Halong Bay Cruise: 2-Day Bhaya Tour with Caves & Cooking

Summary

Halong Bay overnight cruise caves, cooking class & local stories

You’ll drift through Halong Bay’s limestone peaks, step into ancient caves like Sung Sot with a local guide, try your hand at Vietnamese cooking on board, and wake up to misty sunrise views from your own cabin. From Tai Chi at dawn to quiet moments on deck after dinner, this tour leaves you with more than photos—it’s a feeling you’ll want to keep.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the shuttle from Hanoi because I misread the pickup time—classic me. Luckily, the driver waited (he just grinned and waved me in). The ride out to Halong was quiet, kind of sleepy, but when we finally boarded the Bhaya boat, everything felt different. There was this faint smell of lemongrass from somewhere in the kitchen and the water was so still it almost looked fake. Our guide, Minh, pointed out little fishing boats drifting by—he said his uncle used to work these waters. He told us that “Trinh Nu” means “Virgin Cave,” but I probably pronounced it wrong because he laughed and shook his head.

Inside Trinh Nu Cave it was cooler than I expected—almost damp on my skin—and there were these weirdly delicate stalactites that caught the light. I kept thinking about how long they must’ve taken to form. Back on board, we tried rolling fresh spring rolls in a cooking class (mine fell apart but tasted fine). Dinner felt like a small party—everyone swapping stories over grilled fish and rice wine. Later some folks tried squid fishing off the side; I just watched them under yellow deck lights while the bay went dark around us. It’s quieter out there than you’d think.

The next morning Minh convinced me to try Tai Chi on deck even though I’m not really a morning person. The air had this salty chill to it and my arms felt heavier than usual—maybe from all that rice wine? After a light breakfast we hiked into Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave. It’s huge inside—bigger than any cave I’ve seen—and Minh pointed out rock shapes that supposedly look like dragons or turtles (I saw more like clouds honestly). On the way back through the bay, mist hung low over those limestone islands. I still think about that view sometimes when things get too noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Halong Bay cruise

• Meet at Ha Long departure point
• Embark Bhaya cruise liner
• Visit Trinh Nu Cave
• Join Vietnamese cooking class
• Dine on set menu dinner
• Optional squid fishing at night

Day 2 — Halong Bay caves and return

• Morning Tai Chi on deck
• Enjoy light breakfast
• Visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave
• Relax with brunch on boat
• View Lom Bo Island and Ba Hang Village
• Return to departure point

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Halong Bay cruise?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in central Hanoi are included if you select that option during booking.

What meals are provided during the 2-day Bhaya cruise?

You’ll get lunch and dinner on day one, plus breakfast and brunch on day two—all served on board.

Which caves will we visit during the tour?

The itinerary includes Trinh Nu Cave on day one and Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave on day two.

Are activities like kayaking or squid fishing available?

Yes, squid fishing is offered at night; kayaking may be available depending on weather conditions.

Is Wi-Fi available onboard?

Wi-Fi is available but can be unreliable due to signal issues at sea.

What type of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay in an air-conditioned en-suite cabin aboard the Bhaya cruise boat.

Is this Halong Bay tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and families; child rates apply when sharing with two adults.

What’s included

Your trip includes round-trip hotel pickup in Hanoi if selected, all meals from lunch through brunch on board (with Vietnamese and international dishes), guided visits to Trinh Nu and Sung Sot caves, an overnight stay in a private en-suite cabin with air conditioning, options for Tai Chi lessons and squid fishing sessions, plus regular tea and coffee during breakfast before returning to Hanoi.