2-Day Halong Bay Cruise from Hanoi: Sung Sot Cave & Ti Top Island

Sung Sot Cave's stalactites and stalagmites have been forming for millions of years.

This 2-day, 1-night cruise departs Hanoi for Halong Bay aboard the 5-star Verdure Grandeur, with an English-speaking guide, roundtrip shuttle and all meals included. Day one takes you to Luon Cave for kayaking, Ti Top Island for hiking or swimming, and back to the ship for sunset and dinner. Day two starts with tai chi on deck at sunrise, then visits Sung Sot Cave before the return drive to Hanoi.

Options for this experience

2 options

From US$ 229 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Departing from Hanoi by shuttle bus 08:00 Guide in English Pickup from the Hanoi Old Quarter area included. Shuttle bus round trip with standard-quality seats on the transfer, traveling in a big group. Verdure Grandeur or similar: deluxe room with a seaview balcony and a standing shower on the lower deck (upgrading to the upper deck costs extra). Pickup is included.

Departing from Hanoi by limousine bus 08:00 Guide in English Pickup from the Hanoi Old Quarter area included. Limousine bus round trip with better-quality seats and a smaller group on the transfer. Verdure Grandeur or similar: deluxe room with a seaview balcony and a standing shower on the lower deck (upgrading to the upper deck costs extra). Pickup is included.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi to Halong Bay Cruise

• Pick up from Hanoi Old Quarter hotel
• Drive to Halong Bay with break stop
• Arrive at Verdure Lotus Grandeur Cruise lounge
• Check-in and safety briefing on cruise
• Buffet lunch on board while cruising
• Kayak or bamboo boat at Luon Cave
• Visit Ti Top Island for hike or swim
• Sunset party and happy hour on board
• Dinner under the stars on cruise
• Relax with karaoke or squid fishing

Day 2: Halong Bay Cave and Return

• Morning Tai Chi on sundeck
• Light breakfast on board
• Check-out and settle bill
• Brunch served while cruising back
• Visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave
• Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina
• Transfer back to Hanoi Old Quarter hotel

What’s included

• Roundtrip shuttle bus or limousine from Hanoi hotels in the Old Quarter.
• English-speaking guide and all entrance fees.
• dinner, breakfast and lunch.
• deluxe balcony cabin with en-suite bathroom.
• kayaking or bamboo boat rowing.
• morning tai chi class.
• night squid fishing with tools provided.
• cooking class.

Times

• Every day 08:00

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Before you book

Group Up to 50

Live guide English Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to 3h before

Ages Adult (9 and older) · Youth (4 to 8 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 6 days before the start. Between 2 and 6 days before the start, 50% refund. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Infants must sit on laps

Operated by Authentic Hanoi Homestay & Travel

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

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The experience

The journey starts with pickup from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter between 8:00 and 8:30 AM, followed by a 2.5-hour drive to Halong Bay with a break midway. Once aboard the Verdure Grandeur, you'll check in over welcome drinks while the cruise manager briefs you on safety and the day ahead. Lunch is served as the boat heads southeast into the bay, giving you time to settle into your deluxe balcony cabin and take in the limestone landscape.

The afternoon centers on two stops: Luon Cave, where you kayak or row a bamboo boat through the water, and Ti Top Island, where the choice is yours. Hike to the summit for panoramic views across the bay or swim in the emerald waters and relax on the beach. Back on board by late afternoon, you'll join the sunset happy hour at the bar before a multi-course dinner under the stars. The evening is yours to spend: karaoke, drinks at the bar, or free squid fishing from the deck with tools provided at reception.

Morning begins with optional tai chi on the sundeck as the sun rises, followed by a light breakfast. After checkout, you'll visit Sung Sot Cave, one of Halong Bay's largest, where stalactites and stalagmites sculpted over millions of years create shapes that shift with the light. The return to Hanoi takes 2.5 hours by shuttle, with drop-off at your hotel in the Old Quarter between 3:00 and 3:30 PM.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (4 to 8 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What's the difference between the shuttle bus and limousine options from Hanoi?

Both options include roundtrip transport from your Hanoi hotel to Halong Bay and back. You choose between a shuttle bus or a limousine at checkout, depending on your preference for shared or more private travel.

What exactly happens at Sung Sot Cave?

Sung Sot Cave is one of the largest caves in Halong Bay, filled with stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millions of years into distinctive shapes. You'll walk through the cave and emerge to a panoramic view of the bay.

Is there time to swim or hike at Ti Top Island?

Yes, at Ti Top Island you can either hike up the mountain for panoramic views or swim in Halong Bay's waters and relax on the sandy beach. The choice is yours during the stop.

What meals and activities are included in the price?

Dinner and breakfast are included, along with lunch on day one. Activities include kayaking or bamboo boat rowing at Luon Cave, morning tai chi on the sundeck, night squid fishing, and entrance fees to all sites.