Halong Bay Cruise: 3-Day Tour with Local Guide & Meals

Summary

Three days exploring caves, islands & villages by cruise

You’ll drift between limestone islands in Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay, kayak into echoing caves, bike through Cat Ba’s villages with a local guide, and share meals on deck as the sun sets over emerald water. With hotel pickup from Hanoi and all meals included, this three-day cruise leaves you with moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I woke up to the sound of water slapping gently against the hull — not something I hear back home. Our guide, Minh, was already on deck with a grin and a thermos of strong Vietnamese coffee. The limestone cliffs of Halong Bay looked almost painted in the morning haze. We’d left Hanoi’s Old Quarter behind just yesterday, but it felt like another world already. Minh pointed out shapes in the rocks (“That one’s a dragon,” he said — I squinted and maybe saw it), and we all laughed when someone tried to pronounce “Sung Sot” cave properly. I still don’t think I got it right.

The first day was mostly about getting used to boat life — lunch with fish so fresh it tasted like the sea itself, then kayaking through Luon Cave where everything echoed strangely quiet except for our paddles and a few birds overhead. On Ti Top Island, I tried hiking up for the view (lots of steps — my legs are still complaining), but standing at the top with that breeze and all those emerald islands below was worth every bit. Later, there was a sunset “happy hour” on deck; someone played music softly while we watched the sky turn gold and pink over Halong Bay. It didn’t feel real.

Day two took us further out — depending on which route you pick (I chose Lan Ha Bay), you might end up biking through Cat Ba Island’s little villages or paddling around hidden caves. The air smelled faintly of salt and something green I couldn’t name. We stopped at Viet Hai village where an old man waved us over to try his homemade rice wine (not for the faint-hearted). There were kids playing soccer barefoot in red dust, chickens everywhere, and suddenly I felt very far from any city noise.

By the last morning, after Tai Chi on the sundeck (I mostly wobbled), we wandered into Surprise Cave. The light inside bounced off ancient stalactites — cool and damp under my hands — and outside again there was that wild sweep of water and sky. Packing up felt strange; three days is short but somehow enough to make you wish you had more time here. Even now, I can almost taste that salty air if I close my eyes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Cruise Activities

• Pick up guests in Hanoi Old Quarter
• Halong Bay cruise check-in, lunch, Luon Cave visit, Titop Island swim/hike, sunset party, cooking demo, dinner, spa/cocktail
• Visit Titop Island: sunbathe, swim, hike
• Kayaking in cave
• Lan Ha Bay cruise check-in, lunch, kayaking, sunset party, dinner, free time
• Bai Tu Long Bay cruise check-in, lunch, kayaking, sunset party, dinner, free time
• Lan Ha Bay + Cat Ba Island cruise, lunch, kayaking, swimming, cooking class, dinner, karaoke

Day 2 — Morning Activities and Exploration

• Halong Bay Tai Chi, breakfast, dayboat, kayaking, Me Cung Cave visit, spa, happy hour, cooking demo, dinner, evening activities
• Visit Me Cung Cave
• Lan Ha Bay Tai Chi, breakfast, boat cruise, biking, village visit, kayaking, swimming, dinner, nightlife
• Bai Tu Long Bay Tai Chi, breakfast, day cruise, fishing village visit, kayaking, sunset party, dinner, games
• Lan Ha Bay + Cat Ba Island Tai Chi, breakfast, biking, trekking, cave visit, beach swim, kayaking, dinner

Day 3 — Final Visits and Departure

• Halong Bay Tai Chi, breakfast, Sung Sot Cave visit, brunch, check-out, return to Hanoi
• Visit Sung Sot Cave
• Lan Ha Bay Tai Chi, breakfast, Dark & Bright Cave visit, brunch, check-out, transfer to Hanoi
• Bai Tu Long Bay Tai Chi, breakfast, Thien Canh Son Cave, cooking demo, lunch, check-out, return to Hanoi
• Lan Ha Bay + Cat Ba Island breakfast, Viet Hai Village visit, biking, check-out, lunch, disembark, return to Hanoi

Top questions

How long does the Halong Bay cruise tour last?

The tour lasts 3 days and 2 nights, including transfers from Hanoi.

Is hotel pickup included for this Halong Bay cruise?

Yes, round-trip transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter is included in your booking.

What activities are included on this 3-day Halong Bay tour?

You’ll kayak in caves, visit local villages on Cat Ba Island or Bai Tu Long Bay, swim at beaches, hike islands like Ti Top, join cooking classes, and enjoy sunset parties onboard.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

All meals are included: two lunches, one dinner, one breakfast plus snacks during happy hour.

Can I choose between Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay routes?

Yes—when booking you can select your preferred bay itinerary: Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay (with Cat Ba), or Bai Tu Long Bay.

Is there a local guide during activities?

An English-speaking local guide leads all excursions both onboard and ashore.

Are cabins private? What types are available?

You get your own en-suite cabin; options include double/twin/triple/single depending on what you book.

Is kayaking equipment provided?

Yes—kayaks and safety gear are provided for all guests during scheduled activities.

What’s included

Your trip includes round-trip transfers from Hanoi’s Old Quarter by express highway (about 2-3 hours each way), an English-speaking local guide throughout the journey, all meals onboard (two lunches, one dinner, one breakfast), deluxe en-suite cabin accommodation with air conditioning and hot water, welcome drinks plus fruit basket in your room, kayaking equipment for cave exploration or island hopping depending on your chosen route (Halong Bay/Lan Ha/Bai Tu Long), biking tours on Cat Ba Island if selected, Tai Chi classes at sunrise if you’re up for it—and plenty of time to swim or relax as you drift past those surreal limestone karsts before heading back to Hanoi at the end of day three.