Halong Bay Cruise from Hanoi: 2 Days with Kayaking & Cooking

Two days on the water: caves, islands and a cooking class instead of a guidebook

A two-day cruise tour of Halong Bay departing from Hanoi with accommodation aboard a traditional junk, visits to Luon Cave, Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island, kayaking or bamboo boat exploration, a cooking demonstration, tai chi class and all meals included. The tour includes round-trip transfer from Hanoi (three hours each way by bus or limousine) and entry to all sites. You choose between 4-star and 5-star cruise options, with or without transfer included in your booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi to Halong Bay and Island Visits

• Pick up guests in Hanoi Old Quarter
• Transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay
• Check in at cruise lounge and welcome drinks
• Enjoy lunch while cruising Halong Bay
• Visit Luon Cave by bamboo boat or kayak
• Visit Titop Island for swimming or hiking
• Enjoy sunset party with happy hour
• Attend cooking demonstration or free time
• Dinner on board under the stars
• Relax with spa or cocktail

Day 2: Morning Tai-Chi and Return to Hanoi

• Join Tai-Chi class early morning
• Buffet breakfast on board
• Explore Luon Cave by kayak or bamboo boat
• Prepare luggage and check out
• Enjoy brunch and relax on sundeck
• Arrive at Tuan Chau Port and check out
• Transfer back to Hanoi
• Drop off at hotel in Hanoi

The experience

The pickup happens in Hanoi's Old Quarter between 8am and 8:30am, then a three-hour drive on the highway brings you to the cruise dock by 11:30am. After check-in and welcome drinks, lunch arrives as the boat heads southeast toward Fighting Cock and Finger Islet. By mid-afternoon you're either kayaking through Luon Cave or gliding past it by bamboo boat, depending on which you choose. Ti Top Island comes next. You can swim off the beach or hike to the summit for a panoramic view of the bay spread below you. The sunset party runs from 5:30pm to 7pm with a happy hour (buy two drinks, get one free), then a cooking demonstration happens at 6:30pm or you have free time instead.

Dinner is at 7pm, and afterward the night is yours: spa treatments, cocktails on deck, or sleep. The second morning starts with tai chi at 6am, followed by a full breakfast. From 7:30am to 9am you kayak or take a bamboo boat through Luon Cave again if you want another pass, or explore a different section. Brunch happens at 10am on the sundeck, then checkout is at 11am. The transfer back to Hanoi departs at 11:30am and drops you at your hotel by around 3:30pm, or the operator can arrange an airport run instead.

The cabin is a standard junior room with an ocean view, walk-in shower and hot water. Two bottles of water per room are complimentary, and if you book between May and September you get a free cabin upgrade if one is available. All meals, all activity entry fees, kayaking gear, and the cooking and tai chi classes are included. WiFi is free in the public areas and cruise office. A live guide speaks English, Vietnamese, Korean or Chinese depending on your group.

What’s included

• Round-trip transfer from Hanoi to the cruise dock (three hours each way by bus or limousine, depending on your option).
• accommodation in a standard junior cabin with ocean view.
• all meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast and brunch).
• entry to Luon Cave, Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island.
• kayaking or bamboo boat exploration.
• cooking demonstration.
• tai chi class.
• happy hour drinks.
• two bottles of water per room.
• WiFi in public areas.
• live guide in English, Vietnamese, Korean or Chinese.

Options for this experience

9 options

Hera Day Cruise, 7.5 HoursUp to 30 people · Guide in 4 languages · Available from 13 Apr 2027Hera Day Cruise: 7.5 hours on our day cruise from Lan Ha Bay to Ha Long Bay. Explore Dark & Bright Cave, kayak at Ao Ech, join a hands-on cooking class, and enjoy a lively sunset party on the sundeck. Duration: 8 hours. Lunch included. Ha Long Bay - Lan Ha Bay. Transfer is not included: we do offer transfer services from Hanoi to Ha Long, and a round-trip shuttle bus costs 15 USD per person.

4-Star Cruise, 2 Days 1 Night, No TransferUp to 15 people · Guide in 4 languages · 11:002 Days 1 Night on Hera Boutique Cruise: Deluxe Cabin with Ocean View. Duration: 2 days. All meals included: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, a sunset party and a cooking class. Halong Bay: Day 1: Halong Bay, Luon Cave, Titop Island. Day 2: Sung Sot Cave, Halong Bay. No transfer: travelers head to our meeting point at 11:00 AM. Starting point: Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

5-Star Cruise, 2 Days 1 Night, No TransferUp to 15 people · Guide in 4 languages · 11:002 Nights 1 Day on Hera Grand Cruise: Deluxe Cabin with Ocean View. Duration: 2 days. All meals included: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, a sunset party and a cooking class. Ha Long Bay: Day 1: Halong Bay, Luon Cave, Titop Island. Day 2: Sung Sot Cave, Halong Bay. No transfer: travelers head to our meeting point at 11:00 AM. Starting point: Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

See 6 more options

4-Star Cruise, 2 Days 1 Night, All InclusiveUp to 15 people · Guide in 4 languages · 08:002 Nights 1 Day on Hera Boutique Cruise: Deluxe Cabin with Ocean View. Duration: 2 days. All meals included: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, a sunset party and a cooking class. Ha Long Bay: Day 1: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Luon Cave, Titop Island. Day 2: Sung Sot Cave, Halong Bay. Shuttle bus: round-trip transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter to Halong and back to Hanoi Old Quarter. Starting point: Hanoi, Ha Noi, Vietnam. Pickup is included.

5-Star Cruise, 2 Days 1 Night, All InclusiveUp to 15 people · Guide in 4 languages · 08:002 Days 1 Night on Hera Grand Cruise: Deluxe Cabin with Ocean View. Duration: 2 days. All meals included: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, a sunset party and a cooking class. Ha Long Bay: Day 1: Halong Bay, Luon Cave, Titop Island. Day 2: Sung Sot Cave, Halong Bay. Shuttle bus: round-trip transfer from Hanoi to Halong and back to Hanoi. Pickup is included.

4-Star Cruise, 3 Days 2 Nights, No TransferUp to 15 people · Guide in 4 languages · 11:003 Days 2 Nights on Hera Boutique Cruise: Deluxe Cabin with Ocean View. Duration: 3 days. All meals included: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, a sunset party and a cooking class. Ha Long Bay - Lan Ha Bay: Day 1: Halong Bay, Luon Cave, Titop Island. Day 2: Trinh Nu Cave, Ba Trai Dao, Lan Ha Bay. Day 3: Sung Sot Cave. No transfer: travelers head to our meeting point at 11:00 AM. Starting point: Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

4-Star Cruise, 3 Days 2 Nights, All InclusiveUp to 15 people · Guide in 4 languages · 08:003 Days 2 Nights on Hera Boutique Cruise. Duration: 3 days. All meals included: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, a sunset party and a cooking class. Ha Long Bay - Lan Ha Bay: Day 1: Halong Bay, Luon Cave, Titop Island. Day 2: Trinh Nu Cave, Ba Trai Dao, Lan Ha Bay. Day 3: Sung Sot Cave. Shuttle bus: round-trip transfer from Hanoi to Halong and back to Hanoi. Pickup is included.

5-Star Cruise, 3 Days 2 Nights, No TransferUp to 15 people · Guide in 4 languages · 11:003 Nights 2 Days on Hera Grand Cruise: Deluxe Cabin with Ocean View. Duration: 3 days. All meals included: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, a sunset party and a cooking class. Ha Long Bay - Lan Ha Bay: Day 1: Halong Bay, Luon Cave, Titop Island. Day 2: Trinh Nu Cave, Ba Trai Dao, Lan Ha Bay. Day 3: Sung Sot Cave. No transfer: travelers head to our meeting point at 11:00 AM. Starting point: Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

5-Star, 3 Days 2 Nights, All InclusiveUp to 15 people · Guide in 4 languages · 08:003 Days 2 Nights on Hera Grand Cruise: Deluxe Cabin with Ocean View. Duration: 3 days. All meals included: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, a sunset party and a cooking class. Ha Long Bay - Lan Ha Bay: Day 1: Halong Bay, Luon Cave, Titop Island. Day 2: Trinh Nu Cave, Ba Trai Dao, Lan Ha Bay. Day 3: Sung Sot Cave. Shuttle bus: round-trip transfer from Hanoi to Halong and back to Hanoi. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 11:00

AgesAdult (11 to 80 years) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Amanda Cruise Halong

Is this one for you?Book with transfer if you're staying in Hanoi and want the pickup and three-hour drive included in one package. Choose without transfer if you're driving yourself or meeting the boat directly at the dock.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Vietnamese, Korean and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 10 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the difference between the 4-star and 5-star cruise options?

The 4-star and 5-star options differ in cabin standard and onboard amenities, though both include the same itinerary, meals, activities and transfers (when booked with transfer included). The 5-star cruise offers higher-tier accommodations and service. You can also upgrade your cabin type at checkout for an additional fee.

Do I need to arrange my own transport from Hanoi to the cruise dock?

Round-trip transfer from Hanoi is included in the "All Inclusive" options. If you book a "No Transfer" option, you arrange your own way to the dock at Tuan Chau International Cruise Port. Either way, the three-hour drive covers the highway between the city and Halong Bay.

What happens during the cooking class?

The cooking demonstration takes place at 6:30pm on the first evening. You watch the crew prepare a dish and learn the technique, though it is a demo rather than a hands-on class where you cook yourself. Free time is available if you prefer to skip it.

Can I kayak in the caves, or do I have to take a bamboo boat?

You choose between kayaking and bamboo boat for both Luon Cave visits: the first one on day one at 2:45pm and the second on day two from 7:30am to 9am. Kayaking lets you paddle into grottos and around rock formations. The bamboo boat is a gentler alternative through the same areas.

What is included in the meals?

All meals are included: lunch and dinner on day one, breakfast and brunch on day two, plus welcome drinks and the happy hour on day one. Other drinks are available for purchase unless you order them separately by request.

Is there swimming at Ti Top Island?

Yes, Ti Top Island has a beach where you can swim. You can also hike to the top of the island for views of Halong Bay instead of, or in addition to, beach time.