Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay, Hanoi: 2-day cruise

Paddle into limestone karst and sleep floating on the emerald water

A 2-day cruise through Lan Ha Bay, Halong Bay and around Tuan Chau island where you kayak through Light and Dark Caves, swim in the bay, and stay overnight in a private Ocean Suite Balcony aboard the five-star Mon Chéri yacht. The itinerary includes all meals, a local guide in English or Vietnamese, cooking demonstrations and squid fishing, with pickup available from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay cruise

• Embark Mon Chéri Cruise at Got Pier
• Enjoy lunch on board while sailing
• Arrive at Light and Dark Caves
• Kayak or bamboo boat ride at caves
• Swim near the ship
• Admire sunset and join sunset party
• Attend Vietnamese cooking demonstration
• Dine on board
• Squid fishing or relax in room

Day 2: Lan Ha Bay to Hanoi return

• Enjoy scenery of Lan Ha Bay

The experience

You board Mon Chéri at Got Pier in Hai Phong at noon and lunch arrives as the yacht sails toward Halong Bay. By 3pm you're at Light and Dark Caves, where you paddle a kayak through the limestone passages or take a bamboo boat if you prefer to watch. After swimming near the ship, you return for a sunset party on deck at 5:30pm, then join a cooking demonstration to learn how Vietnamese dishes come together. Dinner is served at 7pm in the yacht's restaurant, and from 8:30pm onward you can try squid fishing off the deck or retreat to your cabin with its private balcony overlooking the bay.

The overnight stay is in an Ocean Suite Balcony, a cabin designed around the view rather than away from it. Breakfast comes the next morning, and the return journey to Hanoi follows the same route through the karst landscape you arrived by. All activities (kayaking, swimming, the caves, the cooking class) are included, as are bottled water and every meal listed in the itinerary. A local guide travels with you throughout and speaks English or Vietnamese.

The Mon Chéri distinguishes itself with European classical design mixed into Vietnamese materials and details. The restaurant menu is built with care, and the yacht holds the distinction of being the first and only cruise in Vietnam certified to serve Halal food. Luggage is limited to one suitcase and one carry-on per person. Oversized items like surfboards or bikes need operator approval beforehand.

What’s included

• All meals from lunch on day one through breakfast on day two.
• overnight accommodation in an Ocean Suite Balcony with private balcony.
• kayaking through Light and Dark Caves or bamboo boat alternative.
• swimming in Lan Ha Bay.
• a local guide in English or Vietnamese.
• a Vietnamese cooking demonstration.
• squid fishing opportunity.
• bottled water.
• all activities and local taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:30 and 12:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 35

Live guideEnglish and Vietnamese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 9 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 6 days before the start.Between 2 and 6 days before the start, 50% refund.After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mon Cheri Cruises

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to share a yacht with other travelers rather than charter privately, and prefer a fixed itinerary with Hanoi pickup over planning your own route and logistics.

Traveler reviews

4.96★★★★★★★★★★

3,297 verified traveler reviews

5 ★3,199

4 ★71

3 ★15

2 ★5

1 ★7

Read all the reviews ›

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. Free cancellation up to 6 days before the start.

Can I kayak if I've never paddled before?

Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay is suitable for all fitness levels, and the Light and Dark Caves route is designed for beginners. A bamboo boat option is available if you prefer not to paddle.

What is included in the 2-day cruise?

Mon Chéri includes all meals from lunch on day one through breakfast on day two; overnight accommodation in an Ocean Suite Balcony; all activities including kayaking, swimming and cave visits; a local guide; a cooking demonstration; and all taxes and fees. Drinks and gratuities are separate.

How do I get from Hanoi to the cruise?

Pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels to Got Pier is available for 20 USD per person one way. You can also arrange your own transport to the pier in Hai Phong, where boarding begins at noon.

What are Light and Dark Caves like?

Light and Dark Caves are limestone formations in Lan Ha Bay where you kayak or boat through the passages. They are the first major stop after boarding, reached by 3pm on day one.

Is there time to swim in the bay?

Yes, swimming near the Mon Chéri is built into the itinerary after the caves, and you have the option to fish for squid from the deck in the evening if you prefer that to a second swim.

What should I pack for a 2-day cruise?

Pack one suitcase and one carry-on bag only. Oversized luggage like surfboards or golf clubs may not be permitted. Dress code is smart casual. Bring your passport with you, as the operator requires name, number, expiry and country at booking.