Halong & Lan Ha Bay Cruise: Balcony Cabin, Kayak, Cooking Class

Summary

Kayak quiet bays, cycle village paths, taste fresh seafood on deck

You’ll drift between Halong and Lan Ha Bay’s limestone peaks, kayak into quiet coves, try your hand at Vietnamese cooking with locals guiding you, and relax each night in a private balcony cabin. Expect laughter over shared meals, sunrise Tai Chi if you’re up early enough, and small moments of calm you might not have planned for.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — gentle water tapping against the hull as we drifted out from Tuan Chau pier. Our guide Minh handed me a welcome drink (I still can’t remember what was in it — something citrusy and cold), and pointed at the jagged limestone islands rising everywhere. It’s hard to describe how those rocks look in morning haze; almost unreal. We’d left Hanoi early, but somehow that groggy bus ride faded away as soon as I stepped onto the boat.

Lunch was served while we cruised into Halong Bay — lots of seafood, some things I didn’t recognize but tasted anyway. Minh told us about Surprise Cave (Hang Sung Sot) before we walked inside; honestly, I expected just another cave but the cool air and strange formations made me stop more than once. There were moments of total silence except for distant voices echoing off the stone. Later on Ti Top Island, I tried climbing to the viewpoint (my legs still remind me), but that view — all those islands scattered like puzzle pieces — was worth every step.

The next day we kayaked around Lan Ha Bay. The water felt colder than I thought when my hand dipped in. At one point I just stopped paddling and floated under these cliffs with vines hanging down, watching a fisherman row by on his bamboo boat. He waved and said something I didn’t catch; Minh laughed and tried to translate but gave up halfway through. We cycled through Viet Hai village too — kids waving, chickens darting everywhere — and then back for a sunset party on deck with local wine and fruit (the dragonfruit was way better than what I get back home). That night after dinner some folks tried squid fishing off the side; I mostly watched and cheered them on because honestly, those squid move fast.

I didn’t expect to enjoy the cooking class so much — rolling spring rolls is trickier than it looks! There was this moment when everyone was laughing at my attempt (rice paper stuck to everything), but even Minh joined in. The night air out on the balcony cabin felt different somehow, quieter than anywhere else I’ve slept. Next morning we visited a pearl farm before heading back toward Hanoi; there’s something hypnotic about watching those green islands slip past your window one last time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Ha Long Bay cruise

• Pick up from Hanoi hotel
• Drive to Ha Long City with stop
• Embark at Tuan Chau wharf
• Welcome drink and cruise briefing
• Lunch while cruising Ha Long Bay
• Visit Sung Sot Cave
• Visit Ti Top Island or swim
• Sunset party on sundeck
• Join cooking class on board
• Dinner with Vietnamese seafood
• Leisure time: bar, squid fishing, karaoke
• Overnight on cruise

Day 2 — Explore caves and kayaking

• Breakfast on board
• Transfer to day boat
• Kayak at Ho Dong Tien Cave
• Swim at Drum Cave
• Visit Maze Cave
• Return to cruise for rest
• Sunset party with happy hour
• Dinner on sundeck
• Relax or squid fishing at night
• Overnight on cruise

Day 3 — Morning activities and return

• Breakfast and sunrise views
• Visit Pearl Farm or Dark & Bright Cave
• Kayaking in bay area
• Cooking class demonstration
• Lunch while cruising back
• Check out cabin
• Return to Hanoi with stop
• End of trip

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Halong Bay cruise?

Yes, pickup from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter is included before transfer to the port.

Do cabins have private balconies on this cruise?

Yes, each cabin features a private ocean-view balcony for guests.

Are vegetarian or special meals available onboard?

Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking; other dietary needs can be accommodated too.

What activities are included during the cruise?

You’ll kayak or swim in Halong & Lan Ha Bay, visit caves and fishing villages by bamboo boat, join cooking classes, cycle in Viet Hai village (Lan Ha option), try squid fishing at night, enjoy sunset parties and Tai Chi sessions.

How long is the drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay port?

The drive takes about 3–4 hours each way with a refreshment stop en route.

Is Wi-Fi available onboard?

This isn’t specified; connections may be limited due to location.

Can children join this cruise? Are there discounts?

Children are welcome; under 4s stay free sharing with parents (one per cabin), ages 4–8 pay 80% of adult rate.

Is swimming allowed during the trip?

Yes—there are several chances for swimming at beaches or from the boat throughout the itinerary.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels, all entry fees for caves and villages along Halong & Lan Ha Bay routes, kayaking gear plus guided bamboo boat rides with locals, cycling in Viet Hai village if you choose that option, daily Vietnamese-style meals (with vegetarian options), sunset parties with local wine and fruit on deck each evening, hands-on cooking classes led by onboard chefs, squid fishing equipment for nighttime fun, Tai Chi classes at sunrise if you’re up early enough—and every night you’ll sleep in a private ocean-view balcony cabin with ensuite bathroom before returning comfortably to Hanoi at trip’s end.