Ha Long & Lan Ha Bay: Overnight Cruise, Kayak & Cooking Class

Summary

Lan Ha Bay overnight cruise with kayaking, cooking and quiet sunrise

You’ll kayak through hidden caves in Lan Ha Bay, float quietly under limestone arches, learn to roll Vietnamese spring rolls during a fun cooking class, and wake up with Tai Chi on deck as mist rises over emerald water. With all meals included and hotel pickup from Hanoi, it’s an overnight escape that lingers long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

Li handed me a cup of hot tea as we boarded the tender—she smiled when I tried “xin chào” (I’m sure my accent was off). The boat had this gentle creak as we pushed away from the dock in Ha Long, and honestly, I felt a little nervous watching the city fade behind us. Our guide, Minh, started pointing out the limestone islands—some shaped like turtles or dragons if you squint. There was this salty breeze that clung to my skin and made everything feel softer somehow.

Lunch came fast—fish with ginger and something leafy that Minh called “rau muống.” Sitting by the window, I watched these tiny fishing boats drift past. Later in Lan Ha Bay, we kayaked into Dark and Bright Cave. It was quieter than I expected inside; just the sound of water tapping against stone and someone laughing behind me (probably at my paddling). The water was this weird emerald color that doesn’t look real in photos. We swam for a bit—cold at first but then perfect once you got used to it. Sunset came out of nowhere. Everyone just stopped talking for a minute to watch it burn over the bay.

I didn’t expect to enjoy the cooking class so much. Rolling spring rolls is trickier than it looks—mine sort of fell apart but Minh said “good effort!” After dinner there was squid fishing (I failed spectacularly) and karaoke echoing somewhere above deck. My room had a balcony where I sat for ages listening to night sounds—distant engines, soft voices from another boat, water slapping wood. The air smelled faintly of salt and rice.

The next morning came early with Tai Chi on the sundeck. I’m not exactly graceful at sunrise but there’s something about moving slowly while mist curls around those islands. Breakfast was light—strong coffee, fresh fruit—and then more kayaking near Tra Bau where they filmed part of Kong Skull Island (Minh seemed proud of that). Heading back toward Hanoi felt too soon; I still think about that quiet moment on the balcony when everything else faded out except for the bay itself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay

• Pick-up at hotel
• Transfer to main boat by tender
• Lunch onboard
• Visit Dark and Bright Cave
• Enjoy bamboo boat or swimming
• Watch sunset at Lan Ha Bay
• Join Vietnamese spring roll cooking class
• Dinner onboard
• Squid fishing or karaoke

Day 2 — Lan Ha Bay to Hanoi

• Sunrise Tai Chi on sundeck
• Light breakfast with tea and coffee
• Kayaking and swimming at Frog Pond or Tra Bau
• Return to boat and check-out
• Lunch onboard
• Return to harbor
• Arrive at Hanoi hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Ha Long & Lan Ha Bay cruise?

Yes, hotel pickup in Hanoi is available if you book transfer service.

What activities are included on this overnight cruise?

The tour includes kayaking, swimming, a cooking class for spring rolls, sunset viewing, Tai Chi lesson, squid fishing, and karaoke.

Are all meals provided during the cruise?

Yes, all meals are included: two lunches, one dinner, and one breakfast onboard.

Can I have a private balcony cabin?

Yes, cabins come with private balconies (Deluxe Balcony room).

Is this cruise suitable for people with limited fitness?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

Where does kayaking take place?

You’ll kayak in areas like Dark & Bright Cave on day one and Tra Bau or Frog Pond area on day two.

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

The transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter to Ha Long Bay takes about 3-4 hours each way.

Is squid fishing easy for beginners?

No experience needed—gear is provided and staff will help you try squid fishing after dinner.

What’s included

Your trip covers roundtrip hotel pickup from Hanoi (if selected), all entrance fees along Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays, every meal onboard including lunch on arrival day and before leaving, a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class with fresh ingredients, guided kayaking sessions through caves or past limestone islands, swimming stops in clear bay waters, a private balcony cabin for overnight comfort—and even chances to try Tai Chi or squid fishing if you’re feeling adventurous.