Ha Long Bay: 2D1N Boutique Cruise with Kayak & Titop Island

4.86

(619 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to wake up floating in Ha Long Bay? I didn’t really expect the silence — just the soft slap of water against the hull and a weirdly comforting smell of salt and coffee mixing on the sundeck. Our guide, Minh, had already set out tea by the time I shuffled up in my slippers (which I probably shouldn’t have worn outside, but no one seemed to care). We’d left Hanoi Old Quarter early — too early for my taste — but by lunch we were drifting past those wild limestone cliffs that look fake in photos. They’re not.

The first afternoon was a blur of caves and laughter. Sung Sot Cave was bigger than I thought — cool air, echoes everywhere, and Minh telling stories about dragons and fishermen while someone’s kid kept pointing at rock shapes (“That one’s a turtle!”). Later we climbed up Titop Island for the view (my legs still ache thinking about those stairs) or you could just swim if you felt lazy. The sand stuck to my feet for hours after but honestly, I didn’t mind.

Dinner was barbecue by these big windows looking out over dark water. There was a cooking class too — I tried making noodle rolls but mine fell apart before I could even dip them in sauce. Li laughed when I tried to say “phở cuốn” in Vietnamese; probably butchered it. Karaoke got loud after that (someone did an ABBA song), but you could also just sneak away to the top deck with your drink and watch the fishing boats blink across the bay. That part felt almost private.

Next morning, sunrise hit different out here. After breakfast (lots of fruit, strong coffee), we visited a pearl farm — turns out it takes years to grow one pearl, which made me rethink every necklace I’ve ever seen. Kayaking was my favorite though: paddling close enough to touch those green cliffs, water dripping off the paddle and everything quiet except for some distant voices from another boat. Then it was time to head back toward Hanoi, tired but kind of wishing we had one more night.