2-Day Halong Bay Cruise: Kayak, Caves & Seafood Meals

Summary

Halong Bay Overnight Cruise with Kayaking & Cave Visit

You’ll kayak hidden grottoes, explore Sung Sot Cave, try night fishing, and wake up to sunrise views—all while enjoying fresh Vietnamese meals on board.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the salty air as we boarded the boat—there’s this quiet buzz from the crew and fellow travelers. After a quick welcome drink (tasted sweet and cold), we set off from the harbor. The limestone cliffs looked even taller from the water. Our guide, Minh, pointed out little fishing boats weaving between the rocks. It took about three and a half hours to get here from Hanoi, but honestly, you forget about the drive once you see those emerald waters.

We stopped at Surprise Cave—locals call it Hang Sung Sot. It’s huge inside; cool and echoey with odd rock shapes that look like animals if you squint. Minh shared some stories about pirates hiding here ages ago. Later, we kayaked through narrow grottoes where it got so quiet you could hear your paddle drip. Dinner on board was mostly seafood—shrimp with lemongrass and a fish stew that reminded me of home cooking. At night, some of us tried our luck fishing off the deck under yellow lanterns. Didn’t catch much, but it was fun swapping stories with other guests.

Woke up early to catch sunrise on the sundeck—mist hung low over the bay and everything felt still for a moment. After breakfast (rice noodles and strong coffee), we hiked up Ti Top Island for a view that made my legs ache but was worth every step. There’s time for swimming too if you’re up for it before heading back to port. The whole trip felt relaxed but full—you get a real sense of why people keep coming back to Halong Bay.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Halong Bay Highlights

• Visit Halong Bay
• Explore Surprise Cave

Top questions

Is this cruise suitable for someone who doesn’t swim?

Yes! You can enjoy all activities except swimming; kayaking is safe with life jackets provided.

How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

The transfer takes around 3.5 hours each way by comfortable shuttle bus.

Are meals included? What kind of food is served?

All main meals are included—expect Vietnamese dishes with lots of fresh seafood and some vegetarian options.

Can I join if I have limited mobility?

The cruise involves stairs and uneven ground in caves; please contact us to discuss your needs before booking.

What’s included

Your trip covers round-trip transfer from Hanoi, an English-speaking guide, all main meals (breakfast, two lunches, dinner), a welcome drink, kayak use, fishing gear for night fishing, a comfy air-conditioned cabin, plus entry fees for caves and islands. Cooking demo included too!