2-Day Ha Long Bay Kayaking Cruise: Emperor Suites & Me Cung Cave

Paddle through limestone karsts, then sleep on the water in a suite with a private balcony.

A 2-day cruise through Ha Long Bay with kayaking, swimming, cave exploration and beach time, staying overnight in a 5-star cabin with ocean views. The itinerary includes all meals, a cooking demonstration, squid fishing at night, and morning Vovinam exercise on deck. Pickup from Hanoi is included, and the cruise director speaks English and seven other languages.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi to Halong Bay cruise

• Transfer to Tuan Chau Marina
• Board Emperor Cruise
• Enjoy set lunch on main deck
• Kayak in Hang Luon Area
• Relax or swim at Titov Island
• Afternoon tea and cooking demo
• Dinner at Royal Palace Restaurant
• Try squid fishing at night

Day 2: Halong Bay to Hanoi return

• Morning Vovinam exercise on sundeck
• Light breakfast at luxury restaurant
• Visit Me Cung Cave
• Pack and check out
• Brunch at Can Chanh restaurant
• Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina

The experience

The day starts with a midday transfer from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Marina, where you board the Emperor Cruises vessel by 12:30. Lunch is served on the main deck while the boat moves into Ha Long Bay: Vietnamese dishes while the limestone peaks come into view. By mid-afternoon you're at Hang Luon, where you paddle a colorful kayak through the water for the first time, then head to Titov Island to swim or relax on the beach. That evening brings a cooking demonstration on the sundeck where you learn to make traditional Vietnamese dishes, followed by a multi-course dinner at the Royal Palace Restaurant. After dark, there's squid fishing off the deck if you want to try it.

The second morning starts early with Vovinam, a Vietnamese martial art, on the sundeck at sunrise, then a light breakfast of tea, coffee, pastries and fresh juice. The boat takes you to Me Cung Cave, a sprawling system of stalactites and stalagmites that formed over 10,000 years ago. The cave's ecological diversity is part of what makes it worth the hour inside. You pack and check out, then enjoy brunch while cruising back to the mainland, arriving at the marina by 11:30.

Your cabin is a 5-star suite at least 35 square meters, with a private balcony facing the bay, a bathtub and shower. The ship has a sauna, gym, library and kids' club. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Meals are included (breakfast, lunch and dinner) plus welcome drinks, fresh fruit, water and snacks. All sightseeing tickets, the cooking class, squid fishing and beach activities (kayaking, swimming, bamboo boating) are part of the price.

What’s included

• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
• welcome drink, fresh seasonal fruit, water bottle and snacks.
• 5-star cabin with private balcony and ocean views.
• sauna, gym, library and kids' club access.
• Vovinam exercise session.
• cooking demonstration.
• all sightseeing tickets including Me Cung Cave.
• beach activities (kayaking, swimming, bamboo boating, squid fishing).
• music, bars and art gallery.
• Wi-Fi.
• service charges and government tax.

Options for this experience

3 options

Signature Suites CabinGuide in 11 languages · 08:00Signature Suites Cabins, measuring 35 m² to 43 m², are situated on the Upper and Main Deck and come with a private balcony. All meals are included.

State Suites CabinGuide in 11 languages · 08:00The State Suites Cabin measures 50 m² and is located on the Main and Upper Deck, offering a Superior View across 4 Cabins (Nha Trang, Hue, Da Lat, Vung Tau). It features air conditioning, a private balcony, and all meals are included.

Royal SuitesGuide in 11 languages · 08:00State Suites of 70 sqm on the Upper Deck include a private balcony, a Jacuzzi bathtub, an en-suite bathroom, and a king bed. A private dinner setup is provided, and all meals are included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years)

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Thai and Vietnamese

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Thai 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Lux Cruises Vietnam.

Is this one for you?Book this 2-day cruise if you want to stay overnight on the water and have time for both kayaking and cave exploration without rushing between stops. The fixed itinerary means meals, activities and transport are arranged, so the two days hold together without building it yourself. The cooking class and squid fishing are bonuses most day trips don't offer.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Korean and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 4 years).

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 Me Cung Cave and how much time do we spend there?

Me Cung Cave, also called the Cave of Maze, is a complex system of stalactites and stalagmites with historical and archaeological significance dating back 10,000 years. You'll spend about an hour exploring it on the morning of day two, discovering the diverse rock formations and learning about Ha Long's geological heritage.

Can I kayak if I've never done it before?

Yes, the kayaking happens at Hang Luon during the first afternoon, and it's free time for guests to paddle at their own pace. The boats are colorful and stable, and the water is calm in the bay. No experience is required, and the activity suits all physical fitness levels.

What happens during the cooking demonstration?

The cooking demonstration takes place on the sundeck in the late afternoon of day one. You'll learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes in a hands-on setting while watching the bay, then get to try your skills before enjoying a multi-course dinner that evening.

Is the transfer from Hanoi to the marina included in the price?

Yes, pickup from Hanoi is included. You'll be collected between 11:30 and 12:00 and transferred to Tuan Chau International Marina, where boarding begins at 12:15.

What cabin options are available?

You can choose between three cabin types at checkout: State Suites, Royal Suites, or Signature Suites. All are 5-star accommodations with private balconies, bathtubs and showers, and full ocean views of Ha Long Bay.