Halong & Lan Ha Bay Cruise: Kayak, Viet Hai Village & Local Boat

Summary

Kayaking, cycling Viet Hai village and bamboo boat caves on Lan Ha Bay cruise

You’ll wake up surrounded by limestone cliffs in Lan Ha Bay, kayak through quiet coves, cycle bumpy paths in Viet Hai Village with locals nearby, and drift into caves by bamboo boat—all with meals onboard and Hanoi pickup handled for you. There’s something about sharing sunset snacks on deck that sticks with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I woke up with the curtains open and the light was already sneaking across the water — all those limestone islands just sitting there, quiet except for the soft engine hum. The air smelled salty but not sharp, almost sweet. Our guide Minh was already moving around the sundeck with a pot of tea, waving us over for Tai Chi. I tried it (awkwardly) while a few others just sipped coffee and watched the mist burn off. It felt like time slowed down out here in Lan Ha Bay. I’d seen photos before but being surrounded by these green cliffs is something else.

After breakfast (the eggs were actually really good), we hopped onto a smaller boat for Viet Hai Village. The ride took maybe an hour? I lost track because we kept drifting past tiny floating houses and fishermen waving from their boats. Cycling through the village was bumpy — old bikes, muddy path — but honestly that made it better somehow. We stopped to watch a woman weaving baskets; she grinned when my friend tried to help and totally failed. Minh explained some of the local farming stuff but I was mostly distracted by chickens chasing each other around our feet. Lunch on the day boat was simple—lots of rice and fish—and I remember how fresh everything tasted after all that pedaling.

Later we kayaked near Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches Beach). The water here is this weird clear-green color, like jade if you hold it up to sunlight. My arms got tired fast but drifting close to those rock arches felt worth it. There’s this silence between paddles that’s hard to describe—just birds and your own breathing. That night back on Doris Cruise, they set out fruit and cakes at sunset; everyone sort of lingered in small groups, swapping stories while someone tried (and failed) at squid fishing off the side.

The last morning came too quick. We took a bamboo boat into Dark & Bright Cave—rowed by this older guy who sang under his breath most of the way. It echoed inside the cave, which made me laugh even though no one else seemed to notice. Packing up felt strange; you get used to waking up with that view outside your window, you know? Even now I still think about that early light on the bay.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel to Lan Ha Bay and cruise activities

• 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 and swim at Tra Bau area
• Enjoy sunset party and cooking demonstration
• Have dinner on cruise
• Evening entertainment and squid fishing

Day 2 — Viet Hai Village and Ba Trai Dao exploration

• Practice Tai Chi on sundeck
• Have breakfast on cruise
• Transfer to Viet Hai Village by boat
• Cycle or electric car tour around Viet Hai Village
• Have lunch on daily boat
• Kayak around hidden islands in Lan Ha Bay
• Swim at Ba Trai Dao hidden beaches
• Return to Doris Cruise
• Enjoy sunset party and cooking demonstration
• Have dinner on cruise
• Evening entertainment and squid fishing

Day 3 — Lan Ha Bay cave visit and return to Hanoi

• Practice Tai Chi on sundeck
• Have breakfast on cruise
• Sail to Dark & Bright Cave
• Explore cave by local bamboo boat
• Relax and check out cabin
• Enjoy last buffet lunch on cruise
• Dock at Tuan Chau Harbor and disembark
• Return to Hanoi by limousine
• Arrive in Hanoi

Top questions

How do I get from Hanoi to Halong Bay for this cruise?

The tour includes roundtrip transfer by limousine bus from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels directly to Tuan Chau dock.

Is kayaking included or extra on this Halong & Lan Ha Bay cruise?

Kayaking is included in the tour price; equipment is provided onboard at Tra Bau area and Ba Trai Dao beaches.

Can I visit Viet Hai Village without cycling?

Yes, there’s an option to use an electric car instead of cycling around Viet Hai Village.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

Yes, all main meals are included: lunch and dinner onboard plus breakfast each morning.

What kind of accommodation is included?

You’ll stay overnight in a Junior Suite cabin with private balcony on Doris Cruise.

Is there a cooking class or food demonstration?

Yes, there’s a cooking demonstration during sunset party hours onboard both evenings.

Do I need cash for anything during the trip?

You may want cash for drinks or small purchases in Viet Hai Village; most essentials are covered.

Are guides English-speaking?

Yes, an English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout the cruise activities.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter by limousine bus, entrance fees throughout Halong and Lan Ha Bay, kayaking or local bamboo boat rides rowed by locals, guided cycling or electric car tour at Viet Hai Village, sunrise Tai Chi sessions on deck, all main meals including lunch onboard Doris Cruise plus cooking classes at sunset—and comfortable overnight stays in your own private balcony suite before returning to Hanoi in comfort.