Ha Long Bay Cruise from Hanoi: Titop Island & Sung Sot Cave

Kayak through limestone karsts and sleep on the water between two full days of swimming, caving and island exploration.

A two-day Ha Long Bay cruise from Hanoi includes all meals, a private cabin with bathroom, professional English-speaking guide, and a route through Titop Island and Sung Sot Cave. Pickup from Hanoi's Old Quarter is included. Children from age 5 are welcome. The itinerary mixes structured stops (cave exploration, island swimming, kayaking) with evening entertainment on board, and you return to Hanoi by mid-afternoon on day two.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay cruise

• Pick up from Hanoi Old Quarter
• Transfer to Ha Long Bay
• Check-in at Ha Long Harbor
• Lunch on board
• Explore Titop Island beach
• Relax and join sunset party
• Dinner on board
• Evening games and activities
• Overnight on cruise

Day 2: Ha Long Bay cave and return

• Morning Tai Chi on sundeck
• Light breakfast on board
• Visit Sung Sot Cave
• Check-out from cruise
• Brunch on board
• Disembark at Sun Harbor
• Return transfer to Hanoi
• Arrive in Hanoi

The experience

The tour starts with a 7:30 pickup in Hanoi's Old Quarter and a drive to Ha Long Harbor, where you board by early afternoon. Lunch arrives as the cruise heads toward Titop Island, one of the bay's largest beaches. You have the afternoon to swim on the sand and climb to the island's top for a panorama across the water and limestone peaks. Back on board by evening, you join a sunset party on the sundeck, then dinner in the ship's restaurant. The night is yours: some travelers opt for squid fishing or karaoke at the bar. Others rest in the air-conditioned cabin.

Day two begins at 6:30 with optional Tai Chi on deck as the sun rises over the bay, followed by a light breakfast. By 8:00 you're at Sung Sot Cave, one of Ha Long's largest, where stalactites and stalagmites rise from the floor in shapes formed over millions of years. The cave opens onto a panoramic view of the bay. After checkout and brunch, you kayak at your own pace through the limestone landscape (paddling around smaller islands and inlets), before a short cooking class where you make fresh Vietnamese spring rolls. The cruise returns to Hanoi by mid-afternoon, depending on traffic.

All meals are included: two lunches, one dinner and one breakfast. Your cabin has a private bathroom, a welcome drink, and two bottles of mineral water. The guide speaks English and is with the group throughout. Kayaking and swimming happen weather permitting. Squid fishing and karaoke are optional evening activities. Peak-season surcharges apply during certain holidays and dates (late April, early May, late August, late December and early February).

What’s included

• Pickup from Hanoi's Old Quarter.
• all meals on board (two lunches, one dinner, one breakfast).
• private cabin with bathroom, welcome drink and two bottles of mineral water.
• professional English-speaking guide.
• entrance fees and boat fees.
• kayaking, swimming (weather permitting) and squid fishing.
• optional karaoke and evening entertainment.
• short cooking class for Vietnamese spring rolls.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (10 to 80 years) · Child (5 to 9 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 28

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by SST TRAVEL

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want everything handled (transport, meals, and a cabin), so you can board in Hanoi and focus on the bay itself. Pick the single cabin add-on only if you need your own space, otherwise the shared cabin keeps costs down.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 9 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What is Sung Sot Cave like, and how long do you spend inside it?

Sung Sot Cave is one of Ha Long Bay's largest caves, with stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millions of years into distinctive shapes. You explore it on the morning of day two after breakfast, and the cave opens onto a panoramic view of the bay once you exit.

Can I swim at Titop Island, and what else can I do there?

Yes, swimming is included at Titop Island on day one, weather permitting. You can also climb to the top of the island for a full panorama view of Ha Long Bay and the surrounding limestone peaks.

What meals are provided, and are there dietary options?

All meals are included: two lunches, one dinner and one breakfast served in the ship's restaurant. The cooking class on day two teaches you to make fresh Vietnamese spring rolls. Specific dietary requests should be confirmed at booking.

Do I need to arrange my own transfer from Hanoi, or is it included?

Pickup from Hanoi's Old Quarter is included in the tour price. The driver collects you between 7:30 and 8:00 on day one and drives you to Ha Long Harbor, arriving by late morning.

What happens if the weather is bad during the cruise?

Swimming and kayaking are included only if weather permits. The cave visit, meals and overnight stay proceed regardless. If conditions prevent water activities, the guide will adjust the itinerary on the day.

Is there a single supplement if I want my own cabin?

Yes, a single supplement of $30 per cabin is available at checkout. Children under 5 may require an additional entrance ticket depending on height. Confirm this when you book.