2-Day Ha Long Bay Kayaking & Cooking: Cruise with Balcony Cabin

Paddle into limestone caves, then cook dinner with the ship's chef

A 2-day cruise through Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay with kayaking around caves, a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, squid fishing and overnight in a private cabin with ocean views. You pick which bay to explore, and the route adapts to tide and weather. Pickup from Hanoi or Ninh Binh is included. An English-speaking guide travels with you.

Options for this experience

3 options

From US$ 180 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Lan Ha 5-star cruise and balcony 08:00 Guide in English Private balcony cabin with an open view, featuring full luxury furnishings and amenities, a private balcony with a view, a bathtub or shower, and a fully equipped bathroom. Local activities include Da Chong Islet, Duck Islet, kayaking, squid fishing, swimming, a sunset party, Dark and Bright Caves, a cooking class, and tai chi. Onboard activities included: squid fishing, a sunset party, a cooking class, and tai chi in the morning. Duration: 2 days, a 2-day Halong-Lan Ha Bay discovery on a 5-star cruise with a private balcony cabin. Meals and welcome drink: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner, plus 2 bottles of mineral water in the room. Buffet and set menu service, with vegetarian options included. 2-day Lan Ha Bay discovery on a luxury 5-star cruise with a private balcony cabin and ocean view, including swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Limousine bus transfer: pickup and drop-off depending on client request, with a 2.5-hour highway transfer. Top service: the best service, personal care, and many fun activities.

Ha Long 5-star cruise with balcony 08:00 Guide in English Private balcony cabin on a 5-star cruise with full luxury furnishings, an ocean-view private balcony, a private bathroom, and all luxury amenities. Local activities include visiting Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave by kayak or bamboo boat, a cooking class, squid fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Onboard activities included: squid fishing, a sunset party, a cooking class, and tai chi in the morning. Duration: 2 days, a 2-day 5-star cruise with a private balcony cabin, visiting Sung Sot Cave, kayaking to Luon Cave, Titop Island, and swimming on the beach. Set menu meals and welcome drink: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner, plus a welcome drink and 2 bottles of mineral water in the room. 2-day 5-star cruise service: 5-star cruise and private balcony cabin, swimming, caves, kayaking, tai chi, a cooking class, and fishing. Transfer by luxury limousine: pickup and drop-off depending on client request, with a 2.5-hour highway transfer. 5-star cruise service: top-level service with many fun activities and visits to Halong Bay's famous destinations.

Ha Long Bay 5-star cruise Available from 1 Dec · 08:00 Guide in English Private balcony cabin with an ocean view on a 5-star cruise. The room is luxurious, offers amenities, and gives views across all of Halong Bay. Local activities include visiting Thien Canh Son Cave, exploring Cong Do, kayaking in the Cap La area, sunbathing, swimming, a cooking demonstration class, and squid fishing. Onboard activities include a cooking class, a tai chi class, squid fishing, a sunset party, happy hour, a visit to Vung Vieng Village, swimming, and kayaking. Duration: 2 days, covering a 2-day Bai Tu Long Bay stay on a luxury 5-star cruise with a private balcony, plus discovery of all Halong Bay destinations. Meals and welcome drink: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner, plus a welcome drink and 2 bottles of mineral water in the room. A less-touristy 2-day tour that explores the beautiful Bai Tu Long destination with many activities, including swimming, kayaking, and Vung Vieng Village. Transfer: pickup and drop-off between Hanoi, Halong, and Hanoi on request, starting from the point of departure. Best service: we deliver outstanding service and personal care at every step, along with genuine service and many activities during the trip.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay Cruise

• Pick up from Hanoi hotel
• Transfer to Ha Long Bay
• Board cruise and check in cabin
• Welcome drink and cruise briefing
• Lunch while cruising past islets
• Kayaking around Luon Cave
• Visit Titop Island for activities
• Cooking class demonstration
• Dinner on board
• Squid fishing at night
• Overnight on cruise

Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cave Visit and Return

• Tai Chi class on sundeck
• Light breakfast on board
• Visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave
• Freshen up and pack cabin
• Brunch served on board
• Relax on sundeck enjoying scenery
• Disembark at Ha Long International harbour
• Transfer back to Hanoi
• Drop off at Hanoi Old Quarter

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transfer from Hanoi or Ninh Binh.
• overnight in a private double or twin cabin with balcony and ocean views, air conditioning and hot water.
• all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch).
• kayaking around caves and islets, or local rowing boat rides depending on tide.
• entrance fees to all caves and attractions.
• Vietnamese cooking class demonstration.
• squid fishing at night.
• Tai Chi class at sunrise.
• welcome drink.
• sunset party with wine and fresh fruit.
• English-speaking guide throughout.
• 24-hour room service.
• all onboard activities.

Times

• Every day 08:00

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Before you book

Group Up to 60

Live guide English Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to 10h before

Ages Adult (9 and older) · Child (4 to 8 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Wheelchair accessible Accessible transport Stroller-friendly Infant seats available Public transport nearby

Operated by Ha Long Bay Lux Cruises

Prices and times updated yesterday

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The experience

The day starts with a pickup from your hotel in Hanoi or Ninh Binh and a drive to the port (about two and a half hours). You board around noon, check into your private cabin, and the cruise departs with a welcome drink and safety briefing. Lunch arrives while you're moving through the limestone landscape, and by mid-afternoon you're in a kayak or a local rowing boat exploring the caves and islets. On the Ha Long route, that means paddling into Luon Cave and swimming at Titop Island; on the Lan Ha route, you might kayak to Ba Trai Dao Beach or visit the Dark and Bright Cave system; on Bai Tu Long, you explore the quieter waters around Cong Do and Cap La. The choice depends on tide and conditions, and your guide explains what's possible when you board.

Evening brings the cooking class: the ship's chef demonstrates how to prepare a Vietnamese dish in the dining room, walking you through the ingredients and technique. You then eat what was made, along with a full menu of Vietnamese and Asian dishes. After dinner, you can join the squid fishing from the deck, relax at the bar, or watch the sunset from the sundeck. The cabin has air conditioning, a private bathroom with hot water, and a balcony facing the bay.

Day two starts early with an optional Tai Chi class on the sundeck at sunrise, followed by breakfast. Depending on your route, you visit Sung Sot Cave (the largest in Ha Long, with three chambers and dramatic rock formations), or return to Dark and Bright Cave, or explore Thien Canh Son Cave in Bai Tu Long. After the cave visit you pack, have brunch on board, and disembark by late morning. The drive back to Hanoi takes about three hours. If you're heading to Ninh Binh instead, let the operator know when you book and they'll arrange that drop-off.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 8 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I choose which bay I want to kayak in?

Yes. You pick one of four routes at checkout: Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, or a full Ha Long day cruise. Each has different caves, islands and activities, and the operator will tell you which one suits your interests.

What happens if the weather is bad or the tide is wrong?

The itinerary changes based on tide levels and weather conditions. Your guide will explain what's possible when you board and adjust the kayaking and cave visits accordingly. Some caves are only accessible at certain tides.

Is the cooking class a hands-on lesson or a demonstration?

The chef demonstrates how to prepare a Vietnamese dish in the dining room, explaining the ingredients and process. You watch, learn what goes into it, and then eat the meal together with the rest of the guests.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

The cruise includes all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch), the cabin, kayaking and boat activities, entrance fees to caves, the cooking demonstration, squid fishing, Tai Chi class, welcome drink, sunset party, and the English-speaking guide. Drinks at the bar and other services beyond what's listed cost extra.

Do I need to arrange my own transport from Hanoi to the port?

No. Hotel pickup in Hanoi Old Quarter or Ninh Binh is included in the price. The driver collects you at a set time and takes you to the port. The return trip to Hanoi (or Ninh Binh if you request it) is also included.