2-Day Halong Bay Cruise with Bai Tu Long & Thien Canh Son Cave

Summary

Overnight Halong Bay Tour: Bai Tu Long & Local Villages

If you want more than just photos of Halong Bay—if you want to taste local food, meet villagers, paddle quiet waters, and wake up surrounded by limestone islands—this overnight cruise is worth it. You’ll get real downtime plus small adventures you can’t find from shore.

What’s the experience like?

Boarding at Hon Gai Harbor felt like stepping into another world—quiet except for the soft clatter of ropes and the low hum of engines. The crew handed us a cool welcome drink (tasted faintly of lemongrass) while we settled into our cabin. I noticed the woodwork—simple but solid—and the balcony was just big enough to lean out and catch the salty breeze. As we set off, limestone karsts slid by outside, some shaped like sleeping dragons or old men’s faces if you squint right.

Lunch was a buffet—fresh seafood, tangy salads, rice that stuck together just enough to eat with chopsticks. Our guide, Minh, pointed out tiny fishing boats bobbing near Vung Vieng village. We hopped onto a bamboo boat for a closer look; the water here is glassy green and you can hear the splash of oars echo off the cliffs. At Ban Chan beach, I kicked off my sandals and waded in—the sand’s fine and pale, almost squeaky underfoot. Kayaking around felt peaceful; every so often you’d spot a jellyfish drifting by or hear someone laughing from another kayak.

Back on board, sunset crept up fast. There was this casual party on the sundeck—fruit plates, cold beer, people swapping stories as the sky turned pinkish-orange behind those jagged rocks. Dinner was something else: eight courses inspired by old Hue Dynasty recipes (the caramelized pork belly stood out). Afterward, some folks headed up top for drinks; others just watched the bay go dark and listened to cicadas start up in the distance.

The next morning started early—mist still hanging over the water. I joined tai chi on deck (my moves were clumsy but nobody cared), then grabbed coffee and watched fishing nets being hauled in nearby. Breakfast came with a view: eggs cooked to order and fresh fruit while islands drifted past outside.

We stopped at Thien Canh Son cave—a climb up stone steps leads to cool air inside and ceilings that glitter faintly where your flashlight hits them. Back on board, there was a quick spring roll cooking class (mine fell apart but tasted fine). Lunch before heading back was more family-style: shared dishes like locals do at home. Disembarking felt bittersweet—I could’ve stayed another night easily.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hon Gai Harbor to Cong Do

• Embark at Hon Gai International harbor and safety briefing
• Buffet lunch while cruising to Bai Tu Long Bay
• Bamboo boat to Vung Vieng village and Pearl farm
• Transfer to Ban Chan beach for swimming and kayaking
• Cruise to Cong Do area and enjoy sunset party
• 8 Course Imperial feast dinner
• Relax in room or sundeck

Day 2 — Halong Bay to Hanoi

• Morning Tai Chi session on upper deck
• Breakfast with bay view
• Visit Thien Canh Son cave
• Relax on sundeck or cooking class for spring rolls
• Traditional Vietnamese family meal
• Disembark at Hon Gai Wharf and transfer to Hanoi

Top questions

Is this cruise suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Kids can ride in prams or strollers on board and there’s plenty of space to move around safely.

I’m vegetarian—are meal options available?

No problem at all. Just let us know when booking so we can prepare tasty vegetarian dishes for you.

How much physical activity is involved?

You’ll need to climb some steps at Thien Canh Son cave and getting in/out of kayaks or bamboo boats requires basic mobility—but most activities are relaxed and optional.

What should I bring for this trip?

A light jacket (it gets breezy), swimwear for kayaking/beach time, sunscreen, camera/phone charger—and maybe slippers for walking around deck.

What’s included

Your cabin with bay views is included along with all meals (buffet lunch, imperial dinner feast, breakfast), bottled water, transfers between Hanoi and Hon Gai Harbor, guided visits (Vung Vieng village by bamboo boat, Thien Canh Son cave), kayaking gear, sunset party snacks/drinks on deck—and even a spring roll cooking class. Just let us know if you have dietary needs!