Ha Long Bay Kayaking Tour: Surprise Cave & Titop Island

Paddle your own route through limestone islands and limestone caves

A 2-day kayaking and cruise experience in Ha Long Bay departing from Hanoi, with overnight cabin accommodation. Day one brings you to Surprise Cave and Titop Island for swimming and panorama views, followed by a sunset party and cooking class onboard. Day two starts with a pearl farm visit before you kayak through the bay's lagoons at your own pace, returning to Hanoi by lunch.

The experience

The itinerary starts with an 8am pickup from Hanoi old quarter hotels (or 8:30am at Hanoi Opera House if you're staying elsewhere), then a transfer to Ha Long Bay harbor. By midday you're aboard a traditional boat with an English-speaking guide, eating lunch while the boat moves through the islands. The group stays small (the operator runs one of the smallest group tours in the bay), so the cabin you share with one other traveler feels less crowded than the larger cruise ships anchored nearby.

Afternoon brings Surprise Cave, one of the largest in Ha Long Bay, followed by Titop Island where you can swim in the lagoon or climb to the summit for views across the limestone landscape. At sunset the boat hosts a cooking class where you make Vietnamese spring rolls from scratch, then dinner is served in the restaurant. Evening options include fishing games or karaoke at the bar. You sleep onboard in your air-conditioned cabin with a private bathroom.

Day two starts early with a peaceful morning in the bay, breakfast at 7am, then a visit to a pearl farm to watch how pearls are cultivated in Ha Long Bay's waters. At 8:30am you get into a kayak and paddle at your own pace through the tranquil lagoons, exploring the islands on your schedule. By 11am you're back onboard for lunch, then the boat returns to Hanoi, arriving by early afternoon. The package includes all entrance fees, the guide, two lunches, one dinner, one breakfast, and the shuttle bus back to the city. Everything except drinks and beverages.

What’s included

• All entrance fees and tickets.
• English-speaking guide.
• private cabin with air-conditioning, fan and bathroom.
• kayaking and swimming.
• two lunches, one dinner and one breakfast.
• shuttle bus from Hanoi old quarter for the 8:00am option.

Options for this experience

4 options

Double/twin from HabourGuide in English or Vietnamese · 11:30

Family/triple from HabourGuide in English or Vietnamese · 11:30

Double/twin from HanoiGuide in English or Vietnamese · 08:00Includes pickup

Family or triple option from HanoiGuide in English or Vietnamese · 08:00Includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 11:30

Book up to15h before

AgesAdult (18 to 55 years) · Senior (56 to 80 years) · Youth (9 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 8 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish and Vietnamese

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Halong Cruise Tours

Is this one for you?Pick Hanoi pickup if you're starting from the city. Choose harbor departure if you're already in Ha Long Bay or want to join later in the day.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Vietnamese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 17 years); Child (4 to 8 years); 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 exactly is Surprise Cave like when you get there?

Surprise Cave is one of the largest caves in Ha Long Bay, with a spacious interior carved into the limestone. You visit it on the afternoon of day one, after lunch onboard, and explore it with your guide before heading to Titop Island.

Can I choose when to kayak, or is there a set time?

Kayaking happens on day two morning at 8:30am and you paddle at your own pace around the bay's lagoons, exploring the islands on your schedule. You return to the boat by 10:30am for checkout and lunch.

Do I need to bring my own swimming gear?

You'll need to bring your own swimming suit and towel. The boat provides the kayak and paddle. You supply the personal items listed in the packing guidance: hat, sun protection, shoes, and a small water bottle.

What's included in the meals, and are there vegetarian options?

The package includes two lunches, one dinner and one breakfast served onboard. Contact the operator through the booking platform before booking to confirm dietary requirements or preferences.

How does the pickup work if I'm staying outside Hanoi old quarter?

Standard pickup runs 8:00–8:30am from hotels in Hanoi old quarter, with timing depending on your hotel location. If you're elsewhere, meet the bus at Hanoi Opera House (01 Trang Tien Street) by 8:30am. For the 11:30am harbor option, you meet the staff directly at Ha Long Bay harbor around 11:30am. Email or message the operator in advance with your passport details.