Halong Bay: Day Tour with Titop Island, Cave & Kayak

Summary

Halong Bay’s limestone towers, cave wonders & island hikes in one day

You’ll cruise Halong Bay’s emerald waters with a local guide, wander through Sung Sot Cave’s cool chambers, kayak beneath towering cliffs, and hike (or swim) at Titop Island before sharing fruit and wine as the sun sets over limestone peaks. It’s a day that lingers long after you’re back in Hanoi.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway across the green water when I realized how quiet Halong Bay can get — just the low hum of our boat and someone’s laughter drifting over from the upper deck. Our guide, Minh, had this way of pointing out rock shapes that made them feel like old friends (“That one’s Fighting Cock Islet — see it?”). Lunch came early but I was hungry anyway: fresh prawns, something with ginger I couldn’t quite place. The salt air clung to my skin, not in a bad way. I kept thinking how different it all felt from Hanoi’s noise just a few hours before.

Sung Sot Cave was cooler inside than I expected. You walk up these stone steps and then suddenly you’re under this massive ceiling full of stalactites — Minh called it “Surprise Cave” for a reason. There was this moment when everyone went quiet at once, just looking up at the weird shadows on the walls. After that we paddled kayaks near Luon Cave; my arms are still sore but in a good way. The water was glassy and every so often you’d hear someone splashing or trying to steer straight (I wasn’t great at it — Li laughed when I zigzagged past her).

Titop Island came late in the afternoon when the sun started to dip and everything turned gold for a bit. Some people hiked to the top for that famous view — honestly, it’s steep but worth it if your legs can take it. Others just floated in the bay or sat on the sand eating slices of watermelon from the boat crew. The sunset party back on deck felt almost too short; local wine, sweet fruit, everyone swapping photos and stories. It was one of those days where you lose track of time until suddenly you’re back on the bus heading toward Hanoi lights again. I still think about that view from Titop sometimes — kind of sticks with you, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Halong Bay day trip with activities

• Bus pickup from Hanoi hotel
• Travel to Tuan Chau Island
• Board cruise and enjoy seafood lunch
• Visit Surprising Cave
• Kayak or bamboo boat at Luon Cave
• Hike or swim at Titop Island
• Sunset party on cruise sundeck
• Return to Tuan Chau harbor
• Bus back to Hanoi hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Halong Bay day tour?

Yes, pickup from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter is included.

How long do we spend on Halong Bay during this tour?

You’ll spend about 6 hours cruising Halong Bay itself.

Are meals included on this day trip?

Yes, a Vietnamese seafood lunch is served onboard (vegetarian options available).

Do we visit both Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island?

Yes, both Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave and Titop Island are included stops.

Is kayaking or bamboo boat included in the price?

Yes, you can choose between kayaking or bamboo boat at Luon Cave area.

How late do we return to Hanoi after the tour?

You return to Hanoi around 9pm after leaving Halong Bay at 6pm.

Is there time for swimming during the trip?

Yes, there’s time for swimming or relaxing on Titop Island’s beach.

Are drinks provided during the sunset party?

The sunset party includes local wine and fresh fruit on board.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter, all entry fees for caves and islands along Halong Bay, bottled water throughout, your choice of kayaking or bamboo boat ride at Luon Cave area, a traditional Vietnamese seafood lunch (with vegetarian options), plus a relaxed sunset party with fruit and wine before heading back to Hanoi in an air-conditioned vehicle.