CozyBay Cruise-The Best Small Group 2D/1N inHalong-All inclusive

Experience the Best of Halong Bay on Cozy Bay Cruise’s 2-Day All-Inclusive Small Group Tour

Looking for an adventure on Vietnam’s legendary Halong Bay that balances comfort with authenticity? For just $122 per person, this 2-day, all-inclusive cruise offers a well-rounded taste of what makes Halong Bay so special. From round-trip transportation from Hanoi to delicious local meals and an exciting lineup of activities, this tour is designed to maximize your experience without breaking the bank.

What we love about this trip is how smoothly everything is organized — from the pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the guided visits to iconic sites like Sung Sot Cave and Titov Island. Plus, the chance to kayak and try bamboo boat rides makes it feel more like an adventure than a typical tourist cruise.

On the flip side, one consideration is that the cabins may be basic, and if you’re expecting luxury, you might find them a bit Spartan — but that’s a small trade-off for the value and the authentic boat experience.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a lively yet manageable group setting, enjoy delicious local food, and appreciate stunning scenery with multiple activities included. If you’re seeking a memorable, budget-friendly way to see Halong Bay with a friendly crew, this could be just what you’re looking for.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Value: Meals, activities, and accommodation are covered, making this a hassle-free experience.
• Authentic Experiences: Kayaking, bamboo boat rides, cooking classes, and island visits are included, offering more than just sightseeing.
• Well-Organized Itinerary: From cave explorations to beach visits, every activity is scheduled to maximize your time.
• Small Group Atmosphere: With a maximum of 23 travelers, it maintains an intimate, friendly vibe.
• Scenic Highlights: Expect stunning views, especially from Titop Island’s viewpoint and during sunset on the bay.
• Value for Money: A budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on activities or comfort.

A Closer Look at the Experience

Booking and Meeting Point

Starting from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the tour’s pickup at your hotel is straightforward, with a note that pickup details should be confirmed in advance. The coach to Halong Bay takes about two hours on a high-speed expressway, with a short break halfway — a small but appreciated touch that keeps everyone comfortable.

Day 1: From Hanoi to Halong Bay

The adventure begins early, around 8:00 AM, with your guide — often a friendly, knowledgeable person — escorting you to the bay. You’ll arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor around midday, where you’re greeted with a welcome drink and a quick safety briefing before settling into your air-conditioned private cabin.

What we love here is how the schedule balances relaxation with adventure. While cruising, you can indulge in a Vietnamese-style lunch as you take in the scenery. The dishes are described as traditional, satisfying, and a good introduction to local flavors.

The afternoon is packed with visiting Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest and most impressive caves in Halong. The reviews mention that it’s a “surprising” cave, filled with stalactites and stalagmites, making it a photographic highlight. Expect approximately three hours for this stop, giving plenty of time to explore comfortably.

Next, the cruise stops at Titop Island, famous for its panoramic viewpoint. Climbing to the top offers breathtaking views of the bay, and the sandy beach beside it invites swimming and relaxing — a favorite among travelers. Many reviews highlight the joy of swimming here, and the scenic vista from the top is often praised as “splendid.”

Sunset and Evening Activities

Back onboard around 5:30 PM, you’ll enjoy sunset views from the deck, often described as “magical,” with drinks or a book in hand. The Sunset Party and cooking class follow at 6:00 PM, where you learn to make fresh noodle rolls. Many travelers appreciate this hands-on experience, which adds an authentic, local touch to the trip.

Dinner is served at 7:00 PM — a barbecue with local seafood and meats, often enjoyed with bay views through large windows. Afterward, you can indulge in squid fishing, sing karaoke, or unwind with a natural herbal foot bath — small touches that elevate the experience and foster camaraderie.

Day 2: Morning in Halong Bay

Waking early to catch the sunrise from the deck is a highlight for many. Following breakfast at 7:00 AM, the tour takes you to visit a pearl farm where you’ll learn about Vietnam’s renowned pearls. The process of farming takes years, and many reviewers found this stop both interesting and informative.

Kayaking is a key part of the second day, starting around 8:30 AM. With your own boat, you get a closer look at the bay’s rock formations and quiet corners, appreciated in reviews as a fun, active way to explore.

By 9:30 AM, you check out, leaving your cabin but continuing the cruise for a few more hours of scenic sailing, culminating in a delicious lunch en route back to Tuan Chau Harbor. The ship docks around noon, completing your cruise.

Return to Hanoi and Overall Experience

The return journey to Hanoi is via the same expressway, with a brief stop, arriving back in the Old Quarter around 4:00 PM. This timing gives you the evening free to explore Hanoi or relax after your trip.

What Travelers Say

Reviews consistently praise the friendly guides, stunning scenery, and value for money. Rob, who traveled solo, mentioned that “Tony made the trip fun and exciting,” emphasizing the importance of a lively guide. Others highlight the delicious food, well-organized schedule, and the small group atmosphere, which fosters a more personal experience.

Some critique the spartan cabins, noting they’re “basic,” but most agree that the overall value outweighs this. A few mention boat maintenance issues, such as heater problems or aging fixtures, but these seem minor in the grand scheme.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise suits adventurous travelers on a budget who want authentic experiences without luxury prices. It’s perfect for groups, solo travelers, or couples seeking a lively, friendly atmosphere with activities like kayaking, cave exploring, and island hikes. If you’re a foodie, you’ll enjoy the cooking class and local cuisine. But if luxury and high-end cabins are your priority, you might want to look elsewhere.

Families with children aged 5 and above will find the schedule manageable, though very young children share the cabin free of charge only if they’re under four. The tour’s small group size ensures a more intimate experience, with plenty of opportunities to chat with guides and fellow travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour covers round-trip transportation from Hanoi, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), accommodation in a private air-conditioned cabin, sightseeing tickets, activities like kayaking and bamboo boat rides, a cooking class, and the herbal foot bath.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included in the package. You can purchase beverages onboard or bring your own. The focus is on local meals and activities.

How many people are in each group?
The tour maintains a maximum of 23 travelers, creating a friendly, small-group atmosphere that encourages interaction.

What is the quality of the cabins?
The cabins are simple and basic but are equipped with air conditioning. Some reviews mention they are spartan, so don’t expect luxury hotel comfort — it’s more about the experience on the boat.

Can I do activities like kayaking and bamboo boat rides?
Yes, these activities are organized and included in the schedule. Many travelers enjoy the personal exploration these activities allow, especially kayaking around the bay’s quiet corners.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children from 5 to 8 pay 75% sharing with a parent, and those over 8 are considered adults. Only one child under 4 sharing a room with two adults is free. Overall, it’s suitable for families, provided children are comfortable with the schedule and boat environment.

Final Thoughts

The Cozy Bay Cruise’s 2-day all-inclusive tour offers a lively, engaging way to experience Halong Bay’s iconic scenery without overextending your budget. You’ll enjoy delicious local food, hands-on activities, and stunning views all from a small, friendly group setting. The cruise’s well-organized itinerary ensures you get a mix of adventure and relaxation, with plenty of opportunities to take photos, explore caves, and unwind on deck.

While the cabins are simple, the overall experience balances value and authenticity. If you’re looking for a fun, well-structured trip that hits the highlights and adds some local flavor, this tour is a smart choice. It’s especially suited for solo travelers, couples, or groups interested in making the most of their time on Halong Bay without fuss or luxury overhead.

This tour embodies the spirit of Vietnam’s natural beauty combined with warm hospitality, making it a memorable part of any journey through northern Vietnam.