Halong Bay Overnight Cruise: Caves, Kayaking & Island Stops

Summary

Wake up to limestone peaks, kayak quiet waters, taste fresh air in halong bay

You’ll catch sunrise Tai Chi on deck, kayak into caves where your voice echoes back at you, eat local dishes with new friends, and wake up surrounded by Halong Bay’s limestone peaks. Includes hotel pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter plus all meals and activities — just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe dry socks).

What’s the experience like?

We almost missed our pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter because I’d mixed up the hotel entrance — classic me. The driver just grinned and waved us over, no drama. On the bus out to Halong Bay, our guide Minh told stories about his childhood fishing here. He pointed out water buffalo grazing in the mist and handed around tiny cups of strong tea that tasted like wet leaves and smoke. I still think about that first sip with the road humming underneath us.

The boat felt fancier than I expected — not luxury, but clean sheets and a window right over the water. We set off past those wild karst islands, and lunch was already waiting: sticky rice, fish with ginger, something green I couldn’t name (Minh said “rau muống,” then laughed when I tried to repeat it). Later we paddled kayaks into a cave so dark my hands disappeared on the paddle. It smelled like salt and moss inside. Back on deck at sunset, people clinked glasses while a pink haze settled over the bay — honestly, it looked fake for a second.

Next morning was Tai Chi at sunrise. I mostly watched old Uncle Bao move slow as silk while everyone else tried to copy him without falling over. Breakfast was light — fruit and pastries — before we hiked into Sung Sot Cave. The air inside was cool and almost sweet; stalactites dripped quietly above us while Minh pointed out shapes (“That one’s a dragon if you squint”).

The ride back to Hanoi was sleepy and quiet except for one kid giggling every time we hit a bump. My shoes were still damp from kayaking but I didn’t really care — it felt like bringing some of Halong Bay home with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay cruise

• Pick up from Hanoi Old Quarter
• Transfer to cruise dock
• Check in and welcome drinks
• Enjoy lunch on board
• Cruise towards bay attractions
• Visit cave or pearl farm by boat
• Visit Titop Island for swimming or hiking
• Enjoy sunset party and happy hour
• Attend cooking demonstration or free time
• Dinner on board under stars
• Relax with spa or cocktails

Day 2 — Morning activities and return to Hanoi

• Morning Tai Chi on sundeck
• Light breakfast served
• Visit Sung Sot Cave and hike
• Check out and brunch on board
• Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina
• Transfer back to Hanoi
• Drop off at hotel in Old Quarter

Top questions

What is included in the Halong Bay overnight cruise?

The tour includes round-trip transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels, overnight cabin with private bathroom, all meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast), kayaking or bamboo boat trip, swimming time, cooking class or demonstration (on most boats), Tai Chi session (on most boats), happy hour drinks offer, entry fees for caves/islands/activities.

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

The drive takes about 2-3 hours each way via highway express between Hanoi’s Old Quarter and the cruise dock.

Do I need to book transfers separately?

No—round-trip transfer from Hanoi is included if you select that option when booking.

Are meals included during the cruise?

Yes—all main meals are provided: lunch and dinner on day one; breakfast (and sometimes brunch) on day two.

What activities are available on board?

You can join kayaking or bamboo boat trips through caves or around islands, swim at beaches or off the boat (weather permitting), attend cooking classes or demos (on most cruises), try Tai Chi at sunrise (on most cruises), and relax during happy hour.

Which caves or islands will we visit?

Depending on your chosen route: Sung Sot Cave (Halong Bay), Titop Island for swimming/hiking views; Dark & Bright Cave (Lan Ha Bay); Thien Canh Son Cave (Bai Tu Long); Cat Ba Island village visit by bike or electric car (Lan Ha route).

Is there free time during the tour?

Yes—there is downtime in your cabin or on deck between activities; evenings are relaxed with optional spa treatments or drinks available.

Are cabins private?

Yes—each booking includes a private cabin with air conditioning and en-suite bathroom; single cabins are available if booked separately.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants can join free of charge but must share bed/meals/seats with adults; not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your overnight trip covers hotel pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter area, round-trip highway transfer to Halong Bay dock, full board with all main meals included onboard (from lunch to breakfast), kayaking or bamboo boat excursions through caves or around islands depending on your chosen route, entry fees for caves and beaches visited along the way, Tai Chi session at sunrise (on most cruises), cooking class or demo where offered, happy hour drinks specials each evening, plus your own private cabin with air conditioning and hot shower so you can rest easy after exploring all day.