Ha Long Bay: 2D1N Boutique Cruise with Kayak & Titop Island

Summary

Kayaking pearl farms cave walks sunset party on cozy cruise

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.

What’s the experience like?

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.

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

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included from Hanoi Old Quarter?

Yes, shuttle bus pickup from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter is included both ways.

Are meals provided during the Ha Long Bay cruise?

Yes, all main meals are included: lunch and dinner on day one, breakfast and lunch on day two.

Do I need kayaking experience for this tour?

No experience is needed; kayaking is suitable for beginners and equipment is provided.

Can children join this Ha Long Bay boutique cruise?

Yes, children are welcome; kids under 4 go free with parents, ages 5-8 get reduced rates.

What activities are there in the evening?

You can try squid fishing, karaoke, games or relax on the sundeck after dinner.

Is there Wi-Fi or phone signal on board?

This isn’t specified; expect limited connectivity as you cruise through Ha Long Bay.

Are cabins air-conditioned?

Yes, each deluxe cabin has air conditioning and private shower facilities.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The boat and transport are wheelchair accessible according to provided info.

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.