Halong Bay, Lan Ha & Bai Tu Long: 3-Day Cruise with Caves & Cat Ba

Summary

Kayak hidden coves hike Cat Ba Island and cruise Bai Tu Long

You’ll float between limestone peaks in Halong Bay, kayak into hidden caves in Lan Ha Bay, bike through Cat Ba Island’s jungle paths, and meet locals in small villages. With all meals included and a guide who feels more like a friend than a tour leader, this 3-day cruise lets you slow down and soak in northern Vietnam’s rhythms.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide, Minh, right in Hanoi’s Old Quarter — he waved at us from the bus with a grin that made me feel like we were already friends. The drive out to Halong Bay was longer than I expected (maybe three hours?), but Minh kept telling stories about his childhood fishing trips here. When we finally stepped onto the boat, the air had that salty-sweet smell you only get near the sea. I remember the first sip of iced tea on deck as we pulled away from the harbor — there was a low hum of engines and someone’s laughter drifting over the water.

The first afternoon felt like a blur of green islands and blue water. We kayaked through these little caves in Lan Ha Bay where it suddenly went quiet except for our paddles tapping against rock. At one point, Minh pointed out a fisherman’s floating house and called out something in Vietnamese — they waved back, grinning. My arms got tired fast (I’m not exactly sporty), but floating there with those cliffs rising up around us felt unreal. Dinner that night was all steamed fish and crispy spring rolls — I still think about that ginger dipping sauce.

The next day we biked on Cat Ba Island. There was this old woman selling rambutans by the road who let us try one for free — sticky hands, sweet juice running down my wrist. We rode past rice fields and ducked under banyan trees until we reached Viet Hai village. Minh introduced us to his cousin (or maybe just a friend? I couldn’t quite catch it), who showed us how to make rice wine in her backyard shed. Li laughed when I tried to say thank you in Vietnamese — probably butchered it.

By the last morning, I woke up early just to watch fog roll off Bai Tu Long Bay from my cabin window. It was quiet except for distant birds and the soft clink of teacups on deck. Packing up felt weirdly sad; you get used to moving slowly out here, watching islands drift by instead of emails piling up. If you want a day trip to Halong Bay from Hanoi or something quick, this isn’t it — but if you want time to actually breathe out here, well… you’ll see what I mean.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and cruise activities

• Pick up guests in Hanoi Old Quarter
• Transfer to Halong Bay cruise dock
• Check in and welcome drinks on cruise
• Enjoy lunch while cruising Halong Bay
• Visit Luon Cave or Pearl Farm by boat
• Visit Titov 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 enjoy cocktails

Day 2 — Morning activities and exploration

• Morning Tai Chi on sundeck
• Breakfast in restaurant
• Transfer to dayboat for exploration
• Visit Tung Sau area and kayak
• Lunch with traditional Vietnamese cuisine
• Visit Me Cung Cave
• Relax at outdoor jacuzzi or spa
• Happy hour with buy 1 get 1 free
• Enjoy Vietnamese cooking demonstration
• Dinner on board
• Evening entertainment and squid fishing

Day 3 — Final visits and return

• Morning Tai Chi on sundeck
• Light breakfast served
• Visit Sung Sot Cave and hike
• Check out and return to Tuan Chau Island
• Brunch on board
• Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina
• Transfer back to Hanoi
• Drop off at hotel in Old Quarter

Top questions

How long is the Halong Bay cruise?

The cruise lasts 3 days and 2 nights, starting with pickup in Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Is hotel pickup included for the Halong Bay cruise?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels or points in Hanoi's Old Quarter area.

What activities are included on Cat Ba Island?

You can bike or take an electric car through Viet Hai village, visit local homes or schools, trek in the jungle, and swim at Cat Co 3 beach.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

Yes, all meals are included with local Vietnamese dishes served onboard and sometimes at local restaurants on Cat Ba Island.

Can I kayak during this Halong Bay tour?

Yes, kayaking is included at several spots such as Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay depending on your chosen route.

What’s special about Bai Tu Long Bay compared to Halong Bay?

Bai Tu Long Bay is quieter with fewer boats; you'll visit peaceful areas like Thien Canh Son Cave and Vung Vieng fishing village.

Is there a cooking class on board?

Yes, there's usually a Vietnamese cooking demonstration or class offered during happy hour on board.

Are cabins private on this cruise?

Yes, each booking includes your own private cabin (double/twin/triple/single options available).

What’s included

Your days include hotel pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, all transfers between land and boat (even tender rides), private cabin accommodation each night aboard your chosen route through Halong Bay or Lan Ha/Bai Tu Long/Cat Ba areas, all meals featuring regional Vietnamese dishes (with some set menus), guided kayaking trips into caves or lagoons, biking or electric car tours on Cat Ba Island if selected, visits to caves like Sung Sot or Thien Canh Son depending on itinerary, sunset parties with drinks deals onboard each evening, interactive cooking classes led by your guide or crew members — plus plenty of time just soaking up those views before returning to Hanoi by late afternoon.