Why most cruises start from Hanoi
If you’re planning to cruise Lan Ha Bay, your journey almost always begins in Hanoi – Vietnam’s capital and primary international hub in the north.
Why? Because:
- Most luxury and mid-range cruises offer door-to-door transfer from Hanoi
- Lan Ha Bay cruises depart from Hai Phong (Got Pier) – a shorter route than Ha Long Bay
- Travel time from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay is just 2.5 to 3 hours
For travelers arriving in Hanoi and looking for a seamless way to reach the bay, many cruises now bundle round-trip limousine transfers into their packages – making planning effortless.
Whether you’re booking a day tour or a 2D1N overnight cruise, knowing your transfer options and departure piers will help you avoid delays and confusion.
📌 Related guides:
- Ha Long Bay in Vietnam: What makes it a must-visit destination?
- Lan Ha Bay vs Ha Long Bay Cruise – Which One to Choose?
- Lan Ha Bay Cruise Options 2025: Best Day & Overnight Cruises Compared
Where do Lan Ha Bay cruises depart from?
Lan Ha Bay cruises typically leave from two major ports in Hai Phong province. Unlike Ha Long Bay (Tuan Chau Port), these piers are closer to Hanoi and more convenient for cruise guests.
Got pier ( Bến Phà Gót) – Main pier for overnight & Luxury cruises
- Location: Cat Hai District, Hai Phong
- Distance from Hanoi: ~130 km (~2.5 hours via expressway)
✅ Used by most luxury and mid-range cruises like:
- Orchid Cruise
- Stellar of the Seas
- Mon Cheri
- Elite of the Seas
- Doris & La Casta Regal (budget-luxury)
📌 Pros:
- Fastest route from Hanoi
- Modern infrastructure
- Easy access for private cars & limousines
- Directly connects to Lan Ha Bay
You may like to check:
Beo pier – For day cruises & Cat Ba island departures
- Location: Cat Ba Town
- Distance from Hanoi: ~165–180 km (longer route via ferry)
✅ Used by smaller day boats and tours that combine with Cat Ba Island stays
📌 Pros:
- Good for backpackers and Cat Ba travelers
📌 Cons:
- Requires transfer via ferry or speedboat
- Less convenient for day-trippers from Hanoi
Have a look at:
Beo Pier is considered the main tourist harbor and the gateway to Lan Ha Bay and important tourist spots.Quick Comparison
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📌 Cruise Tip: Most high-rated cruises departing from Got Pier offer pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter via limousine bus – this is the most recommended option for comfort, timing, and convenience.
👉 Read more: Lan Ha Bay Day vs Overnight Cruise – Which One Is Right for You?
How to get from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay (All Transport Options)
Getting from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay is easier than ever thanks to the CT.04 expressway and cruise operators offering seamless transfer services. Depending on your budget, group size, and preferred comfort level, here are the best ways to travel:
Limousine bus – Most popular for cruise transfers
- Duration: ~2.5 hours
- Cost: ~$13–20 USD/person (round-trip or one-way)
- Included in many cruise packages
✅ Comfortable 9-seater or 16-seater vans with:
- Reclining seats
- Air conditioning
- USB chargers & Wi-Fi
📌 Most cruises like Orchid, Doris, Stellar of the Seas, and Mon Cheri offer this service door-to-door from Hanoi Old Quarter to Got Pier.
👉 Check more:
Private car transfer – Best for families or tight schedules
- Duration: ~2.5 hours
- Cost: ~$60–90 USD/vehicle (up to 4 pax)
✅ Perfect if you:
- Want to leave early or late
- Have kids or extra luggage
- Need direct pickup from the airport or hotel
📌 Many travelers choose this option when connecting from Noi Bai International Airport directly to the cruise.
👉 Read more: Private Car vs Limousine to Lan Ha Bay
Train + Ferry – Scenic but time-consuming
- Duration: 4.5–5.5 hours total
- Cost: ~$20–25 USD total
- Train from Hanoi to Hai Phong
- Then taxi or shuttle to Got Pier or ferry to Cat Ba Island
- Not suitable if you have a cruise departure deadline
📌 Best for independent travelers or backpackers heading to Beo Pier / Cat Ba island
Included shuttle from your cruise
Most reputable cruises include shared shuttle service, especially luxury and mid-range ones.
Always check:
- Is transfer included in your cruise?
- Where’s the pickup point? (Hanoi Old Quarter, airport?)
- What time should you be ready?
Should you book a cruise with Hanoi pickup included?
Absolutely — and here’s why:
Most of the hassle in cruising Lan Ha Bay comes from arranging transport to the pier. Booking a cruise with Hanoi pickup removes stress and reduces transfer mistakes.
👉 Compare them all:
- Luxury Lan Ha Bay cruises
- Lan Ha Bay Cruise with Transfer from Hanoi – Complete Booking Guide
Benefits of choosing a cruise with transfer included
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Cruises that offer Hanoi pickup (Recommended)
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📌 Tip: If your cruise doesn’t offer transfer, ask if they can book a shared limousine or private car at discounted rates.
🎯 Want even smoother planning?
Book a cruise with pickup, meals, activities & cabin included — and enjoy a stress-free journey from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay.
📲 Chat now via What’s App: +84 974 805 797 | +84 915 815 535
Recommended cruises with pickup from Hanoi
One of the best ways to ensure a smooth and relaxing journey is to book a cruise that includes round-trip transfer from Hanoi. These cruises offer either limousine vans, private cars, or coordinated shuttles, making the journey to Lan Ha Bay seamless.
Below are our top-recommended Lan Ha Bay cruises with Hanoi pickup included, sorted by travel style and budget:
Orchid Cruises (Classic / Trend / Premium)
- Style: Boutique Luxury | Pickup: Included (Limousine)
- Spacious rooms with private balconies
- Great for couples & small groups
- Top-rated itinerary and service
✅ Best for: Upscale travelers seeking value
👉 More about: Orchid cruises
Stellar of the Seas
- Style: 5-Star Resort Cruise | Pickup: Included (Limousine)
- Infinity pool, mini golf, wine cellar onboard
- Elegant design and premium dining
✅ Best for: Honeymooners, luxury seekers
👉 More about: Stellar of the Seas
Doris Cruise
- Style: Budget-Luxury | Pickup: Included
- Elegant wooden interiors, Jacuzzi suites
- Affordable but stylish
✅ Best for: Couples, small families on a mid-range budget
👉 More about: Doris cruise
La Casta Cruises
- Style: Affordable Comfort | Pickup: Included
- Rooftop sundeck, panoramic views
- Family suites available
✅ Best for: First-time cruise travelers
👉 More about: La Casta Cruises
Mon Cheri Cruise
- Style: Family-Friendly Mid-Range | Pickup: Included
- Includes cycling on Cat Ba, great fusion cuisine
✅ Best for: Active families and mid-range explorers
👉 More about: Mon Cheri Cruise
Rosy Cruise
- Style: Romantic & Affordable | Pickup: Included
- Rooftop deck and elegant rooms
- Popular among couples on a moderate budget
✅ Best for: Young couples or honeymooners
👉 More about: Rosy cruise
🔗 Also appears in: Romantic Cruises in Lan Ha Bay
Most of these cruises depart from Got Pier (Hai Phong) – which is closer to Hanoi than Ha Long Bay (Tuan Chau marina), making the ride smoother and shorter.
Tip: Book through a local agent
Booking through a verified local provider like Hanoiexploretravel.com ensures:
- English support
- Clear pickup coordination
- 24/7 contact via What’s App
- Verified reviews & safe payments
📲 Need help choosing? Message us: What’s App: +84 974 805 797 | +84 915 815 535
📧 Email: info@hanoiexploretravel.com
👉 Or explore: Compare All Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay Cruise Options
FAQs – Planning a cruise to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi
How far is Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi?
- Lan Ha Bay is about 130–160 km from Hanoi, depending on your cruise departure pier. Most cruises leave from Got Pier (Hai Phong), which is a 2.5–3 hour drive via expressway.
Should I choose a cruise with Hanoi pickup included?
- Yes, definitely. Cruises with door-to-door pickup from Hanoi save time and reduce hassle. Many mid-range and luxury cruises now bundle round-trip limousine transfers, making the experience smooth and stress-free.
Can I go directly from Hanoi Airport to the cruise?
- Yes, but you must book a private car or request pickup from your cruise in advance. Shared limousines usually pick up in Hanoi Old Quarter only. If your flight is early, you can arrange a private transfer directly to Got Pier.
🔗 Related: Ha Long Bay to Hanoi Airport Transfer
What’s the best time to cruise Lan Ha Bay?
- The best months are March–May and September–November, when the weather is dry, clear, and calm.
🔗 Read more:
- Best time to visit Lan Ha Bay
- Best time to travel from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay
Do day cruises also offer pickup from Hanoi?
- Some premium day cruises like Jade Sails, Catamaran, and Serenity Cruise offer full-day tours from Hanoi with round-trip transportation. Perfect for those short on time.
🔗 Explore: Lan Ha Bay Day Cruise Options
Ready to Cruise Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi?
Whether you’re looking for a day tour, a 2-day luxury cruise, or an affordable getaway, starting your Lan Ha Bay trip from Hanoi is easy — if you choose the right operator.
We help travelers every day choose the best cruise with hotel pickup, meals, activities, and transparent pricing.
📲 Message us directly on What’s App: +84 974 805 797 | +84 915 815 535
📧 Email: info@hanoiexploretravel.com
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