Tour detail

Discover Halong Bay in the most immersive way – with kayaking, cave exploring, island hiking, swimming, sunset parties, and two magical nights onboard. This 3D2N cruise takes you through Titov Island, Pearl Farm, Ba Trai Dao, Me Cung Cave, and the stunning Sung Sot Cave. An ideal journey for travelers seeking both adventure and serene landscapes.

Destinations: Tuan Chau Harbor, Halong Bay – Pearl Farm – Titov Island, Sung Sot Cave

Activities: Kayaking, Swimming in the bay, Sunset admiration & Happy hours, Cooking demonstration, Squid fishing (Seasonal), Cave exploring. 

Notes:

• Itinerary may be subject to change without prior notice.
• Surcharge for peak season, national holiday, festivals, Christmas, and New Year will be applied

What to bring:

• Original passport 
• Shorts and a T-shirt or warm clothes in winter (travel light)
• Camera, sunglasses, and sun creams
• Cash for drinks (beer, wine) on the boat

Children’s Price Policy

• Under 4 years old: Free of charge
• From 5 to 8 years old: Charged 75% of the adult rate
• From 9 years old and above: Charged as adult price

Halong Bay Kayak tour means you’re here to paddle, not just pose on a sundeck. The problem? A lot of cruises treat kayaking like a quick add-on: 20 minutes in a crowded loop, then back to the buffet. If you want the real thing – hidden lagoons, cave arches, island hikes for big views, and swims in cleaner water – you need an itinerary that’s built around adventure.

This guide breaks down the Halong Cruise 3D2N – Kayak & Island Trails experience: where you kayak, how the days flow, what’s included, and what you’ll pay extra. From squeezing through Trinh Nu Cave to cooling off around Ba Trai Dao in Lan Ha Bay, here’s what to expect before you book.

Is this the right Ha Long Bay kayak cruise for you?

Before we dive into the schedule, let’s be real about whether this trip fits your travel style. At $420 per person, this is an investment in your experience, so you want to be sure it matches what you are looking for.

This tour is ideal for you if:

You are an active traveler who gets restless sitting still for too long. You want a Ha Long Bay kayak tour that balances relaxation with physical activity like hiking and paddling.

You are looking for a social vibe – think sunset parties and happy hours – but you also appreciate nature and want to see the “quieter” side of the bay (Lan Ha area) that day-trippers miss. You are comfortable with a mixed group of backpackers, couples, and solo travelers.

This might not be for you if:

You are looking for a super-budget “booze cruise” (this is a high-standard boat with quality service) or, conversely, an ultra-luxury private charter for silence and solitude.

If you hate getting wet or have mobility issues that make climbing steep stone steps or getting in and out of a kayak difficult, you might prefer a standard sightseeing cruise.

What you’ll do on this kayak-focused Ha Long Bay trip

This itinerary is built around the concept of “Island Trails,” meaning you are constantly moving between the boat, the water, and the islands. It delivers exactly what the name promises: a robust Ha Long Bay kayak tour experience combined with exploration on foot.

Instead of just sailing past the famous spots, you will be engaging with them. You can expect to paddle your own international standard sit-on-top kayak through calm emerald waters, navigating right up to the vertical cliff faces that make this UNESCO site famous.

You won’t just look at caves; you will explore them, from the massive stalactites of Sung Sot to the archaeological intrigue of Me Cung.

The vibe onboard strikes a balance between “chill” and “fun.” After a day of burning calories on the water, the atmosphere shifts to social connection.

You will be swimming off the boat, learning to make fresh Vietnamese spring rolls during a cooking demonstration, and watching the sun drop behind the limestone pillars with a cold drink in hand during the sunset party. It’s active during the day, social at night, and scenic 24/7.

Ha Long Bay kayak cruise 3D2N itinerary

The major advantage of a 3-day itinerary over a 2-day one is the “middle day.” On a 2-day trip, you spend a lot of time in transit. On this Ha Long Bay kayak tour, Day 2 is dedicated entirely to exploration using a smaller day boat, allowing you to reach shallow caves and beaches the big cruiser can’t touch.

Day 1: Pearl Farm area kayaking + Titov Island hike & beach

The adventure starts early. Between 7:45 AM – 8:30 AM, the guide and driver will pick you up directly from your accommodation in the Hanoi Old Quarter. You will travel in a high-standard air-bus, so you can catch up on sleep or watch the Red River Delta scenery pass by.

You arrive at Tuan Chau Marina around 11:00 AM to complete check-in procedures. By 12:00 PM, you are stepping onto the cruise boat. You will be welcomed with a drink and a briefing before checking into your cabin.

Lunch is served at 12:30 PM, featuring a mix of Vietnamese and international dishes. As you eat, the boat navigates past iconic landmarks like the Incense Burner and the Fighting Cock Islet.

At 2:30 PM, the real action begins. The boat anchors near the Pearl Farm, a perfect spot for your first Ha Long Bay kayak tour session. The water here is generally calm, making it a great place to get comfortable with your paddle and admire the scenery from water level.

At 4:00 PM, you head to Titov Island. This is one of the bay’s highlights. You have two choices here: relax on the sandy beach and swim in the emerald water, or hike the stone steps to the pagoda at the summit.

The hike is steep and will get your heart rate up, but the panoramic 360-degree view from the top is the classic “Halong Bay postcard” shot you want.

You return to the main boat by 5:30 PM for a sunset party on the sundeck. This is the perfect time to grab a beer, watch the cooking demonstration, and meet your fellow travelers.

A deluxe dinner is served at 7:00 PM, followed by free time to try squid fishing, play cards, or just relax before staying overnight on board.

Day 2: Trinh Nu & Roster Cave kayaking + Ba Trai Dao swim (Lan Ha Bay) + Me Cung Cave

This is the day that separates a standard trip from a true adventure. You start with breakfast at 7:00 AM before transferring to a smaller “day boat” at 8:00 AM. This lighter vessel can navigate shallower waters and takes you deeper into the ecosystem.

Morning:

You cruise past Face’s Stone and Horse’s Mountain, heading toward Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin Cave) and Roster Cave. At 9:30 AM, you start a significant kayaking session here.

Trinh Nu Cave is famous not just for its beauty but for the tragic love legend associated with it. Paddling through these archways is often the highlight of the entire trip.

Afternoon:

By 10:45 AM, you finish kayaking and head toward the Ba Trai Dao Beach area. This is technically part of Lan Ha Bay, a neighboring area known for being cleaner and less crowded than the core Halong zone. You’ll have lunch on the day boat at 12:00 PM.

At 1:00 PM, it’s time for free swimming at Ba Trai Dao. The beaches here are stunning, and because fewer big boats come this far, the water quality is significantly better. At 2:00 PM, you begin the journey back, stopping to visit Me Cung Cave (Maze Cave).

This cave is fascinating for its narrow, winding passages and the archaeological evidence of prehistoric life found there.

Evening:

You return to the main cruise at 3:00 PM, just in time to freshen up before the 5:30 PM sunset party. The evening follows a similar rhythm to the first night but with a new menu for dinner at 7:30 PM and another chance to master the art of squid fishing at 9:00 PM.

Day 3: Sung Sot Cave + brunch cruise + return to Hanoi Old Quarter

Rise early at 6:45 AM to catch the morning mist over the karsts with a cup of coffee. This is often the most magical time of day in the bay.

At 7:45 AM, you disembark to explore Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave). This is the largest and most magnificent limestone cave in the bay.

It requires a bit of a climb to reach the entrance, but inside, the cavern opens up into massive chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. It is a spectacular finale to the trip.

You return to the boat at 9:30 AM to check out and settle any bills for drinks. A brunch is served at 10:00 AM while the boat leisurely cruises back toward the harbor.

You will disembark at Tuan Chau Marina at 11:30 AM and hop back on the bus. You can expect to be dropped off at your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter around 2:30 PM.

Price, inclusions, and real costs

Budgeting for a Ha Long Bay kayak tour can be confusing because cheap tours often hide extra fees. This tour is priced at $420 per adult. While that might seem higher than the budget backpacker options you see on flyers in the Old Quarter, it is important to understand what you are paying for: reliability, safety, and a nearly all-inclusive experience.

What’s included in the $420 adult price

When you pay the ticket price, the heavy lifting is done. You don’t need to worry about organizing transport or finding food. The price covers:

• Door-to-door transport: Pick-up and drop-off from your Hanoi Old Quarter accommodation in a high-standard air-bus.
• The Experience: 3 days and 2 nights onboard.
• Activities: All entrance fees to caves and islands, the international standard sit-on-top kayak rental, and expert instructions.
• Food: All meals as indicated in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch).
• Staff: English-speaking tour guide and onboard service fees.
• Extras: Welcome drink, 2 complimentary bottles of water in the cabin, and the cooking demonstration.

What’s not included (and what costs extra)

You will need to bring some pocket money. The main things not covered are:

• Drinks: Water is free in the cabin, but beers, cocktails, and soft drinks at the bar or during meals are charged separately.
• Personal Expenses: If you want a massage (service available on board), that is extra.
• Tips: Tipping the crew and guide is customary if you had a great time, though not mandatory.
• VAT: Value Added Tax is not included in the base price.

Peak season/holiday surcharges

Be aware that if you are traveling during major holidays, the price will jump. Surcharges apply for peak seasons, National Holidays, festivals, Christmas, and New Year.

If your dates fall on these red-letter days, ask about the extra cost before you book to avoid surprises.

What “good kayaking” in Ha Long looks like

You will see the phrase Ha Long Bay kayak advertised everywhere, but the quality varies wildly. On cheap tours, “kayaking” often means a leaky plastic boat, a broken paddle, and 15 minutes in a crowded area filled with diesel fumes.

Best kayaking areas and conditions (Ha Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay)

This itinerary is superior because it hits both major zones. You get the iconic limestone towers of Ha Long Bay (Day 1 & 3), which are famous for a reason – they are massive and impressive.

However, the best paddling happens on Day 2 in Lan Ha Bay (Ba Trai Dao area). Lan Ha is technically a different province but shares the same geology. The difference? It allows for a more serene kayak in Ha Long Bay experience.

The water is clearer, there is less boat traffic, and you can actually hear the birds singing and the water lapping against your hull.

How much kayaking time you should expect

On a standard day tour, you might get 30 to 45 minutes of paddling time. On this 3D2N trip, you get significantly more. Between the session at Pearl Farm and the extended exploration of Trinh Nu Cave and Roster Cave, you have ample time to explore.

You aren’t just taking a photo and leaving; you are navigating through arches and exploring the coastline.

Safety basics and guide support

Safety is a huge factor, especially for backpackers who might not be pro kayakers. This tour uses international standard sit-on-top kayaks. These are stable, easy to get in and out of, and very difficult to capsize.

You are also accompanied by a kayaking expert guide who provides instructions on paddling techniques and safety procedures. You will be briefed before you get in the water, and life jackets are mandatory and provided.

Packing list + practical tips for kayaking in Ha Long

You are going to be on a boat for three days, so packing smart is key. You need to be prepared for wet activities, hiking, and chilling out.

What to bring (passport, shoes, sun protection, cash)

• Original Passport: You absolutely cannot board the boat without this. A copy is not enough.
• Cash: The onboard bar usually works on a tab system you pay at the end, but having cash (VND) is best for small expenses.
• Sun Protection: Sunglasses and high-quality sun cream are vital. The reflection of the sun off the water burns you twice as fast as on land.
• Camera: For the memories.

What to wear for kayaking and island hiking

For the Ha Long Bay cruise kayak activities, wear swimwear or board shorts and a rash guard. You will get wet. For the hike up Titov Island and the caves, bring a pair of shoes with good grip. Flip-flops are dangerous on the slippery stone steps inside Sung Sot Cave.

If you are traveling in winter (December to February), bring warm clothes. It gets cold and misty in the bay, and a swimsuit won’t cut it on the sundeck. A fleece and long pants are necessary for the evenings.

Safety and difficulty: is it beginner-friendly?

You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should have a moderate level of fitness. The hike to the top of Titov and the steps up to Sung Sot Cave are steep.

The kayaking is leisurely, but wind and currents can sometimes add a bit of a workout. If you can walk up a few flights of stairs and swim, you will be fine.

FAQ for Ha Long Bay kayak tour

For travelers seeking more than a standard cruise, this kayak-focused tour is the definitive way to experience Ha Long Bay.

It offers the ideal balance of adventure and comfort, wrapping up stunning nature, unique culture, and delicious food in one easy-to-book package.Get ready for three incredible days on the water, far from the city bustle.

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