Halong Bay: 5-Star Day Cruise, Cave, Kayak & Buffet Lunch

Summary

Halong Bay day trip with cave walk, kayak, Titop Island swim and buffet

You’ll start your Halong Bay day trip with hotel pickup in Hanoi before cruising past limestone islands, walking through Surprise Cave’s cool chambers, swimming at Titop Island and paddling a kayak near Luon Cave. Enjoy a buffet lunch and sunset snacks on deck before heading back—leaving you with more than just photos.

What’s the experience like?

"If you look closely, that rock looks like a chicken," our guide Minh grinned as we drifted past another limestone islet in Halong Bay. I tried to see it—maybe if you squint? The boat was quiet except for the hum of the engine and someone’s laughter from upstairs. We’d left Hanoi early that morning (the pickup was right on time, which honestly surprised me), and by noon I was standing on deck with a plate of fried fish and fresh mango from the lunch buffet, watching those strange green islands slide by. The air smelled salty but also faintly sweet, like wet leaves after rain.

I’d heard about Surprise Cave before this day trip to Halong Bay but didn’t expect it to feel so cool inside, almost echoey. Minh pointed out stalagmites shaped like turtles and lions—he said locals have names for everything here. It was a bit slippery underfoot (I wore sneakers but still nearly slid once), and everyone’s voices bounced off the stone walls. Afterward, we climbed up Titop Island—those stairs are no joke—and the view at the top really did make me stop for a second. You could see boats scattered across the bay like little toys. I probably took too many photos.

Kayaking near Luon Cave turned out to be my favorite part, even though my arms complained about it later. There were these tiny fish darting just beneath the water’s surface—I almost dropped my paddle trying to point them out to my friend. Back on board, there was this sunset “party” with tea and shrimp chips (I ate way too many) while everyone lounged around the sundeck jacuzzi or just watched the sky turn pink behind those jagged cliffs. Someone played music from their phone; it wasn’t fancy but felt right somehow.

We got back to Hanoi after dark—tired but in that good way when your head’s full of new things. I keep thinking about that moment on deck when Minh tried to teach us how to say “Halong” properly in Vietnamese (I still can’t get it right). Sometimes travel days blur together but this one stuck with me longer than I thought it would.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Halong Bay Day Cruise from Hanoi

• Pick up at Hanoi Opera House
• Depart Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by expressway
• Rest and learn about pearl making
• Arrive Tuan Chau Harbor and board Cozy Bay Cruise
• Enjoy buffet lunch on the boat
• Visit Surprising Cave
• Visit Titop Island and climb Titop Peak
• Kayak or bamboo boat in Luon Cave lagoon
• Sunset party on sundeck with tea and snacks
• Cruise back to Tuan Chau Harbor
• Return to Hanoi by bus with short break
• Arrive at hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Halong Bay day cruise?

Yes, hotel pickup in Hanoi Old Quarter is included if you choose that option.

What activities are part of this Halong Bay day trip?

The tour includes visiting Surprise Cave, swimming at Titop Island, kayaking or bamboo boating near Luon Cave, and a buffet lunch onboard.

How long is the drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

The drive takes about 2–2.5 hours each way via expressway.

Is lunch provided during the cruise?

Yes, a buffet lunch with over 30 dishes is served onboard the cruise.

Are entry fees included in the price?

Yes, entrance fees for Surprise Cave and Titop Island are included.

Can I choose between kayaking or bamboo boat?

You can choose either kayaking or bamboo boat during the Luon Cave stop.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

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

What time does the tour return to Hanoi?

You’ll arrive back at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter between 9:00–9:30 pm.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip expressway transport from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels (or meet-up at Hanoi Opera House), entrance fees for Surprise Cave and Titop Island, an English-speaking guide throughout, all activities like kayaking or bamboo boating, plus a big buffet lunch onboard followed by sunset snacks before returning home in the evening.