S1 E54 | Halong Bay Day Trip – Limestone Caves, Kayaking and Hiking Ti Top Island

Halong Bay had been calling us back ever since our first trip to Vietnam five years ago. This time, we kept it simple and budget-friendly by booking a one-day cruise instead of the overnight trip we had done earlier.

The day started with a long bus ride from Hanoi, with a quick touristy stop at an oyster farm showcasing pearl cultivation. Soon, the iconic limestone mountains of Halong Bay appeared on the horizon, and excitement took over.

We boarded our boat, were served a vegetarian-friendly lunch, and headed straight into the heart of the bay. The weather couldn’t have been better—blue skies, calm waters, and green-covered karsts rising dramatically out of the sea.

Our first adventure was exploring a deep limestone cave that stretched for what felt like kilometers. Inside, the air was cool, the rock formations were sharp and surreal, and the echo of footsteps made the experience otherworldly.

Next came kayaking—a highlight of the trip. Even though it was our second time, the thrill of paddling through emerald waters surrounded by towering cliffs felt just as magical. Some in our group capsized and had to be rescued, but for us, it was all laughs, splashes, and breathtaking views.

The last stop of the day was Ti Top Island. A steep 10-minute climb led us to a viewpoint that rewarded us with sweeping panoramic views of Halong Bay. It was crowded and sweaty, but the sight of the endless limestone karsts under the golden evening sun was unforgettable.

We ended the day tired but happy, with salty hair, sun-kissed skin, and hearts full of gratitude. Doing Halong Bay in one day cost us a fraction of the overnight cruise, yet gave us all the adventure we could have hoped for—caves, kayaking, hiking, and those unbeatable views. Watch the full vlog on our YouTube channel to see how we made the most of this budget-friendly Halong Bay day trip.

As mentioned in the vlog, the budget breakdown for Halong Bay Trip (per person) costs:

• Day trip package (incl. transport, boat, cave entry, kayaking, Ti Top Island) – USD $40 (~INR 3,300)

• Overnight cruise (our first trip, 2D/1N, all meals included) – USD $130+ (~INR 10,700)

👉 Choosing the day trip saved us nearly 70% of the cost while still giving us all the experiences we cared most about! But the experience you get from an overnight cruise is incomparable!