Halong Bay: 6-Hour Cruise, Kayaking & Titop Island Day Trip

Summary

Kayak Halong Bay swim Titop Island hike Surprise Cave full-day tour

You’ll cruise through Halong Bay’s limestone towers, kayak or float by bamboo boat into quiet coves, wander through Sung Sot Cave’s cool chambers, and climb—or just relax—on Titop Island’s sandy beach. With hotel pickup from Hanoi and a fresh seafood lunch included, this day trip is all about small surprises and those little moments you’ll remember later.

What’s the experience like?

Chopsticks clattered as our guide, Linh, set down the steaming plates—shrimp with ginger, something crispy I couldn’t name, and the smell of lemongrass everywhere. We’d just left Tuan Chau harbor and the boat was gliding past these wild rock formations—one shaped like a dog? Linh pointed it out with a laugh. The air had that salty heaviness you get near the sea, but it felt good after hours in the van from Hanoi. I kept sneaking glances at the water—so green it almost looked fake.

I didn’t expect to like Sung Sot Cave so much. You step inside and it’s suddenly cool, damp—the ceiling weirdly high and full of these stone “curtains” that drip if you listen. Linh told us stories about dragons and ancient fishermen (I only caught half of it over everyone’s echoes), but honestly I was just watching how the light made everything look blue around the edges. We came back out squinting into daylight and then it was time for kayaking—my arms still ache thinking about it. Paddling under those low arches felt like sneaking into some secret place.

Titop Island was busier than I thought—families in bright hats, kids chasing each other into the shallows. I tried climbing to the top for that big Halong Bay view (totally worth my wobbly legs), but ended up sitting on a step halfway up just catching my breath and listening to people laughing below. Later I watched an old man slice open coconuts for tourists on the beach; he winked when he handed me one. There’s something about salt on your skin after swimming here that sticks with you longer than you think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Halong Bay cruise with cave and island visit

• Arrive Tuan Chau island
• Check on boat and have seafood lunch
• Cruise through limestone rock formations
• Visit Sung Sot Cave
• Kayak or bamboo boat at Luon Cave
• Visit Titop Island
• Swim or hike Titop Peak
• Relax on Titop Island beach

Top questions

How long is the Halong Bay day trip from Hanoi?

The total trip takes around 10 hours including transfers: 4 hours round-trip between Hanoi and Halong Bay plus 6 hours cruising on the bay.

Is kayaking included in the Halong Bay full-day tour?

Yes, you can choose between kayaking or a bamboo boat ride at Luon Cave during your cruise.

What food is served for lunch on board?

A traditional Vietnamese lunch with some seafood dishes is served while cruising through Halong Bay.

Can I swim during this Halong Bay cruise?

Yes, there is time to swim at Titop Island or relax on its organized beach area.

Are hotel pickups included from Hanoi Old Quarter?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter are included in your booking.

Is there hiking involved in this tour?

You can hike up Titop Peak for panoramic views of Halong Bay; it's optional but recommended if you're able.

Is vegetarian food available for lunch?

Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking time.

How physically demanding is this day trip?

The tour suits most fitness levels; activities like kayaking or hiking are optional.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Hanoi Old Quarter, all entrance tickets to caves and islands, six hours cruising on a comfortable boat with English-speaking guide throughout, your choice of kayaking or bamboo boat ride at Luon Cave, a Vietnamese seafood lunch on board (vegetarian option available), plus bottled water for each guest before heading back to Hanoi in the evening.