Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay Cruise: Bamboo Boat, Kayak & Cooking

Summary

Lan Ha Bay’s limestone islands, bamboo boats and quiet sunrise air

You’ll float through Halong & Lan Ha Bay’s calm waters with an overnight cruise that includes bamboo boat caves, kayaking among limestone cliffs, swimming stops, and hands-on Vietnamese cooking with locals. Expect laughter over spring rolls, sunrise Tai Chi if you’re up for it, and quiet moments on deck you might remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a bit nervous about sleeping on a boat in Halong Bay. But by the time our group climbed aboard the V’Spirit at Tuan Chau Harbor—bags in hand, faces flushed from the Hanoi drive—I’d already started to relax. The wood underfoot was warm from the sun. Someone handed me a glass of something cold and sweet (I didn’t catch what it was), and our guide Hien grinned as she ran through the safety talk. She had this way of making everything sound easy, even though I could see her keeping one eye on the weather rolling in over the water.

Lunch came fast—steamed fish, rice, some kind of tangy salad that I still think about—and then we were off toward Lan Ha Bay. It’s quieter than Halong itself; fewer boats, more space between those limestone cliffs that look like they just grew up out of nowhere. We stopped at Bright Cave and switched to these little bamboo boats rowed by local women who barely said a word but laughed when we tried to paddle ourselves (not as easy as it looks). The cave smelled faintly of salt and wet stone. Later there was swimming—cold at first but good once you got used to it—and then a cooking demo where I completely failed at rolling spring rolls tight enough. Hien pretended not to notice but I caught her smirking.

Evening came with this slow orange light on the deck and everyone just sort of drifted into silence for a bit. Some folks tried squid fishing after dinner (no luck), but honestly, I just wanted to sit outside and listen to the water slap against the hull. The cabins were nicer than I expected—soft bed, balcony just big enough for two feet side by side if you squeezed—and sometime in the night I woke up to total quiet except for distant voices from another boat across the bay.

Next morning started early with Tai Chi on deck (I mostly watched), then breakfast—strong coffee, fruit, bread—before we took kayaks out around Tra Bau. There’s a tiny temple tucked behind one of those rocks; Hien pointed it out but said most people miss it unless they know where to look. By 11 we were back at Tuan Chau Marina and headed for Hanoi again. It felt both longer and shorter than just one night somehow—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay cruise and activities

• Pick up at Hanoi Old Quarter hotel
• Arrive at Tuan Chau International Harbor
• Embark V’Spirit Cruise and welcome drink
• Lunch at The Dawn Restaurant cruising to Lan Ha Bay
• Explore Bright Cave by traditional bamboo boat
• Swim and enjoy water activities in the bay
• Join Vietnamese cooking demonstration
• Enjoy sunset party on deck
• Dinner at the restaurant
• Evening views on top deck and optional squid fishing

Day 2 — Lan Ha Bay morning activities and return to Hanoi

• Morning Tai Chi session at sunrise
• Light breakfast on board
• Kayak in Tra Bau area and visit hidden temple
• Return to cruise and check out cabin
• Brunch while cruising back to Tuan Chau port
• Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina
• Drop off at Hanoi Old Quarter hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included from Hanoi?

Yes, pickup from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter is included.

Are meals provided during the Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay cruise?

Yes, lunch, dinner, breakfast, and brunch are all included onboard.

What activities are part of this overnight cruise?

The tour includes bamboo boat rides into Bright Cave, swimming in Lan Ha Bay, a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, kayaking near Tra Bau area, Tai Chi session at sunrise, and optional squid fishing.

Do cabins have balconies?

Yes, you’ll stay in a Deluxe Suite Balcony Cabin aboard V’Spirit Premier Cruise.

How long does the day trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay take?

The transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter to Tuan Chau Harbor takes about 3-4 hours each way.

Is this cruise suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

Can special dietary requests be accommodated?

Yes, let them know about diet or vegetarian needs before departure.

What should I bring on this cruise?

You should bring swimwear, sunglasses, insect repellent and your passport for check-in.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter area and return drop-off after disembarkation at Tuan Chau Marina; all meals onboard—lunches with fresh fish and local dishes plus breakfast and brunch; welcome drinks; an English-speaking guide like Hien who handles logistics; guided bamboo boat ride into Bright Cave with locals; kayaking near Tra Bau; sunset party; evening activities like squid fishing or Tai Chi at sunrise; plus insurance and service charges covered throughout your overnight cruise experience.