Halong Bay & Lan Ha: Milalux Cruise 2D1N with Balcony Cabin

Summary

Halong Bay mornings, cave climbs and balcony sunsets on the water

You’ll meet locals from Hanoi Old Quarter before cruising Halong Bay in a private balcony cabin. Kayak near limestone cliffs, climb through Surprise Cave, and greet sunrise with Tai Chi on deck. Enjoy all-inclusive meals and return transfers—plus those quiet moments when it’s just you and the bay stretching out forever.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide right outside a tiny pho shop in Hanoi’s Old Quarter — he waved us over with that gentle Vietnamese “xin chào” and a smile that made me feel like we’d known each other for ages. The ride out to Tuan Chau Wharf went by in a blur of honking scooters and misty rice fields (I dozed off for a bit, not gonna lie). When we finally stepped onto the Milalux Cruise boat, someone handed me a cold welcome drink and I remember thinking, “Okay, this is real.” Our cabin had this little balcony — not huge, but enough to lean out and watch the green islands drift past while you try to wrap your head around how many shades of blue exist out here.

Lunch was served just as we passed those funny-shaped rocks — Incense Burner, Fighting Cock — and our guide pointed them out with stories I’m sure he’s told a thousand times but still managed to make sound new. There was this moment at the Pearl Farm where I tried kayaking for the first time (my arms are still mad about it), gliding so close to the cliffs you could see tiny crabs scrambling in cracks. Sung Sot Cave was cooler than I expected; it smelled faintly earthy and wet, echoing with laughter from another group ahead of us. The climb up got my heart going — definitely wear good shoes if it’s rainy. Back on board at sunset, there was some kind of buy-two-get-one happy hour deal at the bar. I lost count after two drinks but remember chatting with Li from the crew about squid fishing — he laughed when I tried to say “mực” in Vietnamese.

I woke up early (the boat creaks in a way that’s oddly comforting) and joined Tai Chi on the sundeck. The air felt thick but fresh at that hour, almost like standing inside a cloud. Breakfast was simple — pastries and strong coffee — but sitting there watching Lan Ha Bay wake up made it taste better somehow. Later we stopped at Titov Island; some folks swam but I hiked up for the view instead. The path is steep but worth every step; you get this wild panorama of limestone peaks poking through morning haze. Heading back toward Tuan Chau Marina after brunch felt too soon honestly… I kept looking back at the water until Hanoi traffic snapped me out of it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Halong Bay cruise

• Pick up at Hanoi Old Quarter hotels
• Drive to Tuan Chau Wharf
• Arrive at Tuan Chau Wharf
• Embark cruise and receive briefing
• Check in cabin and prepare for lunch
• Enjoy lunch with bay scenery
• Visit Pearl Farm and kayak
• Visit Sung Sot Cave on Bo Hon Island
• Return to boat and enjoy Happy Hour
• Dinner on board
• Evening activities: bar, spa, squid fishing, or relax
• Overnight on board

Day 2 — Halong Bay to Hanoi return

• Morning Tai Chi on sundeck
• Breakfast with coffee, tea, and pastries
• Visit Titov Island for beach and hike
• Return to cruise and check out
• Brunch while cruising back
• Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina
• Return to Hanoi by air-conditioned bus
• Arrive in Hanoi and end trip

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Halong Bay cruise?

Yes, pickup from hotels around Hanoi Old Quarter is included by AC bus both ways.

What activities are included on the Milalux cruise?

The cruise includes kayaking, visiting Surprise Cave and Titov Island, cooking class, squid fishing, Tai Chi session, karaoke, and more.

Are meals provided during the 2-day Halong Bay cruise?

Yes, all main meals are included: lunch and dinner on day one; breakfast and brunch on day two.

Do cabins have private balconies?

Yes, every cabin has its own private balcony with ocean views.

How long does it take to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

The drive from Hanoi Old Quarter to Tuan Chau Wharf takes about 2.5 hours by expressway.

Can I swim or hike during the tour?

You can swim at Titov Island or hike up for panoramic views of Halong Bay.

Is there an English-speaking guide onboard?

Yes, an English-speaking guide is available throughout the cruise.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

All entrance and sightseeing fees are included in your booking.

What’s included

Your trip covers round-trip hotel pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter by AC bus, all entrance fees for Halong Bay attractions like Surprise Cave and Titov Island, kayaking equipment, all main meals including Vietnamese fusion dishes onboard, a private balcony cabin for your overnight stay on Milalux Cruises, plus activities like Tai Chi sessions at sunrise, cooking class demonstrations, squid fishing gear for evening fun—and plenty of free time to relax on deck or join karaoke before returning comfortably to Hanoi.