enjoyed rural and mountainous views across the surrounding fields, often with water buffalo grazing nearby.. and the tour programme included:

• A sharing session on the culture and lifestyle of the Cat Ba community

• A demonstration or hands-on preparation of bánh cuốn, a traditional northern Vietnamese rice-roll dish.

• A tour around the ancient houses and the heritage amenities within these enclaves - complete with yesteryear's TV screens, radios, cooking tools and storage jars!

• Sufficient time to take photographs and appreciate the rural landscape, roads, fruit trees and vegetation and buggys (only form of transportation mode on this island)

Day 1

Wellness and leisure onboard

After returning to Bhaya Soul, we were scheduled for a complimentary wellness experience comprising:

• A 10-minute herbal foot ritual.

• A 30-minute wellness treatment focused on the head, shoulders and feet.

• Flexible treatment time slots, subject to availability, and we booked ahead to ensure we could have the slots that we want... Truly enjoyable experience, and I liked that pampering feel for my aching feet, from my therapist Tra.

We also spent the afternoon in the heated, four-season swimming pool, on the sun deck and also relaxed in one of the ship lounges. The pool is intended more for relaxation than active swimming, with panoramic views across the bay.

Our five-course dinner came with a nice refreshing local Halong Sapphire Premium beer, and it commenced with an Amuse Bouche, splendid tender duck confit with rustic charm and xen garden vegetarian summer rolls, a solid thick Herbed pumpkin soup with ocean clams, love this dish and a Phuc Trach Pomelo salad with seared Nha Trang tuna.

We could choose either the Grilled northwest lamb chops with Phu Quoc pepper & essence of fish sauce served with grilled potato & vegetables for our main course or the

Herb-grilled lobster zucchini roll with black sticky rice risotto, charred vegetables & green pepper sauce, so we chose both, to get some variety and also it's great for taking instagram shots! Dessert arrived in the form of a crème brûlée with coconut panna cotta, and it was presented meticulously in a cute egg shell design!

I have tasted many Vietnamese restaurants over the past decade in Vietnam and I would attest that Chef Long's curation and menu/ingredient design is one of the very best that I have encountered!  Rosette Media Tasting Rating : 9/10. Well Done!

Day 1

Evening: Sunset and meditation

As the light softens over the limestone landscape, cocktails and gourmet canapés are served in the lounge or around the pool deck. The evening then continues with dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients and a Vietnamese-inspired gastronomic approach. The day concludes with a “sleep well” meditation session beneath the stars, and the session lasted a good 45 minutes, I was truly well meditated after the process and I felt so relaxed when I went straight to bed afterwards. Guests may retire to their suites or, subject to conditions and crew arrangements, participate in night-time stargazing or squid fishing, and we did some of that squid fishing after dinner, before the meditation session and it was fun!

Day 2

Lan Ha Bay to Ha Long Bay

Day 2 is the most varied part of the itinerary, combining a land-based community visit to Cat Ba Island (a truly heritage destination spot on a remote island, and the largest one in the Ha Long - Lan Ha Bay area), scenic cruising and a cultural excursion on the water.

The morning begins around Tien Ong Cave, located on Cai Tai Island in a quieter part of Ha Long Bay. The cave is known for its limestone formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, as well as archaeological interest, and a mindful walking meditation session was commenced at 6am, to bring the wellness lovers to see this beautiful setting.

This was followed by a satisfying buffet breakfast, comprising of both International and Vietnamese breakfast fare, and we like the array of Vietnamese main dishes especially the carrot-beef stew broth, Bo Kho, just immaculate! I had 3 helpings!

There was the Ha Long seafood noodle soup, truly tasty; steamed rice rolls with Ha Long squid cake and we ordered sunny side-up eggs, Waffles (mixed fruits, chocolate, or strawberry sauce), Bircher muesli (original or with jam & yogurt), a "Bánh mì" station that is served with egg, pork char siu, pork cinnamon terrine, pâté, cucumber, pickled vegetables (papaya, carrot), and fresh herbs, I much prefer those in Saigon.. and we also had the choice of a Bhaya Soul combo breakfast, which is a set of 3 dishes: Ha Long seafood noodle soup, steamed rice rolls with Ba Long squid cake, and Vietnamese bread, perfect!

Day 2

Morning Excursion - Cua Van Floating Village

The afternoon excursion visits Cua Van Floating Village, one of Ha Long Bay’s best-known floating communities. The area reflects generations of fishing families whose lives have historically been connected to the bay, and we hear stories of their encounters with nature; the livelihoods encircle around breeding marine fishes like grouper, copia and red snappers in submerged floating cages, primarily focusing on high-value fish species suited for the bay's sheltered waters.

We went around Cua Van by traditional rowing boat operated by local residents, and a lady rowed our boat, as we experienced the calm and serenity of this local Vietnamese floating village. The route passes floating homes and offers views of daily activity on the water, with uncles, aunties, kids, babies and dogs, full water village life. The Cua Van Floating Culture Center provides context on the community’s history, maritime traditions and way of life.

We also visited the Ha Long Pearl Farm (otherwise know as Tung Sau locally); it is a floating aquaculture and jewellery-making centre in a secluded part of Ha Long Bay, near Vung Vieng Fishing Village. It gaves us an insight into the cultivation of Vietnamese saltwater pearls—from raising oysters and implanting nuclei to harvesting, grading and crafting the finished gems, as our tour guide at the pearl farm took us through the paces of the entire oyster harvesting process.

Tung Sau Pearl Farm is particularly worthwhile for travellers interested in craftsmanship, jewellery, aquaculture and Vietnamese coastal culture. It is a working pearl-production environment presented through a guided visitor experience and complements the broader Ha Long Bay experience by adding a human and artisanal dimension to the karst scenery: the bay supplies the environment, while the farm demonstrates the patience, technical skill and natural uncertainty behind each finished pearl.

Day 2

Cruising and Onboard Lunch

After Cua Van, we returned to Bhaya Soul for lunch while the ship continues through the bay. The schedule deliberately leaves space for rest, allowing us to use the pool, lounge, sun deck or wellness facilities instead of moving directly from one excursion to another.

We had a beetroot and potato soup with forest herbs, served with pan-seared scallop, followed by a fennel & kale symphony with nuts, cheese and Parma Ham. Relished in tangy mulberry sauce, our slow-cooked duck breast was a delight with creamy sweet potato, and lightly pickled artichoke buds. A Ha Long Sunshine Delight was served as dessert in the form of a Lemon curd tart with meringue and mango caviar.

Day 2

Late Afternoon : Ba Ham Lake

Ba Ham Lake lies in a quieter area near the boundary of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Its setting is characterised by enclosed lagoons, narrow passages, calm emerald water, limestone formations and dense vegetation.

The main excursion is a kayaking experience through the Ba Ham area. Depending on sea conditions and the operating schedule, we can paddle through sheltered waterways, explore the surrounding karsts and pause at a private beach. Those who prefer not to kayak can generally use the time to relax onboard or enjoy the beach setting.

This balance is central to the Bhaya Soul concept: the second day provides cultural discovery, but also sufficient downtime for guests who want the cruise to function as a restorative retreat.

Day 2

Dinner Time

Dining is presented as refined Vietnamese cuisine with Western techniques, using local seafood, seasonal produce, fresh herbs and organic vegetables where possible, a testatment to Chef Long's culinary prowess. The culinary style is balanced rather than aggressively “detox”: meals remain celebratory and restaurant-like, but with lighter preparation and a clear focus on freshness and nutrition, and best use of local-sourced ingredients.

For our multi-course Vietnamese-inspired dinner, we had the special Luffa Gourd Soup with Seared Shrimp & Almonds, along with the Garden Greens with Smoked Duck Breast and Mint Dressing. We chose the Grilled Australian Angus beef tenderloin served with potato and herb mash, grilled vegetables and red wine reduction sauce as well as the Pan-seared seabass with tamarind glaze and fennel-saffron milk foam, just exquisite! A Citrus and pistachio entremet was prepared for our dessert, along with our fave Ha Long Sapphire Beer!

Day 2

Evening: squid fishing and stargazing

After returning to the ship, the evening is intentionally unhurried. We can dine onboard, enjoy the bay after dark and join the crew for squid fishing beneath the stars. Stargazing by telescope may also be available, depending on weather, visibility and the departure-specific programme. We were gestured for a training session on chanting 1,2.3 zo, a Vietnamese way of enjoying the local rice wine delight and cheering each other to good spirits and health, between the crew and all the ship's passengers and guests! Fantastic! I had another night meditation session before going to bed!

Day 3

Tien Ong Cave - Early-morning mindful walk & Disembarkation

The final morning also begins around Tien Ong Cave and an enjoyable mindful walk meditation. Guests move slowly through the cave chambers, taking in the natural formations and the stillness of the surroundings. We then returned for breakfast which was excellent as always!

Check-out and onward transfer

Disembarkation was scheduled for approximately 10:00 am at Tuan Chau International Marina. Some guests arranged a return transfer to Hanoi or Noi Bai International Airport through the arranged transfer shuttle service from Bhaya Cruise, but we headed onwards to Hai Phong, to experience the vibe of Vietnam's third largest city!

Experience Quotient

The greatest feature of Bhaya Soul is its perfect blend of gentle adventure and tranquility. Activities like kayaking, exploring caves, visiting beaches, and touring floating villages offer a sense of exploration, while private balconies, a pool, spa treatments, and meditation sessions ensure the schedule remains relaxing.

The scenery serves as the emotional core of the experience. The limestone karsts, calm emerald waters, cave interiors, and the shifting light at sunrise and sunset create a naturally reflective atmosphere. My most cherished moments are the serene ones: morning exercises on the deck, leisurely meals with a view of the bay, relaxing in the pool while the boat is anchored, or observing the landscape from a private terrace.

The attentive and friendly crew, the elegant vessel, comfortable cabins, exquisite meals, peaceful ambiance, and the feeling that the cruise is more of a retreat than just a sightseeing tour are standout features for me. Bhaya Soul’s 3-day, 2-night cruise is best experienced as a luxury wellness retreat with sightseeing, rather than merely a sightseeing cruise with spa services. Its charm lies in the combination of a small, stylish vessel, top-notch dining, peaceful routes, private outdoor spaces, and a thoughtfully designed program of meditation, treatments, and gentle exploration.

For a first-time visitor to Ha Long Bay seeking comfort, privacy, and a rejuvenating pace, the two-night itinerary is far more satisfying than a hurried overnight cruise. For guests desiring a clearly defined wellness schedule (as I am not a first-time Halong Bay visitor), I found that the standard 3D2N voyage is better suited for those who wish to blend spa time and mindfulness with flexible leisure, fine dining, and cultural excursions.

Accolades

We would like to thank the following folks for adding a magical touch to our memorable and charming cruise experience, including Hill - our Personal Butler, Concierge and Host, Henry - Cruise mgr, Will and Huy - Asst cruise mgr, Simon - Guest Relations, Long - head chef, Tra & Giang - Spa therapists and Sofia - F&B attendant, as well as the entire crew of Bhaya Soul!

Information and Booking

https://bhayacruises.com/halong-bay-cruises/3-day-2-night-tour