Kayaking Halong Bay from Hanoi: Caves, Swimming & Sunset
You kayak into a lagoon inside a cave, not just look at it from a boat.
A shared day cruise from Hanoi to Halong Bay combines kayaking through Hang Luon Cave with visits to Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island, all in roughly six hours aboard an Apollo 5-star ship. Buffet lunch, an English-speaking guide and hotel pickup are included. You choose between paddling a kayak or taking a bamboo boat through the cave lagoon, then swim or hike at Ti Top before returning for a sunset party.
Step-by-step itinerary
Halong Bay day cruise and activities
- Pickup from Hanoi hotels
- Drive to Halong Bay (2.5 hours)
- Rest at Tuan Chau island port
- Board cruise and have buffet lunch
- Kayak or bamboo boat through Luon Cave
- Visit Sung Sot Cave
- Swim or trek at TiTop Island
- Sunset party at Tuan Chau island
- Return to Hanoi by bus
What’s included
- Cruise around Halong Bay on the Apollo 5-star ship.
- entrance fees to Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island.
- buffet lunch in Asian and European style.
- English-speaking guide for the full day.
- air-conditioned vehicle for hotel pickup and the drive to and from Tuan Chau port.
Times
- Every day 08:00 12:00
Before you book
Operated by Seven Tours
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
The day starts with hotel pickup in Hanoi (about 45 minutes to gather passengers from different hotels), then a 2.5-hour drive to Tuan Chau, the international port where you board the cruise. Once onboard, buffet lunch in Asian and European style arrives while the boat heads toward Hang Luon Cave. This is where the kayaking happens: you either paddle your own kayak or ride a bamboo boat through the cave opening into a hidden lagoon, the kind of access you don't get from the deck of a larger ship.
After the cave, the cruise stops at Sung Sot Cave, where stalagmites and stalactites fill the chambers: the guide walks you through it. Ti Top Island comes next, a sandy beach where you can swim or climb to the top for views across Halong Bay. The boat returns to Tuan Chau for a sunset gathering with cakes, wine and fruit, then the drive back to Hanoi ends the day at your hotel.
An English-speaking guide travels with the group throughout. The ship has a Jacuzzi onboard, and the air-conditioned vehicle handles the long drive each way. Drinks at lunch are not included, though the buffet itself covers both Asian and European options.
Is this one for you?The 12-hour commitment, with 5 hours of driving, suits a traveler who has a full day free and doesn't mind the long road time to reach Halong Bay. If you have only an afternoon or need to stay closer to Hanoi, an overnight cruise or a shorter activity would fit better.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 8 years); Child (5 to 6 years); 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.
How long is the whole day from pickup to drop-off?
The full experience runs about 12 hours door-to-door, with roughly 2.5 hours each way for the drive and the remaining time split between the cruise, the cave kayaking, Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island and the sunset party.
What is Hang Luon Cave like when you kayak through it?
Hang Luon Cave opens onto a lagoon surrounded by limestone walls. You paddle or ride a bamboo boat through the cave entrance and into the sheltered water inside, seeing the rock formations and the enclosed landscape that stays hidden from the main cruise route.
Can you swim during the day?
Yes, Ti Top Island has a sandy beach where swimming is an option. You can also climb to the top of the island instead if you prefer the views and the hike.
What does the buffet lunch include?
Lunch onboard covers both Asian and European style dishes. Drinks are not included in the meal.
Is the kayaking difficult if I've never paddled before?
The kayaking through Hang Luon Cave is a lagoon paddle, not open water. If paddling feels uncertain, you can choose the bamboo boat option instead and still see the same cave and lagoon.
Kayaking Halong Bay from Hanoi: Caves, Swimming & Sunset
12h · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 60 per person
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