Kayaking in Halong Bay from Hanoi: Sung Sot Cave & Titop Island

Paddle past limestone cliffs, explore Vietnam's largest cave, and climb to panoramic views

A 12-hour day trip from Hanoi combines a 2.5-hour transfer to Halong Bay with a 6-hour boat cruise, kayaking through turquoise waters, and visits to Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island. You paddle past limestone formations, swim at organized beaches, trek to the peak of Titop Island for bay views, and return to your Hanoi hotel by evening. An English-speaking guide, Vietnamese lunch and all entrance fees are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Halong Bay Day Cruise with Activities

• Pick up from Hanoi hotel
• Transfer to Halong Bay via highway
• Board boat at Tuan Chau Port
• Enjoy Vietnamese buffet lunch on cruise
• Visit Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Grotto)
• Kayaking or bamboo boat at Luon Cave
• Swim or relax on Titop Island beach
• Trek Titop Peak for panoramic photos
• Return to Hanoi hotel

What’s included

• All entrance fees to Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island.
• a 6-hour boat trip on a deluxe cruise.
• kayaking or bamboo boat through Luon Cave.
• Vietnamese lunch with seafood on board.
• swimming time at organized beaches.
• a trek to Titop Peak.
• pickup and drop-off by limousine bus from your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel.
• an English-speaking guide for the full day.
• and small bottles of water on the bus.

Times

• Every day 07:50

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Up to 72

Live guide English Another language? ›

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

Ages Adult (8 to 75 years) · Child (5 to 7 years) · Infant (under 5)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Moderate physical effort Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with back problems

Operated by Hanoi Explore Travel

Prices and times updated yesterday

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The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel around 7:40am and a 2.5-hour drive to Tuan Chau Port via the New Express Highway, with a restroom stop along the way. Once on the water, the boat cruises through Halong Bay's rock formations (Incense, Bunner, Cock Fighting and others), while you take in the limestone landscape. Lunch is served on board: a Vietnamese buffet with seafood and traditional dishes.

At 1pm you enter Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most visited grotto in Halong Bay. The cave has been carved by centuries of wind and water into towering chambers. After exploring inside, you have the option to kayak or take a bamboo boat through Luon Cave, where the water, cliffs and mountains create what the operator describes as a poetic landscape. This is where kayakers find the most rewarding paddling of the day. The beach on the island is set up for tourists with deck chairs, fresh water showers and a small shop, so you can swim or rest between activities.

At 3:45pm you reach Titop Island. The beach there offers swimming, and a trek up Titop Peak takes you to a viewpoint overlooking the entire bay: a highlight many travelers mention. After the climb you can cool off with a swim. The boat returns to Hanoi between 8:30pm and 9pm, dropping you back at your hotel in the Old Quarter. Bring sunblock, sunglasses, a camera, an umbrella or raincoat, and swimming clothes. Hiking shoes are needed for the peak trek.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 7 years); Infant (under 5).

What is Sung Sot Cave like when you get there?

Sung Sot Cave is the largest grotto in Halong Bay, carved over centuries by wind and water into towering chambers. It is the most visited cave in the bay and takes about 30 minutes to explore on foot during the tour.

Do I paddle the kayak myself, or is it a guided paddle?

You operate the kayak yourself through Luon Cave, where the landscape of water, cliffs and mountains is designed for paddlers. The tour also offers a bamboo boat option if you prefer not to paddle.

How much time do I spend swimming and relaxing on the islands?

You have time to swim at an organized beach on the island after Sung Sot Cave, then again at Titop Island after climbing to the peak. The beach has deck chairs, showers and refreshments available, so you can rest between activities.

What's the drive like from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

The transfer takes 2.5 hours via the New Express Highway with one restroom stop of about 20 minutes. The limousine bus holds a maximum of 20 passengers and picks you up at your hotel in the Old Quarter, then drops you back there at the end of the day.

What does the lunch include?

Lunch is a Vietnamese buffet served on the boat while cruising, featuring seafood and traditional Vietnamese dishes. Drinks are not included, but small bottles of water are provided on the bus.