Halong Bay: Day Cruise with Ti Top Island & Surprise Cave

Summary

Halong Bay caves, island views and seafood lunch in a single day

You’ll start your Halong Bay day trip with hotel pickup in Hanoi before cruising past limestone islands, exploring Surprise Cave’s cool chambers, kayaking or relaxing near Luon Cave, then hiking up Ti Top Island for wild panoramic views. A Vietnamese seafood lunch is included on board before you end your day watching sunset colors drift across the bay — it lingers with you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed as we stepped off the bus from Hanoi was the smell — a bit salty, mixed with something green and wet, like seaweed after rain. Our guide, Minh, waved us over with this easy grin and somehow remembered everyone’s name by the time we’d boarded the boat at Tuan Chau. I didn’t expect to feel so awake after that early pickup, but watching those limestone cliffs slide by while we ate steamed shrimp and rice (I think there was squid too?) just did something to my brain. There’s WiFi on board but honestly I forgot about my phone for most of it.

Walking into Sung Sot — Surprise Cave — was like stepping into another planet. It’s bigger than you think; cool air and echoes everywhere, all these weird rock shapes that Minh kept pointing out (“dragon head,” “turtle,” “sleeping lady,” he said). Some of us tried to guess what the rocks looked like ourselves but Minh always had a better story. The cave was busy but not in a bad way; just voices bouncing around, people laughing when they slipped on the damp stone steps. I remember this one spot where sunlight hit the wall just right and made everything look gold for a second.

I wasn’t sure about climbing Ti Top Island after all that food, but Minh promised the view was worth it (he was right). The stairs are steep and my legs were jelly halfway up, but then you get to the top and suddenly Halong Bay is just… everywhere below you. Boats drifting around like toys. Some folks went swimming down at the little beach but I just sat under a tree with this older couple from France who shared their orange slices with me. On the way back we had this sunset party — red wine in plastic cups, fried potatoes, fruit — everyone a bit sunburned and happy-tired. I still think about that view from Ti Top sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Halong Bay cruise and island visit

• Pick up at Hanoi hotel
• Travel to Tuan Chau island
• Check in and have seafood lunch on boat
• Explore Sung Sot (Surprise) grotto
• Discover Luon Cave by kayak or boat
• Visit Ti Top island for swimming and trekking
• Enjoy sunset party on boat
• Return to Ha Long harbor
• Arrive back at Hanoi hotel

Top questions

How long does the Halong Bay day trip take from Hanoi?

The tour lasts about 12 hours including transfers: pickup is around 8am in Hanoi Old Quarter and return is between 8:30-9pm.

Is lunch included on the Halong Bay cruise?

Yes, a traditional Vietnamese lunch with seafood is served onboard during the cruise.

Can you swim or hike on Ti Top Island?

Yes, you can swim at Ti Top Island’s beach or hike up to its peak for panoramic bay views.

What caves do you visit on this day trip?

You visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave and have options to kayak or take a bamboo boat near Luon Cave.

Is hotel pickup included for this Halong Bay tour?

Pickup and drop-off are included if your hotel is in Hanoi Old Quarter; otherwise check with operator for details.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

Yes, all sightseeing and entrance fees (Ti Top Island, Sung Sot Cave) are included.

Is kayaking extra or included?

You can choose kayaking or bamboo boat at Luon Cave; both options are included in your ticket.

Do they cater to vegetarians or special diets?

If you let them know ahead of time, vegetarian meals or other dietary needs can be arranged onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfer from your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel by air-conditioned bus, all entrance fees for Halong Bay attractions like Surprise Cave and Ti Top Island, kayaking or bamboo boat at Luon Cave if you want it, an English-speaking local guide throughout the cruise, WiFi on board (if you remember to use it), plus a Vietnamese seafood lunch served as you drift past those wild limestone cliffs before heading back to Hanoi in the evening.