Halong & Lan Ha Bay: 2-Day Aspira Cruise with Balcony Suite

Summary

Halong Bay overnight cruise with kayaking, Tai Chi, and local flavors

You’ll wake up to misty views of Halong & Lan Ha Bay from your own balcony suite, kayak into caves with a local guide, learn to roll Vietnamese spring rolls (even if they come out wonky), and join Tai Chi at sunrise on deck. With hotel pickup from Hanoi and all meals included, it’s an easy escape into another world.

What’s the experience like?

Waking up in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, I barely had time for coffee before the van pulled up — they were right on time for the hotel pickup. The drive out to Halong was quieter than I expected; misty fields and sudden bursts of scooters outside the window. By noon we were stepping onto the Aspira Cruise ship, greeted with cold towels and something citrusy in the air — maybe lemongrass? Our guide Minh gave us a quick safety rundown (I zoned out halfway through, honestly), then led us to our cabin. Private balcony, sea-view tub… I almost didn’t want to leave the room.

The first real “wow” moment hit at Dark and Light Cave. We chose kayaking (my arms still regret it) while others let local rowers take them in bamboo boats. It was quiet except for our paddles and the odd bird call echoing off limestone cliffs. Back onboard, there was this sunset party — everyone lounging around with drinks as the sky turned that weird blue-pink you only see near water. Minh tried teaching us how to make fresh spring rolls later (“roll tighter!” he kept saying), but mine looked like sad little burritos. Still tasted good though.

I woke up early (not my thing) for Tai Chi on deck — mostly because Minh said sunrise over Lan Ha Bay is worth it. He wasn’t wrong; soft gold light on the water, just silence except for someone’s phone alarm going off by mistake. Breakfast was light but enough: fruit, pastries, strong coffee. We kayaked again after, this time just drifting around — I spotted a fisherman waving from his tiny boat and tried waving back but nearly dropped my paddle in the process.

By late morning we checked out of our cabin (I lingered in that bathtub longer than I should have) and had brunch as the boat glided back toward port. The whole thing felt both quick and slow at once — like I could’ve stayed another day or two just watching clouds move across those jagged cliffs. There’s something about Halong Bay that sticks with you after you leave; maybe it’s all that quiet green water or maybe just Minh’s laugh when he caught me sneaking extra spring rolls.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Halong and Lan Ha Bay

• Pick up from Hanoi Old Quarter hotel
• Travel 2.5 hours via expressway
• Check in and cruise briefing
• Arrive at Dark and Light Cave
• Kayak or bamboo boat ride
• Swim near the ship
• Relax in seasonal Jacuzzi
• Enjoy sunset party and happy hour
• Join traditional cooking class
• Optional massage or use fitness center

Day 2 — Lan Ha Bay to Hanoi

• Wake up early for Tai Chi or sunrise
• Have light breakfast
• Explore Lan Ha Bay kayaking
• Return to boat and check out cabin
• Have brunch while sailing back
• Settle bill and disembark
• Transfer to Hanoi or say goodbye
• Arrive in Hanoi and end trip

Top questions

How do I get from Hanoi to Halong Bay for this cruise?

The tour includes hotel pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter with transfer by van directly to Halong port.

Is kayaking included on the Aspira Cruise?

Yes, kayaking around Dark and Light Cave and Lan Ha Bay is included in your stay.

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

Four gourmet meals are included: lunch, dinner, breakfast, and brunch onboard.

What type of cabin will I stay in?

You’ll have a junior suite with a private balcony overlooking Halong Bay.

Can I join activities like cooking classes or Tai Chi?

Yes, both a Vietnamese cooking class and morning Tai Chi are included activities onboard.

Is there free time to relax on board?

There’s plenty of downtime—enjoy your balcony suite, swim near the ship, or use the gym or pool anytime.

Are drinks included during meals?

A welcome drink is included; other drinks are available for purchase at happy hour prices.

Is this cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Aspira Cruise is wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

Your journey includes round-trip hotel pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter, all entrance fees for Halong & Lan Ha Bay attractions, an English-speaking local guide throughout your stay, four freshly prepared meals including brunch before disembarkation, daily Tai Chi sessions at sunrise on deck, hands-on cooking class with crew members (spring rolls are harder than they look), kayaking or bamboo boat rides led by locals at Dark and Light Cave plus access to onboard facilities like gym and mini pool—massage services are available for an extra fee if you want to treat yourself before heading back home.