From Hanoi: 3-Day and 2-Night Cruise Stay at Bai Tu Long Bay

From Hanoi: 3-Day and 2-Night Cruise Stay at Bai Tu Long Bay

A three-day escape from Hanoi offers you a chance to explore the quieter, less crowded side of Vietnam’s famous Ha Long Bay—namely, Bai Tu Long Bay. For $289 per person, you get to stay aboard a luxurious cruise ship and visit stunning islands, explore caves, and experience authentic Vietnamese hospitality. The trip typically starts early in the morning and includes ample activities like kayaking, swimming, and visiting floating villages, making it a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

What we love about this tour is its focus on less touristy areas, giving you a more genuine feel of the bay’s natural beauty. Plus, the delicious food served onboard, often praised as “amazing” and “5-star,” really elevates the experience. The friendly guides and well-organized itinerary ensure you get a taste of local culture without feeling rushed.

One consideration to keep in mind is that the itinerary may vary slightly depending on weather conditions and tides, which is common for outdoor adventures. Also, if you’re traveling solo or want a private cabin, expect a single supplement fee of $150, which is typical for cruise bookings.

This cruise suits those who appreciate authentic scenery, enjoy water activities like kayaking and swimming, and want a relaxed, intimate environment away from the crowds. Families, couples, and solo travelers who seek a well-rounded experience in a beautiful setting will find this tour very appealing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Less crowded than Ha Long Bay, offering a more peaceful and authentic atmosphere.
• Variety of Activities: Kayaking, swimming, cave visits, floating villages, and squid fishing for a full day of engaging experiences.
• Comfort & Convenience: Spacious, air-conditioned cabins with ensuite bathrooms and included meals making for a comfortable stay.
• Local Culture & Scenery: Visit to Vung Vieng Floating Village on bamboo boats and panoramic views of thousands of islets.
• Flexible Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a pay-later option for flexible planning.
• Value for Money: A well-priced tour considering the activities, meals, and the quality of the cruise.

Exploring Bai Tu Long Bay: A Deep Dive

The Itinerary and What Makes It Special

Starting from Hanoi early in the morning, the journey to Bai Tu Long Bay is smooth, with a driver picking you up between 7:30 and 8:00 AM. The coach ride offers a chance to relax and get excited as you prepare for the day ahead. Arriving at Ha Long’s port around noon, you’ll check into your luxury cruise and enjoy a welcome drink as the captain and crew brief you on your upcoming adventure.

Day 1 takes you into Bai Tu Long Bay, a region less frequented by travelers than its more famous neighbor, Ha Long Bay. You’ll explore Thien Canh Son Cave, a highlight for those who love natural formations and cool, shaded spaces. The cave visit is usually a quick stop but offers impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The afternoon is filled with activities like kayaking around the bay, sunbathing on deck, or even joining a Vietnamese-style cooking class—a fun way to learn local culinary tricks.

A notable highlight from reviews is the onboard food, which many travelers describe as “amazing” and “5-star,” with a variety of dishes that cater to Western tastes. After dinner, try your hand at nighttime squid fishing, a quiet, meditative activity that many find surprisingly enjoyable. The day ends with relaxing in your comfortable cabin or enjoying a drink while stargazing.

Day 2: Discovering Islets and Private Beaches

Breakfast begins your second day, with coffee and tea to fuel your exploration. The boat cruises to Tra San and the geological park, where kayaking provides a fantastic way to see the bay’s thousands of islets from a different perspective. You’ll also get to relax on a private beach, a rare treat that offers solitude and beautiful scenery.

The highlight here is the Be Ong Dau area, which is perfect for more kayaking or simply soaking up the tranquility. The lunch onboard is another chance to enjoy fresh, well-prepared Vietnamese cuisine in a scenic setting. The cruise will then move to Cong Do for an overnight stay, giving you a chance to enjoy the peaceful bay in the evening.

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Day 3: Floating Villages and Returning to Hanoi

On your final day, the sunrise over Bai Tu Long Bay is a picture-perfect moment. After breakfast, you’ll visit Vung Vieng Floating Village, by bamboo boat, which offers real insight into local life. Many reviews emphasize the peaceful atmosphere of this village, and the chance to see how residents live on the water.

Following this visit, the cruise heads back through Ha Long Bay, offering more views of towering limestone formations and scattered islets. Lunch is served onboard before disembarking and returning to Hanoi, filled with memories of stunning scenery and new experiences.

What Makes This Cruise Stand Out

• The less crowded Bai Tu Long Bay provides a sense of exclusivity.
• The multiple activities like kayaking, cave visits, and floating village tours make it engaging without feeling rushed.
• The accommodation on the boat is noted for being spacious, air-conditioned, and comfortable—important for relaxing after days of exploration.
• The food consistently receives praise, often described as a highlight of the trip.
• The guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, adding a personal touch to the journey.

Practical Details & Considerations

Transportation & Timing

The tour includes coach transportation from Hanoi, which is convenient but can be a long ride—roughly 4 hours each way. The pick-up times are early, so be prepared for an early start. The cruise duration is 3 days and 2 nights, offering a good balance between immersion and rest.

Cost & Value

At $289 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering the included meals, activities, and comfortable accommodation. The additional costs to watch out for include the single supplement ($150), roundtrip transfer from Hanoi ($15), and any extra drinks or personal expenses.

What to Bring

Travelers should pack passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunscreen and sun hat, swimwear, and cash for extra purchases. The tour emphasizes casual, outdoor wear, so think layers—some activities can be hot, others shaded or breezy.

Limitations & Recommendations

• This experience isn’t suited for wheelchair users due to boat mobility.
• Since itinerary adjustments can occur due to weather or tide conditions, flexibility is key.
• Peak season (October to April) may involve a $20 surcharge per person.
• It’s a small group environment (max 24 guests), which many reviews appreciate for its intimacy.

Authentic Experiences & Review Highlights

Many travelers praise guides like Vic and Mr. Morning for their helpfulness and knowledge, often mentioning how guides made the experience special with their friendly attitude and local insights. Reviewers have called the food “amazing” and “5-star”, noting that many meals are plentiful, fresh, and cater to Western tastes, making the dining experience just as enjoyable as the scenery.

The peaceful atmosphere of the floating village, combined with the stunning views of limestone formations and islets, left many reviewers with a sense of quiet wonder. Several mention that the smaller boat made the tour feel more personal and less touristy, adding to the overall charm.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This 3-day Bai Tu Long Bay cruise provides an excellent balance of adventure and relaxation, with highlights including less crowded scenery, authentic floating villages, and delicious food. It’s perfect for travelers who want an intimate experience away from larger tourist crowds, yet still enjoy a variety of water-based activities.

Those who appreciate well-organized itineraries and friendly guides will find this trip very rewarding. While the price might be a bit higher than some basic tours, the quality of accommodation, food, and personalized service make it a worthwhile investment. If your goal is to see stunning natural scenery and enjoy authentic Vietnamese hospitality in a relaxed setting, this cruise is a solid choice.

FAQ

Is transportation from Hanoi included?
No, but the tour offers an additional roundtrip transfer from Hanoi for $15 per person. The coach ride to Ha Long Bay typically starts early in the morning.

What should I bring?
Bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash for extra expenses or tips.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour provides 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners onboard. The food is highly praised and often described as delicious.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The policy is based on the year of birth, but the tour is generally suitable for families, especially since activities are outdoors and relaxing.

What activities are included?
Expect kayaking, swimming, cave visits, and fishing at night. The floating village trip on bamboo boats is also a highlight.

Is Wi-Fi available onboard?
Yes, Wi-Fi depends on the cruising area, but many travelers find it sufficient for sharing their experience.

Are there any extra charges I should be aware of?
Yes, single cabins require a $150 surcharge. Also, peak season (October-April) may involve a $20 surcharge per person.

This cruise offers a genuine, intimate experience in one of Vietnam’s most scenic areas, blending adventure, culture, and comfort in a way that’s both accessible and memorable. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group, this trip provides a well-rounded way to enjoy the natural beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay.

You can check availability for your dates here: