Kayaking Halong Bay: Full-Day Cruise with Cave & Island
Paddle through Halong Bay's limestone passages instead of watching from a boat deck
A full-day cruise from Hanoi to Halong Bay combines kayaking in protected lagoons with guided visits to Surprise Cave and Titop Island, where you climb to the summit for bay-wide views. An English-speaking guide leads the shared boat, which departs at 8am with free shuttle pickup from Hanoi's Old Quarter and returns by 6pm. Seafood lunch and all transport are included. Kayaking is optional at 80,000 VND per person.
Options for this experience
2 optionsWhat’s included
- English-speaking guide.
- round-trip shuttle bus from Hanoi Old Quarter pickup points.
- seafood lunch onboard with vegetarian options available on request.
- access to Surprise Cave and Titop Island.
- time in the lagoons for kayaking or swimming.
Times
- Every day 08:00 11:30
Before you book
Operated by Halong Cruise Tours
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
The day starts with a pickup between 7:40 and 8:10am from hotels in Hanoi's Old Quarter (or from fixed points like Hanoi Opera House if you're staying elsewhere), and a two-hour shuttle to Halong Harbor. Once aboard the two-deck boat at noon, a safety briefing precedes the 5-hour cruise through waters named for the shapes locals see in the rock: Cock Fighting, Incense Burner, Thumb. The boat passes uninhabited islets and outcrops as you move through the bay's most striking passages.
Surprise Cave, the largest in Halong Bay, is the first stop. After exploring inside, the boat heads to Titop Island, where you can swim at the base or climb the path to the summit for panoramic views across the entire bay. Kayaking happens in the lagoons between these stops. You paddle a two-person kayak or bamboo boat through calm water between limestone walls, though this is optional and costs extra. Seafood lunch arrives onboard. Vegetarian options are available if you book them in advance. The return journey gives time to sunbathe on the upper deck as the boat cruises back toward Tuan Chau Harbor, arriving around 6pm. The shuttle returns you to Hanoi by evening.
The boat is shared, so you'll meet travelers from around the world. The guide speaks English and Vietnamese. Bring sun protection, a swimsuit, towel, camera and water. A hat or umbrella is essential in summer. The bay can be crowded, especially on weekends and in warm months, though this operator runs smaller groups than many competitors.
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to paddle the lagoons yourself rather than watch Halong Bay from a deck chair. The shared boat keeps costs down and connects you with other travelers, though it means the schedule is fixed and the group size varies by day. Kayaking is optional, so you can decide once you're there whether to add it.
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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: Youth (8 to 29 years); Child (3 to 7 years); Infant (under 3): 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 Halong Bay?
Surprise Cave is the largest cave in Halong Bay and the boat stops there to let you explore inside during the cruise. The cave sits within the limestone landscape the boat passes through on the way to Titop Island.
Can I swim at Titop Island or do I have to climb it?
Titop Island offers both options: you can swim at the base or climb the path to the top, where the panorama views of Halong Bay spread across the horizon. The choice is yours depending on what you want from the stop.
Is the kayaking included in the price or do I pay extra?
Kayaking is optional and costs 80,000 VND per person if you want to add it. Two people share one kayak. If you don't kayak, you stay on the boat during the lagoon time.
What time does the shuttle pick me up from my hotel?
Pickups from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels run between 7:40 and 8:10am depending on your hotel's location. If you're not staying in the Old Quarter, fixed pickup points are Hanoi Opera House at 7:30am, 03 Tho Nhuom Street at 7:45am, or Embassy Hotel at 8:10am. Confirm your exact pickup details by email or phone before departure.
Does the price include lunch?
Seafood lunch is included and served onboard. Vegetarian meals are available but you need to request them when you book. Drinks and beverages are not included.
How many people are usually on the boat?
The boat is shared with other travelers, and this operator runs smaller groups than most other Halong Bay tours. The exact group size varies by departure date.
Kayaking Halong Bay: Full-Day Cruise with Cave & Island
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from US$ 30 per person
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