Halong Bay Cruise: Overnight from Hanoi with Cave & Kayak

Summary

Halong Bay overnight cruise with kayaking caves island swim

You’ll drift through Halong Bay’s limestone islands, explore Surprise Cave by flashlight with a local guide, swim or hike at Titop Island, kayak near hidden cliffs, and sleep onboard listening to gentle waves—all with transfers and meals included. It’s less about perfection than feeling part of this strange, beautiful place.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from an overnight cruise in Halong Bay. The photos always looked so… filtered? But standing on the deck as we left Hanoi behind, the air already felt different—salty and thick, with this weirdly sweet scent I couldn’t place. Our guide, Minh, had this way of telling stories that made even the bus ride feel kind of interesting. He pointed out a roadside stand selling fried corn cakes—I regret not grabbing one now.

The first time those limestone islands started popping up through the mist, it almost didn’t feel real. We dropped anchor near Surprise Cave and Minh handed us flashlights (“You’ll need these for the bats,” he grinned). Inside was cool and echoey—the walls dripped and my shoes squeaked embarrassingly loud. At one point someone’s phone flashlight flickered out and we all just stood there in the dark for a second, laughing nervously. Later, at Titop Island, some folks hiked up for a view but honestly I just wanted to float in the water for a bit. The sand was gritty but soft enough underfoot.

Dinner on the boat was better than I expected (the fish had ginger and something else I still can’t name), and after that most people sat up top watching boats drift by with their lanterns glowing orange. The quiet was kind of perfect—just water lapping and someone humming an old Vietnamese song below deck. In the morning we visited a pearl farm where Linh explained how they grow pearls (she made it sound like magic). Kayaking around those cliffs felt wobbly at first—my arms still ache thinking about it—but gliding past those rocks in the early light is something I keep replaying.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Halong Bay cruise

• Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay
• Visit Sung Sot cave
• Visit Ti Top island for swim or hike
• Enjoy lunch on cruise
• Enjoy dinner on cruise
• Overnight on cruise

Day 2 — Halong Bay activities and return

• Have breakfast on cruise
• Visit Pearl farm and kayak
• Enjoy lunch on cruise
• Return to Hanoi

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included from Hanoi?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle transfer from Hanoi is included both ways.

Do you sleep overnight on the cruise?

Yes, accommodation is onboard the cruise ship in Halong Bay.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Dinner and breakfast are included during your cruise experience.

Can I go kayaking in Halong Bay?

Yes, kayaking or bamboo boat activities are included in the itinerary.

What attractions are visited on this tour?

You’ll visit Surprise Cave (Hang Sung Sot), Titop Island, and a pearl farm.

Is swimming possible at Titop Island?

Yes, you can swim or hike up for panoramic views at Titop Island.

How long does the Halong Bay cruise last?

This is a 2-day 1-night trip departing from Hanoi with return transfer.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your overnight trip includes round-trip transfer from Hanoi by air-conditioned vehicle, all meals onboard (dinner and breakfast), guided visits to Surprise Cave and Titop Island, kayaking or bamboo boat activity around Halong Bay’s cliffs, plus time at a local pearl farm before heading back to Hanoi.