Halong Bay & Cat Ba: 3-Day Cruise, Kayak & Village Bike Tour

Summary

Halong Bay and Cat Ba cruise with kayaking, cycling and local food

You’ll wake up to sunrise over Halong Bay, kayak beneath towering limestone cliffs, cycle through quiet villages on Cat Ba Island, and share laughs with locals over fresh meals. With all activities included—from Tai Chi at dawn to BBQ lunch on deck—you’ll get just enough adventure mixed with slow moments you might remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely stepped onto the Mon Chéri when a crew member handed me a cold towel and grinned—his name was Tuan, I think. He asked where we were from, then showed us how to say “xin chào” properly (I still don’t think I got it right). The boat had this faint scent of lemongrass and wood polish, and as we set off from Hai Phong toward Halong Bay, I could hear the soft clink of glasses in the restaurant behind us. Lunch was already being set out—something fragrant with ginger—and outside the windows, those green karsts started rising out of the water like old stories.

The first afternoon was a blur of light bouncing off water. We kayaked near Light and Dark Cave—honestly, my arms are still sore thinking about it—and at one point our guide Linh pointed out a kingfisher darting between rocks. Later, swimming off the side of the boat felt surreal; the water was cool but not cold. There was this moment at sunset when everyone just stopped talking for a minute. The sky went gold over Lan Ha Bay and you could hear nothing but distant laughter from another boat. That stuck with me.

Next morning came early (too early?), but I dragged myself up for Tai Chi on the deck. The instructor moved so slowly it almost made me laugh—my own arms flailed in comparison—but the sun coming up over Cat Ba Island made it worth it. After breakfast (the coffee’s actually good), we biked through Viet Hai village past rice paddies where an old woman waved at us with both hands. Linh told us she’s lived there her whole life. We tried some homemade rice wine that nearly knocked me sideways—Li laughed when I tried to say thank you in Vietnamese.

By day three I’d lost track of time. There was a cave on Cat Ba that looked like something out of a movie—stalactites everywhere, damp air that smelled like earth after rain. Brunch back on board was quieter than before; maybe everyone was tired or just didn’t want it to end yet. Packing up felt strange after two nights floating between sea and sky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay

• Hotel pick up in Hanoi (9:00-9:30)
• Arrive Mon Chéri waiting hall (12:00)
• Embark Mon Chéri Cruises (12:30)
• Lunch on board while cruising
• Kayak or bamboo boat at Light and Dark Cave (15:30)
• Swim near the ship
• Sunset party on board (17:30)
• Cooking demonstration (18:30)
• Dinner on board (19:00)
• Evening activities: music, squid fishing, movie
• Overnight on board

Day 2 — Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island

• Sunrise or Tai Chi on top deck (6:15)
• Buffet breakfast (7:00)
• Transfer to day boat to Viet Hai Village (7:40)
• Biking or electric car tour in village
• Trekking and cave exploration
• BBQ lunch on day boat (12:00)
• Kayaking and swimming at Van Boi Bay (14:00)
• Return to Mon Chéri Cruises (16:00)
• Sunset party on board
• Dinner on board (19:15)
• Evening activities: music, squid fishing, movie
• Overnight on board

Day 3 — Lan Ha Bay to Hanoi

• Sunrise or Tai Chi on top deck (6:00)
• Buffet breakfast (7:00-8:30)
• Bus visit to Cat Ba National Park cave (8:20)
• Return to boat and check out cabin (9:30)
• Brunch on board while sailing back
• Check out boat and return to port (11:30)
• Optional transfer to Hanoi (14:30)

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Halong Bay & Cat Ba cruise?

Pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter is available if you book the limousine transfer option; otherwise, meet at Got Pier in Hai Phong.

What activities are included during the 3-day cruise?

You’ll kayak near caves, swim in Lan Ha Bay, bike or take an electric car through Viet Hai village, trek into a cave on Cat Ba Island, join Tai Chi classes, attend cooking demos, and try squid fishing at night.

Are meals provided on board?

Yes—all meals are included: buffet breakfasts, BBQ lunch on day two, dinners in the restaurant, plus brunch before disembarking.

Is halal food available during this tour?

Yes—Mon Chéri Cruises is certified to serve halal food with verified ingredients and chef training.

Can I join if I have limited fitness?

The tour suits all fitness levels; biking can be swapped for an electric car ride in Viet Hai village if preferred.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Got Pier (#3 Got Pier), Cat Hai District in Hai Phong city.

How many nights do we sleep onboard?

You’ll spend two nights onboard Mon Chéri Cruises in an Ocean Suite Balcony cabin.

Are drinks included?

Bottled water is included; other drinks are available for purchase at the bar.

What’s included

Your trip includes hotel pickup if booked (or meeting at Got Pier), all entry fees and taxes, bottled water throughout your journey, accommodation for two nights in an ocean-view suite with private balcony aboard Mon Chéri Cruises, all guided activities (kayaking, biking or electric car ride through Viet Hai village), daily Tai Chi class on deck at sunrise, cooking demonstration onboard plus every meal—including a BBQ lunch—with halal options available by request before returning to port.