Luon Cave Ha Long Bay – Best Cruise & Kayaking Tips

Marvel at Luon Cave in Ha Long Bay, an incredible work of nature — Witness the grandeur of Luon Cave in Ha Long Bay, a true masterpiece of nature. (Source: Collected)

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Why Luon Cave is one of Ha Long Bay’s hidden gems?

If you think Ha Long Bay is all about limestone karsts and overnight cruises, think again.

Luon Cave (Hang Luồn) is where the real magic hides. Located on Bo Hon Island—just 1km from the famous Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) — this hidden passage is accessible only by kayak or bamboo boat.

Inside? A calm, jade-green lagoon surrounded by sheer cliffs and ancient tropical forest. No noise, no waves—just pure, untouched tranquility.

Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or simply looking for one-of-a-kind moments on your Ha Long Bay cruise, Luon Cave is a must.

📌 See also:

It seems that nature has perfectly arranged the beauty of Hang Luon — The charm of Luon Cave looks as if it has been beautifully crafted by nature. (Source: Collected)

Luon Cave overview

Let’s take a look at some interesting features of this cave!

Luon Cave is a wet cave with an underground water source that flows in the mountain and connects to the sea by a tunnel.
The cave entrance is about 4 meters wide, 3 meters high, 100 meters long.
Luon Cave has a length of 60 meters, a height of about 2.5 meters – 4 meters.
The only way to visit Luon Cave is by small boats or kayaks.
If you visit the cave at high tide, you must stoop to pass through it.

👉 Explore more: Map of Ha Long Bay

To access the cave, visitors must paddle through a beautiful limestone arch that is 100 meters long — Visitors will need to kayak through a stunning 100-meter-long limestone arch to enter the cave.

Where is Luon Cave & How to visit it?

Luon Cave is part of Bo Hon Island, about 14 km from Bai Chay Pier (the main cruise departure point). It’s only accessible by boat and is featured on select cruise itineraries.

The cave is located on the northeast side of Bo Hon Island, over 1 kilometer from Sung Sot Cave — Situated on the northeast part of Bo Hon Island, the cave is more than 1 km away from Sung Sot cave.

Two ways to enter the cave:

By kayak: Paddle yourself through the cave archway.
By bamboo boat: Sit back while a local rows you in.

Most visitors reach Luon Cave as part of a 2-day-1-night cruise or full-day cruise with outdoor activities.

📍Map Tip: Located near Titop Island and Sung Sot Cave, it’s commonly combined with these spots in one itinerary.

bamboo-boat-in-halong — Among outdoor lovers and nature enthusiasts, the bamboo boat and kayak tours in Luon Cave are still highly regarded.

👉 Explore more:

What to Expect when visiting Luon Cave

Cross under the limestone arch and you’ll enter a peaceful lagoon surrounded by vertical cliffs. No engine sounds. Just water lapping against your kayak and the chirp of native birds.

A popular choice for nature lovers is experiencing Luon Cave via bamboo boat or kayak. — One of the top adventures for active travelers is paddling through Luon Cave in a traditional bamboo boat or kayak.

Wildlife to watch for:

Golden-headed langurs (a rare monkey species)
Waterbirds like herons and kingfishers
Tiny crabs clinging to the cave walls

💬 “The moment we glided through the cave was surreal. Suddenly it was just us, the still water, and the echo of the birds. Completely magical.” — ✨ Jane, traveler from the UK

📸 Don’t forget your waterproof camera or phone pouch!

A defining feature of Luon Cave is its calm, cliff-rimmed inland lake. — Luon Cave stands out for its placid lake basin enclosed within dramatic towering cliffs. (Source: Collected)

Kayaking vs Bamboo boat – What’s right for you?

Option	What It Offers	Best For
Kayaking	Freedom to explore, light adventure	Couples, active travelers
Bamboo boat	Relaxed pace, rowed by local	Seniors, families with kids

💡 Pro Tip: If you’ve never kayaked before, don’t worry. The water inside Luon Cave is incredibly calm—perfect for beginners.

Have a look at:

The experience of paddling in a bamboo boat or kayak at Luon Cave — For nature enthusiasts and outdoor fans, the bamboo boat and kayak adventure in Luon Cave remains a cherished outing.

Best time to visit Luon Cave

Timing matters—especially in an outdoor spot like Luon Cave.

Season	Weather	Ideal for
March–May	Dry, warm, sunny	Best season overall
September–November	Clear skies, stable seas	Great for photography & kayaking
June–August	Hot, humid, rainy	Possible cruise cancellations
December–February	Cool, misty	Quiet season, fewer crowds

📌 The final verdict on the best times to visit Luon Cave is that they are from February to June and from September to October. During this time, the weather in Ha Long Bay is quite nice, making your trip more convenient.

👉 Planning your cruise? Read more: Best time to visit Ha Long Bay

Cruises that include Luon Cave in their itinerary

Luon Cave is included in nearly every Halong Bay cruise itinerary — from quick day tours to luxurious overnight journeys.

Thanks to its calm waters and stunning natural beauty, Luon Cave is a must-stop spot for:

🕐 1-day cruises (4–6 hours): Often combine Luon Cave with Titop Island or Sung Sot Cave.
🌙 Overnight cruises (2D1N, 3D2N): Include kayaking or bamboo boating at Luon Cave on Day 1 afternoon or Day 2 morning.

Whether you prefer a quick adventure or a relaxed overnight experience, there’s a cruise that fits your schedule and includes Luon Cave by default.

Featured cruises that stop at Luon Cave

Cruise	Type	Ideal For
La Casta Cruise	Mid-range overnight	First-timers, couples
Rosy Cruise	Budget–mid	Young travelers
Peony Cruise	Mid-range	Balanced value & comfort
Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise	Boutique luxury	Culture & privacy seekers
Mon Cheri Cruise	Family-friendly	Parents with children
Stellar of the Seas	5-star luxury	Premium experience seekers