Kayaking in Ha Long Bay: Limestone caves and Titop Beach
Paddle into limestone cliffs while the bay unfolds around you.
A full-day cruise in Ha Long Bay combines sightseeing at two major caves with kayaking through the karst landscape. You board at Ha Long International Cruise Port at 8:30am, visit Sung Sot Cave on foot, paddle a kayak at Luon Cave, swim at Titop Beach, and return by 4:30pm. An English-speaking guide leads the group. Lunch, entry tickets and port pickup are included.
Step-by-step itinerary
Halong Bay Day Cruise and Exploration
- Welcome and check-in at Ha Long Port
- Start Halong Bay sightseeing cruise
- Visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave
- Have lunch on the boat
- Kayak or bamboo boat at Luon Cave
- Swim or sunbathe at Titop Beach
- Climb to Titop Beach peak for views
- Enjoy sunset on sundesk while cruising back
- Arrive back at Ha Long International Cruise Port
What’s included
- Vietnamese set lunch on the boat.
- all entry tickets to Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave and Titop Beach.
- an English-speaking guide for the full day.
- port pickup and drop-off at Ha Long International Cruise Port.
Times
- Every day 09:00 10:30 11:30
Before you book
Operated by Maximus Travel Vietnam
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The experience
The day starts with check-in at Ha Long International Cruise Port, then the boat heads into the bay to Sung Sot Cave: one of the largest in the region at over 10,000 square meters. You walk through it to see the limestone formations up close. After that comes lunch on the boat, a set menu served to groups of six.
The kayaking happens at Luon Cave, where you paddle your own kayak through the water or take a bamboo boat if you prefer not to paddle. This is where the bay's 1,600 islands and limestone pillars become something you move through rather than just look at from the deck. The karsts rise around you as you navigate the narrow passages.
The afternoon stops at Titop Beach, where you can swim, sunbathe or climb to the peak for a panoramic view of the whole bay. By 3pm the boat turns back toward the port, and you watch the sunset from the sun deck on the way. The tour ends at 4:30pm back at Ha Long International Cruise Port.
Is this one for you?You operate the kayak yourself at Luon Cave, so this suits anyone who wants to paddle through the landscape rather than watch it pass. The shared boat and fixed schedule mean the day holds together without building it yourself: transport, meals, timing and entry are all arranged.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.
What is Sung Sot Cave like, and how much time do you spend there?
Sung Sot Cave, also called Surprise Cave, is one of the largest caves in Ha Long Bay at over 10,000 square meters. You walk through it to explore the limestone formations. The stop is part of the morning itinerary before lunch.
Do you kayak the whole time at Luon Cave, or can you take a bamboo boat instead?
At Luon Cave you have a choice: paddle your own kayak through the water or ride in a bamboo boat. Either way you move through the cave rather than viewing it from the main boat.
Is swimming at Titop Beach included, and what else can you do there?
Titop Beach is an afternoon stop where swimming is included. You can also sunbathe or climb to the peak of the island for a panoramic view of Ha Long Bay.
What time does the boat leave the port, and when do you get back?
The boat departs Ha Long International Cruise Port at 9am after a 30-minute check-in starting at 8:30am. You return to the port at 4:30pm, making the full day about seven and a half hours from start to finish.
Is the guide English-speaking, and what does lunch include?
The guide speaks English throughout the day. Lunch is a Vietnamese set menu served on the boat to groups of six people.
Kayaking in Ha Long Bay: Limestone caves and Titop Beach
7h 30m · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 75 per person
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