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January 27, 2025

2-Night Family-Friendly Adventure Cruise in Halong Bay (+ Bai Tu Long Bay)

When planning our family trip to Vietnam, Halong Bay was an absolute must on our itinerary. Known as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this stunning spot boasts thousands of limestone karsts and islands rising dramatically from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. The best way for our family to soak in this natural beauty? An unforgettable overnight cruise in Halong Bay!

In this article, we’ll share our experience of a family-friendly 3-day/2-night cruise with Indochina Junk, focusing on how to navigate this incredible destination while enjoying quality time together away from the hustle of mass tourism.

Discovering Halong Bay’s Charm

Imagine breathtaking views, hidden caves, and pristine beaches. Halong Bay covers an expansive area of around 1,553 square kilometers, including Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. As families know, the right cruise can make all the difference in creating a memorable experience. We quickly realized that the ideal way to explore this stunning region is with a more intimate cruise experience that avoids the crowds.

Choosing the Right Cruise for Your Family

When we began researching Halong Bay cruises, we were amazed by the options available—there were so many! Here are some important factors we considered to find the perfect fit for our family:

1. **Avoid Crowds**: Given how popular Halong Bay is, finding a cruise that ventures into less-traveled areas was essential for us. We wanted a cruise that visits Bai Tu Long Bay, where the scenery is just as stunning but with far fewer tourists.

2. **Length of Stay**: We opted for a 2-night cruise. This allowed us to fully experience the bay’s beauty without being confined to crowded points for a quick day tour. The additional time also meant we could enjoy activities together, from kayaking to exploring hidden beaches.

3. **Size of the Ship**: We chose a smaller ship, with around 30-40 guests. This provided a warm, family-friendly atmosphere where our kids could make new friends and explore safely. Plus, smaller ships can access places that larger vessels simply can’t reach.

4. **Environmental Responsibility**: As a family, we value sustainability. Indochina Junk promotes eco-friendly practices, such as banning single-use plastics, so we felt good about our impact as we enjoyed this beautiful region.

The Best Time for a Family Cruise

The ideal times to visit Halong Bay are in the spring (mid-March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is generally mild. We embarked on our cruise in early March. Though we faced some drizzle, we found the experience magical. Our ship, the Dragon Legend, was equipped with plenty of indoor activities, ensuring our family stayed entertained and engaged, rain or shine.

Getting to Halong Bay

Traveling to Halong Bay from Hanoi was easy. We used a shuttle service that provided a comfortable ride, complete with WiFi and a friendly driver. This made the journey family-friendly and stress-free—perfect for kids!

Our Family’s 3-Day Itinerary with Indochina Junk

**Day 1: Arrival and Exploration**

After settling into our luxury van, we arrived at the Indochina Junk office for a coffee break before boarding our ship. The welcoming crew offered us beautiful connected rooms with breathtaking views—perfect for a family of four!

After a delicious lunch, we ventured out to Bai Tu Long Bay, exploring the quaint Vung Vieng fishing village on bamboo boats. It was a fantastic family experience, bonding with the local fishermen and learning about traditional life on the water.

In the evening, the kids enjoyed a fun card game area while we dined on fresh seafood. After dinner, we even had the chance to try squid fishing—a wonderful nighttime adventure!

**Day 2: Adventure Awaits**

The second day began bright and early with Tai Chi, a refreshing way to start the day. After breakfast, we kayaked through Cap La, allowing us to see the magnificent rock islands at our family’s own pace.

The highlight of the day was a BBQ picnic on a serene beach, where we all swam and explored together before returning to our boat for relaxation.

Dinner included a cooking demo of Banh Xeo, the Vietnamese pancakes that the kids loved making!

Day 3: Last Day of Wonders

On our final day, we got an early start to visit the stunning Thien Canh Son Cave. After a short trek up the stairs, we were rewarded with breathtaking stalactites and a hidden beach.

As we wrapped up the trip with a delicious buffet and headed back to Hanoi, we cherished the memories we had made together. Our last stop included a delightful water puppet show—a great way to end our family adventure before heading home!

Our family’s 2-night cruise in Halong Bay was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, offering us quality time together in a beautiful setting. With breathtaking views, engaging activities, and a true family friendly environment.

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Family Travel Guides & Tips to Keep Parents Sane Bali Guides in Link Below👇👇👇 💌 alison@semicuratedlife.com
  • After 3 years living in Bali and staying at MANY places, here are 5 more we’d stay at again:

📍Save this post for your next trip to Bali with kids! 

1. Bali Eco Stay. We first stayed here 10 years ago on our honeymoon and it was just as great with kids. If you want to see firsthand what sustainability and working with the local community looks like, stay here. Think meals prepared with ingredients from the property and handicraft classes taught by a local grandfather. There is no pool, just swimming in streams and the on-site waterfall. Heaven. @baliecostay 

2. Rimba by Ayana. Besides the largest indoor/outdoor kids club in Bali, this place has so much to do. Pools, tram rides, elevators to the private beach, cultural dinners and an amazing spa - you’ll never need to leave the resort for everyone in the family to have a good time. @rimbabyayana 

3. Munduk Moding Plantation. We loved our stay here in a working coffee plantation. There is a slew of activities each day from horseback riding, guided plantation tours, cooking classes and even making crafts out of recycled plastic. The pools and hot tubs have amazing views over the rest of Bali. @mundukmodingplantation 

4. Coral View Villas. This is the perfect base for families to explore Amed. The beachfront villas are perfect for families and the snorkeling off the beach is world class. There is no kids club here but our kids couldn’t care less, spending their time running around the gardens, splashing in the pool and treasure hunting on the beach. @coral_view_villas 

5. Subak Tabola Villa. If you want your family to experience the true magic of Bali, book a stay here for a couple nights. Located in Sidemen, one of the most beautiful countrysides in all of Bali, you’ll be able to wake up early with Mama Ati to participate in daily prayers and join school children in the afternoon to make traditional offerings or learn Balinese dance or try your hand at gamelan music. @subaktabola_villa
  • Who else has taken their kids on a rush hour train in Tokyo 😅

It’s cultural, right?! 😂
  • When I first moved abroad I felt like I needed to keep so much of our lives from America the same. Cooking familiar dishes, keeping up the same pace of life… 

But so much has changed these past few years. I’ve learned to slow down, to find ways to make life easier and that allow me to spend more time with my family. Food delivery has been a godsend.

Follow @semicuratedlife for more on how we’re living the American Dream OUTSIDE the United States 🇺🇸
  • Planning a trip to Bali with kids? 😅✨
I’ve been there—literally. After 3 years of living in Bali with two little ones, I’ve created the guide I wish I had when we first arrived.

This isn’t just a list of cute cafés and tourist traps—it’s a comprehensive, parent-approved playbook for making your Bali trip unforgettable (and actually enjoyable 🙌).

✔️ 125+ kid-friendly activities
✔️ Where to stay by region + budget
✔️ Emergency info, rainy day plans, diaper brand recs & more
✔️ Created by a real mom who’s explored every corner of the island

Whether you’re coming for two weeks or two months, this guide will help you skip the overwhelm and focus on making memories. 💛

The link for my Bali guide is in my bio! 👆🏼

#balifamilytravel #baliwithkids #travelwithkids #familyadventure #momswhotravel #balitravelguide #bali2025 #familyvacationplanning
  • Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
  • And snacks. Snacks all over the place. People handing out snacks as you walk down the terminal 😂
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@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
After 3 years living in Bali and staying at MANY places, here are 5 more we’d stay at again: 📍Save this post for your next trip to Bali with kids! 1. Bali Eco Stay. We first stayed here 10 years ago on our honeymoon and it was just as great with kids. If you want to see firsthand what sustainability and working with the local community looks like, stay here. Think meals prepared with ingredients from the property and handicraft classes taught by a local grandfather. There is no pool, just swimming in streams and the on-site waterfall. Heaven. @baliecostay 2. Rimba by Ayana. Besides the largest indoor/outdoor kids club in Bali, this place has so much to do. Pools, tram rides, elevators to the private beach, cultural dinners and an amazing spa - you’ll never need to leave the resort for everyone in the family to have a good time. @rimbabyayana 3. Munduk Moding Plantation. We loved our stay here in a working coffee plantation. There is a slew of activities each day from horseback riding, guided plantation tours, cooking classes and even making crafts out of recycled plastic. The pools and hot tubs have amazing views over the rest of Bali. @mundukmodingplantation 4. Coral View Villas. This is the perfect base for families to explore Amed. The beachfront villas are perfect for families and the snorkeling off the beach is world class. There is no kids club here but our kids couldn’t care less, spending their time running around the gardens, splashing in the pool and treasure hunting on the beach. @coral_view_villas 5. Subak Tabola Villa. If you want your family to experience the true magic of Bali, book a stay here for a couple nights. Located in Sidemen, one of the most beautiful countrysides in all of Bali, you’ll be able to wake up early with Mama Ati to participate in daily prayers and join school children in the afternoon to make traditional offerings or learn Balinese dance or try your hand at gamelan music. @subaktabola_villa
2 days ago
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@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
Who else has taken their kids on a rush hour train in Tokyo 😅 It’s cultural, right?! 😂
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
When I first moved abroad I felt like I needed to keep so much of our lives from America the same. Cooking familiar dishes, keeping up the same pace of life… But so much has changed these past few years. I’ve learned to slow down, to find ways to make life easier and that allow me to spend more time with my family. Food delivery has been a godsend. Follow @semicuratedlife for more on how we’re living the American Dream OUTSIDE the United States 🇺🇸
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
Planning a trip to Bali with kids? 😅✨ I’ve been there—literally. After 3 years of living in Bali with two little ones, I’ve created the guide I wish I had when we first arrived. This isn’t just a list of cute cafés and tourist traps—it’s a comprehensive, parent-approved playbook for making your Bali trip unforgettable (and actually enjoyable 🙌). ✔️ 125+ kid-friendly activities ✔️ Where to stay by region + budget ✔️ Emergency info, rainy day plans, diaper brand recs & more ✔️ Created by a real mom who’s explored every corner of the island Whether you’re coming for two weeks or two months, this guide will help you skip the overwhelm and focus on making memories. 💛 The link for my Bali guide is in my bio! 👆🏼 #balifamilytravel #baliwithkids #travelwithkids #familyadventure #momswhotravel #balitravelguide #bali2025 #familyvacationplanning
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
1 week ago
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@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
And snacks. Snacks all over the place. People handing out snacks as you walk down the terminal 😂
1 week ago
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