Most visitors rush to Ha Long. But those in the know turn east, to Lan Ha Bay — a scattering of 360 karst islands, fewer boats, and water so clear you can see the sandy bottom ten meters down. Indochine Grand is your vessel into this hidden world. Polished teak, brass lanterns, and a crew that treats you like family. This is not a cruise; it is a passage into old Indochina.
Indochine Grand is the little sister of the legendary Indochina Sails, built with the same dedication to authenticity: a fully wooden hull, traditional yellow sails, and a maximum of 32 guests in 16 cabins. The itinerary is crafted for tranquility — you will kayak through floating fishing villages, swim in secluded lagoons, and watch sunsets without another ship in sight. The crew’s motto: “Lan Ha is a secret, and we keep it well.”
You arrive at Gia Luan Pier on Cat Ba Island. A short tender ride brings you alongside Indochine Grand. The crew greets you with cold towels and a fragrant ginger-lemongrass tea. Lunch is served as the ship glides past the first karsts — fresh tiger prawns, morning glory stir-fry, and Hanoi-style spring rolls. Afternoon excursion: Dark & Bright Cave (Hang Tối & Hang Sáng). You board a traditional bamboo boat rowed by a local woman, drifting into a tunnel that opens into a hidden lagoon surrounded by vertical cliffs. The silence is absolute.
Back on board, climb to the sundeck. The crew sets out local fruits, sesame crackers, and a selection of herbal teas. The sun dips behind a mushroom-shaped karst, painting the sky in apricot and violet. A waiter brings you a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. Dinner is a six-course Vietnamese-French feast: lotus root salad, steamed sea bass in banana leaf, caramelized pork belly, and a warm coconut crème caramel. After dinner, try night squid fishing or join the onboard storyteller for legends of the bay.
Wake to a gentle tai chi or yoga session on the sundeck. After a light breakfast, you board a kayak and paddle toward Trái Tim Beach (Heart Beach) — a tiny crescent of white sand accessible only by kayak. The water is bath-warm in summer, refreshing in spring. Snorkel gear is provided; you might spot clownfish among the coral. Return to the ship for a final brunch buffet, then check-out. The crew waves farewell at 11:00 AM, and a speedboat takes you back to Cat Ba town.
With three days, you spend the second morning cycling through Viet Hai, a remote village nestled in a valley of Cat Ba National Park. Meet local families, see how they distill rice wine, and walk through the rainforest. Afternoon is free for kayaking deeper into Lan Ha’s maze of karsts. The extra night means an even deeper immersion — starting from $269 per person.
Why Indochine Grand? — Lan Ha Bay offers all the beauty of Ha Long with 80% fewer boats. The water is cleaner, the beaches are emptier, and the experience is genuinely exclusive. Real wood, real sails, and a crew that makes you feel like the only guest on earth.
Instagram: “Lan Ha Bay — where the water is emerald and the crowds are a rumor. Indochine Grand, you have my heart. #IndochineGrand #LanHaBay #SecretKarsts”
Facebook: “We kayaked into a hidden lagoon, cycled through a jungle village, and fell asleep to the sound of lapping waves. Indochine Grand — the most tranquil cruise in Vietnam.”
