Halong Bay Overnight Cruise: 2 Days, Lan Ha Bay & Military Cave

Summary

Lan Ha Bay Kayaking & Cat Ba Island Cave Tour

You’ll kayak through quiet corners of Lan Ha Bay, sleep aboard a cozy cruise ship, and explore Cat Ba’s historic Military Cave—all with local guides and fresh meals included. It’s an easy way to see Halong Bay without crowds or hassle.

What’s the experience like?

Clouds hung low as we left Hanoi, the air thick with that early morning buzz. Our shuttle wound through small towns—rice paddies flashing by—before we finally glimpsed the water at Got Ferry Terminal. The boat itself felt both old and new: polished wood floors, iron railings, and the faint scent of fresh paint mixed with sea air. The crew handed us cool towels and a welcome drink—ginger tea, I think. I remember the hum of the engine as we pulled away from shore, limestone cliffs rising out of the mist like something out of a storybook.

Lunch was served as we drifted into Lan Ha Bay. I sat by the window, watching fishing boats pass—sometimes you’d catch a whiff of grilled squid from a nearby vendor’s skiff. Our guide, Minh, pointed out tiny beaches tucked between rocks. Later, we tried kayaking. The water was calm, greenish, and surprisingly warm. I could hear cicadas in the trees along the shore. At sunset, we lounged on the top deck—some folks snapped photos, others just sat quietly with a cold beer. Dinner was a mix of local seafood and Vietnamese dishes. I slept well; the gentle rocking of the boat was oddly soothing.

The next morning started early with a light breakfast—fresh fruit, strong coffee. After docking at Cat Ba Island’s Gia Luan pier, our group hopped onto a small bus for the short drive to Medical Military Cave. The cave itself was cooler than outside, echoey, and bigger than I expected. Minh explained how it was once a secret field hospital during the war. You could still see old beds and faded signs on the walls. Back on board, we had brunch as we cruised back toward the mainland. By noon, we were saying goodbye at Got Ferry Terminal, tired but happy. Hanoi felt a world away.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Ha Long Bay Cruise

• Boat tour in Halong Bay

Day 2 — Lan Ha Bay and Medical Military Cave

• Visit Medical Military Cave on Cat Ba Island
• Relax on boat before checkout
• Lunch on board
• Disembark at Got Ferry Terminal
• Shuttle bus to Hanoi

Top questions

Is kayaking included in the cruise?

Yes, kayaking is part of the experience and all equipment is provided for you.

Are meals suitable for vegetarians?

Vegetarian options are available—just let us know your dietary needs when booking.

How many people are usually on the boat?

The group size is small for a more personal experience—usually around 18-22 guests.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can come along and there’s space for prams or strollers.

What’s included

You get round-trip shuttle transfers from Hanoi, all meals on board (two lunches, one dinner, one breakfast), kayaking gear, a local English-speaking guide, bottled water, and entrance fees. There’s also a rowing boat trip and plenty of time to relax on deck.