Ha Long Bay cruise from Hanoi: Sung Sot Cave & Titov Island

Kayak through limestone arches and swim off a crescent beach in one morning

A six to seven hour cruise on the Leona departs Hanoi city center for Ha Long Bay, where you visit Sung Sot Cave (the largest in the bay, with stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years), then kayak through Luon Cave's arch-shaped rock formations before swimming and hiking at Titov Island. The ship includes two restaurants, a year-round pool, and an English-speaking guide. Buffet lunch with seafood choices and all entrance fees are covered.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Ha Long Bay caves and island

• Visit Sung Sot Cave
• Explore Luon Cave by kayak or bamboo boat
• Arrive at Titov Island
• Swim, relax, or hike on Titov Island

The experience

The day starts with pickup from Hanoi city center and a transfer by car or van to the bay. Your first stop is Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most spectacular cave in Ha Long Bay, where a system of stalactites and stalagmites has formed over millions of years inside chambers you walk through on foot. The scale of the formations and the space itself is what makes this cave the draw. It's not a quick passage but a real exploration of the underground landscape.

From there you move to Luon Cave, where the approach changes: you kayak or take a bamboo boat ride through an arch-shaped rock formation, passing golden monkeys in the ancient rock landscape. The cave itself is narrow and intimate compared to Sung Sot, and the water approach makes it a different kind of experience. After the caves, the ship takes you to Titov Island, known for its crescent-shaped beach and turquoise water. You can swim, relax on the sand, or hike to the top for a panoramic view of the whole bay.

On board, the Leona has two restaurants where your buffet lunch is served with multiple seafood choices: vegetarian options are available if you request them at booking. There's a year-round swimming pool to use between stops, and a sundeck where you can sit as the day moves toward evening. An English-speaking guide is with the group throughout, and all cave entrance fees are included in the price.

What’s included

• Pickup from Hanoi city center by car or van.
• entrance fees to Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave.
• kayak or bamboo boat ride through Luon Cave.
• access to Titov Island for swimming and hiking.
• buffet lunch with seafood and vegetarian choices.
• use of the ship's year-round pool and sundeck.
• English-speaking guide for the full day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (4 to 60 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 199

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Halong Hanoi Transfer

Is this one for you?The six to seven hour schedule works for small groups or families who want the main Ha Long Bay sights (two caves and an island) without committing to an overnight cruise. The ship's pool and restaurants mean you're not rushed between stops, and the fixed itinerary keeps everything on time without you having to arrange the transport or the cave access yourself.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Sung Sot Cave like inside?

Sung Sot is the largest cave in Ha Long Bay, with a stunning system of stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millions of years. You walk through the chambers on foot to see the scale and detail of the rock formations.

Can I swim and hike at Titov Island, or is it just a quick stop?

Titov Island is a full stop where you can swim off the crescent-shaped beach, relax on the sand, or hike to the top for a panoramic view of Ha Long Bay. How long you spend there depends on what you choose to do.

What's included in the lunch on the Leona?

Lunch is a buffet served at one of the ship's two restaurants, with multiple seafood choices. Vegetarian options are available if you request them when you book.

How do I get to Ha Long Bay from Hanoi?

The cruise includes pickup from Hanoi city center by car or van. If you're staying in Hoi An instead, an additional fee applies: 28 USD per group of one to four people, or 39 USD for groups of five to ten.

Is there time to relax on the ship between cave visits?

Yes. The Leona has a year-round swimming pool and a sundeck where you can sit between stops. There are also two restaurants on board where you can spend time when you're not at the attractions.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English throughout the day.