Heritage Line Ylang review: the 10-suite wellness cruise on Lan Ha Bay

Ylang is a strong choice for a slow, two-night Lan Ha trip on a very small ship: only 10 suites, a real spa, and a second day spent on Cat Ba itself rather than on a shared day boat. The price is at the top of the bay's range and the terms are strict, so it makes sense only if the wellness side matters to you.

Ylang cruise Lan Ha Bay: the Heritage Line ship

Ylang belongs to Heritage Line, a river-cruise specialist that also runs ships on the Mekong and in Myanmar. Its Ha Long-area fleet is Ylang (2 nights, Lan Ha), Ginger (1 night, Lan Ha) and Violet (Bai Tu Long Bay, not Lan Ha). Heritage Line has no connection to Heritage Binh Chuan, which belongs to Heritage Cruises (Lux Cruises Group).

Ylang's maiden voyage was scheduled for August 2019, as a wellness-themed ship for Lan Ha Bay. Although it is often listed under "Halong Bay", its program is entirely on the Lan Ha side after the crossing from Tuan Chau.

The ship and suites

Ylang has 10 suites on two decks, plus a terrace deck with a Jacuzzi pool. The spa has three treatment rooms, a steam bath, a sauna and reflexology, and the wellness studio is used for yoga, tai chi and meditation.

Vietnam's official rating for ships is voluntary and goes up to 5 stars only; treat any "6-star" label from an agency as marketing.

The route: two nights in Lan Ha

You make your own way to the Heritage Line lounge at Tuan Chau Marina (about 2.5 hours from Hanoi, about 1 hour from Hai Phong), then take a speedboat to the ship.

• Day 1: lunch, then a landing near Cat Ba to cycle through Viet Hai village. Cooking class, dinner and squid fishing at anchor in Lan Ha.
• Day 2: the ship sails to Cat Ba's northern port; a bus takes you through Cat Ba National Park for a hike, then an afternoon at a secluded beach. Evening singing-bowl meditation.
• Day 3: kayaking at Frog Lake (Ao Ech), brunch, speedboat back to Tuan Chau.

Unlike most 3 days 2 nights programs, day 2 is not on a shared day boat with guests from other ships. There is no cave on the program. In a marked period of the year, Ginger runs the 2-night trip instead of Ylang; check which ship your date uses.

Kayaking in the Cat Ba bays has been under an official suspension since November 2024, re-confirmed in late 2025. Some ships offer it only in a designated area or replace it with a bamboo boat, tender or swim. Ask the operator in writing. Background: https://vnexpress.net/dung-cheo-kayak-tren-vinh-lan-ha-4818664.html

More on the land stops: Viet Hai village and Cat Ba National Park.

Ylang price: direct only

Heritage Line's Lan Ha page shows Ylang from USD 837 per person for 2 nights (promotion, travel January–April and October–December), per adult, double sharing. HalongBayTours.com lists Ylang from USD 495 on its Lan Ha page; ask what length and dates that price covers before comparing.

Included: the suite, excursions and transfers during the cruise, an English-speaking guide, meals on the program, a welcome drink, coffee, tea and water, insurance, and port and anchorage fees. Not included: the Lan Ha Bay admission fee (600,000 VND per adult and 500,000 VND per child for two nights; official source: https://news.baohaiphong.vn/print/529761.html), tips, the Hanoi shuttle or private car, drinks and spa treatments.

Most luxury Lan Ha ships start at USD 155–225 per person for one night. For two nights on a platform, compare these listings, which usually include the fee and transfer; check the ship name before paying, as several use generic titles:

GetYourGuide3D2N

Hanoi: 3-Day Ha Long/Lan Ha Bay Cruise with Private Balcony

4.9 (242)

from $305Check dates

5★

GetYourGuide3D2N

Hanoi: 3-Day Halong & Lan Ha Bay 5 Stars Cruise with Balcony

4.8 (172)

from $330Check dates

5★

GetYourGuide3D2N

Hanoi: 3Day 5-Star Cruise Ha Long, Lan Ha & Viet Hai Cycling

4.8 (594)

from $266Check dates

Klook2D1N

Azura 2D1N Luxury Cruise: Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay Tour

5.0 (449) · 2K+ booked

from $176Check dates

Prices checked on October 16, 2026

What travelers should check

We do not have a reliable summary of guest reviews for Ylang. Before booking:

1. Which ship sails your date: Ylang or Ginger on the 2-night program.
2. Children: under-5s are not accepted without special permission; 5–11 pay 50% sharing with two adults, 12 and over the adult rate; USD 50 child surcharge on Christmas and New Year's Eve.
3. The total: add the admission fee, transfer, drinks and spa.
4. Documents: a valid passport and your booking confirmation.

How to book and cancel

Book on heritage-line.com; full payment is due at booking. Cancellation: free 45 days or more before, 20% at 31–45 days, 50% at 16–30 days, 100% inside 15 days.

Weather: a full cancellation announced by 12:00 on embarkation day is refunded in full; if a 2-night cruise is cut short after the first night you get 50% back; other force-majeure cases give future credit, not cash. Storms are most likely from June to November, so keep a buffer day before an international flight. More: how to book a Lan Ha cruise.

Alternatives

• One night with Heritage Line: Ginger, 12 suites, from USD 423.
• Bigger ship, includes the caves: Heritage Binh Chuan, 20 suites with bathtubs.
• Two nights for less: see our 3-day cruise guide, and the luxury cruise list.