Halong Bay Cruise: 2-Day Kayak, Caves & Island from Hanoi

Summary

Halong Bay’s limestone islands, sea caves and quiet dawns

You’ll drift past Halong Bay’s limestone islands by boat, kayak through Luon Cave’s quiet archways, swim off Titop Island or just watch locals joke around in the sun. Wake up on calm water before exploring Surprising Cave and learning to make Vietnamese spring rolls — all with meals, hotel pickup and a local guide included.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the bus ride from Hanoi to Tuan Chau pier to be so oddly soothing — I guess the early start helped. Our guide, Minh, cracked a joke about Vietnamese coffee being “rocket fuel” (he wasn’t wrong) as we finally boarded the boat. The first thing that hit me was the smell of salt and something floral drifting off the bay. My cabin had these carved wooden shutters; I kept fiddling with them because I couldn’t believe I’d actually sleep out here.

Lunch was this wild spread — crab, clams, some kind of sweet sticky rice — and Minh pointed out Dog Head Island just as I was trying to figure out if I liked fish sauce (I do now). Kayaking at Luon Cave felt unreal; the water was greenish and cold against my hands. At Titop Island, some people climbed for the view but I just floated in the shallow water, listening to a group of local kids daring each other to jump in. Later, back on deck with tea and fruit, it got quiet except for someone laughing at their own attempt at squid fishing. I tried too — didn’t catch anything except a weird sense of peace.

Waking up on Halong Bay is strange in the best way. Mist everywhere, everything muffled. Breakfast happened early (someone said 7am but honestly time felt fuzzy), then we wandered through Surprising Cave with Minh explaining how locals named all the rock shapes. The cave air was damp and cool — almost like stepping into another world for a minute. By late morning we were learning how to roll spring rolls on deck; mine looked terrible but tasted fine. Back on land by afternoon, Hanoi felt louder than ever.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel to Halong Bay and cruise

• Shuttle bus from Hanoi to Tuan Chau pier
• Tender boat transfer to cruiser
• Welcome drink and cabin check-in
• Set sail and enjoy seafood lunch
• Cruise past islands and floating villages
• Sea-kayaking at Luon Cave
• Visit Titop Island for swimming and views
• Return to boat for coffee, tea, and fruit
• Seafood dinner on board
• Optional squid fishing or drinks at bar

Day 2 — Explore caves and return to Hanoi

• Early breakfast on board
• Explore Surprising Cave with guide
• Check out cabin and cruise back
• Cooking demonstration: Vietnamese spring rolls
• Early lunch on board
• Tender boat to Tuan Chau pier
• Shuttle bus return to Hanoi hotel

Top questions

How long is the Halong Bay cruise from Hanoi?

The tour lasts 2 days and 1 night, including travel time from Hanoi.

Is hotel pickup included for this cruise?

Yes, pickup from your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel is included.

Are meals provided during the Halong Bay cruise?

All meals are included: lunch and dinner on day one; breakfast and lunch on day two.

What activities are part of this Halong Bay tour?

The tour includes kayaking at Luon Cave, visiting Titop Island, exploring Surprising Cave, optional squid fishing, and a cooking demonstration.

Is accommodation included on the boat?

Yes, you’ll stay overnight in a cabin onboard in Halong Bay.

Can vegetarians join this cruise?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested when booking.

When do we return to Hanoi after the cruise?

You’ll arrive back at your hotel in Hanoi around 4pm on day two.

Is this Halong Bay trip suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your trip includes air-conditioned shuttle pickup from your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel, all entrance fees along Halong Bay’s route, an overnight stay in a comfortable onboard cabin with elegant Vietnamese decor, all meals (seafood or vegetarian), sea kayaking equipment for Luon Cave exploration, guided visits to caves and islands with an English-speaking local guide throughout — plus complimentary coffee or tea as you watch sunset over the bay before returning to Hanoi by shuttle bus.