Ha Long Bay: Luxury Day Cruise, Caves & Titop Island Swim

Summary

Ha Long Bay caves, island swims and a slow afternoon cruise

You’ll find yourself floating past limestone towers on a luxury Ha Long Bay day cruise, picking up micro-moments: cool cave air on your skin, laughter echoing off stone during kayaking at Luon Cave, salt on your lips after swimming at Titop Island. With hotel pickup from Hanoi and lunch included, this trip leaves you quietly changed.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the quiet to hit me so hard when we first left Tuan Chau Marina — just the low hum of the boat and that soft, salty air. Our guide Minh handed out cold towels (which felt amazing after the Hanoi traffic) and pointed out those odd-shaped islets — Fighting Chicken was my favorite, mostly because Minh laughed at my attempt to say it in Vietnamese. The water looked almost too still, like someone had pressed pause on everything except our boat.

Lunch was a blur of flavors — I remember something gingery and sweet, and watching the cliffs drift by through the window. At Bo Hon Island we climbed into Surprise Cave. It’s bigger than you think; cool inside, with these wild stalactites that drip like candle wax. Minh showed us a rock that looked suspiciously like a turtle (I still don’t see it), but everyone else nodded politely. I touched one wall — damp and rough, almost like old coral.

Kayaking through Luon Cave was quieter than I thought it’d be. Just paddles tapping water and someone’s distant laugh echoing off the stone. After that, Titop Island’s beach was packed but cheerful — families splashing around, teenagers posing for photos at the top after hiking up. I tried climbing but gave up halfway; honestly, just standing in the sand with a can of iced tea felt pretty perfect.

The sunset party back on board was mellow — fruit slices, tea, people swapping stories in half a dozen languages while the sky went all pink over Ha Long Bay. We cruised back slowly as it got dark. I kept thinking about how small you feel out there between those cliffs, which is weirdly comforting somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ha Long Bay luxury cruise and sightseeing

• Pick up from Hanoi Old Quarter
• Travel to Tuan Chau Marina
• Check-in and board the cruise
• Enjoy welcome drink and lunch on board
• Arrive at Bo Hon Island and visit Sung Sot Cave
• Kayak or bamboo boat through Luon Cave
• Visit Titop Island for swimming or trekking
• Sunset party on the boat
• Return to harbor and head back to Hanoi

Top questions

How long does the Ha Long Bay luxury day cruise last?

The full-day cruise lasts about 6-7 hours on board.

Is hotel pickup from Hanoi included?

Yes, pickup from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter is included if you book transfer service.

What activities are offered during the cruise?

You can kayak or take a bamboo boat at Luon Cave, swim or hike at Titop Island, and explore Surprise Cave.

Is lunch provided on the cruise?

Yes, lunch is included—buffet if there are more than 30 guests onboard.

Are entrance fees for attractions covered?

Yes, all entrance and sightseeing fees are included in the price.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels and wheelchair accessible.

Where does the tour depart from?

The cruise departs from Tuan Chau Marina near Ha Long City.

What time does pickup start in Hanoi?

Pickup starts between 6:30-7:00 AM from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Hanoi (if selected), entry tickets to all sites like Surprise Cave and Titop Island, kayaking or bamboo boat rental at Luon Cave, an English-speaking guide throughout the luxury cruise experience (about 6-7 hours), buffet or set menu lunch onboard depending on group size, sunset party snacks with coffee or tea before returning to harbor—and even insurance while you’re aboard.