Ha Long & Bai Tu Long Bay: 2-Day Cruise with Cave & Kayak

Summary

Quiet limestone bays kayaking thien canh son cave sunset dinners from hanoi

You’ll glide through Bai Tu Long Bay’s quieter waters by kayak, swim near Cap La Island, taste home-cooked Vietnamese meals on deck, and explore Thien Canh Son Cave’s secret chambers — all with pickup from Hanoi and a local guide who makes every moment feel easygoing.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed when we got to Bai Tu Long Bay was how quiet it felt compared to the stories I’d heard about Ha Long. Our guide Linh met us at the port — she had this way of making everyone relax, even though we’d all just tumbled off a four-hour drive from Hanoi. The boat itself was simple but comfortable, and after a quick safety chat (I zoned out for a second watching the water), we checked into our cabin. Lunch came right as we started moving — fish with ginger and something green I couldn’t name, but it tasted fresh and a little sweet. The limestone islands slid by outside the window while we ate. I kept thinking: this is real, not just postcard stuff.

Later that afternoon, we stopped near Cap La Island for kayaking. Paddling through those karsts — honestly, I kept bumping my paddle against the rock because I was too busy staring up at them. The water was cool but not cold, and there was this faint salty smell mixed with something almost floral coming off the trees clinging to the cliffs. Some folks swam; I just drifted for a bit and listened to nothing but water lapping against my kayak. Back on board, Linh handed around little cups of tea as the sun started to drop behind the rocks. That orange-pink light on the bay — hard to describe without sounding cheesy.

Dinner was a blur of dishes (I lost count), but what stuck with me was everyone laughing over trying to pronounce “nem cuon” before Linh showed us how to roll them properly in rice paper. Someone tried squid fishing off the side later; I didn’t catch anything except cold fingers. But sitting there under all those stars — you know how sometimes you forget what real darkness feels like? It’s different out here.

The next morning came early with Tai Chi on deck (I mostly watched). Breakfast was strong coffee and warm bread while mist curled around the islands. Thien Canh Son Cave surprised me — you climb up these stone steps hidden in greenery, then suddenly you’re inside this echoing space full of strange shapes overhead. Cool air smelled faintly of earth and minerals. On our way back toward Ha Long port, there was a quick cooking demo (fruit carving is harder than it looks). By then it felt like everyone had loosened up; people swapped photos and stories like old friends.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel to Bai Tu Long Bay and kayak

• Pick up from Hanoi hotel
• Arrive at Ha Long cruise port lounge
• Welcome drink and safety briefing
• Check in cabin on boat
• Lunch while cruising to Bai Tu Long Bay
• Kayak at Cap La Island
• Swim and relax at kayaking area
• Sunset party on boat
• Dinner on board
• Evening games or squid fishing

Day 2 — Explore cave and cooking class

• Sunrise Tai-chi or morning bay view
• Breakfast on board
• Explore Thien Canh Son Cave
• Freshen up and pack
• Vietnamese cooking demonstration
• Lunch on board
• Return to Ha Long cruise port
• Bus transfer back to Hanoi
• End of service

Top questions

Is hotel pickup from Hanoi included in this Bai Tu Long Bay cruise?

Yes, round-trip shuttle bus transfer from your Hanoi hotel is included.

How many meals are provided during the 2-day cruise?

You get four meals: lunch and dinner on day one; breakfast and lunch on day two.

Is kayaking part of this Ha Long & Bai Tu Long Bay tour?

Yes, kayaking at Cap La Island is included in your itinerary.

Do you visit Thien Canh Son Cave on this cruise?

Yes, there’s a guided visit to Thien Canh Son Cave on day two.

Are vegetarian or special dietary options available?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested when booking.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult but families are welcome.

Can I try squid fishing during the cruise?

Yes, squid fishing is offered as an evening activity on board.

Are cabins private or shared?

You’ll have a deluxe sea-view room for two people per cabin.

What’s included

Your journey includes round-trip shuttle bus transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels, all sightseeing tickets including Thien Canh Son Cave entry fees, kayaking at Cap La Island, four Vietnamese meals served onboard (with vegetarian options if needed), a cooking class demonstration before lunch on day two, plus an English-speaking local guide throughout your time in Ha Long & Bai Tu Long Bay — so you don’t have to think about logistics or where to eat along the way.