Halong Bay 2-Day Cruise Review 2025: A Classic Small Group Trip
You’ve almost certainly seen those pictures, you know, the ones with really jade-green water and these enormous limestone towers just sticking right out of the sea. That, for so many travelers, is pretty much the dream of visiting Halong Bay in Vietnam. So, the big question is how you actually capture that feeling without, like, being packed onto a gigantic party boat with hundreds of other people. Well, I recently gave a 2-day trip a shot, one that was on a more traditional junk boat, and honestly, it focused on keeping the group small and added in some biking and kayaking. So, basically, this is my candid take on what that 2025 small-group experience is genuinely like, at the end of the day.
What a ‘Classic’ Junk Boat Is Really Like
Okay, first things first, let’s talk about the term ‘classic junk boat,’ right? You should probably know that this doesn’t mean you’re getting a five-star luxury yacht. Instead, what you get is a boat that feels, in a way, much more authentic. These boats are almost always made of dark wood, and they have that very distinctive, sort of old-world sail shape, even if they’re mostly running on an engine. Our boat, for instance, was just big enough for about twenty people, so it felt a lot more intimate. You could really hear the gentle creak of the wood and the steady, low chug of the engine as we moved, which is honestly a big part of the whole mood.
The cabins themselves are usually pretty simple, but they’re still comfortable, you know. They typically have a private bathroom with a hot shower and a surprisingly comfy bed, which is basically all you really need. The main area for improvement might be the air conditioning, which can be a little bit noisy, but frankly, you spend most of your time on the deck anyway. On the upper deck, there are usually some sun loungers, and that space pretty much becomes the social hub of the boat. It’s really where everyone gathers to watch the unbelievable scenery float by. So, seriously, think of it less like a floating hotel and more like a charming, rustic floating cabin, and your expectations will be set just right.
Day One: Leaving the Main Harbor and Finding Our Kayaks
So, the first day more or less kicks off from the bustling Tuan Chau Harbor. It’s obviously very busy there, with literally dozens of boats of all sizes getting ready to depart. The great part about being in a small group is that your check-in process tends to be much quicker. You just find your guide, and before you know it, you’re on a smaller tender boat zipping out to your home for the night. As a matter of fact, the moment our junk boat pulled away from the more crowded areas, you could almost feel a collective sigh of relief from everyone on board.
Lunch is usually served just as you get underway, which is a really smart way to do things. It’s typically a family-style meal with lots of different Vietnamese dishes—like fresh fish, vegetables, tofu, and of course, plenty of rice. It’s a great, sort of informal way to get to know the other people in your group. But the real highlight of the first day is, without a doubt, the kayaking. In the afternoon, the boat typically anchors in a much quieter, more secluded part of the bay, like somewhere in Lan Ha Bay which is just next door. Getting into a kayak and paddling away from the boat is a completely different feeling. You’re suddenly at water level, and honestly, the scale of the limestone karsts towering above you is just mind-boggling. We got to paddle through a few dark and light caves, emerging into a hidden, almost completely enclosed lagoon. The only sound was basically the dipping of our paddles and the echo of our voices, you know, it was just really peaceful.
An Evening On the Water and a Peaceful Night
As the afternoon starts to fade, something really magical happens on the bay. The light gets very soft, and the setting sun just paints the sky and the cliffs in these incredible shades of orange and purple. This is pretty much prime time for hanging out on the sun deck. Our crew, for example, put on a little cooking demonstration, showing us how to make traditional Vietnamese spring rolls. It was super simple, kind of fun, and, you know, we got to eat our own creations, which was definitely a bonus. It’s a bit of a touristy thing to do, I mean, let’s be honest, but it’s done in such a friendly and low-key way that it feels quite charming.
Dinner is another one of those very relaxed, multi-course affairs served right on the boat. By this point, everyone in our small group was chatting and just sharing stories from their travels. After dinner, there aren’t a ton of organized activities, which I actually saw as a huge plus. Some people tried their hand at squid fishing off the back of the boat, you know, using just a simple bamboo rod and a light. A few of us just grabbed a drink, found a quiet spot on the deck, and stared up at the stars. With virtually no light pollution, the night sky out there is absolutely amazing. To be honest, just feeling the gentle rock of the boat and being surrounded by the quiet darkness of the bay is an experience in itself.
Day Two: Biking on an Island and the Return Trip
Waking up on Halong Bay is, well, something you should really try to do. I mean, most of us were up early, just to see the sun rise over the karsts. The bay is often covered in a slight mist in the morning, which makes everything look very mystical and serene. After a quick and light breakfast, like toast and fruit, our boat headed towards Cat Ba Island, which is a large and rugged island in the area. This is where the biking part of the trip actually happens. The boat docks at a small village pier, and there’s a collection of basic mountain bikes waiting for the group.
The ride itself is not too strenuous, you know, it’s mostly on a flat, paved path that winds through a really beautiful, green valley. You get to pedal past rice paddies and small, local homes, and it gives you a sort of little peek into what life is like for the people who live in this World Heritage Site. It’s a very different perspective than the one you get from the boat, and at the end of the day, it’s a nice change of pace to stretch your legs. After about an hour or so of biking around, it’s back to the boat. As the junk starts its slow journey back to the main harbor, brunch is served. It’s kind of a combined late breakfast and early lunch, and it’s your last chance to soak in those iconic Halong Bay views before you’re back on land.
My Honest Take: Is This Small Group Trip Really For You?
So, at the end of the day, who is this kind of trip really designed for? I would honestly say this experience is pretty much perfect for a few types of travelers. If you’re someone who actively dislikes large, impersonal tours, then this is definitely for you. The small group size, typically under 25 people, means you actually get to talk to people and it never feels overwhelmingly crowded. It’s also fantastic for people who want to be a little active, you know, rather than just sit on a boat for two days. The kayaking and biking are genuinely fun additions that let you see the bay from a very different angle.
Frankly, if you’re looking for an authentic-feeling adventure and value quiet moments over a party scene, this is probably one of the best ways to experience the magic of Halong Bay.
On the other hand, this trip might not be the best fit if you’re looking for, like, the ultimate in luxury. The classic junk boats are charming and comfortable, but they are not opulent floating palaces with spas and swimming pools. Similarly, if you’re looking for a wild party cruise with loud music and lots of drinking, this is absolutely not it; the vibe is very relaxed and tranquil. But for a traveler who wants to see the real beauty of the bay, connect with a small group of like-minded people, and get their heart rate up a little, I seriously think this kind of 2-day trip strikes a near-perfect balance.
Key Things to Know:
- Group Size: The experience is really defined by the small group, so you’ll have a more personal trip.
- Activity Level: You should be moderately fit, you know, to enjoy the kayaking and biking portions fully.
- Accommodation: Expect clean and comfortable cabins that are, basically, more charming than they are luxurious.
- Vibe: The whole mood is very relaxed and scenic, definitely not a party boat.
Read our full review: [Halong Bay 2-Day Cruise Review and Details]
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Small Group Halong Bay Classic Cruise])
