Kayaking Ha Long Bay from Hanoi: Luon Cave and Surprise Cave

Row your own kayak into Luon Cave while others ride past it

A full-day kayaking and hiking tour from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay combines a luxury cruise with active exploration: paddle your kayak through Luon Cave, hike over 700 steps inside Surprise Cave to see stalactites, and swim in the bay between stops. Hotel pickup in Hanoi, an English-speaking guide, and a buffet lunch onboard are included. You choose between kayaking and bamboo boat transport at Luon Cave.

Options for this experience

3 options

From US$ 33.25 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Group tour with pickup at the port 11:30, 11:45 and 12:00 Guide in English or Vietnamese Note: this tour includes pickup and drop-off at Tuan Chau Port in Ha Long Bay

Group tour with pickup from Hanoi 08:00 and 08:30 Guide in English or Vietnamese Note: with this option, pickup and drop-off happen at your hotel in Hanoi if it is located in the center of Hanoi

Private tour and private cruise 7 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 10:00 Guide in 10 languages Note: this tour includes a private tour, a private cruise of the same luxury standard, and private car transfer; pickup is included

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Step-by-step itinerary

Ha Long Bay luxury cruise adventure

• Pick up from hotel in Hanoi
• Drive to Ha Long Bay
• Arrive at Tuan Chau Port
• Explore Ha Long Bay and visit Hon Trong Mai islet
• Enjoy lunch on board with Vietnamese dishes
• Visit and hike inside Sung Sot Cave
• Explore Luon Cave by kayak or bamboo boat
• Relax and enjoy cruise views

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Hanoi.
• English-speaking tour guide.
• luxury cruise on Ha Long Bay.
• all entrance tickets to caves and sites.
• buffet lunch onboard with at least eight Vietnamese dishes.
• kayak or bamboo boat transport through Luon Cave.
• bottled water during the car journey.
• shared limousine transfer to the port.

Times

• Every day 07:00 07:30 08:00 08:30 09:00 09:30 10:00 11:30 11:45 12:00

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Before you book

Live guide English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Vietnamese

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 1h before

Ages Adult (9 and older) · Child (5 to 8 years): free · Infant (under 5): free

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Wheelchair accessible Accessible transport Stroller-friendly Infant seats available Pets welcome Public transport nearby Infants must sit on laps

Operated by VN Bike Tour

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

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The experience

The day starts with pickup at your Hanoi hotel and a drive to Tuan Chau Port, where you board a luxury cruise. As the boat moves through Ha Long Bay, you pass limestone islands and stop at Hon Trong Mai, a distinctive islet shaped like two chickens that locals call a symbol of love and fidelity. Lunch, at least eight Vietnamese dishes, is served onboard while you watch the bay from both sides of the cruise.

At Surprise Cave, you climb more than 700 steps into the largest cave in Ha Long Bay's cave complex. Inside, stalactites hang from the ceiling and stone formations fill huge chambers carved by nature. The hike is the physical centerpiece of the day, and the guide leads you through the hidden sections most visitors miss.

Luon Cave is where the kayaking happens. You can choose to paddle your own kayak through the cave's single entrance and exit, or ride in a bamboo boat steered by a boatman. If you kayak, you control the pace and can explore according to what interests you. If you take the bamboo boat, you stay dry and let the boatman navigate the narrow passage. Both options move through the same cave, but the kayak gives you the oars.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

In English and Vietnamese, with 10 departure times. In Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Chinese and Korean, with 7 departure times.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 8 years): free; Infant (under 5): 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 Surprise Cave like inside?

Surprise Cave is the largest cave in Ha Long Bay's complex. You hike over 700 steps to reach the interior chambers, where stalactites hang from the ceiling and massive stone blocks create rooms shaped by nature over time.

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

Luon Cave offers both options. You can paddle your own kayak through the cave's entrance and exit, or ride in a bamboo boat with a boatman steering. Kayaking lets you control your own pace. The bamboo boat keeps you dry and handles the navigation.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is served?

Lunch is included onboard the cruise and features at least eight Vietnamese dishes designed with typical flavors of the region. You eat while viewing the bay from the boat.

How long is the full day, and when does pickup happen?

The tour runs between six and twelve hours depending on the option you choose. Pickup occurs at your hotel in central Hanoi, and the driver and English-speaking guide collect you before the drive to the port.

What is Hon Trong Mai, and why is it a stop on the tour?

Hon Trong Mai is a distinctive islet in Ha Long Bay shaped like two chickens (a rooster and hen) said to be kissing. Locals call it a symbol of love and fidelity, and couples often visit it as a meaningful stop during the cruise.