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.
