Halong Bay Cruise: Kayaking, Caves & Ti Top Island with Pickup

Summary

Halong Bay cruise with caves kayaking island hike and all meals

You’ll leave Hanoi early for a Halong Bay cruise with kayaking at Luon Cave, swimming or hiking on Ti Top Island, and a hands-on cooking class at sunset. All meals are included and you’ll wake up to Tai Chi on deck before exploring Sung Sot Cave. If you want moments of quiet mixed with laughter and local flavors — this one sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the water to look that green — almost milky in the morning light as we left Hanoi behind. Our driver was quiet but kept glancing back to check if anyone needed a rest stop (I did, embarrassingly early). By the time we reached the dock, my coffee had worn off and I was just hoping for some air. The welcome drink on board tasted sweet and cold — not sure what it was exactly, but it hit the spot. I could hear someone laughing above deck while we checked into our little cabin with those round windows facing out over Halong Bay.

Lunch started as we drifted past these rock formations that locals call Fighting Cock and Finger Islet. Our guide, Minh, pointed them out but honestly I was more focused on the way the air smelled — salty and a bit like wet stone. Later, paddling a kayak into Luon Cave, I kept bumping into my partner’s paddle (sorry again), and there were these tiny splashes echoing under the archway. It felt cooler inside the cave than outside; you could hear birds somewhere above but couldn’t see them at all.

Titop Island was busier than I thought it’d be. There were families swimming and some folks hiking up to catch that view everyone talks about (I tried — made it halfway before deciding I liked the beach better). Back on board for sunset “happy hour,” Minh convinced us to try his favorite cocktail — can’t remember what he called it but it was pink and strong. The cooking class after that was more fun than expected; Li laughed when I tried to say “nem” in Vietnamese — probably butchered it.

Waking up early for Tai Chi on the deck felt like something out of another life. The instructor moved so slowly I thought he might fall asleep standing up, but somehow everyone followed along. Breakfast was quick — strong coffee again — then one last trip through Sung Sot Cave before heading back toward Hanoi. The limestone walls looked different in the morning light; maybe it was just me being tired or maybe there’s something about Halong Bay that gets under your skin a little. I still think about that view from our cabin window sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Halong Bay cruise and activities

• Pick up guests in Hanoi Old Quarter
• Transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay
• Check in at cruise lounge and board
• Enjoy welcome drinks and lunch on cruise
• Cruise past Fighting-Cock and Finger Islet
• Visit Luon Cave by bamboo boat or kayak
• Visit Titop Island for swimming or hiking
• Return to cruise for sunset party and happy hour
• Attend cooking demonstration or free time
• Enjoy dinner on board
• Relax with spa or cocktails

Day 2 — Morning activities and return to Hanoi

• Join Tai-Chi class early morning
• Buffet breakfast on cruise
• Explore Luon Cave by kayak or bamboo boat
• Return to cruise and prepare for check-out
• Enjoy brunch and relax on sundeck
• Arrive at Tuan Chau Port and check out
• Transfer back to Hanoi
• Drop off at hotel in Hanoi

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Halong Bay cruise?

Yes, pickup from hotels in Hanoi's Old Quarter is included in your booking.

What activities are part of this 2-day Halong Bay tour?

The tour includes kayaking or bamboo boat at Luon Cave, swimming or hiking at Ti Top Island, Tai Chi class, cooking class, plus visits to Sung Sot Cave.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

Yes, all meals are included: lunch and dinner on day one; breakfast and brunch on day two.

How long does it take to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

The transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay takes around 3 hours by highway bus or limousine.

Is accommodation on the boat private?

You’ll have your own booked cabin with an ocean view and private bathroom facilities.

Can I swim during this Halong Bay cruise?

Yes, there’s time for swimming at Ti Top Island’s beach during the afternoon stop.

Is WiFi available onboard?

WiFi is available in public areas of the cruise ship and at the cruise office.

Are drinks included during happy hour?

The sunset happy hour offers buy 2 get 1 free drinks at the bar; other drinks may cost extra.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, round-trip transfer by highway bus or limousine to Halong Bay, all entry fees for Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, Luon Cave and Ha Long Bay itself. You’ll stay overnight in your own ocean-view cabin with private bathroom (hot water showers are available), enjoy kayaking or bamboo boat rides, swimming time at the beach, Tai Chi class at sunrise, a hands-on cooking class at sunset plus all meals onboard—breakfasts, lunches and dinner—before returning comfortably back to Hanoi city center.