Halong Bay: Private Day Cruise, Cave, Kayak & Seafood Lunch

Summary

Halong Bay’s limestone towers, cave walks and quiet lagoons

You’ll ride from Hanoi to Halong Bay with hotel pickup, then board a private cruise past limestone islands and famous spots like Fighting Cocks Island. Choose kayaking or a bamboo boat at Ba Hang Village and walk through Thien Cung Cave before heading back — expect fresh seafood for lunch and plenty of quiet moments on the water.

What’s the experience like?

Chopsticks clinked as our guide, Hieu, passed around steamed clams — I’d barely registered the salty breeze before he was already pointing out Hon Ga Choi Island through the window. Two rocks leaning toward each other like old friends. We’d left Hanoi early that morning (I dozed off somewhere past the rice paddies) and by the time we boarded our private boat at Tuan Chau Marina, the air had that sticky sweetness you get near the sea in northern Vietnam. I remember thinking how quickly the city noise faded behind us.

The cruise slipped between limestone pillars so tall they made our boat feel like a toy. Hieu told stories about dragons and fishermen — he laughed when I tried to repeat “Ba Hang” properly (I definitely didn’t). At Ba Hang Village, we could pick: kayak or let a local row us through the caves. We went for the bamboo boat since my arms were still tired from yesterday’s market haul in Hanoi. Floating into those low caves felt unreal — cool air, echoey drips, sudden sunlight spilling onto a hidden lagoon where everything went quiet except for a fisherman waving from his tiny blue boat.

Lunch was simple but good: crab legs that left my fingers sticky and rice that tasted faintly of ginger. Afterward, we climbed up to Thien Cung Cave — not sure what I expected, but inside it was all sharp shadows and weird rock shapes that looked almost alive under colored lights. Hieu pointed out a formation he said looked like a dragon; honestly, I saw more of a sleeping dog but maybe that’s just me. The walk down was slippery and someone behind me started humming quietly — it stuck in my head all the way back to the marina.

I still think about that stretch of water after we left Thien Cung Cave — late afternoon sun turning everything gold, wind picking up just enough to make us zip our jackets. It wasn’t dramatic or anything, just peaceful in a way that lingers longer than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Halong Bay day tour with cave and kayaking

• Pick up from Hanoi hotel
• Drive to Tuan Chau Marina
• Board cruise at Tuan Chau Island
• Explore Halong Bay limestone islands
• Stop at Hon Ga Choi Island for photos
• Photo stop at Incense Burner Island
• Visit Ba Hang Village lagoon
• Choose kayaking or bamboo boat ride
• Visit Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace)
• Return cruise to marina
• Drive back to Hanoi hotel

Top questions

How long is the Halong Bay day trip from Hanoi?

The tour lasts about 10 hours including round-trip transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter to Halong Bay.

Is kayaking included in this Halong Bay day tour?

You can choose between kayaking or riding a bamboo boat at Ba Hang Village; both are included.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Hanoi?

Yes, hotel pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter is included in your booking.

What kind of lunch is served on board?

A fresh seafood lunch is provided; vegetarian options are available if you request in advance.

Are entry fees for Halong Bay and caves included?

Yes, entry fees for Halong Bay and Thien Cung Cave are included in the price.

Is this Halong Bay cruise private or shared?

You can choose between private or shared cruise options when booking.

How accessible is this tour for wheelchairs or strollers?

The transport and most areas are wheelchair accessible; check with operator for specific needs inside caves.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter by modern car or van via expressway, bottled water on board, entry fees for Halong Bay and Thien Cung Cave, your choice of kayaking or being rowed by local fisherman at Ba Hang Village, a fresh seafood lunch (with vegetarian options if you ask ahead), an English-speaking guide throughout, and drop-off back at your hotel in Hanoi by evening.