Orchid Trendy Cruise
by the TopOfHotel team
Orchid Trendy is a 5-star cruise with 20 cabins that all have a balcony, plus a jacuzzi, a pool and a gym, sailing the quieter Lan Ha Bay — score 8.7.
Orchid Trendy is a 5-star cruise with 20 cabins that all have a balcony, plus a jacuzzi, a pool and a gym, sailing the quieter Lan Ha Bay — score 8.7.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
The boat carries 20 cabins across every level, from a Premium Deluxe with a private balcony at around 28 sqm, up through a 45 sqm suite, to a Family Premium Deluxe that runs as large as 56 sqm and fits a family of 4 to 5. Reviewers in a Premium Deluxe describe a soft carpeted floor, a king bed, and a big wooden balcony you can sit on to watch the sunrise. The bathroom has a rain shower with a full set of amenities, and the room comes with a TV, a safe, a coffee maker and Wi-Fi that's strong enough to use. Every cabin looks straight out over the bay with nothing in the way.
Food and amenities
What puts Orchid Trendy ahead of rivals at a similar price is the top deck — there's a pool (small, but it works), an outdoor jacuzzi you can soak in while the sun sets, a gym with a proper set of machines, and a lounge bar pouring Happy Hour cocktails. The restaurant runs a 5-course seafood set menu each day, heavy on shrimp, squid and grouper, and there's a spring-roll cooking class plus free morning tai chi. The 8.7 score matches the experience.
Location and getting there
You board at Tuan Chau pier. What's special about Orchid Trendy's route is that it sails Lan Ha Bay around Cat Ba Island, roughly 30 to 40% quieter than the main Ha Long line by tour-boat count. The cruise stops at Viet Hai fishing village, kayaks through small caves where swiftlets circle, and swims at hidden beaches the big boats can't reach. In the evening it drops anchor in a quiet inlet for squid fishing, and every activity is included in the package.
Things to know before booking
Rates start near $194 per cabin per night, higher than the budget cruises elsewhere in this list. Parts of the Lan Ha route also run away from the famous karst islands most people associate with Ha Long, so set your expectations there. And like any cruise, the itinerary is fixed — you're on the boat's timetable rather than your own.
Our take
Orchid Trendy Cruise is the best-value 5-star boat in our list for couples and families who want hotel-grade facilities on the water — a pool, a jacuzzi, a gym, a spa and a balcony in every cabin, on a Lan Ha route that's still calm. If you're traveling as a group, book the 56 sqm Family Premium Deluxe; it's well worth the price.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- A standard 5-star cruise with 20 spacious cabins, each with a private balcony.
- Several cabin types, including a roomy Family Premium Deluxe of around 56 sqm that fits 4 to 5 people.
- An outdoor jacuzzi you can soak in at sunset, plus a pool, a gym, a restaurant and a lounge bar that pours Happy Hour cocktails.
- It sails Lan Ha Bay around Cat Ba Island, which is calmer than the main route and skips the heavy tour-boat traffic.
- Activities are all bundled in — kayaking, squid fishing, cave trips and a cooking class, with free morning tai chi.
- Rates start higher than the budget cruises elsewhere in this list, from around $194 per cabin.
- Parts of the Lan Ha route run away from the famous karst islands most people picture when they think of Ha Long.
- It's a cruise, so the itinerary is fixed and you're on the boat's schedule.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Ha Long Bay
Day tours, attraction tickets and experiences around Ha Long Bay — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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Insider Tips
- Have the jacuzzi and pool to yourself in the evening once the day-trippers have gone.
- Book the Family Premium Deluxe (around 56 sqm) if you're a group of 4 to 5.
- Pick this for the Lan Ha route if you want to dodge the tour-boat crowds on the main Ha Long line.