Luon Cave Halong Bay: Kayak into a Hidden Lagoon
By Jimmy Nguyen, Founder & Director of Asia Travel Expert Co., Ltd.Luon Cave (Hang Luồn) is a low sea tunnel through the north-east of Bo Hon Island in Halong Bay that opens into a hidden lagoon ringed by cliffs, home to several hundred wild macaques. You pass through by kayak or in a bamboo boat rowed by local boatmen. It is on route VHL2, about 13 km from Tuan Chau, included in the 250,000 VND route fee.
Status (checked October 2026): open daily as normal for boats on route VHL2 (adult route fee 250,000 VND, plus port fee); bamboo boats or kayaks are arranged by your cruise or paid locally. Activities stop in rough weather and whenever storms close the bay.
Why Luon Cave is worth seeing:
- A secret lagoon: still water enclosed on all sides by vertical, jungle-covered cliffs.
- Kayak or bamboo boat: paddle under the arch yourself or relax while a local rows.
- Wildlife: troops of rhesus macaques live on the island’s slopes.
- Easy to combine: Sung Sot Cave is on the same island, and Ti Top Island is close by.
Luon Cave at a Glance
| Vietnamese name | Hang Luồn (“the cave you pass through”) |
|---|---|
| Location | North-east of Bo Hon Island, central Halong Bay, Quang Ninh province |
| Distance | About 13 km from Tuan Chau port and 11 km from Ha Long International Passenger Port |
| Known for | Sea tunnel, enclosed lagoon, macaques, kayaking and bamboo boats |
| Recognition | Part of the Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Opening hours | Daily in daylight hours, when route VHL2 boats operate |
| Entrance fee | Included in the VHL2 route fee: 250,000 VND per adult (about US$10); bamboo boat or kayak extra unless included by your cruise |
| Time needed | 30–60 minutes |
| Best time | Morning or late afternoon on calm days; April–October for warm water |
| Nearby | Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, Soi Sim Island, Me Cung Grotto |
| Find it | Google Maps · Tripadvisor · UNESCO |
Is Luon Cave Worth Visiting?
Yes, it is one of the most peaceful experiences in Halong Bay and the best way to see the karsts at water level. Kayaking on the sheltered water is easy for beginners, and bamboo boats suit families and anyone who prefers not to paddle. The tunnel itself is short; the reward is the silent lagoon on the other side.
- Best for: nature lovers, families, photographers and first-time kayakers.
- Skip if: you are uncomfortable in small boats or low, dark spaces.
- Short on time: a bamboo boat loop takes about 30 minutes; combine it with Sung Sot Cave on the same stop.
Background: How Luon Cave Formed
Luon Cave is a classic example of the “marine-invaded tower karst” for which UNESCO listed Halong Bay. Over thousands of years, water dissolved a passage through the limestone of Bo Hon Island, linking the open sea to an enclosed hollow in the middle of the island, now a small lake surrounded by steep, arc-shaped cliffs. The floor of the tunnel is submerged, so at high tide boats must squeeze under a low ceiling; local fishermen named it “Luồn”, meaning to pass or slip through.
The lagoon and the forested slopes around it are home to several hundred rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) living in several troops, from the water’s edge to the top of the island.
What to See at Luon Cave
1. The tunnel
The low arch is short but dramatic: depending on the tide you may need to duck or lean back as you pass under the stalactites.
2. The lagoon
Inside, the water is calm and green, enclosed by cliffs draped in trees and vines. It is quiet enough to hear birds and the splash of paddles.
3. The macaques
Watch for monkeys on the rocks and branches at the water’s edge, especially in the morning and late afternoon.
4. Kayaking routes
Kayakers usually paddle a loop around the lagoon and along the outer cliffs of Bo Hon Island before returning to the floating pier.
Luon Cave Tickets and Opening Hours (2026)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | VHL2 (with Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island and Soi Sim Island) |
| Adults | 250,000 VND route fee (about US$10), plus port fee |
| Children | Free under 1.2 m |
| Bamboo boat or kayak | Arranged by your cruise or charged locally per boat or per person |
| Opening hours | Daily in daylight hours, in suitable weather |
Route fees are set by Quang Ninh Province; see the Ha Long Bay Management Board website. Life jackets are compulsory on bamboo boats and kayaks.
How to Visit Luon Cave, Step by Step
- Choose a VHL2 day cruise or an overnight cruise that includes Luon Cave; see our cruise guide.
- Your boat moors at the floating pier off Bo Hon Island.
- Put on a life jacket and board a bamboo boat or a two-person kayak.
- Pass through the tunnel into the lagoon, loop around slowly and return the same way.
- Continue to Sung Sot Cave or Ti Top Island.
Rules and Safety at Luon Cave
- Always wear the life jacket provided.
- Do not feed or approach the monkeys; keep food and phones secure.
- Follow your guide’s instructions on timing; activities stop if the weather turns.
How to Get to Luon Cave
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuan Chau port | Tourist boat or cruise on route VHL2 | About 1.5 hours |
| Ha Long International Passenger Port | Tourist boat or cruise | About 1.5 hours |
| Sung Sot Cave | By boat around Bo Hon Island | About 10 minutes |
| Hanoi | Shuttle or car to Ha Long (2–2.5 hours), then boat | About 4 hours |
See our Hanoi to Halong Bay guide for transfers.
Best Time to Visit Luon Cave
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Morning | Calm water, monkeys active, fewer boats |
| Late afternoon | Soft light inside the lagoon |
| Low tide | More headroom in the tunnel |
| April – October | Warm and pleasant on the water; storms possible June–October |
| November – March | Cool; bring a light jacket |
Local Expert Tips for Luon Cave
These tips come from years of arranging Halong Bay tours for international travellers.
- Choose a bamboo boat if you want photos; you can concentrate on the view while someone else rows.
- Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and camera.
- Wear quick-dry clothes and sunscreen; there is little shade on the water.
- Paddle slowly and quietly along the cliffs for the best chance of seeing macaques.
- Read our Halong Bay travel tips before you book.
Luon Cave vs Kayaking at Cua Van
| Feature | Luon Cave | Cua Van area |
|---|---|---|
| Route | VHL2 | VHL3 |
| Experience | Short sea tunnel into an enclosed lagoon with monkeys | Paddling among karsts and former floating houses |
| Crowds | Busy at midday | Usually quieter |
| Access | Kayak or bamboo boat | Kayak or bamboo boat |
Our view: on a classic first cruise, Luon Cave is the natural choice; if you prefer fewer boats and an insight into fishing life, choose a VHL3 cruise to Cua Van.
Nearby Attractions
- Sung Sot Cave: the bay’s largest show cave, on the same island.
- Ti Top Island: viewpoint and beach.
- Soi Sim Island: quieter beach and lookout.
- Tung Sau Pearl Farm: pearl culturing on some cruises.
- Cua Van Fishing Village: kayaking among former floating houses.
Sightseeing in Halong Bay for First-Time Visitors: Where Luon Cave Fits
A VHL2 day cruise? Expect Sung Sot Cave, kayaking at Luon Cave and a climb at Ti Top Island. On an overnight cruise you may kayak at Luon Cave in the quieter late afternoon. For the wider picture, read our Halong Bay overview and spend a night in Ha Long City if you arrive late.
Plan your trip with our Halong Bay travel guide and Halong Bay tours. Contact Vietnam Tour Expert Team for a free custom itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions about Luon Cave
1. Where is Luon Cave?
Luon Cave is in the north-east of Bo Hon Island in central Halong Bay, about 13 km from Tuan Chau port.
2. What is Luon Cave?
Luon Cave is a low sea tunnel through a limestone island that leads into an enclosed lagoon surrounded by cliffs.
3. What does Luon Cave mean?
“Luồn” means to pass or slip through, because boats must duck under the low arch.
4. How do you get into Luon Cave?
You enter Luon Cave by kayak or by bamboo boat rowed by a local boatman.
5. How much does kayaking at Luon Cave cost?
Access to Luon Cave is covered by the VHL2 route fee (250,000 VND per adult); kayaks or bamboo boats are included by many cruises or paid locally.
6. Is kayaking at Luon Cave safe?
Yes, Luon Cave’s lagoon is sheltered and life jackets are compulsory; activities stop in bad weather.
7. Are there monkeys at Luon Cave?
Yes, several hundred rhesus macaques live around Luon Cave; do not feed them.
8. Which route includes Luon Cave?
Luon Cave is on route VHL2, with Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island and Soi Sim Island.
9. Do I need kayaking experience for Luon Cave?
No, Luon Cave is suitable for beginners; choose a bamboo boat if you prefer not to paddle.
10. Can children go to Luon Cave?
Yes, children can visit Luon Cave by bamboo boat or in a double kayak with an adult, wearing life jackets.
11. How long does a Luon Cave visit take?
About 30–60 minutes, depending on whether you kayak or take a bamboo boat at Luon Cave.
12. Can you swim at Luon Cave?
Swimming is not part of the Luon Cave visit; swim at Ti Top or Soi Sim beach instead.
13. Is Luon Cave the same as Sung Sot Cave?
No, Luon Cave is a sea tunnel and lagoon, while Sung Sot is a walk-through cave; both are on Bo Hon Island.
14. When is the best time to visit Luon Cave?
Morning or late afternoon on calm days, ideally at lower tide, is best for Luon Cave.
15. Is Luon Cave worth visiting?
Yes, Luon Cave is one of the calmest and most scenic experiences in Halong Bay.
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