Halong Bay & Lan Ha Cruise: Kayak, Caves & Cooking Class

Summary

Halong bay cruise with kayaking caves and vietnamese cooking

You’ll wake up surrounded by Halong Bay’s limestone towers, kayak through Lan Ha’s quiet waters, taste fresh seafood at lunch, and try your hand at Vietnamese cooking with locals guiding you along the way. From sunrise Tai Chi to drifting through caves by bamboo boat, every part feels personal—like being let in on something locals have known forever.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the quiet. Not silence exactly — there was the low hum of the boat, some laughter from the crew, and that salty air you only get on Halong Bay. We’d barely left Tuan Chau harbor before our guide, Minh, started pointing out these wild limestone shapes jutting out of the water. He called one “Duck Islet” but honestly it looked more like a giant thumb to me. The boat rocked gently as we sipped sweet ginger tea (I spilled a bit on my shirt — classic), and you could just see Cat Ba Island in the haze. It felt like waking up inside a watercolor painting.

Lunch came fast — big platters of grilled fish and sticky rice, with veggie options for my friend who’s allergic to shellfish (they handled it without fuss). Minh told us about the fishermen who still live in floating houses here. Later we dropped anchor near Ba Trai Dao Islet for kayaking; I kept bumping into my partner’s paddle but we laughed so much we barely cared where we were going. There was this moment when I just stopped paddling and let the kayak drift — all you could hear were distant birds and the slap of water against rock. That’s what stuck with me most.

Back on board, sunset crept over the bay while everyone gathered for fruit and wine on deck. The chef showed us how to roll spring rolls (mine fell apart but tasted fine), and then after dinner some folks tried squid fishing off the side — not sure anyone actually caught one but it made for good stories. Next morning I woke up early for Tai Chi on the sundeck; I’m no expert but moving slow with that view felt pretty special. We visited Dark & Bright Cave by bamboo boat — rowed by a local woman who grinned every time someone mispronounced “Xin chào.”

Packing up felt weirdly sad, like leaving behind a secret world I’d just started to understand. If you’re looking at Halong Bay cruises from Hanoi, this one gives you all those little moments — not just sights but real slices of life out on the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Halong Bay cruise and activities

• Pick up at meeting point
• Travel to Hai Duong province
• Short break in Hai Duong
• Arrive at Tuan Chau harbor
• Transfer by boat to cruise
• Welcome drink and safety briefing
• Check-in to cabin
• Lunch on cruise with seafood menu
• Cruise past Con Vit, Thumb islet, Gia Luan Harbor
• Discover Lan Ha Bay lagoon
• Swim or sunbathe at anchor
• Kayak and swim at Ba Trai Dao Islet
• Sunset party with fruit, cake, and wine
• Cooking class on Vietnamese dishes
• Dinner on cruise with seafood and local food
• Evening entertainment and overnight on cruise

Day 2 — Lan Ha Bay cave visit and return

• Morning Tai Chi on sundeck
• Breakfast with bay view
• Visit Dark & Bright Cave by tender
• Explore cave on bamboo boat
• Return to cruise and check-out cabin
• Early lunch on cruise
• Land near Tuan Chau Harbor
• Transfer to Tuan Chau and end cruise
• Return to Hanoi with stopover in Hai Duong
• Arrive in Hanoi

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for Halong Bay cruises from Hanoi?

Yes, round-trip transfer between Hanoi and the cruise dock is included via highway express.

Are vegetarian or special diet meals available on this Halong Bay cruise?

Yes, vegetarian and special diets can be accommodated if requested in advance.

What activities are included in this Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay cruise?

The cruise includes kayaking, swimming, a bamboo boat trip to Dark & Bright Cave, a Vietnamese cooking class, squid fishing, and Tai Chi.

Do cabins have air conditioning?

Yes, private cabins are fully furnished with air conditioning.

How long is the drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

The drive takes about 2–2.5 hours each way with a short break en route.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during transfers.

Is this cruise suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels; activities are optional.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near departure points.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay by highway express, entry fees for all sites including Ti Top Island and Sung Sot Cave, kayaking gear and bamboo boat rides through Lan Ha Bay caves, beach time for swimming or sunbathing, hands-on cookery demonstrations led by local chefs (with spring rolls!), full meals featuring seafood or vegetarian options as needed, happy hour with free juice or wine at sunset, evening entertainment like squid fishing or card games onboard—and your own private air-conditioned cabin for a restful night on the bay.