• Maya Halong Cruises: 4-Star Tours with Real Reviews

Embark on a journey with Maya Halong Cruises, one of the finest choices for luxury cruises in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Featuring spacious cabins with ocean views, cultural activities like cooking classes, and rare facilities such as a floating bar and observatory deck, Maya delivers comfort and authenticity in every detail. With Vietpower Travel, a licensed and trusted Vietnam tour operator, travelers can enjoy the best prices, exclusive offers, and professional support for a seamless booking experience.

1. Overview of Maya Halong Cruises

Choosing Vietpower Travel, you gain expert guidance and access to the best Halong Bay Cruise ensuring your 2025 trip is seamless, comfortable, and unforgettable.

Design & Theme Concept

Maya Halong Cruises was created with a vision of combining Vietnamese cultural charm and French colonial elegance. The ship features warm wooden interiors blended with marble and delicate French motifs, offering an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and inviting.

The name “Maya” itself carries symbolic meaning. In Arabic, Maya translates to “mother,” chosen to honor the legendary Mother Dragon who, according to folklore, created Halong Bay. This cultural touch makes every journey more than a cruise – it becomes a story of heritage, mythology, and respect for Vietnam’s traditions.

Maya Halong Cruises

Cabins & Facilities

Maya Halong Cruises offers 11 luxury cabins, thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and breathtaking views of the bay. Each cabin is fully equipped with modern amenities and elegant décor.

Cabin Categories:

  • Maya Sapphire (18 m²): A cozy option for two guests, featuring a large ocean-view window.
  • Maya Ruby (20 m²): Slightly larger with panoramic windows overlooking the bay, ideal for couples.
  • Maya Diamond (25 m²): Premium cabins with a private balcony, perfect for enjoying the sunrise and sunset in total privacy.

Maya Sapphire

Onboard Facilities:

  • Restaurant & Bar: Serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine, fresh seafood, and international favorites.
  • Boutique Library On Board: A unique feature rarely found on cruises in this class, offering a quiet corner for reading while sailing.
  • Spa & Jacuzzi: Professional treatments and relaxation services.
  • Floating Bar: A distinctive experience where drinks are served directly to guests while swimming or kayaking in the bay.
  • Spacious Sundeck: Equipped with sun loungers and the perfect venue for sunset parties or open-air gatherings.

Restaurant & Bar

Observatory & Relaxation

For those seeking peaceful moments, Maya Halong Cruises offers rare spaces dedicated to relaxation:

  • Observatory Deck: A separate area designed for stargazing and admiring the night scenery over Lan Ha and Halong Bay.
  • Zodiac Lighting System: Professional stage-style lighting that turns the sundeck into a lively venue for sunset parties, live music, or evening shows.

2. Maya Cruise Itineraries: The Best 2D1N & 3D2N Journeys

2 Days / 1 Night

Day 1: Hanoi – Hai Phong – Lan Ha Bay

  • Morning: Guests are picked up in Hanoi and transferred via expressway to Got Pier, Hai Phong. Upon arrival, board the tender boat to reach Maya Cruise. Enjoy a welcome drink, safety introduction, and check-in before the ship sets sail. Lunch is served while passing Da Chong Islet and limestone cliffs.
  • Afternoon: Arrive at Tra Bau area, one of the most peaceful spots in Lan Ha Bay. Guests can enjoy kayaking through limestone formations or swim in emerald waters. A highlight here is the Floating Bar Experience, where cocktails are served while you relax on the water.
  • Evening: Participate in a cooking demonstration led by the chef on the sundeck. Dinner follows with a selection of Vietnamese and international dishes. Afterward, guests can try squid fishing with the crew or unwind with a movie under the night sky. Overnight on Maya Cruise.

Kayaking through limestone formations at Tra Bau

Day 2: Lan Ha Bay – Dark & Bright Cave – Hanoi

  • Morning: Start the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck while the sun rises over the bay. A light breakfast is served before boarding bamboo boats to explore the Dark & Bright Cave (Hang Sáng Tối).
  • Late Morning: Return to Maya Cruise for brunch while cruising back towards Got Pier. Disembark around noon for the transfer back to Hanoi.

Tai Chi session on the sundeck

3 Days / 2 Nights

Day 1: Hanoi – Hai Phong – Lan Ha Bay

  • Morning: Pick-up in Hanoi, transfer to the Got Pier, and embark on the Maya Cruise. Welcome drink and check-in while the cruise begins sailing through Lan Ha Bay. Lunch on board with scenic views.
  • Afternoon: Kayak or swim in Tra Bau, followed by cocktails at the Floating Bar. Relax on the sundeck as the ship anchors for the night.
  • Evening: Sunset party on deck with Happy Hour. Join a cooking class, enjoy dinner, then try squid fishing or watch a film.

Squid Fishing

Day 2: Explore Cat Ba Island & Monkey Island

  • Morning: After breakfast, board the Tender Boat System – specialized speedboats that allow guests to reach hidden lagoons and pristine beaches.
  • Afternoon: Arrive at Cat Ba Island. Visit Monkey Island, stroll along sandy beaches, or explore local villages. Lunch at a local restaurant or hotel.
  • Evening: Overnight at a hotel on Cat Ba Island. Guests can enjoy a relaxed dinner and explore the nightlife of the island.

Visit Monkey Island at Cat Ba

Day 3: Cat Ba – Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi

  • Morning: Return to Maya Cruise after breakfast. Take time to relax on the sundeck and enjoy the final views of Lan Ha Bay.
  • Late Morning: Brunch is served as the ship cruises back to Got Pier. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi, arriving in the afternoon.

Brunch is served

More cruise options for you:

3. Special Offers & Booking Tips

Booking your Maya Halong Cruise with Vietpower Travel gives you access to the best deals and professional service from a fully licensed tour operator. Depending on when and how you book, you can save significantly on your trip:

  • Early Bird – Save 30%:  Plan and secure your cabin at least 30 days before departure. This offer rewards early planners with substantial savings on the best available rates.
  • Direct Booking – Save 20%:  Reserve directly with Vietpower Travel and enjoy a 20% discount along with extra benefits such as priority check-in and flexible support from our travel consultants.
  • Last Minute – Up to 30% Off:  For spontaneous travelers, Maya Cruise also provides last-minute deals within 7 days of departure. These limited-time offers are a great way to experience luxury at a reduced price.

4. Activities & Experiences Onboard

Kayaking and Swimming – Tra Bau Area & Dark & Bright Cave

Guests are taken to peaceful spots such as Tra Bau Lagoon and Dark & Bright Cave (Hang Sáng Tối), where the water is calm and crystal clear. Here you can:

  • Paddle a kayak through limestone caves and hidden lagoons.
  • Swim directly from the boat into emerald waters surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
  • Join the unique Floating Bar Experience, where cocktails are served on a small bar boat while you relax in the water.

Kayaking at Dark & Bright Cave

Cooking Class – Onboard Restaurant & Sundeck

In the evening, the chef welcomes guests to join a hands-on cooking class.

  • Learn to prepare Vietnamese specialties such as fresh spring rolls or banana flower salad.
  • The class is often held on the sundeck at sunset or in the restaurant, allowing you to enjoy the scenery while cooking.
  • After the class, guests taste their own creations and share the experience with fellow travelers.

Cooking Class

Squid Fishing & Movie Night – Main Deck & Lounge

After dinner, the cruise offers simple but fun entertainment:

  • Squid Fishing: On the main deck, the crew provides fishing rods and lights that attract squid. Guests can try catching their own seafood at night.
  • Movie Night: For those who prefer to relax, the indoor lounge is set up with a projector and comfortable seating for a casual film screening.

Spa & Massage – Onboard Spa Area

For travelers looking to unwind after outdoor activities, Maya offers a variety of treatments in its dedicated spa area:

  • Traditional Vietnamese massage using herbal oils.
  • Foot reflexology after a day of walking or kayaking.
  • Modern therapies to ease muscle tension and restore energy.
  •  This quiet space ensures you can fully relax during your cruise.

Spa & Massage

Zodiac Lighting System – Sunset Shows & Parties – Sundeck

As night falls, the sundeck becomes the heart of social life on Maya:

  • The Zodiac-style lighting system creates a festive atmosphere.
  • Enjoy cocktails during sunset parties while watching the sky turn golden over Lan Ha Bay.
  • Some evenings include live music or DJ performances, turning the deck into an open-air lounge.
  • Guests can also simply lie back on sunbeds to stargaze in a magical setting.

Cocktails during sunset parties

Vietpower Travel suggests to you:

5. Travel Guide for Halong Bay with Maya Cruise

Best Time to Visit Halong & Lan Ha Bay

  • Spring (March–May): Clear skies, calm seas, and comfortable temperatures make this a pleasant season.
  • Autumn (September–November): Cool weather, less rainfall, and stunning sunsets.
  • Summer (June–August): Good for swimming and water sports, though brief showers may occur.

Shuttle Transfer: Hanoi – Hai Phong (~2 Hours)

Maya Cruise departs from Got Pier in Hai Phong, about 120 km from Hanoi. Guests can travel by:

  • Luxury Shuttle Bus: Pick-up from the Old Quarter with air-conditioning and Wi-Fi.
  • Private Car Transfer: Convenient for families or groups who prefer flexibility.
  •  The journey takes approximately two hours, significantly shorter than the traditional Hanoi–Halong route.

Packing Tips for Cruise Activities

To fully enjoy your trip, consider bringing:

  • Clothing: Light, breathable clothes for daytime, a jacket for cooler evenings.
  • Swimwear: Essential for kayaking, swimming, or enjoying the floating bar.
  • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for cave visits or exploring Cat Ba Island.
  • Essentials: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.
  • Extras: A good camera for capturing limestone karsts, and a book for quiet moments in the library.

6. Compare Maya Halong Cruises with Other Luxury Cruises

Feature

Maya Halong Cruises

Orchid Cruises

Paradise Cruises

Cabin Size

18–25 m², including spacious suites with private balconies

18–28 m², compact but modern

16–30 m², focused on functionality

Design & Style

Blend of Vietnamese tradition and French elegance

Contemporary design, modern décor

Classic luxury style, international hotel feel

Boutique Features

Floating Bar, Boutique Library, Observatory Deck

Minimal boutique elements, modern amenities

Focus on fine dining and spa, fewer rare features

Unique Facilities

Rare additions: Onboard Library, Observatory Deck for stargazing

Standard kayaking and sundeck relaxation

Renowned for high-end restaurants and a wellness spa

Atmosphere

Boutique, intimate setting—ideal for couples, families, and culture-seeking travelers

Popular among modern travelers who prefer sleek design

Suitable for larger groups, events, and corporate gatherings

Highlight

Rare cultural touches and facilities not found on most cruises

Stylish cabins, clean and modern interiors

Emphasis on dining quality and group services

7. Conclusion

With spacious cabins, enriching cultural activities, and rare highlights such as the floating bar and observatory deck, Maya Halong Cruises offers a refined yet authentic experience for your Halong Bay adventure. For travelers seeking the best Halong Bay cruises luxury, booking with Vietpower Travel ensures exclusive offers, transparent pricing, and trusted service from a licensed Vietnam tour operator.

  • Hotline: (+84) 936 336 389
  • Email: sales@vietpowertravel.com
  • Head Office: Tuan Hanh Building, No. 82, Lane 116, Nhan Hoa Street, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi, Vietnam