Halong Bay & Lan Ha: 3-Day Cruise, Kayak, Cooking Class

Summary

Kayaking Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island swim, local food & cruise nights

You’ll drift through Halong Bay’s limestone peaks and hidden caves by kayak, learn to roll fresh spring rolls under a pinkish sunset, wake early for silent blue mornings on deck, and share stories over dinner with travelers you’ve just met. It’s not polished or fancy — more like honest adventure with salty air in your hair.

What’s the experience like?

Is it weird to say that the first thing I remember is the sound of the boat’s horn echoing off those limestone cliffs? We’d left Hanoi early — I almost slept through my alarm, but the guide (Minh) was so patient when I stumbled out of the hotel. The drive to Halong Bay took a while (three hours or so), but there was this sort of sleepy excitement in our little bus. When we finally stepped onto the Fantasea boat, I could smell salt and something else — maybe diesel? Not bad, just real. My cabin was small but cozy; honestly, I didn’t spend much time there except to crash at night.

I didn’t expect Sung Sot Cave to feel so cool inside — like stepping into another world after the sticky air outside. Minh told us some old stories about the cave formations (I only caught half of it because I was too busy gawking at all the weird shapes). Later we tried kayaking around these quiet corners near Trong cave. My arms burned after ten minutes but it was worth it for that hush — just water slapping against plastic and distant laughter from another group. That evening we had a cooking class on deck; my spring roll looked sad compared to Li’s (she laughed and said “good effort!”), but eating them as the sun dropped behind those jagged islands made up for it.

The second day felt slower somehow. A transfer boat took us out toward Lan Ha Bay — fewer tourist boats out there, which Minh said was “the peaceful part.” He wasn’t wrong. We swam near Van Boi; water felt cold at first but then perfect. There was talk of visiting a pearl farm if weather allowed (it didn’t for us), but honestly, just drifting and watching clouds move over those green hills was enough. Dinner up on the sundeck with new faces joining from other groups — kind of awkward at first, but by dessert everyone relaxed. Karaoke happened (badly), and someone tried squid fishing off the side — not me though.

On our last morning I woke up before sunrise without meaning to. The bay looked pale blue and quiet, except for one old fisherman in a wooden boat waving at us with both hands. Breakfast tasted better than usual (maybe just because I’d actually slept?). We packed up slowly as the Fantasea boat headed back toward Tuan Chau Marina. It’s funny how quickly you get used to being surrounded by water and rock and sky; Hanoi felt impossibly far away even though it’s only three hours back by road.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Halong Bay cruise and activities

• Pick up from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels
• Drive to Halong Bay with short break
• Arrive at Tuan Chau harbour
• Transfer by tender to Fantasea boat
• Check in cabin and enjoy welcome drink
• Lunch on boat with seafood
• Visit Sung Sot Cave
• Kayak around Trong cave area
• Join cooking class for spring rolls
• Enjoy sunset party
• Buffet dinner on cruise
• Optional karaoke and squid fishing
• Overnight on boat

Day 2 — Lan Ha Bay exploration and overnight cruise

• Breakfast on boat
• Visit Sung Sot Cave
• Transfer to Lan Ha Bay
• Kayaking and swimming at Van Boi area
• Visit Pearl Farm (if possible)
• More kayaking in Lan Ha Bay
• Return to boat and relax
• Dinner on upper sundeck (weather permitting)
• Overnight on boat

Day 3 — Halong Bay morning and return to Hanoi

• Early sunrise viewing at Halong Bay
• Discover Me Cung cave (if possible)
• Additional activities at Halong Bay
• Lunch on boat cruising back to harbour
• Finish cruise at Tuan Chau Port
• Transfer back to Hanoi Old Quarter hotels

Top questions

How long is the Halong Bay & Lan Ha cruise?

The tour lasts 3 days and 2 nights onboard Fantasea Cruises.

Is pickup from Hanoi included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter are included if you book from Hanoi.

Are meals included on this cruise?

All meals during the tour are included: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners.

What activities are offered on board?

You can kayak, swim at Van Boi area or Dark & Light caves, join a cooking class, enjoy sunset parties, karaoke, and try squid fishing at night.

Do cabins have private bathrooms?

Yes, each cabin has an en-suite standing bathroom.

Which caves do we visit during this trip?

Sung Sot Cave is visited on both days; Me Cung cave may be visited if tide allows.

Can I join from Halong instead of Hanoi?

Yes, you can join directly at Tuan Chau Cruise Port in Halong Bay if you prefer.

Is this cruise suitable for families or beginners?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants sit on an adult's lap during transfers.

What’s included

Your journey includes roundtrip bus transfer between Hanoi Old Quarter and Halong Bay (if booked from Hanoi), two nights’ accommodation in a private cabin with en-suite bathroom aboard Fantasea Cruises, all entry fees for sights like Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island, seven onboard meals featuring local Vietnamese dishes plus welcome drinks and bottled water, guided kayaking excursions around Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay’s quieter corners, swimming stops when weather permits, a hands-on cooking class (spring rolls!), sunset parties on deck each evening with karaoke or squid fishing for anyone brave enough to try—all led by an English-speaking local guide before returning you safely back to your hotel in Hanoi or disembarking at Tuan Chau Marina if that’s your plan.