Cap La Island: Remote Kayaking in Halong & Bai Tu Long Bay
By Jimmy Nguyen, Founder & Director of Asia Travel Expert Co., Ltd.Cap La Island (Đảo Cặp La) is a quiet group of limestone islands on the Bai Tu Long side of Halong Bay, about 25 km from Tuan Chau port. It is visited on route VHL4 cruises for kayaking in sheltered water and for Cap La Cave, a recently opened two-level cave about 30 m above the sea. The route fee is 200,000 VND, usually included in cruise prices.
Status (checked October 2026): open as normal on official Ha Long Bay route VHL4, mostly on overnight cruises that moor nearby. Sailings are cancelled during storm or strong wind warnings.
Why Cap La Island is worth seeing:
- Peaceful kayaking among cliffs and small coves, with few other boats.
- Cap La Cave, with white, unweathered stalactites and two levels.
- Overnight anchorage: some cruises moor near Cap La, so you wake up in a quiet corner of the bay.
- Easy to combine with Vung Vieng Fishing Village and Thien Canh Son Cave.
Cap La Island at a Glance
| Vietnamese name | Đảo Cặp La (Hang Cạp La / Cặp La) |
|---|---|
| Location | North-east Halong Bay towards Bai Tu Long Bay, Quang Ninh |
| Distance | About 25 km from Tuan Chau International Port and 20 km from Ha Long International Passenger Port |
| Known for | Kayaking, a two-level cave, quiet overnight mooring |
| Official route | Ha Long Bay route VHL4 |
| Entrance fee | Route VHL4: 200,000 VND day visit; 500,000 VND for 1 night |
| Time needed | 1–1.5 hours for kayaking and the cave |
| Best time | April–June and September–November; morning |
| Nearby | Vung Vieng, Thien Canh Son Cave, Cong Do |
| Find it | Google Maps |
Is Cap La Island Worth Visiting?
Yes, as part of a Bai Tu Long or route VHL4 cruise. Cap La is about atmosphere rather than a single big sight: calm water, sheer cliffs and very few boats, plus a cave that still looks fresh.
- Best for: kayakers, couples and travellers who want to avoid crowds.
- Skip if: you want famous highlights like Ti Top Island and Sung Sot Cave.
- Short on time: choose a central Halong day cruise instead.
Background of Cap La Island
Cap La lies on the north-eastern edge of the official Ha Long Bay sightseeing area, where the bay opens into Bai Tu Long. The Ha Long Bay Management Board added Cap La Cave to route VHL4, alongside Hang Co (Thien Canh Son), Hang Thay, the Vung Vieng area and the Tung Ang – Cong Do eco-area. The cave was discovered relatively recently, so its formations have not been darkened by decades of visitors.
What to See at Cap La Island
1. Cap La Cave
The entrance is about 30 m above sea level. Inside are two levels: a steep upper level with a low, deep ceiling and a more spacious lower level with white stalactites and stalagmites.
2. Kayaking Around Cap La
The sheltered channels between the islands are ideal for kayaking, usually for 30–60 minutes with your cruise guide.
3. Bamboo Boat Option
Some cruises offer bamboo rowing boats instead of kayaks for those who prefer to relax.
4. Sunset and Sunrise at Anchor
Cruises that moor near Cap La give you quiet evenings and early mornings with almost no other boats in sight.
Tickets and Fees
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Route VHL4 day visit | 200,000 VND per adult (about US$8) |
| Route VHL4 overnight | 500,000 VND (1 night), 650,000 VND (2 nights) |
| Children | Under 1.2 m or under 7 free; ages 7–16 discounted |
Fees are set by Quang Ninh province and published by the Ha Long Bay Management Board; check the official fee list. Cruises normally include them.
How to Get to Cap La Island
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | Shuttle or car to Ha Long ports, then route VHL4 / Bai Tu Long cruise | About 2.5–3 hours by road + about 2 hours sailing |
| Ha Long International Passenger Port | Cruise | About 20 km by sea |
| Tuan Chau International Port | Cruise | About 25 km by sea |
For the road leg, see our Hanoi to Halong Bay guide.
Best Time to Visit Cap La Island
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| April–June | Warm, calm water, ideal for kayaking |
| July–September | Hot; storm risk and cancellations |
| October–November | Clear and comfortable |
| December–March | Cool and misty; kayaking still possible on calm days |
Local Expert Tips for Cap La Island
These tips come from years of arranging Halong and Bai Tu Long tours for international travellers.
- Kayak in the morning when the water is calmest.
- Bring a dry bag for your phone and a hat for the sun.
- Wear shoes with grip for the cave steps.
- Choose a 3-day cruise if you want Cap La, Vung Vieng and Cong Do without rushing; our cruise guide explains the options.
Cap La Island vs Ti Top Island
| Cap La Island | Ti Top Island | |
|---|---|---|
| Route | VHL4 | VHL2 |
| Crowds | Very few | Busy |
| Highlights | Kayaking, two-level cave | Viewpoint climb, beach |
Our view: Ti Top has the iconic view; Cap La gives you the bay almost to yourself.
Nearby Attractions
- Vung Vieng Fishing Village – bamboo boats and floating homes.
- Thien Canh Son Cave – cave and beach.
- Cong Dam Area – remote lagoons of Bai Tu Long.
- Bai Tu Long Bay – the wider bay.
Halong Area for First-Time Visitors: Where Cap La Island Fits
After Hanoi, a two- or three-day cruise on the Bai Tu Long side is the best way to include Cap La. Read our Halong travel tips for timing and packing.
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 Cap La Island
1. Where is Cap La Island?
Cap La Island is in north-eastern Halong Bay towards Bai Tu Long Bay, about 25 km from Tuan Chau port.
2. How do I get to Cap La Island?
Cap La Island is reached by cruise on Ha Long Bay route VHL4 or on Bai Tu Long itineraries.
3. What is there to do at Cap La Island?
At Cap La Island you can kayak, take a bamboo boat and explore Cap La Cave.
4. How much is the fee for Cap La Island?
Cap La Island is covered by the VHL4 route fee of 200,000 VND per day visit or 500,000 VND for one night.
5. What is Cap La Cave like?
Cap La Cave has an entrance about 30 m above sea level and two levels with white stalactites.
6. Is Cap La Island crowded?
No. Cap La Island sees few boats compared with central Halong Bay.
7. Can I kayak at Cap La Island?
Yes. Kayaking is the main activity at Cap La Island, in sheltered calm water.
8. Can I swim at Cap La Island?
Swimming at Cap La Island depends on your cruise and the weather; ask your guide where it is safe.
9. How long should I spend at Cap La Island?
About 1–1.5 hours is enough for kayaking and the cave at Cap La Island.
10. What is the best time to visit Cap La Island?
April–June and September–November are the best months for Cap La Island.
11. Is Cap La Island part of Bai Tu Long Bay?
Cap La Island lies on the Bai Tu Long side of Halong Bay and is managed as part of route VHL4. See our Bai Tu Long Bay guide.
12. Can I visit Cap La Island on a day trip?
Day boats on route VHL4 can reach Cap La Island, but it is mostly visited on overnight cruises.
13. Is Cap La Island suitable for children?
Yes. Cap La Island’s calm water suits families, with life jackets provided for kayaking.
14. What is near Cap La Island?
Near Cap La Island are Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Thien Canh Son Cave and the Cong Do area.
15. Do cruises stay overnight near Cap La Island?
Yes. Some route VHL4 cruises moor near Cap La Island, which is close to an overnight anchorage.
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