Halong Bay Cruise: Kayak, Cave & Swim with Meals & Pickup

Summary

Halong Bay overnight cruise with kayaking caves swimming and local meals

You’ll wake up surrounded by Halong Bay’s limestone islands after drifting off in your own sea-view cabin. Kayak under ancient cliffs at Luon Cave, swim or just watch life at Titop Island, and share real Vietnamese meals with new friends—all guided by locals who know every story behind each rock and wave.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever tried squid fishing?" That’s what Tuan, our guide, asked as we leaned over the railings that first night on the boat. I hadn’t, honestly. The air out on Halong Bay had this soft saltiness—like wet stone and seaweed—and even though it was only early evening, the sky was already deep blue. We’d left Hanoi that morning (the van pickup was actually right on time, which surprised me) and by midday were stepping onto the deck of this surprisingly comfortable 4-star cruise ship. My cabin had these big windows facing the water—waking up to that view is something I still think about.

Lunch was a blur of shared plates—lemongrass fish, some tofu thing I liked way more than expected—and then we passed these odd-shaped islands: Incense Burner, Fighting Cock… Tuan pointed them out with this half-smile like he’d told the story a hundred times but still enjoyed it. Later, kayaking through Luon Cave felt surreal; the limestone walls pressed in close and you could hear your paddle echoing back. There were monkeys watching us from the rocks (one of them looked like he was judging my paddling). Afterward, some folks swam off Titop Island—I just sat on the sand for a while, toes in the water. The sun felt different out there.

Back on board before sunset, there was this little party with fruit and drinks—nothing fancy but everyone loosened up. Someone tried karaoke (badly), and then after dinner—a proper Vietnamese spread—we gave squid fishing a go. Didn’t catch anything but laughed a lot. In the morning, Tuan convinced us to try Tai Chi on deck; I’m not sure I did it right but moving slowly while mist curled around those green peaks was oddly calming.

The last stop was Surprising Cave. It really is massive inside—cool air and strange rock shapes everywhere. There’s always a bit of chatter from other groups echoing off the walls but if you hang back for a second it gets quiet enough to hear your own footsteps crunching on damp stone. Then brunch as we cruised back toward shore, coffee steaming up my glasses while everyone swapped photos and stories from their own corners of the world. Leaving felt abrupt—I wasn’t ready to go back to Hanoi yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Halong Bay, kayaking and swimming

• Pick-up at hotel
• Embark on cruise and check in cabin
• Enjoy lunch passing islands
• Kayak in Luon Cave
• Visit Titop Island and swim
• Relax on sun-deck
• Join sunset party on cruise
• Pass Soi Sim Beach and Rang Dua Island
• Enjoy set-menu dinner on board
• Join squid fishing or relax with drinks
• Overnight on boat

Day 2 — Halong Bay cave visit and return to Hanoi

• Morning exercises on sun-deck
• Breakfast with coffee and tea
• Visit Surprising Cave
• Check out and relax on sun-deck
• Enjoy traditional Vietnamese lunch
• Check out cruise
• Drive back to Hanoi
• Arrive in Hanoi and end trip

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for Halong Bay cruises?

Yes, hotel pickup in Hanoi is included if you book the shuttle bus service.

What activities are offered during the Halong Bay overnight cruise?

The cruise includes kayaking or bamboo boat rides at Luon Cave, swimming at Titop Island, Tai Chi class, cooking class, sunset party, squid fishing, karaoke, and visiting Surprising Cave.

Are vegetarian meal options available on this Halong Bay cruise?

Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request for all meals onboard.

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

The drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay takes approximately 3–4 hours each way.

Is this Halong Bay cruise suitable for families or people with mobility needs?

Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible and suitable for families with infants or small children.

Do cabins have sea views on this 4-star Halong Bay cruise?

Yes, all cabins feature private sea views over Halong Bay.

How many meals are included during the 2-day 1-night cruise?

The tour includes four meals: one lunch, one dinner, one breakfast, and one brunch.

What’s included

Your trip includes roundtrip hotel pickup from Hanoi (if booked), an English-speaking local guide throughout both days in Halong Bay, entry fees to all attractions including Surprising Cave and Titop Island, kayaking or bamboo boat experience at Luon Cave (your choice), four traditional Vietnamese meals with vegetarian options available by request, cooking class onboard plus sunset party drinks and fruit snacks each evening. You’ll stay overnight in a private deluxe seaview cabin on a 4-star boat before returning to Hanoi late afternoon next day.