Halong & Lan Ha Bay: 3-Day V’Spirit Cruise, Kayak & Village

Summary

Lan ha bay mornings village rides bamboo boats and sunset decks

You’ll wake up with Tai Chi as mist curls over Lan Ha Bay, eat with locals in Viet Hai village, kayak past hidden temples, and try squid fishing under starlight. This three-day cruise from Hanoi includes hotel pickup, all meals, an English-speaking guide—and plenty of small moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever tried squid fishing in the dark?" That’s what our guide, Minh, asked as we leaned over the railings our first night out on Lan Ha Bay. I was still picking grains of salt off my lips from swimming earlier—water so green it looked painted on—and honestly, I didn’t expect to be holding a fishing line at 9pm. The boat was quiet except for laughter drifting up from the kitchen and some far-off karaoke echoing across the water. Dinner had been fish with ginger and something leafy I couldn’t name; Minh told us his grandmother used to cook it for Tet. He grinned when I tried to say thank you in Vietnamese—probably butchered it.

The next morning started early with Tai Chi on the sundeck. I’m not usually up at sunrise but there’s something about that mist over Halong Bay that makes you want to stand still for a minute. The air tasted faintly of salt and lemongrass tea (they hand you a cup after). Later we took a speedboat out to Cat Ba Island—Viet Hai village is tucked away behind lagoons and rice paddies. I picked the bike instead of the electric car; probably should’ve worn different shorts because the seat was not forgiving, but riding past water buffalo and kids waving from doorways made up for it. Lunch in the village was simple—noodles, fish sauce, lots of herbs—and everyone just sort of sat together without much fuss.

Kayaking around Ba Trai Dao felt like drifting through someone else’s dream: limestone cliffs overhead, water so quiet you could hear your own paddle drip. There were tiny beaches where we stopped just to float and watch clouds slide by. Minh pointed out a hidden temple near Tra Bau—said fishermen still leave offerings there when storms are coming. We got back to the cruise in time for happy hour (the mango juice is weirdly good), watched twilight turn all those islands blue-grey, and then wandered up top deck again after dinner. Not every moment was perfect—I lost my flip-flop somewhere between cabins—but I still think about that view at dusk.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay cruise and activities

• Pick up at Hanoi Old Quarter hotel
• Arrive at Tuan Chau International Harbor
• Embark V’Spirit Cruise and welcome drink
• Lunch at The Dawn Restaurant
• Explore Bright Cave by bamboo boat
• Swim and enjoy water activities
• Join Vietnamese cooking demonstration
• Enjoy sunset party on deck
• Dinner at the restaurant
• Evening bay views on top deck
• Optional squid fishing

Day 2 — Lan Ha Bay village and beach exploration

• Sunrise Tai Chi on sundeck
• Light breakfast served
• Transfer to Viet Hai pier by speed boat
• Bike or electric car to Viet Hai village
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Kayak at Viet Hai fish farms
• Swim or relax at Ba Trai Dao beach
• Return to cruise
• Happy hour on board
• Dinner at the restaurant
• Evening bay views and game show
• Optional squid fishing

Day 3 — Tra Bau kayaking and return to Hanoi

• Sunrise Tai Chi on deck
• Light breakfast on board
• Kayak in Tra Bau area
• Return to cruise and check-out
• Brunch while cruising to Tuan Chau port
• Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina
• Drop off at Hanoi Old Quarter hotel

Top questions

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

The tour includes hotel pickup in Hanoi Old Quarter and transfer to Tuan Chau Harbor where you board the V’Spirit Cruise.

Is kayaking included on this Halong & Lan Ha Bay cruise?

Yes, kayaking is included at Viet Hai pier and Tra Bau area as part of the itinerary.

Are meals provided during the 3-day cruise?

All meals are included: lunch and dinner on day one; breakfast, lunch, dinner on day two; breakfast and brunch on day three.

Can vegetarians or special diets be accommodated?

Yes, special food requests including vegetarian options can be arranged if informed before departure.

Is there a local guide on board?

An English-speaking tour guide accompanies you throughout the cruise experience.

What should I bring for this cruise?

You should bring swimwear, sunglasses, insect repellent, and your passport for check-in onboard.

Where do we sleep during the tour?

You’ll stay overnight in a luxury cabin onboard V’Spirit Cruise in Lan Ha Bay both nights.

Do activities change if there’s bad weather?

The itinerary may change due to weather conditions but alternatives will be provided when necessary.

What’s included

Your trip covers hotel pickup in Hanoi Old Quarter, all entrance fees for Halong & Lan Ha Bay attractions, guided kayaking and bamboo boat rides with locals, swimming stops (if weather allows), all meals onboard plus lunch in Viet Hai village, an English-speaking guide throughout your journey, insurance while cruising, taxes and service charges—so you can just show up ready for whatever comes next.