Kayaking in Halong Bay from Hanoi: Surprise Cave & Swimming

Paddle through limestone lagoons and into a cave most visitors miss

A full-day kayaking excursion from Hanoi to Halong Bay combines three outdoor activities (kayaking through Luon Cave's lagoon, swimming at TiTop Island, and exploring Surprise Cave) with a seafood lunch on the boat and hotel pickup. The 12-hour itinerary departs early morning and returns by evening, fitting the bay's highlights into a single day without an overnight stay.

Options for this experience

2 options

From US$ 58.50 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Halong day cruise with shuttle bus 20:00 Guide in English Luxury cruise with 30 minutes of kayaking, lasting 13 hours, including a buffet lunch with 32 dishes from European and Asian cuisines, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, offering great variety. Shuttle bus with 32 seats: a modern, state-of-the-art vehicle with 32 spacious and comfortable seats. Pickup is included.

Halong day cruise with 22-seat limousine 08:30 and 20:00 Guide in English Luxury cruise with 30 minutes of kayaking, lasting 13 hours, including a buffet lunch with 32 dishes from European and Asian cuisines, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, offering great variety. Limousine with 22 seats: an upgraded version of a standard vehicle, with 22 seats and a more attractive, luxurious design. Pickup is included.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Halong Bay cruise with activities

• Pick up from Hanoi hotel
• Drive to Halong Bay
• Board boat at Tuan Chau Harbor
• Enjoy set menu lunch on boat
• Visit Sung Sot Cave
• Kayak or bamboo boat in Luon Cave
• Visit TiTop Island for swimming or trekking
• Sunset party on boat
• Return to harbor
• Drive back to Hanoi
• Drop off at hotel

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in Hanoi and return transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• lunch with Halong seafood.
• bottled water.
• kayaking or bamboo boat through Luon Cave.
• entry to Surprise Cave.
• swimming time at TiTop Island.
• sunset gathering with wine, fruit and biscuits.
• English-speaking guide throughout the day.

Times

• Every day 08:30 20:00

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Up to 22

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.

Book up to 2h before

Ages Adult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (8 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 7 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years): 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. 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 Ninh Binh Excursion Luxury Tour

Prices and times updated yesterday

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The experience

You're picked up at your Hanoi hotel between 8:15 and 8:50 and driven 2.5 hours to Tuan Chau Harbor. Once on the boat, lunch arrives at noon: a set menu of Halong specialties served while you watch limestone formations like Fighting Chicken and Incense Burner Islets pass on both sides. The boat reaches Bo Hon Island by 2pm, where you enter Surprise Cave first (the largest in the area, filled with stalagmites and stalactites), then paddle a kayak or bamboo boat through Luon Cave to reach a hidden lagoon enclosed by karst walls.

After the caves, you swim at TiTop Island's sandy beach or climb to its peak for a view across the entire bay. The boat returns to harbor by late afternoon, stopping for a sunset gathering with wine, fruit and biscuits while cruising back. You're dropped at your Hanoi hotel around 8:30pm. An English-speaking guide travels with the group throughout, and the air-conditioned vehicle handles the long drive both ways.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 17 years); Child (5 to 7 years); Infant (1 to 4 years): 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 Halong Bay, decorated with numerous stalagmites and stalactites. You walk through it on foot after the boat arrives at Bo Hon Island in the early afternoon.

Do I paddle the kayak myself or ride in a bamboo boat?

You choose between kayaking or taking a bamboo boat through Luon Cave to reach the lagoon. Either option lets you explore the enclosed water surrounded by limestone walls.

How much time do I spend swimming at TiTop Island?

You have time to either swim at the sandy beach or trek up the island's slope for views across Halong Bay. The boat departs around 4pm to return to the harbor.

What's included in the lunch on the boat?

Lunch is a set menu of Halong seafood specialties served at noon while the boat cruises. Bottled water is included. Other drinks are not.

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?

Hotel pickups in Hanoi Old Quarter or near Opera House start between 8:15 and 8:50am. The drive to Tuan Chau Harbor takes about 2.5 hours.