Ha Long Bay 2-day cruise: Kayaking, Sung Sot cave, Ti Top Island

Limestone cliffs, kayak through caves, sleep on the water.

A 2-day Ha Long Bay cruise from Hanoi includes round-trip transfer, private cabin, all meals, guide and entry to Sung Sot cave, Ti Top Island and either Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay depending on which itinerary you book. The route splits into two options at checkout: Ha Long Bay features cave visits and island swimming. Lan Ha Bay centers on kayaking through quieter waters and floating villages. Spa services are available on board for an extra charge.

Options for this experience

3 options

From US$ 189 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Many options for Halong Bay cruises 23:30 Guide in English Up to 15 people Pickup is included

2-day/1-night Halong 5-star option with transfer 22:00 Guide in English Up to 10 people Halong Bay itinerary: Guests stay in high-quality, modern cabins with a large window or balcony (depending on availability for your date), with excellent food and service. Activities during the tour: a walking hike up Sung Sot Cave, a swim and hike on Titop Island, and kayaking or a bamboo boat trip around Luon Cave and the islets. Activities included on board: squid fishing, a sunset party, a cooking demonstration class, Tai Chi in the morning, and a buffet brunch. Duration: 2 days, with 24 hours spent cruising Halong Bay, including the busier areas, Sung Sot Cave, kayaking in Luon Cave, and Titop Island. Cabin amenities 1: air conditioning, a fridge, a large window, complimentary tea and coffee, and free bottled water. Cabin amenities 2: towels, a private bathroom with a standing shower (bathtub on request, if available), slippers, and a full set of toiletries. Evenings: a romantic dinner on the cruise sundeck (weather permitting), karaoke, music and a party (no large, noisy parties). Transfer included: round-trip limousine or shuttle bus from Hanoi via the express highway, a 2.5-hour drive. Pickup is included.

2-day/1-night Halong 4-star option with transfer 22:00 Guide in English Up to 15 people Best mid-range cruises: Guests stay in good-quality, modern cabins on mid-range cruises, with excellent activities and visits to the busier areas. Activities during the tour: a walking hike up Sung Sot Cave, a swim and hike on Titop Island, and kayaking or a bamboo boat trip around Luon Cave and the islets. Activities included on board: squid fishing, a sunset party, a cooking demonstration class, Tai Chi in the morning, and either a buffet brunch or a set menu. Duration: 2 days, with 24 hours spent cruising Halong Bay and visiting the busier areas. Evenings: a romantic dinner on the cruise sundeck (weather permitting), karaoke, music and a party (no large, noisy parties). Cabin amenities 1: air conditioning, a fridge, a private large window, complimentary tea and coffee, and free bottled water. Cabin amenities 2: towels, a private bathroom with a standing shower (bathtub on request, if available), slippers, and a full set of toiletries. Transfer: round-trip limousine or shuttle bus from Hanoi via the express highway, a 2.5-hour drive. Pickup is included.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay cruise

• Pick up from Hanoi hotel
• Arrive Hai Duong, short break
• Arrive Tuan Chau harbor
• Transfer to cruise, check-in cabin
• Lunch on cruise, depart voyage
• Option Ha Long Bay: Visit Sung Sot cave
• Option Ha Long Bay: Kayak to Luon cave
• Option Lan Ha Bay: Relax on sundeck
• Option Lan Ha Bay: Visit Dark and Bright cave by bamboo boat
• Cooking class and sunset party on cruise roof
• Dinner in cruise restaurant
• Evening entertainment: movie, squid fishing, massage
• Cruise anchors overnight

Day 2: Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay to Hanoi

• Breakfast on cruise
• Option Ha Long Bay: Visit Titop Island for swimming and hiking
• Option Lan Ha Bay: Kayak at Tra Bau floating house
• Return to cruise and rest
• Check out and lunch on cruise
• Transfer to Tuan Chau Marina
• Prepare luggage and depart to Hanoi
• Arrive Hanoi, end of tour

What’s included

• Round-trip transfer from Hanoi via highway.
• private air-conditioned cabin (type chosen at checkout).
• breakfast and dinner both days, plus lunch on day two.
• English-speaking guide.
• entry to Sung Sot cave, Ti Top Island, and either Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay depending on your itinerary choice.
• kayaking or bamboo boat cave trips.
• swimming and hiking at Ti Top Island (Ha Long Bay route) or self-guided kayaking through Lan Ha Bay (Lan Ha Bay route).
• cooking class on the roof deck.
• happy hour with free juice.
• fishing equipment.

Times

• Every day 22:00 23:30

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Before you book

Group Up to 40

Live guide English Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to Start time

Ages Adult (9 to 85 years) · Child (5 to 8 years) · Infant (under 5)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 6 days before the start. Between 2 and 6 days before the start, 50% refund. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Wheelchair accessible Public transport nearby Infants must sit on laps

Operated by Caroline's Travel Agency

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

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The experience

The pickup starts at 8:30 from your Hanoi hotel or a meeting point in the Old Quarter, then a highway drive takes you to Tuan Chau harbor by midday. You board the cruise, meet the crew, check into your cabin, and lunch begins as the boat departs. The afternoon splits by your choice: on the Ha Long Bay route, you visit Sung Sot cave (bring hiking shoes) and kayak into Luon cave. On the Lan Ha Bay route, you rest on deck or take a small bamboo boat into Dark and Bright cave with a local rower. Both routes converge at 6 p.m. for a cooking class on the roof deck, sunset drinks and music, then dinner in the restaurant. Evening options include squid fishing, movies or a massage before the cruise anchors for the night.

Day two starts with breakfast, then the routes diverge again. Ha Long Bay guests swim and hike Ti Top Island. Lan Ha Bay guests kayak on their own through the bay's smaller inlets from a floating house. By 9 a.m., everyone returns to the cruise for a rest and checkout, lunch on board, and the small boat ride back to Tuan Chau Marina. The return drive to Hanoi takes roughly three hours on the highway, with arrival expected between 2:30 and 3 p.m.

The cabin is air-conditioned and assigned based on your booking (double, twin, triple or single). Breakfast and dinner are included each day. Lunch comes on both days as well. A tour guide speaks English throughout. Round-trip transfer from Hanoi is included in all options, and the cruise provides fishing equipment, happy hour with free juice, and entry to all named sites. Bring a swimming suit, sun cream and hiking shoes if you plan to swim or hike. Cameras are fine on the island but not recommended on the kayak trips into caves.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 8 years); Infant (under 5).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 6 days before the start.

What's the difference between the Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay routes?

Ha Long Bay includes visits to Sung Sot cave and Luon cave by kayak, plus swimming and hiking at Ti Top Island. Lan Ha Bay centers on paddling your own kayak through quieter inlets and visiting floating houses, with cave exploration by bamboo boat instead. Both routes have the same meals, cabin and cruise experience. The difference is which caves and water activities you do.

Do I need to arrange my own transfer from Hanoi?

No. Round-trip transfer from your Hanoi hotel or a meeting point in the Old Quarter is included. Pickup is at 8:30 a.m. on day one, and the return arrives in Hanoi between 2:30 and 3 p.m. on day two.

What cabin options are available?

You choose your cabin type at checkout: double, twin, triple or single. All cabins are air-conditioned and on the cruise. The specific cabin assignment depends on which ship class you select (5-star or 4-star options are available).

Is the cooking class something I have to join?

The cooking class and sunset party happen on the roof deck at 6 p.m. on day one. You're welcome to join, but you can also skip it and spend the time elsewhere on the cruise if you prefer.

What should I pack for the water activities?

Bring a swimming suit, sun cream, sunglasses and hiking shoes if you plan to swim at Ti Top Island or hike there. For kayaking into caves, wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and leave your camera and phone behind. The bamboo boat trips are safer for electronics.

Are drinks and meals fully included?

Breakfast and dinner are included both days, plus lunch on day two. Happy hour with free juice is included. Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks outside happy hour, tips and personal expenses are not included.