Halong & Bai Tu Long Bay: Small Boat Cruise with Kayaking & Cooking

Summary

Quiet limestone bays, local cooking and real calm on the water

You’ll float through Bai Tu Long Bay’s quieter waters on a small boat cruise from Halong, kayak around Cap La Island’s limestone cliffs, explore Thien Canh Son Cave with a local guide, and try your hand at Vietnamese spring rolls before heading back to Hanoi. It’s peaceful in ways you don’t expect until you’re really there.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed as we left Hanoi was how quickly the city noise faded behind us. Our guide, Minh, kept making jokes about karaoke buses (thankfully ours was quiet) while we rolled past rice fields and those weirdly huge billboards. By the time we reached Halong, I’d already lost track of what day it was — in a good way. Stepping onto the boat felt like walking into a movie set: polished wood everywhere, that faint lemony scent from the welcome towels, and staff who seemed to know exactly when you needed a drink or just some space.

Lunch came fast — all these little dishes I couldn’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say “nem cuon” in Vietnamese; pretty sure I butchered it). We drifted deeper into Bai Tu Long Bay while everyone got quiet for a bit, just staring at those limestone islands. The water looked almost fake, this milky green that kept changing as clouds passed over. Kayaking at Cap La Island was my favorite part — paddling close enough to touch the rock walls, hearing only our splashes and sometimes a bird calling out somewhere high up. I didn’t expect how peaceful it would feel out there, away from the bigger Halong Bay crowds.

That evening there was a sunset “party” but honestly it was more like people trading stories over fruit and beer while the sky went pink behind the cliffs. Some folks tried squid fishing off the back; I mostly watched and laughed when someone nearly fell in (he didn’t). My cabin had this tiny balcony where you could just sit with tea and listen to nothing but water lapping against the hull. Not sure why that sticks with me so much.

Woke up early for Tai Chi on the sundeck — not my usual thing but Minh made it less intimidating by messing up half the moves himself. After breakfast (Western-style but with strong Vietnamese coffee), we explored Thien Canh Son Cave. Cool inside, damp stone under your hands, sunlight catching on weird stalactites shaped like animals if you squint right. On Hon Co Island’s beach I found myself just digging toes into sand while everyone else took photos — sometimes you just want to sit still for a second.

Before heading back toward Hanoi there was this quick cooking demo where we tried rolling spring rolls tighter than chef Ramsay apparently does (I failed miserably). It all ended too soon; one minute you’re floating in silence between karsts, next you’re dodging scooters again in Hanoi traffic. Still think about that view from my balcony sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel and cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay

• Pick up from Hanoi meeting point
• Travel highway to Halong with break
• Welcome drink and safety briefing
• Check in cabin and lunch on board
• Kayak at Cap La Island
• Return to boat for sunset party
• Dinner on board
• Evening leisure activities

Day 2 — Explore caves and return to Hanoi

• Morning Tai Chi and breakfast
• Visit Thien Canh Son Cave and beach
• Freshen up and pack
• Vietnamese cooking demonstration
• Lunch on board
• Return to harbor and disembark
• Transport back to Hanoi
• Arrive in Hanoi and trip ends

Top questions

How long does the Halong & Bai Tu Long Bay cruise take?

The tour is 2 days and 1 night including travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay and back.

Is hotel pickup included for this cruise?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or meeting point in Hanoi is included with an air-conditioned bus or limousine.

What activities are offered during the cruise?

You can kayak at Cap La Island, swim, join Tai Chi on deck, try squid fishing at night, play board games, and participate in a Vietnamese cooking class.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

All meals are included: two lunches, one dinner, one breakfast plus snacks at sunset party.

Is this cruise suitable for families or kids?

Yes—children can join and infants can ride in prams or sit on an adult’s lap during transfers.

Do cabins have private balconies?

The deluxe seaview cabins offer small private balconies for guests to relax and enjoy views.

What is special about Bai Tu Long Bay compared to Halong Bay?

Bai Tu Long Bay is less crowded than Halong Bay but has equally dramatic landscapes and quieter waters.

Can solo travelers book this cruise?

Yes—solo travelers are welcome but there is an extra surcharge for single occupancy cabins.

What’s included

Your journey includes round-trip pickup from Hanoi by modern bus or limousine; all meals aboard (two lunches, one dinner, one breakfast); kayaking at Cap La Island; swimming; Tai Chi session; sunset party; squid fishing; board games; guided visit to Thien Canh Son Cave; hands-on Vietnamese cooking class; deluxe seaview cabin with private balcony; English-speaking guide throughout; welcome drink and cold towel upon boarding before returning comfortably back to Hanoi in the afternoon.