Ha Long Bay Cruise: Caves, Kayaking & Buffet from Hanoi

Summary

Ha Long Bay day trip with caves kayaking buffet lunch & sunset

You’ll ride from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay with a local guide, cruise past limestone islands, explore Sung Sot Cave’s echoing chambers, kayak or take a bamboo boat at Luon Cave, swim or climb at Ti Top Island, and share tea and fruit on deck as the sun drops behind the bay. It’s one of those days you’ll remember mostly in small flashes — salt air, laughter, cool cave shadows.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the drive out of Hanoi to feel so quick — maybe it was the way our guide, Minh, kept us awake with stories about his childhood in Quang Ninh. By the time we reached Tuan Chau Marina, my legs were itching to stretch. The salty air hit first, then the sight of limestone islands scattered like someone dropped them by accident. We boarded the boat (three decks — I counted), and someone handed me a glass of something cold and sweet. I remember thinking: okay, this is real now.

The cruise glided past those crazy-shaped rocks — Fighting Cock Island looks nothing like chickens but Minh swore it’s famous here. Lunch was a blur of seafood and rice dishes (I tried to ask for more chili but probably butchered the pronunciation; Li laughed anyway). Sung Sot Cave came next. It’s called Surprise Cave for a reason — you step inside expecting damp darkness but instead there’s this echoing space full of weird stone shapes and cool air that smells faintly mineral. My shoes squeaked embarrassingly on the steps.

After that we split up — some went kayaking at Luon Cave but I took the bamboo boat because my arms are noodles. Floating under that low archway in near-silence except for water dripping off paddles… I still think about that moment when everything just slowed down. Ti Top Island was last: I climbed halfway up (300 steps? Maybe in another life) and watched kids splashing below while an old couple shared an orange on the sand. The sun started dipping behind the cliffs; someone poured tea and passed around slices of cake as we drifted back toward shore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ha Long Bay luxury cruise day tour

• Pick up at Hanoi hotel
• Drive to Quang Ninh Province
• Board Hercules cruise at Tuan Chau Marina
• Enjoy buffet lunch on board
• Visit Sửng Sốt Cave
• Kayaking or bamboo boat at Luon Cave
• Swim or hike at Ti Top Island
• Relax at sunset party on sundeck
• Return to Ha Long harbor and bus to Hanoi
• Drop off at Hanoi hotel

Top questions

How long does the Ha Long Bay day trip from Hanoi take?

The tour lasts about 12-13 hours including round-trip travel between Hanoi Old Quarter and Ha Long Bay.

Is hotel pickup included in this Ha Long Bay cruise?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at hotels around Hanoi Old Quarter are included.

What activities are included on this Ha Long Bay cruise?

You’ll visit Sung Sot Cave, kayak or take a bamboo boat at Luon Cave, swim or hike at Ti Top Island, enjoy lunch onboard, and join a sunset party.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian food is available during the buffet lunch on board.

Do I need to pay extra entrance fees?

No, entrance fees for Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island are included in your booking.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

Can infants join this cruise?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What language does the guide speak?

The local guide speaks English throughout the day trip.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable round-trip bus transport from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels, all entry fees for Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island, an English-speaking local guide who keeps things lively without being pushy, buffet lunch with seafood and vegetarian options onboard (I still remember that chili sauce), plus kayaking or bamboo boat rides at Luon Cave. There’s also a sunset party with tea, fruit, cakes before heading back home in the evening.