Halong Bay Cruise: 2-Day Kayak, Cave & Island Tour with Meals

Summary

Halong Bay’s secret caves, sunrise decks and quiet water

You’ll drift through Halong Bay’s limestone maze, kayak in peaceful corners where it’s just you and the cliffs, taste fresh seafood on deck, and try your luck at night squid fishing. With hotel pickup from Hanoi and a private cabin included, expect small surprises—like laughter over spring rolls or sunrise views you won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost missed the pickup because I thought “8:00” meant “Vietnamese time” (turns out it’s right on the dot). The drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay was a blur of honking scooters and roadside dragonfruit stalls. When we finally boarded the boat, our guide Minh handed us a cold towel and grinned like he’d seen this all before. There was something about the air out on Bai Tu Long Bay — kind of salty-sweet, with a whiff of diesel from passing boats — that made everything feel slower.

Lunch started just as the limestone cliffs slid by outside the window. I kept getting distracted by these weird rock shapes — Minh pointed out one that looked like a chicken but honestly I didn’t see it. After we dropped anchor, kayaking around Cap La was quieter than I expected. You could hear your own paddle echo off the stone. My arms ached after twenty minutes but I didn’t care. Back on board, there was a cooking class (I failed at rolling spring rolls; Minh laughed and tried to fix mine) and later, squid fishing under yellow deck lights. Didn’t catch anything except maybe a cold beer.

The next morning felt like another world — mist hanging over the bay, someone doing Tai Chi on deck (not me). Thien Canh Son Cave was cool inside and smelled faintly earthy; climbing up through the greenery made me realize how out of shape I am. The view from just outside the cave is what stuck with me though: all those jagged islands poking out of green water, so quiet you could almost hear your own thoughts if you stopped talking for once. We ate an early lunch as the boat turned back toward port. It ended too soon, but maybe that’s why it stays with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Bay Area Cruise and Activities

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

Day 2 — Morning Cave Visit and Return to Hanoi

• Breakfast with sunrise views
• Visit cave (Thien Canh Son or Sung Sot or Dark & Bright)
• Return to cruise and relax
• Check out cabin
• Early lunch on board
• Disembark at port
• Transfer back to Hanoi
• Arrive in Hanoi afternoon

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Halong Bay cruise?

Yes, pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels is included in your booking.

Which caves are visited during this 2-day Halong Bay cruise?

The tour visits either Sung Sot Cave (Halong route), Thien Canh Son Cave (Bai Tu Long), or Dark & Bright Cave (Lan Ha), depending on your chosen route.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

Yes, all main meals are included: lunch and dinner on day one; breakfast and early lunch on day two.

Is kayaking available on this cruise?

Yes, kayaking is part of the activities offered in each bay option—equipment is provided onboard.

Do cabins have private bathrooms?

Yes, each cabin has its own private bathroom with hot water and air conditioning.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for meals?

Yes, vegetarian meals are available if requested when booking.

How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

The transfer usually takes about 3–4 hours each way by bus or van.

What time does the cruise return to Hanoi?

You’ll arrive back in Hanoi between 14:30–15:00 on day two.

What’s included

Your two days include hotel pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, all entrance fees for caves and islands along your chosen route, kayaking gear or bamboo boat rides depending on conditions, full-board Vietnamese meals (with vegetarian options if needed), a private ocean-view cabin with air conditioning and hot shower, plus extras like an onboard cooking class demonstration and evening squid fishing under deck lights before returning by mid-afternoon transfer to Hanoi.