Bai Tu Long Bay Cruises 5 Days 4 Nights Itinerary

Morning: Travel from Hanoi to Ha Long

08:00 – 08:30: A luxury limousine from the cruise company will pick you up at your designated meeting point or hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter . The vehicle will depart for Ha Long via the modern highway (approximately 2.5 hours of travel time).

10:00 AM: The bus will make a short 15-minute break at a rest stop on the highway so you can relax, use the restroom, or grab a drink.

11:30 – 11:45: The vehicle arrives at Ha Long International Cruise Port (or Hon Gai International Port , depending on the cruise company you choose). Your tour guide will meet you at the luxurious private waiting area , assist with check-in procedures, and tag your luggage.

Lunchtime: Board a cruise ship and enjoy lunch while admiring the heritage site.

12:15 PM : Transfer from the pier to the main cruise ship by safe speedboat (tender).

12:30: The crew welcomes you aboard with a welcome drink and refreshing towels. The ship’s manager will briefly explain maritime safety regulations and provide a summary of the voyage’s itinerary.

12:45: Check into your private cabin (most ships on this route have spacious balconies overlooking the bay) to store your luggage and rest.

13:00: Enjoy a delicious fresh seafood lunch at the cruise ship’s restaurant. At this time, the ship begins to weigh anchor, gliding past the boundary of Ha Long Bay to venture deeper into the peaceful, tranquil core of Bai Tu Long Bay .

Afternoon: Explore pristine nature & Kayaking

15:00 – 16:30: The ship stops in a calm bay area (such as Cong Do or Cap La ) to begin the series of outdoor activities:

• Kayaking: Paddle your own kayak, weaving through pristine, towering limestone cliffs and exploring hidden caves at the foot of the mountains.
• Visit Thien Canh Son Cave: Explore the magnificent cave interior with its splendid system of natural stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years (depending on the tour route of each boat).

17:30 – 18:30: Return to the cruise ship to relax. Participate in the Sunset Party on the Sundeck to watch the romantic sunset, enjoy Happy Hour drink offers (Buy 1 Get 1 Free ), and experience a Cooking Class teaching how to make traditional Vietnamese spring rolls.

Evening: Culinary dinner & tranquil nighttime sea experience

7:00 PM: Enjoy a romantic dinner with a set menu or a premium buffet in the ship’s elegant restaurant.

8:30 PM: Experience the nightlife at sea: Try your hand at night squid fishing with the crew on the stern deck, sip cocktails at the outdoor bar, or relax with treatments at the ship’s spa. Spend your first night in the tranquil bay.

Morning: Sunrise over the bay & Visit the magnificent cave

06:30 – 07:00: Start your day with a Tai Chi exercise on the sundeck under the fresh morning sun, or enjoy a cup of tea or coffee at your leisure.

07:00 – 07:45: Enjoy a light breakfast at the main cruise ship’s restaurant to recharge your energy.

08:30: Transfer to a Day Boat to begin a journey further northeast of Bai Tu Long Bay.

09:30 – 11:00: Explore Thien Canh Son Cave (or Thay Cave depending on the train route):

• You will walk up natural rock steps under the canopy of the primeval forest to reach the cave entrance.
• Inside the cave, the guide will introduce the magnificent system of million-year-old stalactites and stalagmites , with many fascinating shapes, likened to a “natural theater” in the heart of the bay.

Lunchtime: Enjoy lunch by the sea and explore the ancient fishing village.

11:30: Return to the boat to relax and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch or BBQ prepared right on board as the boat leisurely moves towards the cultural area.

13:00 – 15:00: Experience the culture of Vung Vieng floating fishing village :

• As the boat approaches the floating houses, you’ll transfer to rustic wooden boats paddled by local fishermen.
• The boat glides gently past the natural stone village gate, floating houses on the water, the old floating school, and pearl farming areas. You will hear stories about the lifestyle and unique customs of the fishermen of the bay in the past.

Afternoon: Free-range kayaking & Return to the main cruise ship

15:00 – 15:45: Experience free kayaking around the calm bay area of ​​the fishing village or the Cong Do area to explore the nooks and crannies and limestone cliffs up close.

16:00: The boat will take you back to the main cruise ship (Mother Cruise) . You have time to shower, relax in your cabin, or go up to the sundeck.

17:30 – 19:00: Participate in the Sunset Party , enjoy the Happy Hour program (drink discounts), and socialize at the evening cooking class on the main ship.

Evening: Culinary Dinner & Second Night on the Bay

7:15 PM: A luxurious dinner will be served at the restaurant with a brand new menu to offer guests a change of taste.

8:30 PM – 10:30 PM: Free time to relax: sip cocktails at the outdoor bar, join the crew for a second night squid fishing trip , or gaze at the tranquil starry sky amidst the heritage site. Second night on the bay.

Morning: Peaceful sunrise & Exploring a secluded deserted island

06:30 – 07:00: Start your day with an energetic Tai Chi exercise on the sundeck to watch the sunrise, or freely enjoy the pristine early morning bay views.

07:00 – 07:45: Enjoy a light breakfast (tea, coffee, pastries, cereal) at the restaurant.

08:30: You will continue your journey by day boat towards the pristine, secluded islands and beaches located in the northeastern part of Bai Tu Long Bay (such as Cong Dam area or Hon Co Island ).

09:30 – 11:30: Experience the “deserted island” at Ban Chan Beach (or equivalent natural sandy beach depending on the tide):

• Once the boat anchors near the shore, you can freely disembark, stroll along the pristine white sand, and immerse yourself in the crystal-clear water where you can see the seabed. Because it’s a restricted area for boats, you’ll enjoy the feeling of having your own “private beach.”
• If you enjoy physical activity , you can paddle a kayak yourself to explore the limestone cliffs surrounding the island.

Lunch: BBQ lunch at sea & Return to the main ship

12:00 – 13:15: Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch or BBQ prepared live on board as the ship leisurely glides through absolute tranquility.

14:00: A boat will take you back to the main cruise ship (Mother Cruise) .

Afternoon: A time for complete relaxation.

14:30 – 17:00: This is the perfect time for laziness and recharging:

• You can return to your private cabin, lie down and read a book, or take a deep nap on the balcony overlooking the breezy bay.
• Head to the sundeck and soak in the jacuzzi (if available on board), or book a massage/spa treatment to completely relax your muscles after 3 days of kayaking.

17:30 – 19:00: Join the final Sunset Party on the bay. Sip on a Happy Hour cocktail, watch the golden sunset fade behind the rolling rocky islands, and participate in a pastry making or fruit carving class with the chef.

Evening: Farewell Party & Serene Night Sea

19:15 : Enjoy a luxurious Gala Dinner at the restaurant with a premium menu specially designed for your final night on the bay.

8:30 PM – 10:30 PM: Chat with new companions at the outdoor bar, join the sailors for late-night squid fishing, or simply relax on the balcony and admire the unique tranquility of the Bai Tu Long Bay at night. Spend the third night on the bay.

06:30 – 07:00: Enjoy your last morning on the bay with a Tai Chi session or watch the peaceful sunrise on the Sundeck.

07:15 – 08:00: Enjoy a light buffet breakfast at the cruise ship’s restaurant.

08:30 – 09:30: The cruise ship gently docks ( Ha Long International Port or Ao Tien Port – Van Don ). You check out and retrieve your luggage.

10:00 AM: A vehicle or speedboat will take you to the sparsely populated main island to begin your exploration of the mainland.

10:30 – 12:00: Visit the Cai Rong Traditional Fish Sauce Village (in Van Don):

• You will have the opportunity to see firsthand the rows of giant earthenware jars and pots drying in the sun – where anchovies and mackerel are fermented using time-honored traditional methods.
• Listen as the artisans share the meticulous filtering process that produces the finest, most flavorful sea worm fish sauce.

12:15 – 13:30: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on the island with rustic specialties such as: Sea worm soup with betel leaves , grilled sun-dried squid , and local crab rice .

14:00 – 15:30: Explore the leisurely life in an ancient fishing village on the island:

• You can cycle along the small, bamboo-lined coastal roads, visit the old fishermen’s houses, and watch the elderly men hand-weaving fishing nets on their verandas.
• Interactive experience: If you visit during low tide, you can join the locals on the coastal mudflats to experience the incredibly fun activity of raking for clams, collecting snails, and razor clams .

16:00: The vehicle will pick you up and begin your journey back to Hanoi via the expressway.

6:30 PM: The bus arrives back in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter . You check into your hotel and rest.

7:30 PM: Enjoy a light dinner with a refreshing bowl of chicken pho or mixed eel vermicelli to change things up after days of eating seafood. Officially ending your incredibly fulfilling and enriching 4-day , 3-night Bai Tu Long Bay combo cruise !