2-day Ha Long Bay cruise from Hanoi: Sung Sot Cave & Titop Island

Two days aboard a cruise through limestone karsts, caves and hidden bays.

A 2-day, 1-night overnight cruise from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay with cabin accommodation, all meals, activities and cave entry included. The itinerary covers Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island and Luon Cave, plus kayaking, bamboo boat rides, a Vietnamese cooking class and Tai Chi at sunrise. Choose between 4-star or 5-star cruise tiers and decide whether to add round-trip transfer from Hanoi or meet the boat at Tuan Chau port.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Halong Bay and Cave Exploration

• Pick up from Hanoi Old Quarter hotel
• Transfer to Ha Long Bay via expressway
• Short break en route
• Arrive at Tuan Chau Cruise Port and check in
• Board Le Journey Cruise and have lunch
• Explore Surprising Cave and hike
• Visit Titop Island for swimming and hiking
• Return to cruise for sunset party and cooking class
• Enjoy happy hour drinks
• Dinner on sundeck
• Evening entertainment: music, games, karaoke, squid fishing
• Overnight on cruise

Day 2 — Lan Ha Bay Kayaking and Return to Hanoi

• Join Tai Chi class early morning
• Breakfast on cruise
• Kayak around Luon Cave and nearby grottos
• Return to cruise and prepare luggage
• Brunch and relax on sundeck
• Check out at Tuan Chau Cruise Port
• Transfer back to Hanoi
• Drop off at Hanoi hotel

The Experience

The boat departs Hanoi in the morning with pickup from your hotel in the Old Quarter, or you can meet it directly at Tuan Chau International Cruise Port around midday. After boarding and lunch, the first afternoon takes you to Sung Sot Cave — the largest in Ha Long Bay — where you walk through the cavern and hike to the top for views across the water. Titop Island comes next, with time to swim, sunbathe or climb the hillside trail. Back on deck, a sunset party and cooking class fill the evening, followed by dinner on the sundeck (weather permitting) and a choice of karaoke, squid fishing or board games until quiet hours at 10pm.

The second morning starts with optional Tai Chi on deck at 6am, then breakfast in the restaurant. You'll kayak through Pearl Village and the surrounding karsts before returning to the boat for brunch and a final hour on the sundeck. Check-out happens by late morning, and the return transfer to Hanoi takes roughly three hours by highway, with drop-off at your hotel by mid-afternoon. The 4-star option explores Ha Long Bay's main attractions; the 5-star tier visits Lan Ha Bay instead, with different caves and a higher comfort level. Both include cabin upgrades (subject to availability) during the May–September window.

Meals, activities and all cave entry fees are built in. The cabin comes with a private bathroom, hot water and air conditioning; suite cabins add a bathtub. Free WiFi is available in public areas, and bottled water is provided. Weather can shift the schedule, and the 3-day option adds extra activities and a second night if you want more time on the water.

What’s included

• Round-trip transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter hotel to the cruise port (on all-inclusive options).
• cabin accommodation with private bathroom and air conditioning.
• breakfast, lunch and dinner each day.
• welcome drink and happy hour.
• Vietnamese cooking class.
• Tai Chi session.
• kayaking and bamboo boat rides.
• entry to Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island and Luon Cave (or Lang Tra Bau and Quan Y Cave on the 5-star Lan Ha option).
• swimming and beach time.
• bottled water and free WiFi in public areas.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Le Journey Halong Bay Cruise

Is this one for you?Book the all-inclusive option with transfer if you're arriving in Hanoi without a car and want the whole trip arranged — pickup, port check-in, meals and activities are handled, so you only show up at your hotel in the morning. Choose the no-transfer option if you're already in the city or prefer to drive yourself to Tuan Chau port and skip the early pickup window.

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Top questions

What's included in the meals on the 2-day cruise?

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served each day in the Le Journey restaurant. The first day includes a welcome drink and lunch upon boarding, an afternoon cooking class where you prepare Vietnamese dishes, and dinner on the sundeck. Day two begins with breakfast, followed by brunch before check-out. A happy hour on the first evening offers a buy-2-get-1-free drink deal.

Can I book this cruise without the transfer from Hanoi?

Yes. Several options let you skip the round-trip transfer and meet the boat at Tuan Chau International Cruise Port instead, arriving around midday for the 12pm boarding. If you choose an all-inclusive option, the transfer is included and the driver picks you up from your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel at 8am.

What activities happen during the 2 days on the water?

Day one includes exploration of Sung Sot Cave with a hike to the top, swimming and hiking at Titop Island, a sunset party, and a Vietnamese cooking class. Day two offers optional sunrise Tai Chi, kayaking through Pearl Village and the surrounding karsts, and time to relax on the sundeck. Bamboo boat rides are also available depending on the itinerary.

What's the difference between the 4-star and 5-star cruise options?

The 4-star cruise explores Ha Long Bay, visiting Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island and Luon Cave. The 5-star cruise visits Lan Ha Bay instead, with different caves like Lang Tra Bau and Quan Y Cave, plus higher cabin standards and amenities. Both are 2-day, 1-night itineraries with the same meal and activity structure.

Is there a cabin upgrade available?

Yes, a free cabin upgrade is offered upon availability for stays between May and September. You can also request an upgrade from a standard cabin to a suite cabin for an additional charge of $45 per person.

What time does the boat return to Hanoi on day two?

Check-out from the cruise happens by 11:30am at Tuan Chau port. The return transfer to Hanoi takes approximately three hours by highway, with hotel drop-off expected between 3:30pm and 4pm.