2-day kayaking in Lan Ha Bay with Aspira Cruise

Paddle Lan Ha Bay at dawn, then unwind in the Jacuzzi at sunset

A 2-day cruise from Hanoi through Ha Long Bay to Lan Ha Bay, the less-visited section, with kayaking, swimming and sightseeing included. You stay overnight in a private cabin with balcony, join a traditional cooking class on the boat, and paddle around limestone karsts at sunrise on day two. An English-speaking guide leads the trip. Transfer from Hanoi costs extra.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi to Halong and Lan Ha Bay

• Meet at Aspira lounge
• Start sailing from Tuan Chau Harbor
• Enjoy lunch on the boat
• Kayak or bamboo boat at Dark and Lights Cave
• Relax in Jacuzzi and watch sunset
• Attend traditional cooking class
• Optional massage or use fitness center
• Dinner on the cruise

Day 2: Lan Ha Bay to Hanoi

• Wake up early for Tai Chi or sunrise view
• Have light breakfast
• Explore Lan Ha Bay
• Kayak around Lan Ha Bay
• Return to boat and check out cabin
• Have brunch while sailing back
• Settle bill and disembark

The experience

The boat leaves Tuan Chau Harbor after you meet the crew at the Aspira lounge, then sails through Ha Long Bay toward Lan Ha. Lunch arrives while you're on deck watching the sea caves pass by. At Dark and Lights Cave, you kayak among the rock formations or ride a bamboo boat rowed by local people, your choice. Back on the Aspira Cruises, you watch the sunset from the upper deck, soak in the Jacuzzi, and join the complimentary happy hour at the bars. The fitness center stays open if you want it, positioned high enough to see the Gulf of Tonkin.

Evening brings a traditional cooking class taught by the crew in your cabin area, or you can book a massage with the cruise manager instead. Dinner is served at 7pm. You sleep in a spacious room with air-con, hot shower and a private balcony looking out over the water.

Day two starts before sunrise: join a Tai Chi class on the top deck or watch from the gym while the light breaks over the bay. Breakfast is at 7am. From 8 to 9am you have leisure time to kayak around Lan Ha Bay itself, the part most travelers skip. Then you return to the cabin, check out, and eat brunch while the boat sails back to the pier. The bill settles at the end.

What’s included

• Overnight cabin with private balcony, air-con and hot shower.
• breakfast and lunch on day one, brunch on day two, plus dinner.
• traditional cooking class on the boat.
• kayaking in Lan Ha Bay.
• Tai Chi class at sunrise.
• access to the fitness center and Jacuzzi.
• complimentary happy hour.
• English-speaking guide throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 26 Dec

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (10 to 80 years) · Child (6 to 9 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 44

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 41 pickup points.Operator's directions: “Lot 36, Tuan Chau Harbor, Ha Long, Quang Ninh (Aspira lounge)”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Vacation Indochina Travel

Is this one for you?Two days and one night lets you kayak twice (once at a sea cave on day one and again at sunrise in Lan Ha Bay on day two) without rushing the overnight rest. If you need to return to Hanoi the same day you arrive, this length won't work. A day trip from the city would suit better.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 9 years); Infant (under 6).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I kayak both days or just one?

Kayaking happens at Dark and Lights Cave on day one (your choice to paddle or take a bamboo boat), and again on day two during leisure time in Lan Ha Bay itself. You decide how much time you spend in the water each time.

What's included in the cooking class?

The traditional cooking class is taught by crew members on the boat and is included in the cruise price. It happens in the evening of day one. You can skip it and book a massage instead if you prefer.

Does the 2-day price cover the transfer from Hanoi?

The cruise price does not include transport from Hanoi to Halong. A limousine bus transfer both ways costs 35 USD extra and can be arranged when you book.

What time do we leave Hanoi and return?

You meet the crew at the Aspira lounge, then depart from Tuan Chau Harbor. Day two ends when the boat returns to the pier after brunch, around mid-morning, giving you the afternoon to travel back to Hanoi if needed.

Is Lan Ha Bay less crowded than Ha Long Bay?

Lan Ha Bay is the less-touristy section of the larger Ha Long area. The itinerary sails through Ha Long Bay on day one, then focuses on Lan Ha Bay on day two, where you have leisure time to kayak in a quieter part of the water.