Dora Suite with private terrace
- Size
- 45 m²
- Beds
- Double bed
- On board
- 2
At the bow on the top cabin deck, the same level as the restaurant, pool and sundeck.
Price on request
Dora Cruise
Tuan Chau to Lan Ha Bay
Five-star class, steel hull, wooden interiors
A night on Dora Cruise
Dora sails the route we like best for a first cruise: it boards at Tuan Chau, which is easy to reach from Hanoi, then crosses into Lan Ha Bay for the afternoon and the night. You kayak near a small beach, eat on deck at sunset and wake up surrounded by limestone instead of other ships. The second morning visits Viet Hai, the village our own cycling day goes to, so you see a real part of Cat Ba before you leave.
- Night in
- Lan Ha Bay
- Boards at
- Tuan Chau port, Ha Long
- Programs
- 2 days, 1 night · 3 days, 2 nights
- Ship
- Five-star class, steel hull, wooden interiors
- Operated by
- Dora Cruise, named in your written confirmation
- 7cabin types
- 68 m²largest suite
- 11stops on the 2 day route
Hour by hour
Dora Cruise route, day by day
-
Day 1 · 08:30
Pickup in Hanoi (optional)
The ship's shuttle collects you from the Old Quarter if you book it. Coming from Cat Ba or Ha Long instead? Tell us and we plan the morning around you.
-
Day 1 · 12:15
Check in at Tuan Chau
A waiting lounge at the port, then a small tender boat out to the ship anchored offshore.
-
Day 1 · 13:00
Board and lunch
Welcome drink, safety briefing, keys to your cabin, then lunch while the ship sails past the islets near Ha Long.
-
Day 1 · 15:00
Kayak or swim in Lan Ha
The ship stops in Lan Ha Bay near Ba Trai Dao, the small beach the crew calls Three Peaches. Kayak with the guide or swim from the beach.
-
Day 1 · Late afternoon
Cooking class and sunset
A short cooking class with the chef, then fruit, cake and tea on the sundeck while the light goes gold over the karsts.
-
Day 1 · 19:15
Dinner on board
A set dinner in the restaurant. Tell us about allergies or a vegetarian diet when you book so the kitchen can plan.
-
Day 1 · Evening
Squid fishing and a quiet deck
Squid fishing off the stern, cards, music, or simply the deck at anchor. The ship stays in the bay overnight.
-
Day 2 · 06:00
Tai chi at sunrise
An easy tai chi session on the sundeck for early risers, then coffee or tea with a light breakfast.
-
Day 2 · 07:45
Viet Hai village
Cycle or ride an electric cart through Viet Hai, the farming village inside the national park, or stay on board and swim. This is the same village our own cycling day visits.
-
Day 2 · 10:00
Check out and brunch
Pack up, hand back the key, then an early lunch on board as the ship turns back toward Tuan Chau.
-
Day 2 · 12:15
Back at Tuan Chau
The tender brings you to the port. Shuttle back to Hanoi, or cross to Cat Ba with us by car ferry and stay a few nights.
The ship sets the final route on the day, with the weather and the harbour authority. The 3 days, 2 nights program is also available: ask us for its plan.
Our honest view
We like Dora for couples and families who want comfort without a huge ship. Every cabin we have seen listed has a balcony, and the family suites connect two cabins with a lockable door. Be aware that the published cabin count differs between pages, and the ship shares its management with Tulip Cruise. We confirm your exact cabin, deck and price in writing before you pay.
Right for you if
- You want one comfortable night on the water and a balcony of your own.
- You are travelling as a family of three to six and want connecting cabins.
- You plan to continue to Cat Ba afterwards rather than ride straight back to Hanoi.
Tell us early if
- You want a very small boat with only a handful of cabins. Dora is a full size cruise ship.
- You are travelling between July and September. Storms can close the bay, so keep a spare day.
- You need a step free cabin or have mobility needs. We check the deck and stairs with the ship first.
Where you sleep
Dora Cruise cabins and suites
Sizes and beds as the ship publishes them. We confirm your exact cabin and deck in writing before you pay.
Honeymoon Suite with private terrace
- Size
- 45 m²
- Beds
- Double bed
- On board
- 2
At the bow one deck lower, beside the mini golf and the children's play area.
Price on request
Junior or Senior Double
- Size
- Up to 32 m²
- Beds
- One 2 m double bed
Balcony with seating and a bathtub facing the bay.
Price on request
Junior or Senior Twin
- Size
- Up to 32 m²
- Beds
- Two single beds
The same cabin with two beds, good for friends travelling together.
Price on request
Junior or Senior Triple
- Size
- Up to 32 m²
- Beds
- Three single beds
For three adults, or two adults and an older child.
Price on request
Family Connecting Suite
- Size
- Up to 68 m²
- Beds
- Two cabins joined by a lockable door
- On board
- 2
Sleeps a family of three to five.
Price on request
Grand Family Connecting Suite
- Size
- Up to 68 m²
- Beds
- Two cabins joined by a lockable door
- On board
- 6
Sleeps a family of five to six.
Price on request
On board
On Dora Cruise
- Restaurant and bar
- Sundeck with an outdoor jacuzzi
- Small gym
- Indoor play area for children
- Mini golf on deck
- Wi-Fi and TV in cabins
Included
In the price
- Cabin with air conditioning, private balcony, shower and bathtub
- Two lunches, one dinner and one breakfast on board
- Welcome drink and a fruit plate in your cabin
- Kayaking and swimming in Lan Ha Bay
- Cooking class, sunset tea and sunrise tai chi
- Cycling in Viet Hai village
- Squid fishing in the evening
- Entrance and sightseeing fees
- English speaking guide on board
Not included
Pay on board
- Drinks
- Shuttle between Hanoi and Tuan Chau, unless you add it
- Tips for the crew and driver
- Personal spending
After the cruise
Don't ride four hours back to Hanoi
Most ships land around noon. The car ferry to Cat Ba leaves from Tuan Chau. Stay a few nights with us and see the bay again from the other side.
About 2 hoursShared seat or private car
Ha Long to Cat Ba by the Tuan Chau Ferry
The short hop from Ha Long: the little green ferry from Tuan Chau to Gia Luan, or a through bus. We tell you which suits your day and book it.
Ask for a price
Our house3 days, 2 nightsMax 4 guests
Two Nights at Rustic House & a Day on the Bay
Two nights at our own guesthouse, a day out on Lan Ha Bay, and a host who plans both. The simplest way to see Cat Ba our way.
Ask for a price
Local lifeFull dayMax 10 guests
Viet Hai Village Cycling & Boat
Cross the bay by boat, then cycle a flat road into a farming valley that has never had a road to the rest of the island.
from$49
Good to know
Questions about Dora Cruise
Where does Dora Cruise start?
At Tuan Chau port in Ha Long. You check in at the waiting lounge around midday and a tender takes you out to the ship. We can arrange the shuttle from Hanoi or a car from Cat Ba.
Does the ship really go to Lan Ha Bay?
Yes. The published route crosses from the Ha Long side into Lan Ha Bay in the afternoon, stops near Ba Trai Dao beach for kayaking and stays in Lan Ha overnight. Weather can change the route on the day.
Is it good for children?
It is one of the easier ships for families: connecting family suites, an indoor play area and mini golf on deck. Life jackets are worn for kayaking. Tell us the ages of the children so we can pick the right cabin.
Can we finish the cruise on Cat Ba?
Yes. The ship returns to Tuan Chau around noon on the last day. From there the car ferry crosses to Cat Ba, and we can meet you with our transfer so you arrive at the island in the early afternoon.
How much does it cost?
Prices change with the season, the cabin and how full the ship is, so we quote today's real price for your date. Message us with your dates and number of guests and we reply with the cabins still free.
Check dates
Ask for Dora Cruise
Send your dates and number of guests. We ask the ship what is really free and reply with cabins, today's price and the payment terms, in writing, before anything is charged.
Prices from Dora Cruise's own website, checked on 7 October 2026. Ships change prices, cabins and routes, so we confirm everything again when you book.
Ask a family on Cat Ba
Not sure this is the right ship?
Tell us who is travelling and what matters most. We will say honestly whether this ship, another one, or our own small boat suits you better.
We usually reply within minutes, 7am to 11pm daily.