Ha Long & Lan Ha Bay Cruise: Balcony Cabin, Kayak & Cooking

Summary

Kayaking caves, tai chi at sunrise, local food on the bay

You’ll float between limestone islands in Ha Long & Lan Ha Bay, kayak through hidden lagoons, try your hand at Vietnamese cooking (and maybe squid fishing), and wake up to sunrise Tai Chi on deck. There’s time for quiet moments too — watching mist drift over the water or tasting fresh seafood as you glide past ancient cliffs.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely stepped onto the boat in Ha Long Bay when our guide, Minh, handed us a cold welcome drink and grinned, “Don’t worry, you’ll remember this view.” He was right. The air smelled like salt and something green — maybe the seaweed? — and the limestone islands looked almost fake in that midday haze. I tried to say “Xin chào” back to Minh but probably butchered it; he just laughed and waved us toward our cabin. The balcony was tiny but perfect for watching the water slip by. I could hear distant boat engines and someone’s radio playing an old ballad in Vietnamese — it felt oddly comforting.

Lunch came fast (I lost track of time after Hanoi’s early pickup), with steaming bowls of fish soup and rice that tasted better than anything I’d had on land so far. Afterward, we paddled out in kayaks near Luon Cave. The cave itself was smaller than I expected — dark at first, then suddenly opening up into this silent lagoon where even the birds seemed to pause. My arms ached but I didn’t care; Minh pointed out a monkey high up on the rocks. Later, on Titop Island, some folks climbed for photos but I just sat on the sand with my feet in the water until the sun started dipping orange behind those jagged cliffs.

That evening there was a cooking class — spring rolls with too much chili (my fault). Our chef teased me about my rolling technique (“You make baby roll!”), and everyone laughed when my wrapper tore open. After dinner I tried squid fishing off the back of the boat under weak yellow lights. Didn’t catch anything but got ink on my hands anyway. The bay was so quiet at night except for little splashes from somewhere out in the dark.

The next morning started early with Tai Chi on deck as mist curled around Lan Ha Bay’s karsts. My balance is terrible but it didn’t matter; even standing there half-awake with coffee in hand felt good. We took a bamboo boat into Dark & Bright Cave — cool air inside, echoing voices bouncing off stone walls. Back onboard for brunch as we cruised past Da Chong Islet, I watched fishing boats heading home and thought about how different this place feels from anywhere else I’ve been. Hard to explain why — maybe it’s just being surrounded by all that water and sky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Ha Long Bay cruise activities

• Pick up at hotel in Hanoi
• Drive to Ha Long Bay
• Board cruise and check in cabin
• Welcome drink and cruise briefing
• Lunch while cruising past islets
• Kayak around Luon Cave
• Visit Titop Island
• Sunbathe, swim, or climb island peak
• Cooking class demonstration
• Dinner on board
• Squid fishing at night
• Overnight on cruise

Day 2 — Ha Long Bay cave visit and return

• Tai Chi on sun deck
• Light breakfast on board
• Visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave
• Return to boat and pack luggage
• Brunch on board
• Relax on sundeck
• Disembark at Halong harbour
• Drive back to Hanoi

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay?

The drive from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay takes about 2.5 hours each way with a refreshment stop included.

Is hotel pickup included for this cruise?

Yes, hotel pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter is included before transfer to Ha Long Port.

What activities are available on board?

You can join kayaking, swimming, sunbathing, cooking class, Tai Chi session at sunrise, squid fishing at night, and enjoy sunset parties.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

Yes, lunch, dinner, breakfast and brunch are served onboard featuring Vietnamese and Asian dishes.

Do cabins have private balconies?

Yes, each cabin includes a private balcony with ocean views.

Can vegetarians be accommodated?

Vegetarian options are available if requested when booking.

What caves will we visit?

You’ll visit Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) in Ha Long Bay or Dark & Bright Cave in Lan Ha Bay depending on your chosen route.

Is Wi-Fi available on board?

Wi-Fi is available in your cabin throughout the cruise.

Are children allowed on this cruise?

Yes—children under 4 stay free sharing with parents; child rates apply for ages 4-9; above 10 is adult rate.

What’s included

Your trip includes hotel pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter, entry fees for all attractions like Sung Sot or Dark & Bright Cave depending on route chosen, all meals onboard (breakfasts, lunches and dinners), a private balcony cabin with ocean view and ensuite bathroom plus air-conditioning and Wi-Fi access. You’ll also get guided kayaking sessions or bamboo boat rides through caves, Tai Chi classes at sunrise, Vietnamese cooking classes each evening (with ingredients provided), sunset parties with local wine and fruit tasting sessions on deck as well as all equipment needed for squid fishing at night before returning comfortably to Hanoi after disembarking.