Halong & Lan Ha Bay: Overnight Cruise with Kayaking & Chef Demo

Summary

Two-day Halong cruise with kayaking, chef demo, and local guide

You’ll drift through Halong and Lan Ha Bay’s quieter corners by cruise, kayak into hidden lagoons with your local guide Minh, try your hand at rolling Vietnamese spring rolls during a cooking class (don’t worry if they fall apart), watch sunset from the sundeck with new friends, and wake up to Tai Chi as dawn breaks over limestone peaks—leaving you with more than just photos.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — that soft slap of water against the hull as we left Tuan Chau Marina. There’s this weird hush out on Halong Bay, even with the crew chatting in Vietnamese nearby. Our guide, Minh, handed me a cold welcome drink and grinned when I tried to say “xin chào.” (I think I got it half-right; he didn’t correct me.) The boat glided past these limestone islands — some shaped like ducks or thumbs if you squint — and the air tasted faintly salty. Lunch was already waiting: fresh spring rolls, something tangy with fish sauce, and rice that actually tastes like rice. I kept looking out the window instead of eating.

Later in Lan Ha Bay, we dropped anchor somewhere that felt completely cut off from everything. Minh handed us paddles for kayaking (“Don’t worry, just follow me!”) and off we went. The water was glassy green. At one point I stopped paddling just to listen — nothing but birds and the drip of water off my paddle. Some folks swam; I just floated for a bit, staring up at those cliffs. Back on board there was this “sunset party” on deck — not really my thing usually, but everyone loosened up after happy hour kicked in. The chef showed us how to roll proper Vietnamese spring rolls (mine fell apart; Li laughed at my attempt), but honestly it tasted fine anyway.

I woke early for Tai Chi on the top deck — mostly because someone said you could see dawn over the bay if you were lucky. It was quiet except for a few sleepy voices and the distant putter of fishing boats. Breakfast was strong coffee and pastries while mist curled around the rocks outside. We visited Dark & Light Water Cave by bamboo boat rowed by a local woman who barely spoke English but smiled every time we pointed at something new. She let me try rowing for about two seconds before laughing and taking over again.

I still think about that last slow hour back toward the harbor — everyone kind of quiet, watching the islands slip away through foggy glass. If you’re looking for a day trip to Halong Bay from Hanoi or want something less crowded, this overnight cruise hits different. Not perfect (my spring rolls definitely weren’t), but maybe that’s why it sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Halong Bay cruise

• Pick up at Hanoi Old Quarter hotels
• Drive to Halong Bay via expressway
• Stop at Hai Duong for refreshment
• Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina
• Embark La Pandora Cruise by tender
• Welcome speech and safety briefing
• Enjoy lunch on board
• Check in and rest in cabin
• Kayaking or swimming in Lan Ha Bay
• Sunset party and happy hours on sundeck
• Participate in cooking class for spring rolls
• Dinner served on board
• Evening activities: cocktails, games, movies, squid fishing
• Overnight cruise at quiet bay area

Day 2 — Lan Ha Bay to Hanoi return

• Early morning Tai Chi session
• Light breakfast with bay view
• Visit Dark & Light Water Cave
• Explore cave by kayak or bamboo boat
• Check out and settle bills
• Lunch served while cruising back
• Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina
• Return to Hanoi by air-conditioned limousine
• Arrive at Hanoi hotel

Top questions

How long does the Halong & Lan Ha Bay cruise last?

The cruise lasts 2 days and 1 night, including overnight onboard.

Is hotel pickup included from Hanoi Old Quarter?

Yes, pickup from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter is included if you use their transfer service.

What activities are included on this overnight cruise?

You’ll get kayaking or bamboo boating in Lan Ha Bay, a sunset party, cooking demonstration (spring rolls), squid fishing, games, movies onboard, Tai Chi session at sunrise, plus swimming opportunities.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

Yes—lunches, dinner, breakfast are all included featuring Vietnamese cuisine prepared by an onboard chef.

Can I join if I don’t know how to kayak?

Yes! Guides provide instructions and there’s also an option for bamboo boat rowed by locals if you prefer not to kayak.

How far is Halong Bay from Hanoi by bus?

The journey takes about 3 hours each way via expressway with a short refreshment stop en route.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes—the activities are suitable for all physical fitness levels; participation is flexible.

What’s included

Your experience includes hotel pickup in Hanoi Old Quarter (if selected), all entry fees and taxes throughout Halong and Lan Ha Bay, guided kayaking or bamboo boating led by locals, a sunset party on deck with happy hour specials, hands-on Vietnamese cooking demonstration (yes—spring rolls!), squid fishing after dinner if you’re curious enough to try it out yourself, plus all meals freshly prepared onboard before returning comfortably to Hanoi by limousine bus.