Halong Bay & Bai Tu Long: Private Day Cruise, Kayak & Fishing Village

Summary

Halong bay day trip with kayak fishing village & limestone caves

You’ll drift through emerald waters past limestone islands on this private Halong Bay day cruise. Paddle your own kayak near Cua Van Floating Village, wander through cool chambers in Tien Ong Cave, and share fresh local lunch on deck with new friends or family. Expect small surprises — maybe laughter with your guide or the hush before sunset — that linger long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the silence. After Hanoi’s traffic, stepping onto our little boat in Halong Bay felt like someone turned down the world’s volume. The water was that sort of green you only see in postcards — except it was right under my feet. Our guide, Minh, handed me a cold bottle of water and grinned, “You’ll need this after kayaking.” He wasn’t wrong. I laughed, but honestly, my arms still remember that first stretch toward Cua Van Floating Village.

Paddling past those floating houses — some painted blue, some faded to wood — I caught a whiff of fish and something sweet from a cooking pot. Kids waved from their boats; one girl had a puppy that barked at us until her grandma shushed it with a smile. Minh told us about the families who’ve lived here for generations, their whole lives balanced on these gentle swells. It made me think about home in a weird way.

Tien Ong Cave was next. It’s cooler inside than you’d guess from the outside heat, and there’s this echo when you walk in — every footstep bounces off ancient rock. The stalagmites look almost soft in the dim light, like they might move if you blinked too long. Minh pointed out one that’s supposed to look like a turtle; I squinted but mostly just saw… rock. He laughed at my face and said “Maybe after lunch.”

Bai Tu Long Bay was quieter than Halong proper — fewer boats, more sky somehow. We drifted for a while and ate lunch on deck: fresh fish (still thinking about that ginger sauce), rice, vegetables I can’t name but loved anyway. There was tea at sunset too, though honestly by then I was just watching the light change on the water and trying not to forget any of it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Halong Bay and Surroundings

• Visit Cua Van fishing village
• Explore Tien Ong Cave
• Discover Bai Tu Long Bay
• Cruise through Ha Long Bay

Top questions

How long does the Halong Bay private day cruise last?

The tour is a full-day trip with pickup from Hanoi and return in the evening.

Is kayaking included in this Halong Bay day trip?

Yes, kayaking or bamboo boat is included as part of your experience near Cua Van Floating Village.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

Yes, lunch is served onboard featuring fresh local dishes.

What are the main stops on this cruise?

You’ll visit Cua Van Floating Village, Tien Ong Cave, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Halong Bay itself.

Is hotel pickup included from Hanoi?

Yes, luxury limousine transfer service from Hanoi is included in your booking.

Can infants join this Halong Bay private tour?

Infants are welcome; they must sit on an adult’s lap and specialized infant seats are available.

Is this cruise suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; kayaking is optional.

What’s included

Your day includes luxury limousine pickup from Hanoi, an English-speaking local guide throughout the journey, kayaking or bamboo boat time near Cua Van Floating Village, entry to Tien Ong Cave and Bai Tu Long Bay explorations, two bottles of water per person to keep you cool under the sun, a fresh Vietnamese lunch served onboard (with plenty of rice and seafood), plus sunset tea before heading back to shore.