Ha Long Bay: 3-Day Au Co Cruise with Viet Hai Village & Caves

Summary

Cycle Cat Ba’s quiet lanes, float by Cua Van’s houses, taste the salt air and watch the light shift across Ha Long’s limestone towers

You’ll cycle or ride through peaceful Viet Hai village on Cat Ba Island, kayak beneath limestone cliffs at Trinh Nu Beach, visit Cua Van Floating Village by boat, and explore Sung Sot Cave’s vast chambers. All meals are included along with round-trip transfer from Hanoi — expect small moments of connection and plenty of time just watching the light shift across Ha Long Bay.

What’s the experience like?

We almost missed our pickup in Hanoi because I couldn’t find my passport — classic me. The driver waited, smiling like he’d seen this a hundred times (probably has). By the time we reached Tuan Chau harbor, I’d already spilled coffee on my shirt. But boarding The Au Co was so smooth it felt like a reset button. The crew handed us cold towels and that sweet welcome drink — tasted like lemongrass and lime. Our guide, Minh, had a way of making everyone relax; he joked about his “cruise legs” wobbling when he’s back on land.

The first evening we cycled through Viet Hai village on Cat Ba Island. I tried to say “xin chào” to an old man tending his chickens — he grinned and corrected my tone gently. There was this earthy smell from the rice paddies after rain, mixed with something floral I couldn’t place. At Bhaya Organic Farm, they let us taste tiny green mangoes straight from the tree (sour enough to make you squint). Minh talked about their conservation work — “Save the Langurs,” he said, pointing at a faded poster tacked to a fence. Felt good knowing our day trip from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay included these small connections.

Kayaking near Trinh Nu Beach was quieter than I expected — just the splash of paddles and cicadas somewhere in the trees. We drifted close to those karst cliffs, all pockmarked and streaked with orange lichen. Later at Cua Van Floating Village, kids waved from blue-painted boats; one girl stuck her tongue out when she caught me taking photos (fair enough). The water smelled briny but clean. Back onboard for sunset happy hour — I still think about that view, how everything turned gold for maybe ten minutes before dinner.

I skipped Tai Chi at sunrise (not a morning person), but did make it to Surprise Cave after breakfast. It’s massive inside — cool air and echoes everywhere. Minh showed us a rock shaped like a turtle; someone else said it looked like a shoe. Either way, it made us laugh. On the last morning as we disembarked, someone shouted “Hẹn Gặp Lại!” (“See you again!”) from the crew — not sure if they meant it just for us or everyone, but it stuck with me on the drive back to Hanoi.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay cruise

• Board The Au Co and visit cabin
• Safety briefing and meet crew
• Enjoy welcome drink
• Bike or buggy ride in Viet Hai village
• Visit Bhaya Organic Farm and Bhaya Cafe
• Watch sunset over Halong Bay
• Happy Hour with drinks

Day 2 — Explore Lan Ha Bay and floating village

• Kayak at Trinh Nu area
• Visit Cua Van Floating Village by boat
• Return to ship for leisure
• Relax in Jacuzzi onboard
• Happy Hour and snacks at Lan Ha bar
• Enjoy sunset over horizon

Day 3 — Morning activities and disembark

• Morning Tai Chi on sundeck
• Choose to explore Sung Sot Cave or Titov Island
• Disembark at Tuan Chau harbor

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Ha Long Bay cruise?

Yes, round-trip shared transfer from Hanoi is included if you select that option when booking.

What kind of food is served onboard?

Meals are fusion style: Vietnamese dishes, seafood, and some international options are served throughout the cruise.

Can I choose between cycling or riding in Viet Hai village?

Yes, you can either cycle or take an electric buggy through Viet Hai village during your excursion.

Are kayaks available for use during the cruise?

Yes, kayaking is included (subject to availability) at locations like Trinh Nu Beach and around Cua Van Floating Village.

Is WiFi available onboard The Au Co cruise ship?

WiFi is available free of charge on the terrace deck but may be interrupted due to signal limitations at sea.

Do I need my passport for this tour?

A valid passport is required upon check-in; advance registration details must be provided before departure.

How many people are there per ship?

The Au Co ships each accommodate up to 64 passengers in private cabins with balconies.

Are special diets or allergies accommodated?

Please advise any dietary requirements or allergies at least one week before your cruise date so arrangements can be made.

What’s included

Your journey includes round-trip shared transfer from Hanoi (if selected), all meals onboard with free refill drinking water (alcoholic drinks extra), two nights in an air-conditioned en-suite cabin with private balcony, guided excursions including cycling or buggy rides in Viet Hai village on Cat Ba Island, kayaking (when available), visits to Bhaya Organic Farm and Cafe as well as Surprise Cave and Cua Van Floating Village by boat or kayak—plus daily happy hour snacks and friendly local guides throughout.