Halong & Lan Ha Bay Cruise: Kayak, Caves, Private Balcony

Summary

Lan Ha Bay’s limestone islands, kayak caves and sunset dinners

You’ll kayak through silent caves in Halong & Lan Ha Bay, watch sunset from your private balcony suite, taste Vietnamese dishes made fresh onboard, and learn to roll spring rolls with your local guide. Wake up to misty views over emerald water — it’s less about sightseeing than feeling part of this peaceful rhythm.

What’s the experience like?

Chopsticks clinked quietly as we drifted away from Got Pier — I was still peeling the plastic off my cabin slippers when our guide, Minh, pointed out the first limestone peaks rising out of Halong Bay. The air tasted faintly salty but not sharp, more like warm steam from a rice cooker. We’d barely finished lunch (I tried the fish with ginger — still thinking about it) when Minh grinned and asked if anyone wanted to try kayaking at Light and Dark Caves. I hesitated because honestly my arms are noodles, but the water was glassy and green so I went for it. Paddling under those low arches felt like sneaking into some secret world. The only sound was our paddles tapping rock now and then — except for one point where someone behind us let out a laugh that echoed weirdly in the cave.

Back on deck later, I leaned over the rail with a cold drink while the sun dropped behind Cat Ba Island. There was this moment — everyone suddenly quiet — just watching orange light flicker on the bay. Minh set up a little cooking demo right there; he showed us how to roll fresh spring rolls (Li laughed when I tried to say “nem cuốn” in Vietnamese — probably butchered it). Dinner was slow and relaxed. The crew brought out dish after dish; I lost track after the lemongrass chicken. It’s hard to explain but eating outside with the water moving below you just hits different.

I slept with the balcony door cracked open so I could hear water lapping all night. Woke up early to pale mist over Lan Ha Bay — everything felt soft and quiet except for a distant engine somewhere. Breakfast was strong coffee and fruit before we started heading back toward Tuan Chau. It wasn’t flashy or anything but there’s something about sharing those small moments with strangers who somehow feel familiar by morning.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay cruise

• Embark Mon Chéri Cruise at noon
• Enjoy lunch on board
• Sail through canals to Halong Bay
• Arrive at Light and Dark Caves
• Kayak or bamboo boat ride
• Swim near the ship
• Admire sunset over Gulf of Tonkin
• Attend sunset party
• Join Vietnamese cooking demonstration
• Dine on board
• Squid fishing or relax in room
• Overnight on Mon Chéri Cruise

Day 2 — Lan Ha Bay to Hanoi return

• Enjoy breakfast on board
• Experience Lan Ha Bay scenery
• Have lunch on board
• Return to Tuan Chau and Hanoi

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Halong & Lan Ha Bay cruise?

No, embarkation is at Got Pier in Hai Phong; hotel pickup is not listed as included.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

Yes, all meals are included as per itinerary: lunch, dinner, breakfast.

Can you kayak during this 2 day trip?

Yes, kayaking at Light and Dark Caves is part of the experience.

Is there a private balcony in each cabin?

Yes, Ocean Suite Balcony cabins include a private balcony with bay views.

Does this cruise offer Halal food options?

Yes, Mon Chéri Cruise is certified to serve Halal food prepared by trained chefs.

How long is this Halong & Lan Ha Bay cruise?

The tour lasts 2 days and 1 night onboard Mon Chéri Cruise.

Are children allowed on board?

Yes, children are welcome if accompanied by an adult; child rates apply when sharing with two adults.

What activities are included besides cruising?

The cruise includes kayaking or bamboo boat rides at caves, swimming near the ship, cooking demonstration, squid fishing at night.

What’s included

Your trip covers all meals onboard from lunch on day one through breakfast on day two; overnight accommodation in an Ocean Suite Balcony cabin; guided activities including kayaking or bamboo boat ride at Light & Dark Caves; swimming; cooking demonstration; squid fishing; bottled water; taxes and fees—all led by a local guide for smooth sailing from Got Pier through Halong & Lan Ha Bay before returning via Tuan Chau.