3-day Halong Bay cruise from Hanoi with overnight stay in a private cabin

3 days + 2 nights
All meals included
Light intensity
Cruise ship

Bai Tu Long Bay is Ha Long Bay’s quieter neighbour, a maze of limestone karsts, green lagoons and floating fishing villages that sees a fraction of the boat traffic. This three-day cruise from Hanoi takes you through its untouched seascape aboard a boat with private cabins, stopping to kayak, swim, visit caves and meet fishing communities still living on the water. Two nights onboard means you see the bay at its emptiest — early morning and after sunset.

Your route

What makes the night special

Once the day boats have headed back to port, the bay feels like it belongs to the overnight cruises alone. As the sun slips away, the limestone karsts become dark silhouettes and the water settles into a perfect mirror. On the first evening, the crew prepares a barbecue dinner on deck, followed by a cooking demonstration where you can see the techniques behind some of Vietnam’s favourite dishes. The second night feels quieter, taking you deeper into the bay, with fewer boats and more space between the karsts. Sleeping in your private cabin with the gentle rock of the water underneath you is what makes this more than a day trip.

A transfer from Hanoi brings you to the jetty where you board the cruise and settle into your private cabin. After a welcome drink and safety briefing, the boat sets off through Bai Tu Long Bay, sailing past dramatic limestone formations towards Cap La Island. The afternoon is spent kayaking and swimming in the calm green waters around the island. As the sun sets, the group gathers on deck for a sunset gathering, followed by a cooking demonstration and a barbecue dinner, weather permitting.

Begin with Tai Chi on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast as the boat continues deeper into the bay. At Vung Ha, take a kayak out into secluded waters surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs, with time for a swim before heading to Thien Canh Son Cave to discover its striking rock formations. Back on board, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you please, whether you relax on deck, join an onboard activity or simply watch the karst formations pass by.

On the final morning, head to Cong Do and the traditional Vung Vieng fishing village, where generations of families have made their lives on the water. Here, you get a glimpse into everyday life in the bay — how families fish, farm and travel between their floating homes. After one last stretch of cruising through the bay, the boat makes its way back to the jetty, where you transfer for the journey back to Hanoi.

Why you’ll love this…

You’ll explore the wonders of Hanoi and Bai Tu Long Bay on this unforgettable 3-day cruise adventure
There’s time to swim and kayak in the emerald waters of Cap La Island and hidden lagoon areas
You’ll enjoy freshly prepared local seafood meals served onboard throughout your journey
A visit to Vung Vieng fishing village offers a glimpse into traditional life on the water
You’ll discover Thien Canh Son Cave and peaceful limestone landscapes away from the crowds

Important to know

You will be requested to add your hotel name and address during checkout
All guests should email or contact the local operator to confirm their final pickup place and time. You will find the contact details after booking
You will need to bring your passport to check in before the cruise

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 45 days before the experience begins.

What’s included

Entrance fees
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
Brunch
Guided tour
Cruise
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
2-night accommodation

What’s not included

Alcoholic drinks
Drinks

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Location

Meeting point:

Pick-up and drop-off service available from your hotel in Hanoi Ancient Town. You'll be asked to share your accommodation details at checkout.

Provider

LVP TRAVEL

What people say about this experience

At the moment there are no reviews for this experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. This is a guided cruise operated by a licensed boat company in Bai Tu Long Bay. The crew provides a full safety briefing on boarding, and the boat is equipped for overnight stays with private cabins. Bai Tu Long Bay is sheltered by limestone karsts, making for calm waters. Kayaking and swimming stops are in protected lagoons with the crew present throughout.

You will be away from your Hanoi hotel for two nights. Let your hotel know you will be away. There is no need to cancel your Hanoi booking. Both nights are spent onboard the cruise in your private cabin. You return to Hanoi on the afternoon of day 3.

The cruise includes return transfers between Hanoi and the jetty, two nights in a private cabin onboard, and all meals during the cruise including a barbecue dinner on day 1. Kayaking equipment, a Tai Chi session, a cooking demonstration, and guided visits to Thien Canh Son Cave and Vung Vieng fishing village are all included. Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses are not included.

Bai Tu Long Bay is warm year-round. The driest and clearest months are October to December and March to May. June to September is warmer but brings occasional rain showers, which rarely last long. January and February can be cooler and hazier. The cruise operates throughout the year with the route adjusted to weather conditions.

No particular fitness level is required. The main activities are kayaking and swimming, both of which are optional. Walking through Thien Canh Son Cave involves some steps but is short. The cruise itself is relaxed, with plenty of time to rest on deck between stops.