Halong Bay Day Cruise: Jacuzzi, Cave, Titop Island & Buffet

Summary

Halong Bay day cruise with cave hike kayaking and buffet lunch

You’ll glide through Halong Bay’s famous limestone islands on a premium cruise with jacuzzi, explore Surprising Cave’s cool chambers, kayak or take a bamboo boat at Luon Cove, and hike or swim at Titop Island. Includes pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter and a generous buffet lunch—plus sunset treats as you head back to harbor.

What’s the experience like?

We were already a little sleepy when the bus picked us up in Hanoi’s Old Quarter — somehow the city always feels awake before I am. The drive out to Halong Bay took a while but there was this quiet excitement building as we got closer. At Tuan Chau Harbor, the air changed — salty and a bit sweet, and the boats bobbed like they were waiting for us. Our guide, Minh, had this easy way of explaining things without sounding like he’d said it a hundred times before. We climbed aboard and I remember touching the railings — warm from the sun already.

The first real “wow” moment (I know I shouldn’t use that word but honestly) was sailing between those limestone islands. Lunch came out just as we started moving — mostly Vietnamese dishes but also some Western stuff if you needed a break from fish sauce (I didn’t). The buffet felt almost too generous for a day trip. Minh pointed out something about local fishing families as we passed tiny floating houses; I tried to imagine living out here with just water all around.

After lunch we ducked into Sung Sot Cave — Surprising Cave is right. It’s cool inside, almost damp, and I kept running my hand along the rock wall because it felt weirdly soft in places. There was this echo whenever someone laughed. Later at Luon Cove, you could choose kayaking or the bamboo boat; I went for kayaking even though my arms regretted it halfway through (Minh said my paddling looked “creative”). Then Titop Island — some folks hiked up for the view (which is actually worth it), others just swam or sat on the sand. The water was cold at first but then you stop caring.

On the way back we had this sunset party with fruit and cake — red wine too, which tasted better than I expected after a day in the sun. Everyone was quieter then, maybe tired or just watching how the light made everything gold for a few minutes. I still think about that part sometimes, how peaceful it felt drifting back toward shore with strangers who suddenly didn’t feel like strangers anymore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Halong Bay luxury cruise and sightseeing

• Pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter
• Bus transfer to Tuan Chau Harbor
• Board boat and enjoy buffet lunch
• Visit Surprising Cave
• Kayak or bamboo boat at Luon Cove
• Hike or swim at Titop Island
• Sunset party on the boat
• Return to Tuan Chau Harbor
• Bus transfer back to Hanoi
• Drop off at Hanoi hotel

Top questions

How long does the Halong Bay day cruise last?

The tour includes about 6 hours on Halong Bay itself, plus transfers to and from Hanoi.

Is hotel pickup included from Hanoi?

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

What food is served during lunch?

A buffet lunch with both Vietnamese seafood dishes and some Western options is served onboard.

Can I kayak during the tour?

Yes, you can choose between kayaking or riding a bamboo boat at Luon Cove.

Is there time to swim during the day trip?

Yes, there’s time to swim or relax on the beach at Titop Island.

Are entry fees included in the price?

All entry fees and taxes are included in your booking.

What language does the guide speak?

An English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout the tour.

Is this tour suitable for people with health issues?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter if selected, air-conditioned bus transfer to Tuan Chau Harbor, all entry fees for Halong Bay attractions including Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island, kayaking or bamboo boat ride at Luon Cove, two bottles of mineral water on board, an abundant buffet lunch (vegetarian options available), plus sunset fruit and cake before returning to Hanoi in the evening.