Halong & Lan Ha Bay: 3-Day Cruise with Local Guide & Meals

Summary

Explore Halong and Lan Ha Bay by cruise with local food and village visits

You’ll glide between Halong and Lan Ha Bay’s limestone islands by cruise with a local guide leading the way. Kayak into quiet coves, bike through Viet Hai village past waving kids and buffalo, learn spring rolls from Chef Li, and wake up to sunrise tai chi on deck. It’s slow travel — full of small moments you’ll remember long after leaving.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the hush — just the soft slap of water against the hull as we left Tuan Chau Marina. Our guide, Minh, handed me a cold towel (which honestly felt amazing after the bus from Hanoi) and pointed out the limestone cliffs rising up like old teeth. I caught a whiff of something herbal from the kitchen — maybe lemongrass? — and realized lunch was already being prepped. We drifted past fishing boats painted in colors that looked faded by sun and salt, and Minh told us stories about his childhood swimming here. I tried to picture it, but my mind kept wandering back to the way the light bounced off the bay.

Later that afternoon, we kayaked near Light and Dark Cave. The water was so clear you could see tiny fish darting below. My arms got tired faster than I’d admit, but nobody seemed to care — even when I almost bumped into another kayak (sorry again to that French couple). Back on deck, there was this spring roll lesson with Chef Li. She laughed when I tried to say “nem rán” in Vietnamese — probably butchered it — but she showed me how to roll them tight anyway. The sunset wasn’t loud or dramatic; it just sort of crept in while we sipped something sweet during happy hour.

The next morning started early with tai chi on the sundeck. I’m not usually a sunrise person, but there’s something about moving slow while mist still clings to those limestone towers that makes you forget you’re bad at balance. We biked through Viet Hai village later — chickens everywhere, kids waving shyly from doorways. The path wound through jungle so thick it felt like riding inside a green tunnel, then suddenly opened up to rice paddies where water buffalo grazed. Lunch was simple but good: fresh fish, sticky rice, vegetables that tasted like they’d just been picked.

On our last day, we explored Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island. The air inside was cool and damp; stalactites hung low enough that even Minh ducked his head once or twice. There’s this echo when you talk in there — kind of eerie but also comforting? Afterward we had one last meal together before heading back toward Tuan Chau Marina. Saying goodbye felt strange; three days isn’t long but somehow it’s enough for a place like Lan Ha Bay to stick with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay cruise

• Pick up from Hanoi hotel
• Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina
• Board La Regina Cruises
• Cruise and explore Lan Ha Bay
• Visit Light and Dark Cave
• Swim in emerald waters
• Return to cruise for sunset
• Join spring roll cooking class
• Dinner on sundeck

Day 2 — Viet Hai village biking and beach

• Morning Tai Chi on sundeck
• Breakfast at restaurant
• Board day boat to Viet Hai
• Biking in Viet Hai village
• Lunch at village or on board
• Kayaking and swimming at Ba Trai Dao Beach
• Return to main boat

Day 3 — Lan Ha Bay to Tuan Chau Marina

• Morning Tai Chi on sundeck
• Light breakfast at Ha Long Restaurant
• Quick breakfast on board
• Tour Cat Ba World Biosphere
• Relax and check out
• Lunch on board
• Disembark and speed boat to marina

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Halong & Lan Ha Bay cruise?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter are included.

How long is the cruise tour from Hanoi?

The tour lasts 3 days and 2 nights with round-trip transfer from Hanoi.

Are meals provided during the 3-day cruise?

Yes, all main meals are included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day.

What activities are offered on this Lan Ha Bay cruise?

You can kayak near caves, bike through Viet Hai village, swim at Ba Trai Dao Beach, join tai chi sessions, and take part in a cooking class.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes, swimming is possible at Ba Trai Dao Beach during the itinerary.

Is this cruise suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

No, it’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Are guides local on this Halong & Lan Ha Bay trip?

Yes, professional local guides accompany you throughout the journey.

Does this tour include visits to Cat Ba Island caves?

Yes, you’ll visit Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island as part of the itinerary.

What’s included

Your trip includes round-trip hotel pickup in Hanoi Old Quarter by air-conditioned vehicle; all main meals onboard featuring Vietnamese cuisine; guided kayaking at Light & Dark Cave; biking through Viet Hai village; swimming at Ba Trai Dao Beach; tai chi sessions at sunrise; entrance fees; overnight accommodation on the boat; plus help from your local guide every step of the way before returning comfortably to Hanoi.