1-day 5-star Halong Bay cruise – A luxurious journey through the natural wonder
Discover the enchanting Halong Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking natural beauty and majestic limestone karsts. A one-day journey aboard the 5-star Athena Cruise promises a luxurious escape, where every moment feels like a dream on the sea. For those seeking elegance, top-tier service, and stunning scenery, this article reveals all the highlights you need to know!
1. A must-experience journey with Athena Cruise
Among countless ways to explore the stunning Halong Bay, a one-day trip aboard the 5-star Athena Cruise stands out as a truly premium option. No overnight stay required, no excessive travel time, yet travelers are treated to luxury ambiance, top-tier service, and breathtaking natural scenery.
Athena Cruise offers the perfect experience for those who appreciate elegance, modern comfort, and professionalism. With European-inspired design, a welcoming and attentive crew, and a well-optimized itinerary, guests can fully embrace the beauty of Halong Bay in just a single day.
At a price starting from
only 3,000,000 VND, this is undoubtedly one of the most worthwhile short getaway choices. Athena Cruise is more than just a sightseeing boat – it’s a floating resort amid a UNESCO World Heritage marvel. Currently, Athena operates two main types of cruises: Athena Luxury and Athena Royal, each designed with a unique character and emphasis on comfort, privacy, and international-standard service.

Athena Luxury Cruise
Athena Luxury Cruise combines modern design with traditional Eastern touches, creating a warm and refined atmosphere. The vessel offers a variety of cabin options to suit different travel needs:
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Deluxe Balcony Cabin: Situated on Deck 1, this 25m² cabin features a private balcony showcasing breathtaking sea vistas and a unique bathroom window for sightseeing. Its luxurious and contemporary design offers a choice of a double or twin beds, making it an excellent option for couples. It comes fully equipped with amenities such as an LCD TV, air conditioning, and premium wooden furnishings.
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Elegance Balcony Cabin: Nestled on Deck 2, in close proximity to the dining area and sundeck, this 28m² cabin features a private balcony and expansive sea-view windows. It provides a tranquil and intimate setting with a bathroom that includes a scenic window and a shower. Guests can choose between a double or twin beds, making it suitable for couples or small families.
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Premium Terrace Cabin: Located in a secluded area on Deck 2, this expansive 32m² cabin boasts a private sundeck with panoramic ocean views. Highlights include a 24/7 hot water Jacuzzi and a distinctive handmade wooden bathtub, complemented by a large picture window. This is an ideal selection for couples seeking a romantic escape.
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Family Triple Cabin: Spanning 35m² on Deck 1, this cabin includes a private sea-view balcony combined with large windows, providing an airy ambiance. It is furnished with one double bed and one single bed (with the possibility of an extra bed), and the bathroom features a shower and a window. This spacious option is perfect for families of three.
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Elegance Family Connecting Cabin: Positioned on Deck 2 with a total area of 58m², these are two interconnected cabins with a connecting door, comprising one double bed cabin and one single bed cabin (or two single bed cabins). Each cabin offers a private bay-view balcony and large windows. This presents an optimal solution for larger families desiring proximity while maintaining individual privacy.
Athena Royal Cruise
Athena Royal is the upgraded version, often compared to a floating hotel on Ha Long Bay. With fewer cabins, the ship ensures a more exclusive and private experience, featuring minimalist yet luxurious design.
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Deluxe Balcony Cabin: Situated on the main deck, this 25m² cabin features a private balcony and expansive windows offering breathtaking views of the bay and its iconic rock formations. Guests can even admire the scenery from the bathroom. With a cozy ambiance and an elegant outdoor seating area, it's perfect for couples seeking seclusion.
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Elegance Balcony Cabin: Located on the second deck, with easy access to communal spaces, this 28m² cabin boasts a private balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows providing panoramic vistas of the bay and limestone karsts. The bathroom also features a bay-view window. Its convenient position near the restaurant and sundeck offers both tranquility and opulence.
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Premium Terrace Cabin: Privately positioned on the second deck, this spacious 30m² cabin offers a large private terrace with stunning panoramic views of Ha Long Bay. It includes large ocean-facing windows, a bathroom with a scenic window, a classic wooden bathtub, and a shower. With a neoclassical and regal design, it's an exceptional choice for celebrating couples.
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Deluxe Family Connecting Cabin: Situated on Deck 2 with an area of 58m², this is an excellent option for families or groups of four. Two separate cabins share a connecting door and a private balcony, ensuring both comfort and privacy with panoramic bay views. The design is comfortable and beautifully appointed.
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Athena Royal Suite: Positioned on the third deck with an area of 45m², this is the most expansive cabin on the cruise. Its 180-degree windows and private balcony provide spectacular panoramic bay views. A unique wooden bathtub offers ocean vistas. The design is contemporary, luxurious, and romantic, making it ideal for couples.
2. 1-Day Itinerary with Athena 5-Star Cruise
In just a few short hours, Athena Cruise delivers a masterfully designed journey through Halong Bay—streamlined, time-efficient, and absolutely fulfilling. From the very first step onboard, guests are transported to another world—peaceful, refined, and endlessly captivating.

The adventure begins at Tuan Chau Marina, where Athena welcomes travelers with professional elegance. As the cruise glides smoothly across emerald waters, limestone karsts and scattered islets emerge like a living, breathing masterpiece.
The first highlight is usually Sung Sot Cave, one of the most magnificent caves in the bay. Vast, mysterious, and lit in dreamlike hues, it leaves a lasting impression. The journey continues with a kayaking session or a peaceful bamboo boat ride, allowing guests to explore quieter, untouched corners of the bay.
Back on board, a fresh local seafood lunch awaits, served in the elegant setting of the onboard restaurant. For photography lovers, the sundeck is a paradise—offering panoramic views that turn every snapshot into a postcard.
Though the itinerary spans just a single day, Athena Cruise ensures that every guest leaves feeling fully recharged—immersed in nature, culture, and premium service.
3. What’s Included in the Athena 5-Star 1-Day Cruise Tour?
Among the many Halong Bay cruise options, the price starting from just 1,500,000 VND per person for a 5-star experience aboard Athena Cruise is truly impressive. At this reasonable cost, travelers are treated to a full day of premium relaxation, elegant surroundings, professional service, and exciting activities.
Included in the tour price:
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Entrance fees to Halong Bay as per itinerary.
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Day cruise on the modern, 5-star Athena vessel.
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High-quality seafood lunch served onboard.
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Friendly and knowledgeable tour guide.
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All activities: cave visit, kayaking or bamboo boat, cooking demonstration, sunbathing, and more.
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Complimentary tea, bottled water, and refreshing towels.
Not included (available upon request):
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Round-trip transfer Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi (limousine option available).
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Personal drinks, gratuities for guide and crew.
No need for a big budget—this one-day journey offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure in one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. It’s a smart choice for any traveler craving both comfort and exploration in just a day.
4. Real Reviews from Athena Cruise Guests
Guests who have experienced Athena Cruise can’t stop praising their incredible journey. From the warm welcome and luxurious ambiance to the exciting activities, everything contributes to making the trip unforgettable.
“This trip was truly an experience to remember. Athena Cruise not only offers top-quality service but also allows travelers to enjoy Halong Bay in a completely unique way. The fresh seafood, stunning views, and fun activities like kayaking made the day so memorable,” a guest shared on TripAdvisor.

Another visitor commented: “Halong Bay is always beautiful, but experiencing it on the Athena Cruise made it even more majestic. The service, the staff’s professionalism—everything was 5-star. I’ll definitely recommend it to my friends and family.”
With 5-star ratings across multiple travel platforms, it’s no surprise that Athena Cruise has become the top choice for travelers passionate about exploration and luxury.
5. Who Should Join the Athena 1-Day Cruise?
The Athena 1-day cruise is the perfect choice for anyone seeking a short yet complete getaway. Particularly, this tour is ideal for groups of friends, families, or couples who wish to explore the breathtaking Halong Bay without spending too much time away.
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Nature lovers: With the stunning scenery of Halong Bay, those who appreciate nature and enjoy peace and relaxation will be thoroughly satisfied with this trip.
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Travelers seeking both relaxation and exploration: Athena Cruise offers not just a tour but a 5-star floating resort, perfect for those who want to unwind and indulge in luxury amidst untouched nature.
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Adventure enthusiasts: Activities like kayaking, bamboo boat rides, cave exploration, and indulging in fresh seafood make this cruise perfect for those who love to discover, challenge themselves, and enjoy something new.
At such an affordable price, Athena Cruise is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a memorable journey through one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders.
However, to ensure you fully experience the beauty of this World Natural Heritage site, we warmly recommend our highly attractive and unique 2-day, 1-night itinerary. This option provides you with more time to explore magnificent caves, participate in exciting activities such as kayaking and swimming, or simply relax and admire the stunning sunrise and sunset over the bay.
For more detailed information about our 2-day, 1-night itinerary and to make a booking, please visit at here. We believe that the 2-day, 1-night experience will create unforgettable memories for you in Ha Long Bay.
6. What to Prepare for the Athena 1-Day Cruise?
To ensure a perfect 1-day Athena Cruise experience, guests only need to prepare a few essential items to make their journey even more enjoyable. Here’s a checklist of what to bring:
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Personal identification: Don’t forget to bring ID cards, passports, or any form of personal identification for check-in when boarding the cruise.
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Personal items: Bring any necessary medications, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect from the sun during outdoor activities.
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Comfortable footwear: For easy movement around the cruise ship and while engaging in activities like kayaking or cave exploration, it’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes or sandals.
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Camera or phone: The Athena Cruise offers incredible views of Halong Bay, so be sure to bring a camera or phone to capture the stunning moments.
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Comfortable clothing: It’s best to wear light, breathable clothing to stay comfortable throughout the day. Also, pack a light jacket in case it gets chilly in the morning or evening.
With these simple preparations, guests can fully enjoy their magnificent Athena Cruise experience. Exploring the majestic beauty of Halong Bay on the Athena 1-day cruise is an unforgettable experience. With 5-star service, stunning views, and exciting activities, this trip is sure to satisfy every traveler. Don’t miss out – book your Athena Cruise today for a perfect, relaxing, and memorable getaway.