Ha Long Bay: Day Cruise, Sung Sot Cave & Kayaking with Lunch

Summary

Kayak caves swim at Ti Top trek up for bay views lunch on boat

You’ll cruise through Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands with a local guide, kayak into Hang Luon Cave, explore Sung Sot Cave’s surreal formations, swim or hike at Ti Top Island, and share lunch on deck before heading back to Hanoi. Expect laughter, salt air, and one or two moments you’ll want to keep for yourself.

What’s the experience like?

We were already weaving between those wild limestone towers of Ha Long Bay when Linh, our guide, pointed out a rock that looked exactly like a rooster (I still can’t see it). The boat was busy but not too loud — mostly the clink of chopsticks and someone’s phone playing old V-pop. Lunch came out fast: tofu with ginger, some fish I didn’t recognize but liked anyway. I tried to ask Linh about the sauce and she just grinned, “Family recipe.” The air smelled faintly salty, mixed with engine oil and something green — seaweed maybe?

Sung Sot Cave was cooler than I expected, both in temperature and in weirdness. Our group shuffled past these huge stalactites — some shaped like dragons, others honestly just blobs. There was this one part where the ceiling opened up and sunlight hit the wet stone so it glowed orange. A little girl behind me gasped; I nearly tripped because I was looking up instead of watching my feet. After that we took kayaks out at Hang Luon Cave. My arms are embarrassingly weak but paddling under that low arch made me feel kind of small in a good way. Water slapped against the hull and it echoed under the rocks.

Ti Top Island came next — you could either swim or hike up to the peak. I went for the climb (regretted it halfway), but wow, that view over Ha Long Bay… all those boats drifting below like toys. Some folks stayed on the sand drinking coconuts; honestly, both options seemed perfect. On the way back there was fruit and sweet rice wine for a little sunset party — nothing fancy but everyone loosened up a bit. Linh taught us how to say “cheers” in Vietnamese (“một hai ba dzô!”) and laughed when we got it wrong every time.

The drive back to Hanoi felt longer somehow, maybe because my hair still smelled like saltwater and my brain wouldn’t stop replaying those blue-green shadows under the cliffs. If you’re thinking about a day trip to Ha Long Bay from Hanoi — just go. It’s crowded sometimes, sure, but there’s this quiet moment when you look out from Ti Top peak or drift through Hang Luon Cave and forget anyone else is there at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ha Long Bay Cruise and Exploration

• Pick up from Hanoi Old Quarter hotel
• Transfer to Ha Long Bay via highway
• Stop for restroom break
• Arrive at Tuan Chau Port
• Board cruise and enjoy Vietnamese lunch
• Visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave
• Kayak or bamboo boat at Hang Luon Cave
• Pass by Ti Top Island
• Swim at Ti Top beach or trek to summit
• Relax on boat
• Sunset party with light foods and fruits
• Return to Hanoi hotel by 9 PM

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Ha Long Bay day tour?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter by modern bus.

What caves are visited during this Ha Long Bay cruise?

The tour visits Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) and Hang Luon Cave by kayak or bamboo boat.

Can I swim during this day trip from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay?

Yes, swimming is possible at Ti Top Island's beach during the tour.

Is lunch provided on the boat?

A Vietnamese set-menu lunch is served on board; vegetarian options are available.

How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay?

The transfer takes about 2.5 hours each way by highway bus with a short restroom stop.

Are entrance fees included in this Ha Long Bay cruise?

Yes, all entrance fees and tickets for activities are included in your booking.

Can I choose between kayaking or bamboo boat at Hang Luon Cave?

You can choose either kayaking (two people per kayak) or a traditional bamboo boat ride.

What time do we return to Hanoi after the tour?

You will be dropped off back in Hanoi around 9 PM after your day trip.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter by air-conditioned bus, all entry fees for Ha Long Bay attractions including Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island, kayaking or bamboo boat at Hang Luon Cave, swimming or hiking options at Ti Top beach, an English-speaking guide throughout, plus a Vietnamese set-menu lunch on board with vegetarian choices before returning to Hanoi in the evening.