Halong & Lan Ha Bay cruise from Hanoi: 2 days with kayaking

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1/24

Duration2d

GroupUp to 54

LanguagesEN · VI

PickupAt your hotel

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

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.

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Doris Cruise

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.