Ha Long Bay Day Cruise: Kayaking, Cave, Island Swim

Kayak through limestone caves and swim at island beaches without organizing the logistics yourself.

An all-inclusive day cruise from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay with hotel pickup and return, featuring stops at Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave (by kayak or bamboo boat), and Ti Top Island for swimming and hiking. The boat holds up to 100 guests across three decks, with lunch, afternoon tea and sunset party, two restaurants, and a jacuzzi on board. A live English-speaking guide leads the cave and island portions. Children from age 1 are welcome, and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

Step-by-step itinerary

HaLong Bay luxury day cruise experience

• Hotel pick up in Hanoi Old Quarter
• Board the cruise at Halong International Port
• Enjoy lunch on board while cruising
• Visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave
• Kayak or bamboo boat through Luon Cave
• Stop at Titop Island for hiking and swimming
• Relax and enjoy sunset party on upper deck
• Return bus trip to Hanoi with a short break
• Arrive back at Hanoi Old Quarter

The experience

Pick-up starts at 7:30 from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter, and the bus reaches Ha Long International Port by mid-morning. You board around 11:45, get a welcome drink and safety briefing from the captain, then settle into lunch in the upper restaurant as the cruise sets sail past limestone islands (Dog Rock, Duck Rock, Thumb Rock) that rise like green pearls from the water. The buffet includes fresh seafood, Vietnamese dishes, and vegetarian options, and you eat while the bay opens around you.

The first stop is Sung Sot Cave on Bo Hon Island, the largest cave in Ha Long Bay. Your guide leads a 45-minute walk through it. If climbing isn't your plan, you can stay on the sundeck instead. Next comes Luon Cave, where you kayak or take a bamboo boat through the lagoon: the itinerary calls it the most exciting outdoor activity of the day. Then you reach Ti Top Island to swim, hike partway up the mountain for views across the entire bay, or simply rest on the beach. On the return cruise to port, the upper deck hosts a sunset party with tea, cakes, and music while you watch the light change over the water.

The bus leaves the port at 5 p.m. for the drive back to Hanoi, with a 20–30 minute break along the expressway. You arrive at your hotel or meeting point between 8 and 8:30 p.m. The whole day runs 10 to 12 hours from pickup to drop-off. Travel insurance is included, and the transfer works both ways. Your only choice at checkout is whether to add a limousine upgrade or arrange your own way to the port.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter.
• lunch buffet with seafood and Vietnamese cuisine.
• afternoon tea break with sunset party.
• entry to Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Ti Top Island, and Ha Long Bay.
• kayaking or bamboo boat through Luon Cave.
• swimming at Ti Top Island.
• access to the jacuzzi and three decks.
• travel insurance.

Options for this experience

3 options

Option 3: Halong pick-upGuide in English or Vietnamese · 11:30

Option 2: Tour plus shuttle busGuide in English or Vietnamese · 08:00Includes all activities and entrance fees, a 10-hour duration, a buffet lunch, a modern 29-seat shuttle bus, and pickup is included.

Limousine Round-trip TransferGuide in English or Vietnamese · 08:00Includes swimming, kayaking and a bamboo boat ride, a 10-hour duration, a buffet lunch, a limousine bus, and pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 11:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (5 to 9 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years): free

Live guideEnglish and Vietnamese

Audio guideEnglish and Vietnamese

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 7.74

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Fola Travel

Is this one for you?Book this cruise if you're arriving in Hanoi with a free day and want to see Ha Long Bay's caves and islands without renting a car or arranging separate guides and boats: the pickup, all entry fees, lunch, and activities are locked in, so you show up at your hotel and the day unfolds on schedule.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Vietnamese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 9 years); Infant (1 to 4 years): free.

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 24 h before the start.

What is Sung Sot Cave like, and how long do we spend there?

Sung Sot Cave, also called Surprise Cave, is the largest and most beautiful cave in Ha Long Bay. Your guide leads you through it for about 45 minutes. If you prefer not to walk, you can stay on the sundeck of the cruise instead.

Can I kayak through Luon Cave, or do I have to take a bamboo boat?

Luon Cave offers both options. You can kayak or take a bamboo boat through the lagoon. The itinerary lists it as the most exciting outdoor activity on the tour, so you choose which one suits you when you board.

Is swimming included, and where do we swim?

Swimming is included at Ti Top Island, where you can also hike partway up the mountain for views of Ha Long Bay or relax on the beach. The cruise also has a jacuzzi on board if you want to use that instead.

What meals and drinks are provided on the cruise?

Lunch is a gourmet buffet with seafood, Vietnamese cuisine, and vegetarian options, served in the restaurant as the cruise sets sail. An afternoon tea break with cakes is included during the sunset party on the upper deck. Alcohol and soft drinks are not included and can be purchased separately.

How early do I need to be ready for pickup, and when do I get back to my hotel?

Hotel pickups from the Old Quarter start at 7:30 a.m., with an estimated window of 7:30 to 8:15. Your guide will confirm the exact time via WhatsApp before the tour date. The bus returns you to your hotel or designated meeting point between 8 and 8:30 p.m.