Ha Long Bay 2-Day Cruise: Kayak, Cave & Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.86 (620 reviews) 91% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/16

Duration2d

GroupUp to 28

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

Kayak limestone cliffs, cook Vietnamese spring rolls, sleep on the water

You’ll wake up surrounded by Ha Long Bay’s limestone peaks, kayak near hidden pearl farms, wander through Sung Sot Cave with a local guide, and end your day sharing barbecue under starlight on deck. With hotel pickup from Hanoi included and only a handful of cabins onboard, this cruise feels personal — like you’re part of a small adventure rather than just another tour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Halong Bay and Titop Island

Pick up at Hanoi Old Quarter hotel
Travel to Halong Bay by Expressway
Short break on the way
Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor
Welcome drink and cruise introduction
Check-in to air-conditioned cabin
Lunch with Vietnamese dishes on cruise
Visit Sung Sot Cave
Visit Titop Island and swim
Return to cruise and relax on sundeck
Sunset party and cooking class
Barbecue dinner with sea view
Herbal foot bath after dinner
Squid fishing, karaoke, or relax

Day 2 — Halong Bay Kayaking and Return to Hanoi

Wake up early to see sunrise
Buffet breakfast on sundeck
Visit Halong Bay pearl farm
Kayaking in Halong Bay
Check-out and cruise on bay
Lunch while cruising to harbor
Disembark at Tuan Chau Harbor
Return to Hanoi by Expressway
Short break on the way
Arrive at Hanoi Old Quarter hotel

The Experience

Ever wondered what it’s like to wake up floating in Ha Long Bay? I didn’t really expect the silence — just the soft slap of water against the hull and a weirdly comforting smell of salt and coffee mixing on the sundeck. Our guide, Minh, had already set out tea by the time I shuffled up in my slippers (which I probably shouldn’t have worn outside, but no one seemed to care). We’d left Hanoi Old Quarter early — too early for my taste — but by lunch we were drifting past those wild limestone cliffs that look fake in photos. They’re not.

The first afternoon was a blur of caves and laughter. Sung Sot Cave was bigger than I thought — cool air, echoes everywhere, and Minh telling stories about dragons and fishermen while someone’s kid kept pointing at rock shapes (“That one’s a turtle!”). Later we climbed up Titop Island for the view (my legs still ache thinking about those stairs) or you could just swim if you felt lazy. The sand stuck to my feet for hours after but honestly, I didn’t mind.

Dinner was barbecue by these big windows looking out over dark water. There was a cooking class too — I tried making noodle rolls but mine fell apart before I could even dip them in sauce. Li laughed when I tried to say “phở cuốn” in Vietnamese; probably butchered it. Karaoke got loud after that (someone did an ABBA song), but you could also just sneak away to the top deck with your drink and watch the fishing boats blink across the bay. That part felt almost private.

Next morning, sunrise hit different out here. After breakfast (lots of fruit, strong coffee), we visited a pearl farm — turns out it takes years to grow one pearl, which made me rethink every necklace I’ve ever seen. Kayaking was my favorite though: paddling close enough to touch those green cliffs, water dripping off the paddle and everything quiet except for some distant voices from another boat. Then it was time to head back toward Hanoi, tired but kind of wishing we had one more night.

What’s included

Your journey includes round-trip hotel pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter by expressway shuttle bus, sightseeing tickets for all stops like Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island, an English-speaking local guide throughout the cruise, overnight accommodation in an air-conditioned cabin with private shower, all main meals including barbecue dinner and buffet breakfast onboard (plus a cooking class), kayaking equipment for exploring Ha Long Bay’s waters yourself—and even little things like welcome drinks and bottled water along the way before returning comfortably to Hanoi.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Cozy Bay Cruise

Is this one for you?Kayaking, cave exploration, and island visits all happen on this overnight cruise—your meals and transport are handled, and the small cabin count means you won't feel crowded.