Halong Bay: Islands, Caves, Kayak & Seafood Lunch Day Trip

Summary

Halong Bay day trip with caves, islands, kayak and seafood lunch

You’ll cruise through Halong Bay’s limestone islands with a small group, paddle your own kayak near Ba Hang village, walk inside Thien Cung Cave’s cool chambers, and share a fresh seafood lunch on board. Expect salty air on your skin and stories from your guide that linger long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the quiet when we first stepped onto the Dragonfly Cruise boat — just the soft slap of water against the hull and a salty breeze that made my shirt stick to my back. Our guide Minh grinned at us, pointing out the limestone pillars rising everywhere, like some kind of ancient parade frozen in place. He told stories about dragons and legends as we left Tuan Chau Island behind. I tried to picture them all swirling above us — not sure I managed it, but it made me smile anyway.

The bay itself is almost too much at first: green water, little forested islets popping up all around. We drifted past Hon Ga Choi Island (the “Fighting Cocks” rocks), which honestly look more like two stubborn old friends than birds. Minh laughed when I squinted at them — “Everyone sees something different,” he said. Lunch was soon after — plates of steamed shrimp and fried squid that tasted fresher than anything I’ve had back home. There was this deep fried spring roll too; I burned my tongue because I couldn’t wait.

Kayaking near Ba Hang village was a bit wobbly for me (my arms are still sore). The silence under those cliffs surprised me — just our paddles tapping the water and the odd shout from another boat echoing off stone. We slipped through a low cave where sunlight suddenly spilled out into a hidden lake. The air smelled faintly of seaweed and something sweet I couldn’t place. Afterward we walked through Thien Cung Cave (Heaven Palace), which felt cool and damp compared to outside. Minh used his laser pointer to show us shapes in the stalactites — dragons, turtles, phoenixes — though honestly most looked like melting candles to me.

By late afternoon, heading back toward Hanoi on the expressway, everyone was quiet in that sleepy way you get after sun and salt air. My hair still felt gritty from sea spray and I kept thinking about that moment in the kayak when everything went silent except for water dripping from my paddle. If you’re looking for a Halong Bay day trip from Hanoi that doesn’t rush or crowd you, this one’s got space to breathe.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Halong Bay cruise and cave exploration

• Travel from Hanoi via expressway
• Enjoy scenic views of Halong Bay
• Stop at Tuan Chau Marina
• View Hon Ga Choi Island landmark
• Visit Heaven Palace Cave
• Kayak or boat at Ba Hang village

Top questions

How long does the Halong Bay day tour last?

The tour lasts approximately one full day including transfers between Hanoi and Halong Bay via expressway.

Is kayaking included in the Halong Bay day trip?

Yes, you can choose between 45 minutes of kayaking or a bamboo boat ride at Ba Hang village during the tour.

What is served for lunch on the cruise?

The included seafood lunch features dishes like steamed shrimp, fried squid, spring rolls, steamed fish or deep-fried fish, eggs roll, vegetables, and steamed rice.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

The tour includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from central Hanoi hotels or meeting points.

Do you visit any caves during this Halong Bay tour?

Yes, there is a guided walk through Thien Cung Cave (Heaven Palace Cave) as part of the itinerary.

How many people are in each group?

The small group size is limited to around 25 people for comfort during the cruise.

Can travelers with mobility issues join this tour?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to walking and kayaking activities.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near pickup points in Hanoi.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from Hanoi using expressway transfers both ways; a small-group cruise through Halong Bay’s UNESCO-listed landscapes; guided visits to Hon Ga Choi Island and Thien Cung Cave; your choice of kayaking or bamboo boat ride near Ba Hang village; plus a fresh seafood lunch served onboard before heading back in the evening.