Halong Bay 3-Day Cruise: Caves, Kayaking & Private Cabin

Summary

Kayak hidden lagoons, taste fresh seafood and sleep to the bay’s hush

You’ll drift through Halong Bay’s limestone maze by luxury cruise, kayak silent coves, visit floating villages, and wake up to sunrise views from your private cabin. Try your hand at Vietnamese cooking or night squid fishing — or just let yourself be carried along by the rhythm of the bay.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the boat at Ha Long port just after noon — I remember the air was heavy with salt and something sweet from the welcome drink. Our guide, Minh, grinned as he handed us cold towels (needed that). The limestone islands started sliding past almost right away. Lunch was served as we cruised deeper into Bai Tu Long Bay — I tried squid for the first time; it was softer than I expected. The view outside kept distracting me from my plate. Later, Minh led us out kayaking around these quiet corners where even our paddles sounded loud. At one point, a fisherman in a blue cap waved from his bamboo boat. I still think about that silence on the water.

The second morning felt slower — maybe because of the sunrise over Lan Ha Bay or maybe because I’d finally slept well in that cabin with its little balcony. Breakfast was strong coffee and bánh mì while some folks did tai chi on deck (I watched, not gonna lie). We cycled through Viet Hai Village later; an old woman smiled at me when I nearly fell off my bike dodging chickens. There was a cooking class back on board — I tried rolling spring rolls but mine looked like tiny pillows. Dinner was mostly seafood again (the prawns were my favorite), and after dark Minh showed us how to fish for squid off the back of the boat. Didn’t catch anything but laughed a lot.

On our last day we glided into Surprise Cave — cool inside, echoey with dripping water and everyone’s footsteps. The rock formations looked like animals if you squinted (Minh pointed out one shaped like an elephant; maybe?). After brunch we lounged on deck as the boat turned slowly back toward port — sun on my face and wind that smelled faintly of seaweed. It’s strange how quickly three days can pass when you’re just floating between sky and water like that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Bay and Cruise Activities

• Pick up from Hanoi hotel
• Drive to Ha Long with break
• Arrive port and welcome drink
• Lunch on cruise cruising bay
• Relax or kayak 60 minutes
• Explore by tender boat
• Join cooking demonstration
• Enjoy seafood dinner
• Leisure time or squid fishing
• Overnight on cruise

Day 2 — Bay Exploration and Village Visits

• Breakfast with bay views
• Transfer to smaller day boat
• Visit fishing village by bamboo boat
• Explore pearl farm or village
• Lunch on board
• Kayaking and swimming
• Return to main boat
• Sunset party on sundeck
• Dinner on cruise
• Evening games or squid fishing
• Overnight on cruise

Day 3 — Morning Cave Visit and Return

• Breakfast and sunrise views
• Visit cave by boat or kayak
• Return to cruise and relax
• Cooking class demonstration
• Early lunch on board
• Disembark at port
• Transfer back to Hanoi
• End of tour

Top questions

Is hotel pickup from Hanoi included in this Halong Bay cruise?

Yes, pickup from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter is included before driving to Ha Long port.

Are all meals provided during the 3-day Halong Bay cruise?

Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included each day onboard with Vietnamese and Western options.

What activities are available during this Halong Bay cruise?

You can kayak, swim, cycle in Viet Hai Village (Lan Ha route), join cooking classes, go squid fishing at night, visit caves and floating villages.

Do cabins have private balconies on this cruise?

Yes, cabins feature private balconies with ocean views for most routes offered.

Can vegetarians or those with dietary needs be accommodated?

Vegetarian meals are available if requested when booking; other dietary needs can also be arranged in advance.

How long is the drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay port?

The drive takes about 3–4 hours each way depending on traffic and stops for refreshments.

Is there free time during the cruise or is everything scheduled?

You’ll have both guided activities and downtime to relax on deck or in your cabin as you wish.

Are children allowed on this Halong Bay cruise?

Yes—children under 4 stay free sharing a cabin with parents; child rates apply for ages 5–9; over 10 is adult rate.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter to Ha Long port and back again at trip’s end. You’ll get all entrance fees covered for caves and islands along the way plus every meal onboard—Vietnamese specialties with vegetarian options if needed—served fresh daily. Your private balcony cabin comes with air conditioning and ensuite bath; towels are always ready after kayaking or swimming stops. Activities like cycling in Viet Hai Village (on Lan Ha route), cooking demonstrations, tai chi sessions at sunrise, bamboo boat rides with locals, sunset parties on deck, squid fishing gear at night—all are part of what’s waiting for you out there among those islands.