Reviewed · BOAT TOURS IN HANOI
Oasis Bay Party Cruise 3 Days 2 Nights – Ha Long Bay Tour
The bay becomes your playground. This 3-day, 2-night trip pairs a Ha Long Bay party cruise with a private island stay, giving you scenery, kayaking, swimming, jacuzzis, a trampoline, and a sunset party in one package. I like the mix of active fun and bay views, and I like that meals, entrance fees, Hanoi Old Quarter transfers, and both nights of lodging are included.
The main catch is the social, sometimes chaotic setup. You sleep in a cruise cabin on the first night, then a dorm room on the second, and the group can reach up to 50 people. That makes this a better choice for solo visitors, friends, and young couples seeking energy than for anyone wanting a quiet luxury cruise.
In This Review
- Key points to know before booking
- What the $209 price really buys you
- Leaving Hanoi for Tuan Chau Harbor
- The first afternoon: kayaking, water time, and a party mood
- The first night cabin: comfort with a social edge
- Day two: dawn, checkout, and the move toward Cat Ba
- Paradise Cave dinner on Cat Ba
- Day three: Cat Ba Town at an easy pace
- Food, dietary needs, and daily comfort
- Who will enjoy this cruise most
- Practical booking advice for Hanoi
- My verdict: book it for fun, not polish
- FAQ
- How long is the Oasis Bay Party Cruise?
- Where does pickup take place?
- What accommodation is included?
- Are meals included?
- Are drinks included?
- What activities are included?
- How large can the group be?
- What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?
Key points to know before booking

- Two very different nights: A private cabin on the boat comes first, followed by dorm accommodation on the island.
- Active Ha Long Bay schedule: Kayaking, swimming, an outdoor jacuzzi, and a trampoline keep the first afternoon lively.
- Strong staff reputation: Sam, Harry, Kay, Adam, and Max are repeatedly praised for friendly help, food support, and practical assistance.
- Meals are covered: The package includes two breakfasts, three lunches, and two dinners, but cruise drinks cost extra.
- Good Hanoi convenience: Pickup and return transport are provided for hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter.
- Budget pricing with extras to watch: The advertised price is $209 per person, before the 8 percent VAT surcharge and optional drinks.
What the $209 price really buys you
At $209 per person, this is not simply a boat ride with a bed. You receive two nights of accommodation, all listed meals, sightseeing entrance fees, an English-speaking guide, return transfers from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels, kayaking, and several onboard activities.
That bundle gives the price fair value. Ha Long Bay transport from Hanoi alone can take much of a day, and arranging a cruise, Cat Ba stay, meals, and transfers separately would add both cost and hassle. I especially like that you do not need to sort out a second hotel or ferry-style connection for the island portion.
Still, budget carefully. An 8 percent VAT surcharge is not included in the headline price. Drinks from the cruise menu cost extra, and you may also pay an additional charge if you bring drinks onboard. Personal spending outside the program is not covered, and holiday dates carry a $20 per-person surcharge.
The price also reflects the accommodation. Couples and groups can request a double or twin cabin for the first night, while solo participants pay for a bed in a shared twin cabin. The second night is in a dorm room, so do not book this expecting two private hotel-style nights.
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Leaving Hanoi for Tuan Chau Harbor

Pickup runs from 8:00 to 8:30 in Hanoi Old Quarter. The drive takes you to Tuan Chau Harbor, where you arrive at dock number 25 around 12:15 to 12:30. From there, a tender transfers you to Oasis Cruise.
The timing matters. This is a full first day, and the Hanoi transfer uses the morning before the boat activities begin. You will want breakfast before pickup, even though meals start as part of the cruise program later in the day.
Once onboard, you receive a welcome drink and check into your cabin. The cabin has two-way air conditioning, and the room setup accommodates two or three people. A bottle of mineral water per person, instant tea, coffee, and a snack are provided in the cabin.
The room is practical rather than spacious. One person described the cabin as small, while still finding it suitable for the trip. If you need room to spread out, pack lightly. If you are sharing with friends or a partner, agree in advance on who gets which storage space.
The first afternoon: kayaking, water time, and a party mood

The first day gives you the classic Ha Long Bay setting, but with a livelier program than a standard sightseeing cruise. Kayaking gets you close to the water and lets you see the bay from a lower, quieter angle than the main boat.
Swimming is part of the appeal too. The exact water conditions depend on weather and the day’s operating plan, but the trip includes opportunities for water time, along with an outdoor jacuzzi and a trampoline. These details tell you what kind of cruise this is: the boat is designed for participation, not just sitting on deck with a camera.
The outdoor jacuzzi offers a slower break between activities. The trampoline is a playful extra, and it drew particular praise from people who enjoyed the first night’s fun. You should not expect a refined spa retreat here. Think more group holiday with a splash of silliness.
A sunset party follows, with dinner onboard and karaoke later in the evening. The party level appears to be moderate rather than nonstop. One description called it a good amount of party atmosphere, without becoming too much. That balance may suit you if you want to meet people and have a drink, but do not want a club at sea all night.
Drinks are not included, so the bar tab can change the final cost quickly. Check the onboard pricing before ordering several rounds.
The first night cabin: comfort with a social edge

The cabin is air-conditioned and includes the basic supplies noted above. Couples or groups can request double or twin arrangements, while solo participants share a twin cabin. That shared setup can be a useful way to meet people, but it also means you should be comfortable with less privacy.
The staff receives some of the strongest praise on this trip. Sam is frequently singled out for helping with bags, arranging extra food, and making people feel welcome. Harry and Kay are also praised for taking care of special meal needs, including vegetarian food, and for helping with photographs.
That personal service matters on a social cruise. The schedule includes transfers, tenders, water activities, meals, and a room change the next day. Helpful staff can make that movement feel manageable. At the same time, the overall operation may not be perfectly polished. One detailed complaint described poor organization and pressure to give high ratings early in the trip. I would keep expectations realistic: the warmth of the crew seems to be a real strength, but the administration may feel loose.
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Day two: dawn, checkout, and the move toward Cat Ba

Day two starts early. Breakfast runs from 6:45 to 8:00, giving you a chance to see dawn across Ha Long Bay before the day gets moving. Set an alarm. The early light and quiet water may be your calmest moment of the whole trip.
Checkout and bill settlement take place around 8:40 to 9:20, with the next transfer beginning around 9:00 to 9:30. This is where the trip changes pace. You leave the cruise cabin and continue toward Cat Ba, eventually moving into the island part of the program.
The schedule lists Cat Ba Town as a stop, while the package describes the second night as a private island stay in a dorm room. The key point for you is the accommodation change: pack your day bag so you are not constantly opening your main luggage during transfers.
The island portion gives you a different feel from the first night. Instead of sleeping on the bay, you have more time on land and a dorm-based social setup. This is useful for solo visitors who enjoy meeting others, but less appealing if you want a private room every night.
Paradise Cave dinner on Cat Ba

The second evening includes a dinner experience at Paradise Cave. A shuttle bus takes you through Cat Ba toward the venue, with the journey scheduled from 6:15 to 6:30. Arrival and the welcome begin around 6:30.
The cave dinner adds variety after a day of boat transfers and island activity. It also gives the second night a clear event instead of leaving you to organize your own meal. Dinner is included in the package, though drinks remain an extra cost unless specifically covered by the program.
You should see this as a group dining occasion, not an intimate restaurant booking. The party cruise mood continues, and the venue is part of the entertainment. If you prefer a quiet meal with your own schedule, this may feel structured. If you enjoy a shared evening with a set plan, it removes the work of finding food in an unfamiliar place.
Day three: Cat Ba Town at an easy pace

Breakfast at the hotel runs from 6:30 to 8:30. Afterward, the schedule allows time to explore Cat Ba Town from 8:30 to 10:00, including the beach, parks, and sightseeing spots at your own pace.
This is a welcome change after the tightly timed cruise activities. You can walk, look around, and get a final feel for the island before the return journey. The town visit is not presented as a long guided tour, so do not expect a detailed historical program or a full island circuit.
The third day is listed as roughly six hours, and the full trip lasts about three days. The return to Hanoi completes the loop, with drop-off included for Old Quarter hotels. Since the exact return timing is not supplied, avoid booking a fixed evening flight or train without leaving a generous buffer.
Food, dietary needs, and daily comfort

Meals included are two breakfasts, three lunches, and two dinners. Tea and coffee are available at breakfast, and the cabin supplies instant tea and coffee. For a short package, that is a useful amount of food coverage.
Food quality is one of the most praised parts of the trip. Several people describe the meals as very good or amazing, and the crew has made special efforts for vegetarian diners. If you have a dietary need, tell the operator when booking and remind the guide at the start.
Do not assume every drink is included with meals. Cruise-menu drinks cost extra, and bringing your own drinks onboard may also trigger a surcharge. The best way to protect your budget is to ask about drink rules before the first order.
The cabin has air conditioning, but comfort is still shared and compact. The island dorm is more basic by design. One unusual account described sleeping on the top deck with towels used as a blanket, though that appears to be an individual situation rather than the stated accommodation plan. I would bring a light layer and avoid relying on the boat to solve every comfort problem.
Who will enjoy this cruise most
I would recommend Oasis Bay Party Cruise to you if you want several types of activity in one booking. It suits:
- Solo visitors who are happy sharing a cabin and dorm room
- Friends seeking kayaking, karaoke, swimming, and a social evening
- Couples who value a double or twin cabin on the first night
- Budget-minded people who want meals and transfers bundled together
- Anyone who wants both Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba in one short trip
I would think twice if you need quiet, private accommodation for both nights. I would also choose another type of cruise if polished organization, strict schedules, and a calm luxury feel matter more to you than crew warmth and group fun.
The maximum group size is 50 people. That is large enough to create a lively atmosphere, but also large enough for waits, noise, and less personal space. The strongest staff members can help smooth things out, but you should expect a group tour rather than a small private sailing.
Practical booking advice for Hanoi
Pickup is offered from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter, which is a major convenience. If your hotel is outside that area, confirm the pickup arrangement before paying. The tour has mobile tickets, and confirmation is provided at booking.
The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. For your own cancellation, cancel at least three full days before the local start time to receive a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.
The tour is near public transportation, and most people can participate. Still, the schedule includes tender transfers, kayaking, boarding, walking around Cat Ba, and changing accommodation. If you have mobility concerns, ask for details before booking rather than assuming every step is fully accessible.
This trip is booked an average of 44 days ahead, so popular dates may fill well before departure. Holiday dates also carry the $20 surcharge. Book early if your Hanoi stay is fixed, but check the final total carefully so VAT, drinks, and seasonal fees do not surprise you.
My verdict: book it for fun, not polish
Oasis Bay Party Cruise offers a lot for $209 before add-ons. You get Ha Long Bay scenery, a cabin night, a Cat Ba dorm night, meals, transfers, kayaking, water activities, a sunset party, karaoke, and a cave dinner. That is a full program with little planning required from you.
The best parts are the friendly crew, especially Sam, Harry, Kay, Adam, and Max, plus the chance to mix active outings with time on the water. The weak points are the small first-night cabin, shared second-night dorm, possible organization problems, and extra drink and VAT costs.
Book it if you want a social, active introduction to Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba. Skip it if your ideal bay trip means silence, private rooms, and polished five-star service. Pack light, confirm dietary needs, watch the drink bill, and bring patience. With those expectations, this looks like a lively and good-value way to see two of northern Vietnam’s most popular coastal areas.
FAQ
How long is the Oasis Bay Party Cruise?
The experience lasts approximately three days and includes two nights, with the first night on the cruise and the second night on a private island in a dorm room.
Where does pickup take place?
Pickup and return transfers are offered from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter.
What accommodation is included?
The first night is in an air-conditioned cruise cabin. Couples and groups can request a double or twin cabin, while solo participants receive a bed in a shared twin cabin. The second night is in a dorm room.
Are meals included?
Yes. The package includes two breakfasts, three lunches, and two dinners. Tea and coffee are included during breakfast.
Are drinks included?
No. Drinks from the cruise menu cost extra. An additional charge may also apply if you bring drinks onboard.
What activities are included?
Included activities and services include kayaking, a trampoline, an outdoor jacuzzi, sightseeing entrance fees, Hanoi transfers, and an English-speaking guide.
How large can the group be?
The maximum group size is 50 people.
What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?
If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. For your own full refund, you must cancel at least three full days before the experience starts.
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