Outdoors
Ha Long Bay Paddle
A day boat takes you out among the limestone islands, then you switch to a kayak, or a boat rowed by a local person, to pass through the low water-level tunnel of Luon Cave into the enclosed lagoon behind it. The same cruise route also stops at Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island.
- Where
- Quang Ninh, Vietnam
- Time
- 5-6 hours for the whole Route 2 cruise
The route
Kayak or rowing-boat loop into the Luon Cave lagoon, on a Route 2 day cruise.
Day boats leave from the Tuan Chau terminal and Ha Long International Cruise Port; Luon Cave is about 13 km south-east of Tuan Chau. From Hanoi, minibuses from Gia Lam bus station take about 4 hours, and most visitors come on a packaged tour.
When to go
Storms in the Gulf of Tonkin make June and July the months most likely to bring rough water and cancelled trips; kayaking runs the rest of the year.
Permits and fees
Bay tickets are sold per route at the ports, and kayak or rowing-boat hire at Luon Cave is paid separately. Kayaking is only allowed inside eight designated zones, Luon Cave among them.
Before you go
- Pick Route 2 if Luon Cave is your goal; Route 1 goes to Thien Cung, Dau Go and Ba Hang instead.
- If you do not want to paddle, take the rowed boat through the cave instead of a kayak.
- Overnight cruises often include kayaking in the package, so check before paying extra.
What to bring
- A buoyancy aid, worn rather than stowed
- A dry bag for your phone and keys
- Water and snacks
- Sun cream, a hat and sunglasses
- A warm layer, even on a hot day
Getting ready for it
Plan for a long day: 5-6 hours for the whole Route 2 cruise.
Paddling works your back, shoulders and core more than your arms.
A few weeks of rows, pull-ups or pulldowns and some rotational core work will make a full day far more comfortable.
Staying safe
- Wear a life jacket the whole time you are on the water.
- Stay inside the marked kayak zone; paddling outside designated areas is not allowed.
- Check the wind and water forecast before launching.
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
Route details checked September 30, 2026 against en.wikivoyage.org, halongbay.com.vn, vietnamplus.vn, dulichhalong.net, vinwonders.com and en.wikipedia.org. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.
