Lan Ha Bay Cruise: Kayaking, Cooking & 5-Star Suite Stay

Summary

Lan Ha Bay’s quiet waters kayaking limestone islands overnight cruise

You’ll drift past limestone islands in Lan Ha Bay, kayak through hidden coves, taste fresh Vietnamese food on deck, and wake up to sunrise over calm waters from your own balcony suite. With a local guide handling every detail — even those little moments you don’t expect — you’ll find yourself wishing for one more night.

What’s the experience like?

I’d always heard about Halong Bay, but Lan Ha Bay was new to me — quieter somehow, less crowded. When our driver picked us up in Hanoi, I felt that weird mix of sleepy and excited. At Tuan Chau Marina the air smelled faintly salty and sweet (maybe from the sea or maybe just my nerves). The Heritage Cruises lounge had this calm hush, like everyone was waiting for something good. Our guide, Minh, handed me a welcome drink and grinned when I tried to pronounce “Chào buổi sáng.” I probably butchered it — he laughed anyway.

The cruise itself was... well, it felt surreal at first. Those limestone islands really do look like someone dropped them into the water on purpose. Lunch at L’indochine was so much better than I expected (I still think about that ginger fish), and then we got to kayak around Ba Trai Dao. The water was cool against my arms and so clear you could see little fish darting by. There was this moment when we just floated quietly — no engine sounds, just the soft splash of paddles and distant voices from another boat. Later, back on deck with a cocktail watching the sun go down over the Gulf of Tonkin, it all felt sort of unreal but also exactly right.

Minh ran a quick Vietnamese cooking class before dinner (my spring rolls were... not pretty). After dark some folks tried squid fishing off the side — I didn’t catch anything but got ink on my fingers anyway. My suite had a balcony and that night I left the door open just to hear the water lapping below. Woke up early for Vovinam practice on the sundeck — turns out I’m not very coordinated at 6:15am but it made me laugh.

The next morning we took a bamboo boat into Dark & Bright Cave. The light inside bounced off wet rock in these weird patterns; our local rower pointed out shapes in the stalactites that I never would’ve noticed alone (one looked kind of like a sleeping dragon?). Brunch was served as we cruised slowly back toward Tuan Chau — honestly I didn’t want to leave yet. Waiting for our ride back to Hanoi in the lounge felt strangely quiet after all that color and sound.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay cruise and activities

• Hotel pick-up in Hanoi
• Transfer to Tuan Chau Marina
• Refreshments at Heritage Cruises Lounge
• Welcome drink and suite check-in
• Lunch at L’indochine Restaurant
• Cruise through Lan Ha Bay scenery
• Kayaking or swimming at Ba Trai Dao
• Relax with cocktail and sunset views
• Afternoon tea and Vietnamese cooking class
• Evening bar views and squid fishing
• Overnight onboard the cruise

Day 2 — Lan Ha Bay exploration and return to Hanoi

• Morning Vovinam session on sundeck
• Light breakfast onboard
• Bamboo boat to Dark and Bright Cave
• Return to boat and checkout
• Brunch while cruising to mainland
• Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina
• Relax in lounge while waiting
• Limousine transfer to Hanoi hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included from Hanoi?

Yes, hotel pickup from Hanoi is included with this Lan Ha Bay cruise.

Do I get my own private suite cabin?

Yes, each guest has a 5-star private suite cabin with balcony and ocean views.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

Yes, lunch, dinner, breakfast, afternoon tea and brunch are all included onboard.

Can I go kayaking during this tour?

Yes, kayaking in Lan Ha Bay’s clear waters is part of the experience.

Is there a cooking class on board?

Yes, there’s an onboard Vietnamese cooking demonstration included.

What activities are available besides cruising?

You can swim, kayak, try squid fishing at night, join Vovinam practice or visit caves by bamboo boat.

Is this cruise suitable for families with children?

Yes; infants seats are available and prams/strollers can be used onboard.

Are drinks included during meals?

A welcome drink is provided; other drinks may be purchased at bars onboard.

Is Wi-Fi available on the ship?

Yes; free Wi-Fi is available throughout your stay on board.

What’s included

Your trip includes hotel pickup from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Marina and back if booked with limousine service; all sightseeing tickets; overnight stay in a spacious private suite with balcony; all meals—lunches, dinners, breakfast and brunch—plus afternoon tea; guided kayaking or swimming stops; Vietnamese cooking class; Vovinam session at sunrise; bamboo boat cave tour; squid fishing attempt; use of pool bar lounges and art gallery spaces; plus free Wi-Fi throughout your journey.