3-Day Halong Bay Cruise: Bai Tu Long, Lan Ha & Cat Ba Island

Summary

All-Inclusive Halong Bay Adventure: Caves, Kayaking & Local Villages

You’ll kayak under limestone arches, bike through Cat Ba villages, swim off hidden beaches and taste real Vietnamese cooking—all from your own comfy cabin on this three-day Halong Bay cruise.

What’s the experience like?

It’s early in Hanoi’s Old Quarter when our minibus pulls up—still a bit misty outside, the city just waking up. The drive out to Halong Bay is long enough to catch a nap or watch rice paddies flick past the window. By late morning, we’re at the harbor. There’s a salty tang in the air and a bit of bustle as porters load bags onto the boat. Once on board, I’m handed a cool welcome drink and shown to my cabin—compact but surprisingly cozy, with a big window for watching the water drift by.

Lunch is served as we set off—fresh spring rolls and grilled fish while limestone islands slide past outside. Our guide points out Fighting Cock Islet (looks just like it sounds) and shares stories about local fishermen. First stop: kayaking through Luon Cave or visiting a pearl farm. The water here is glassy; you can hear the dip of paddles echo off the rocks. Later, we pull up at Titop Island—some folks hike up for panoramic views (the steps are steep but worth it), others just flop onto the sand for a swim. Back on deck by sunset, there’s happy hour—buy two drinks, get one free—and everyone gathers on the sundeck as the sky turns pink over the bay.

Dinner is Vietnamese-style: lots of seafood, fragrant herbs, and rice. Afterward? You can try your hand at squid fishing off the back of the boat (it’s trickier than it looks), or just relax with music from the bar. The night is quiet except for gentle waves lapping against the hull.

The next morning starts early if you want—Tai Chi on deck as dawn breaks over misty islands. Breakfast is light but good: strong coffee, pastries, fruit. Depending on your route (Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long or Lan Ha), you’ll either head out to explore caves like Me Cung or Thien Canh Son (watch your step—the rocks can be slippery), kayak around hidden lagoons, or visit floating villages where locals still live and work on the water. On some routes we biked through Viet Hai village on Cat Ba Island—kids waved as we passed by their schoolyard and chickens darted across dusty paths.

Afternoons are for swimming off quiet beaches or just lounging in a deck chair with fresh fruit platters going around. There’s usually another cooking class before dinner—one night we learned to roll nem cuon (Vietnamese spring rolls). Evenings are relaxed: karaoke for those who dare, more squid fishing for night owls.

On our last day, after an early Tai Chi session and breakfast with local coffee (strong stuff!), we visited Surprise Cave—the biggest in Halong Bay—with its cool chambers and strange rock formations shaped over millions of years. There’s time for one last brunch as we cruise back toward Tuan Chau Marina. By mid-afternoon we’re back in Hanoi—tired but happy, still smelling faintly of sea air.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Bay Exploration

• Pick up guests in Hanoi Old Quarter
• Transfer to Halong Bay, check in cruise, lunch, visit Luon Cave or Pearl Farm
• Visit Titop Island for swimming or hiking
• Kayaking in caves and grottos
• Lan Ha Bay cruise with kayaking and swimming
• Bai Tu Long Bay cruise with kayaking at Cap La Island
• Lan Ha Bay and biking Cat Ba Island tour

Day 2 — Morning Activities and Village Visits

• Tai Chi, breakfast, dayboat tour, visit Tung Sau and Me Cung Cave
• Visit Me Cung Cave
• Lan Ha Bay biking and village tour
• Bai Tu Long Bay kayaking and village visit
• Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba biking with trekking and beach visit

Day 3 — Cave Visits and Departure

• Tai Chi, breakfast, visit Sung Sot Cave, check-out, brunch
• Visit Sung Sot Cave
• Lan Ha Bay morning activities and departure
• Bai Tu Long Bay morning, visit Thien Canh Son Cave, cooking demo, lunch
• Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island morning, biking and village visit, check-out

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with kids?

Yes! Kids love kayaking and swimming stops; infant seats are available too. Just let us know if you need anything special for little ones.

What should I pack for this cruise?

Bring light clothes for warm days, something warmer for evenings (it gets breezy), swimwear, sunscreen, comfy shoes for hiking caves/islands—and maybe a rain jacket just in case.

Are vegetarian or special diets catered for?

Absolutely! Just mention any dietary needs when booking—we had several veggie dishes at every meal.

How much physical activity is involved?

You can choose how active you want to be—kayaking and hiking are optional; there’s always time to relax onboard if you prefer.

Is Wi-Fi available on board?

Some boats offer Wi-Fi but it can be patchy out in the bay—it’s best to expect limited connection so you can really unplug!

What’s included

Your tour covers round-trip shuttle bus from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels to Halong Bay port; private en-suite cabin with toiletries; all meals onboard (including set menus with local specialties); guided kayaking trips; cave visits; Tai Chi classes; cooking demos; happy hour deals; biking tours (where available); plus insurance and an English-speaking guide throughout.