Ha Long Bay, Vietnam (2025) | 3 Days, 2 Nights Cruise Experience | Travel tips

Ever wondered what it's like to sail through the stunning beauty of Halong Bay? In this video, I'll take you on a breathtaking cruise, share insider tips and show you how to make the most of your adventure. Don't miss out, let's dive in! Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its stunning limestone mountains and its emerald waters. We started our trip after an early breakfast. Transfer from our hotel in Hanoi to the harbour in Halong Bay was included in our 3 days and 2 nights package. The excitement of the trip was reflecting in everyone's eyes. It takes a little less than 3 hours to reach the Halong Bay harbour from Hanoi. But our journey took about 4 hours due to a halt of 50 minutes at the Viet Pearl Farm and due to rains. This place offered a wide variety of pearl jewellery for shopping. We also learnt about the process for cultivating and harvesting of pearls along with getting a demonstration on how the pearl is harvested from the oyster's shell. We boarded the bus again and enjoyed the ride to the dock point. The bus dropped us at the dock and we did the formalities at the reception. The staff started tagging our luggage to our cruise ship while we waited for the transfer boat to take us to our cruise ship. As the boat gently pulled away from the bustling dock, the crew welcomed us and informed us that it takes between 45 minutes to an hour to reach the cruise ship. We moved to the upper deck of the boat and soon the boat was cutting through the cool waters of Halong Bay. A mesmerising panorama began to unfold before our eyes. We stretched out as far as the eye could see, a vast expanse of water interrupted only by those towering formations. Each island with its unique shape and size added to the feeling of otherworldliness. In the distance, we could see our cruise ship waiting to welcome us aboard. The closer we got, the grander it appeared, a floating palace against the backdrop of this ancient landscape. As we stepped aboard the cruise ship, a sense of excitement and anticipation bubbled up. We were greeted by a team of friendly staff, their smiles genuine and welcoming. They handed us a refreshing welcome drink. After a brief introduction to the ship and its amenities, we were served a lavish buffet lunch. Once lunch was over, it was time for the next exciting part of the journey, settling in into our rooms. We took our time exploring the vessel, wandering through its elegant corridors, admiring the design that blended modern luxury with the natural beauty of the surroundings. From the sun deck with sweeping panoramic views to the cosy lounges with large windows, every corner seemed to offer a new perspective of the bay. Finally, we made our way to our cabin. The door creaked open to reveal a room that exceeded expectations. Spacious, beautifully appointed, and with a balcony that offered unobstructed views of the limestone islands in the distance. It was the perfect introduction to what promised to be a journey filled with relaxation, adventure, and the undeniable beauty of Halong Bay. You have the option of going for kayaking post lunch or just relaxing in the jacuzzi on the sun deck. The warm water of the pool was an inviting contrast to the cool sea breeze that swept across the deck, creating a perfect balance between relaxation and refreshment. In the evening, we were offered tea and snacks and given a demonstration on how to make a Vietnamese spring roll. The participants were then given the ingredients to try their hand in making a spring roll. It was also time for happy hours where there was a 2 plus 1 offer on cocktails. Dinner was served at sharp 7.30pm, post which we tried our hand at squid fishing and participated in karaoke. The night was still young and the staff went above and beyond to make our dear friend's birthday celebration unforgettable. They helped us set a beautiful decoration for the occasion, adding a personal touch that made the atmosphere feel warm and festive. To top off the celebration, we popped open a bottle of champagne, making the night even more memorable. The next morning, there was a Tai Chi session at 6am, which most of us slept through after the late night celebrations. After breakfast, we set sail through the turquoise waters of Halong Bay. Along the way, we soaked in the stunning landscapes, marvelling at the floating fish villages, dramatic cliffs and hidden caves that make this UNESCO World Heritage Site a true natural wonder. As we cruise towards Viet Hai village, the beauty of the journey leaves us in awe, with each passing moment offering a new sight to discover. The calmness of the bay, the gentle breeze and the vibrant atmosphere make it a perfect setting for both adventure and relaxation. From the sparkling waters to the distant hills, this boat ride is an experience you won't forget anytime soon. Whether you're here to explore the wonders of nature or simply to enjoy the company of friends, this unforgettable boat ride to Viet Hai village promises moments of wonder and memories to last a lifetime. After reaching the village, you have the option of cycling through the village or taking an electric car. We chose the former option. We set off on a cycling adventure through Viet Hai village. The crisp air, the lush greenery and the stunning views made for the perfect backdrop as we peddled through this peaceful remote corner of Vietnam. As we made our way through the narrow paths, our bikes rolled past vibrant local life. The scenic beauty was simply overwhelming. It was like cycling through a dream where time slowed down. The silence of nature, only broken by the sound of our wheels crunching against the roads, made us feel connected to the land in a way that we hadn't before. We stopped frequently to take in the breathtaking views of Ha Long Bay. Each photo was more incredible than the last, capturing moments that felt both peaceful and exhilarating. After cycling and exploring, we arrived at a cozy spot for a traditional Vietnamese lunch. We got instructions on how to do cheers in the local language. In the end, it wasn't just about cycling, the food or the views. It was about the connection we had with each other and the magical environment of Viet Hai village. This trip reminded us of the simple joys of life and how sometimes the best memories are made when you're just enjoying the journey, surrounded by nature and good friends. We decided to skip the kayaking and swimming session and take a private boat back, which costed us an additional $10 each. We were a group of 12 friends. We wanted to head back and relax in the jacuzzi and rest a little to be fresh for another night of celebrations. As we sped away from Viet Hai village, the wind ruffled our hair. The speedboat sliced through the glassy waters of the bay, sending small splashes of cool seawater in all directions. We laughed and chatted, our voices carried away by the breeze. As the boat picked up speed, we felt the thrill of the ride, the wind in our faces and the spray of the ocean refreshing us. The whole ride felt like we were part of a scene in a movie, nature so pristine and untamed, it seemed almost unreal. As we neared the cruise ship, we couldn't help but smile at the amazing adventure we just experienced. At night, the bay transforms into a mesmerizing campus of twinkling lights. Soft golden glows from the other cruise ships flicker across the water like fireflies, creating a magical atmosphere. The staff made special arrangements for our friend during dinner. There was also a couple celebrating their wedding anniversary the same night. The two days just flew by and it was time to check out after an early lunch. I felt a sense of calm but also a tug in my heart. Leaving Halong Bay felt like leaving a piece of serenity behind. Subscribing to this channel will motivate me to bring across more such videos for you in the future, so do not forget to press that bell icon. One last activity we did on day 3 was to visit the Dark and Bright Caves. As the transfer boat pulled away from the cruise ship, there's almost a surreal feeling. I looked back at the cruise ship one last time and felt a slight pang of disappointment knowing that this chapter is ending but also a deep sense of gratitude. The beauty of this place is etched in my mind and I'll carry it with me long after I step off this boat.