Bai Tu Long Luxury Cruise 2D/1N: Kayaking, Swimming, meals at pristine places

Planning a trip to Vietnam and craving a blend of luxury, adventure, and authentic scenery? This 2-day Bai Tu Long Luxury Cruise offers just that—an upscale experience exploring less crowded, yet equally spectacular parts of Halong Bay, with plenty of opportunities for kayaking, swimming, and enjoying Vietnamese cuisine.

What we love most? The chance to see Bai Tu Long Bay, a quieter, more untouched cousin of Halong Bay, with dramatic limestone karsts and peaceful fishing villages. The well-rounded itinerary mixes scenic cruising, cultural exploration, and leisure activities—perfect for those who want a taste of everything while staying comfortable.

One possible consideration is the tour’s timing and group size; with a maximum of 40 travelers, it’s generally intimate but could feel crowded during peak seasons. Still, the value for the price (around $180 per person) includes luxurious accommodations, meals, activities, and transfers—making it a strong contender for a memorable, hassle-free getaway.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate authentic landscapes, enjoy a mix of relaxation and active pursuits, and value good food and hospitality. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just seeking a scenic escape, this cruise offers a refined way to explore Vietnam’s natural beauty.

Key Points

• Authentic Scenic Experience: Cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay, far less Touristy than Halong Bay, with incredible limestone formations and peaceful fishing villages.
• Active & Relaxing Activities: Kayaking, swimming, Tai Chi, and squid fishing keep your days engaging, while massage and spa treatments provide true relaxation.
• Gourmet Cuisine & Cooking: Enjoy buffet meals with local and international flavors, plus a Vietnamese spring roll cooking class.
• Luxurious Comfort: The air-conditioned, well-appointed cabins and onboard amenities like a sauna and spa services elevate the experience.
• Value for Money: At $180, the package includes meals, activities, transfers, and entrance fees, making it a cost-effective luxury adventure.
• Intimate Group Setting: Limited to 40 travelers, ensuring personalized service and a friendly atmosphere.

The Full Experience: What You Can Expect on This Cruise

The Pickup & Transfer: Starting the Journey

The adventure begins early, with pickup between 8:00 and 8:30 AM from Hanoi. This transport is included, so you won’t need to worry about navigating busy streets or arranging transport—just sit back and enjoy the scenic drive. The round-trip shuttle makes the journey smooth, but note that for some travelers, an 8 AM pickup might feel a tad early after a night out or a late arrival in Hanoi.

Embarking at Bai Tu Long Bay

Arriving around noon, you’ll check-in on the boat and get a warm welcome with a cocktail. The boat itself is described as beautiful, clean, and comfortable—crucial factors for a luxurious feel. Once onboard, you’ll pass stunning limestone formations, mountains, and floating villages, which immediately give you that “wow” factor.

Day 1 Highlights: Scenic Cruising & Cultural Stops

After a hearty buffet lunch featuring the freshest local products, the boat sets sail into Bai Tu Long Bay. The first activity is a visit to the Vung Vieng floating fishing village, accessed via kayak or bamboo boat. This offers a rare glimpse into local life, away from the heavily touristed areas of Halong Bay. The review from a traveler mentioned how the scenery was incredible, with moonlight reflecting off limestone cliffs, creating a romantic atmosphere.

In the late afternoon, you’re encouraged to relax—perhaps with a sauna or a massage—before the sunset paints the landscape in hues of orange and pink. The happy hour with buy-one-get-one drinks** is a fun social touch, and the cooking demonstration offers insight into Vietnamese cuisine—perfect for food lovers.

Dinner features a mix of Western fusion and traditional dishes, which are described as delicious and plentiful. After dinner, the night is lively with squid fishing, a favorite activity according to reviews, adding a fun and authentic flavor to the evening.

Day 2: Sunrise, Exploration & Return

Early risers wake up for Tai Chi at dawn on the deck—an ideal way to start the day. A light breakfast is served before heading out to explore Thien Canh Son cave. The cave is renowned for its stalactites and stalagmites, though it involves about 200 steps—so some travelers might find the climb a slight challenge.

Following the exploration, you’ll check out and enjoy a brunch on the boat. The cruise then cruises back through the scenic bay, allowing you to soak in the views one last time before heading back to Hanoi around 11:30 AM.

Additional Onboard Experiences & Amenities

Throughout the cruise, options like enjoying spa services, water, tea, and fresh fruit in your cabin, and participating in activities like Tai Chi or squid fishing, enrich your stay. The boat’s small size fosters a cozy, friendly atmosphere, and the staff’s attentiveness, praised in reviews, makes a real difference.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

With a price tag of about $180, this cruise packs in quite a lot: luxury accommodation, all meals, kayaking, cultural activities, and transfers. The full board meals ensure you’re well-fed with Vietnamese and international fare, and the inclusion of activities like kayaking and swimming adds value that many similar tours charge extra for.

The guided visits to floating villages and caves turn sightseeing into an immersive experience, not just a look-and-click. The onboard guides, such as Hoang, are noted for being attentive and engaging, which enhances the overall experience.

Authenticity & Comfort

The tour strikes a good balance between authentic experiences—like visiting Bai Tu Long’s fishing villages and participating in local cooking classes—and luxurious touches like spa treatments and comfortable cabins. This makes it appealing for those who want to enjoy the scenery without sacrificing comfort.

Small Group & Personal Service

Limited to 40 travelers, the boat offers an intimate environment, letting guests mingle without feeling overwhelmed. The staff’s friendliness and the personal attention highlighted in reviews ensure you’ll feel well cared for.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise suits adventurous travelers who want to explore beyond the crowded parts of Halong Bay, yet still enjoy the comfort of a luxury vessel. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or solo travelers seeking a serene yet engaging escape. If you enjoy activities like kayaking, swimming, and even squid fishing, you’ll find plenty to love here.

It’s also perfect for those who appreciate authentic scenery combined with gourmet Vietnamese cuisine and relaxation options. If your priority is a well-organized, memorable trip with a good dose of natural beauty, this cruise ticks those boxes.

FAQs

Is transportation from Hanoi included?
Yes, the tour offers a shuttle bus transfer from Hanoi, with pick-up times between 8:00 and 8:30 AM. There’s also an option for a later transfer at 11:30 AM if preferred.

What activities are included onboard?
You can kayak around floating villages, swim at a nice beach, enjoy Tai Chi in the morning, participate in a cooking class, and try squid fishing at night.

Are meals provided?
Yes, full board meals are included—two lunches, one dinner, and one breakfast—featuring both Vietnamese traditional dishes and Western fusion options.

Can I relax onboard?
Absolutely. The cruise features amenities like a sauna, massage services, and plenty of scenic spots for photography or simply unwinding while taking in views.

What is the accommodation like?
Guests stay in a luxury, air-conditioned cabin that’s described as comfortable and clean—ideal for resting after active days.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, although those with mobility issues should note the cave involves about 200 steps.

Final Thoughts

This Bai Tu Long Luxury Cruise offers an elevated way to experience Vietnam’s stunning waterscape while enjoying comfort and authentic activities. The quieter Bai Tu Long Bay allows you to get away from the crowds and appreciate the natural beauty at a relaxed pace.

You’ll love the seamless combination of scenic cruising, culture, and leisure activities like kayaking and swimming—all topped with delicious Vietnamese food. The attentive staff and intimate group setting make it feel personal, not just a mass tour.

In terms of value, it’s hard to beat the all-inclusive price when you consider the activities, meals, and luxurious accommodation. Perfect for travelers wanting a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural insights—this cruise delivers a memorable experience in a stunning setting.

In brief, this cruise is best suited for those seeking a peaceful escape with a touch of luxury, an appreciation for authentic scenery, and a desire to indulge in local cuisine and cultural activities. If you’re after a well-organized, enjoyable, and scenic trip that doesn’t break the bank, this Bai Tu Long Bay cruise could be your ideal Vietnam adventure.