Halong & Lan Ha Bay cruise from Hanoi: 2 days with kayaking
Kayak through limestone karsts, then sleep on the water with the caves still in view
A two-day cruise from Hanoi visits Lan Ha Bay, Halong Bay and the Tra Bau Area with kayaking, cave rowing and onboard activities. Roundtrip shuttle bus transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter, meals, English-speaking guide, and a private balcony cabin are included. The itinerary avoids the crowded main Halong routes, and you choose between kayaking or local bamboo boat rides at each water stop. Drinks at the restaurant and tips are optional.
Step-by-step itinerary
Day 1: Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay cruise
- Pick up from Hanoi Old Quarter
- Travel to dock 35 Tuan Chau
- Check in at dock and board Doris Cruise
- Have lunch on cruise
- Rest and check in to cruise cabin
- Kayak or swim at Tra Bau area
- Enjoy sunset party and cooking demonstration
- Have dinner on cruise
- Evening entertainment and squid fishing
Day 2: Lan Ha Bay and return to Hanoi
- Practice Taichi on sundeck
- Have breakfast on cruise
- Visit Dark & Bright Cave by tender
- Return to Doris Cruise
- Check out cabin and prepare luggage
- Have lunch at cruise restaurant
- Transfer to Tuan Chau Harbor
- Return to Hanoi Old Quarter by limousine bus
What’s included
- Roundtrip shuttle bus transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter.
- two nights in a private balcony cabin with air conditioning and shower.
- lunch, dinner and breakfast.
- welcome drinks and sunset refreshments.
- kayaking or bamboo boat rowing at Tra Bau Area and Dark & Bright Cave.
- life jackets, towels and dry bags.
- English-speaking guide.
- Tai Chi demonstration.
- cooking class on the cruise.
- entrance fees and taxes.
Times
- Every day 08:00
Before you book
Operated by Doris Cruise
Prices and times updated 10 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
The limousine bus picks you up from Hanoi Old Quarter at 8 a.m. and takes 2.5 hours to reach Tuan Chau dock, where you board the Doris Cruise by midday. After lunch and a rest in your private balcony cabin, the first afternoon sends you kayaking or rowing by local bamboo boat through the Tra Bau Area: the limestone backdrop of Kong Skull Island. Life jackets, towels and dry bags are provided. By sunset, you're back on deck for a cooking demonstration, cakes, fruit and tea, then dinner and evening squid fishing or relaxation.
The second morning starts with optional Tai Chi on the sundeck at 6 a.m., followed by breakfast you can skip if you want to sleep. At 8:30 a.m., a tender boat takes you to Dark & Bright Cave, where you can row through it with local boatmen or stay aboard the cruise to rest. By 10:45 a.m., you're heading back to Hanoi, arriving at Old Quarter by early afternoon. The whole route stays in the less-visited sections of the bay: fewer tour boats, more water and stone.
Is this one for you?Book this cruise if you're arriving in Hanoi with a free two days and want to skip the main Halong Bay crowds: the route favors Lan Ha Bay and smaller groups, and the shuttle bus means no car rental or separate transport to arrange. The private balcony cabin and onboard meals keep the day simple, so you're free to kayak, cave-row or rest without planning stops.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Vietnamese.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.
What's the Tra Bau Area like for kayaking?
Tra Bau Area is a limestone-studded stretch of Lan Ha Bay known as the filming location for Kong Skull Island. You paddle or row between the karsts, and the cruise provides life jackets, towels and dry bags so your camera and phone stay dry while you swim or explore.
Can I choose between kayaking and the bamboo boat?
Yes. At both Tra Bau Area and Dark & Bright Cave, you can kayak or take a local bamboo boat rowed by the boatmen. The choice is yours at each stop, and the cruise supplies all the gear and safety equipment.
How long is the bus ride from Hanoi?
The roundtrip shuttle bus journey from Hanoi Old Quarter to Tuan Chau dock takes 2.5 hours each way. Pickup starts at 8 a.m. on day one, and you return to Old Quarter by early afternoon on day two.
What happens on the second morning?
Day two begins with optional Tai Chi practice on the sundeck at 6 a.m., then breakfast at 7:30 a.m. (which you can skip). At 8:30 a.m., a tender boat takes you to Dark & Bright Cave for rowing or sightseeing before the return journey to Hanoi.
What meals and drinks are included?
Lunch, dinner and breakfast are included, along with welcome drinks and complimentary cakes, fruit and tea at the sunset party. Drinks from the restaurant bar and minibar are optional, as are tips for the guide and driver.
Is there entertainment on the cruise?
The cruise includes a cooking demonstration during the sunset party, squid fishing in the evening, and Tai Chi on the second morning. Your cabin has air conditioning, a shower and one bottle of water per person.
Halong & Lan Ha Bay cruise from Hanoi: 2 days with kayaking
2d · EN +1 · at your hotel
from US$ 270 per person
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