HaLong Bay & Lan Ha Bay Cruise: Kayak, Cat Ba Island, Cooking Class

Kayak caves cycle Cat Ba taste local food on the bay

You’ll float through HaLong & Lan Ha Bay’s limestone towers by cruise ship, kayak hidden caves with a local guide, try your hand at Vietnamese cooking during sunset, and bike through Cat Ba Island’s peaceful villages. Expect moments of laughter (and maybe wobbly Tai Chi), fresh seafood lunches onboard, and quiet mornings on deck — all included with pickup and comfortable cabins.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay Cruise

• Arrive at Tuan Chau harbor
• Check in and meet crew
• Enjoy welcome drink and safety briefing
• Have Vietnamese seafood and vegetarian lunch
• Cruise and admire rock formations
• Explore Dark and Light Cave
• Kayak in Lan Ha Bay
• Return to cruise for Happy Hour and cooking class
• Have dinner on board
• Join squid fishing or relax on sundeck

Day 2 — Cat Ba Island Exploration

• Morning Tai Chi on sundeck
• Enjoy breakfast
• Transfer to Tender boat to Viet Hai Village
• Explore Viet Hai Village by bicycle or electric car
• Visit local school and meet villagers
• Return to cruise for lunch
• Relax and sunbathe on board
• Kayak or swim at Ba Trai Dao beaches
• Relax on sundeck after activities
• Enjoy dinner on board

Day 3 — Lan Ha Bay and Return to Harbor

• Morning Tai Chi on sundeck
• Have breakfast with bay view
• Kayak or bamboo boat exploration
• Relax and pack luggage
• Check out from cabin
• Enjoy cruise and room service
• Have lunch on board
• Take Tender boat back to Tuan Chau port

The Experience

I didn’t expect to feel so small out there — not in a bad way. Just floating between those limestone giants in Lan Ha Bay, I caught myself staring up at the mist and thinking how quiet it was except for the soft slap of water against the boat. Our guide, Minh, handed me a cold hand towel when we first boarded (I never realized how good that would feel after a dusty drive from Hanoi). He grinned and told us about the “Dark and Bright” caves — apparently even locals argue which is which.

Lunch was this spread of seafood and something with eggplant that I still think about. The air smelled faintly salty, but also like fried garlic drifting up from the kitchen below deck. Later, kayaking near the caves got my arms burning — but paddling through that narrow gap into sudden silence was worth it. Minh shouted encouragement from his own kayak; I probably splashed more than necessary. Back on board, there was this happy hour thing (buy one get one free) and a cooking class where we tried rolling fresh spring rolls. Mine looked like lumpy socks but tasted fine.

The next morning started with Tai Chi on the sundeck — I’m not exactly graceful at sunrise, but everyone just laughed together when someone toppled sideways (okay, it was me). Cycling through Viet Hai village on Cat Ba Island felt like stepping into another rhythm: kids waving from behind water buffaloes, old women nodding as we passed rice fields. It’s weird how peaceful it all felt after city noise. We stopped at a tiny school; our guide chatted with a teacher who let us peek inside. I forgot sunscreen and ended up pink-nosed by lunch.

On the last day we kayaked again or just floated around — honestly, I lost track of time watching light shift across the rocks. Packing up felt abrupt; no one really wanted to leave yet. If you’re thinking about this 3 day cruise from HaLong Bay to Cat Ba Island and back, just know you’ll remember little things: fish sauce in your hair after squid fishing, or how quiet it gets when you drift away from everyone else for a minute.

Top questions

Is pickup included for the HaLong Bay & Lan Ha Bay cruise?

Yes, pickup is included as part of your tour package.

What activities are offered on Cat Ba Island?

You can cycle or take an electric car through Viet Hai village and visit local sights.

Are meals included during the 3 day cruise?

Yes, all main meals including lunch and dinner are provided onboard.

Can I join if I have limited mobility or use a wheelchair?

Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most fitness levels.

Is kayaking part of this HaLong Bay cruise itinerary?

Yes, kayaking is included both near Dark & Bright Cave and at Ba Trai Dao beach area.

Are there vegetarian options available for meals?

Yes, vegetarian options are served during lunch and dinner onboard.

What kind of rooms do we stay in during the cruise?

You’ll have a private cabin with balcony and bathtub for both nights onboard.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup at Tuan Chau harbor, an English-speaking guide throughout the trip, two nights in a private balcony cabin with bathtub aboard a 5-star ship, all entrance fees covered, daily Vietnamese meals (with vegetarian choices), kayaking or bamboo boat excursions in Lan Ha Bay, cycling or electric car tour on Cat Ba Island’s Viet Hai village, Tai Chi sessions at sunrise on deck, sunset cooking class with happy hour drinks each evening, squid fishing equipment if you want to try after dinner — plus insurance while onboard and even cold towels when you arrive.