Lan Ha Bay – Ha Long Bay Full Day Cruise and Kayak
Explore Tours
The Lan Ha Bay full day tour from Cat Ba is the best way to experience one of Vietnam’s most spectacular seascapes without the crowds. Lan Ha Bay sits right next to Ha Long Bay — same limestone karst geology, same emerald water — but with a fraction of the boat traffic. While the big cruise operators crowd Ha Long’s main corridor, Cat Ba Local takes you through Lan Ha’s southern channels and into Ha Long’s quieter zones, reaching spots most tourists never see.
In 9 hours: a boat cruise past a 500-year-old floating fishing village, kayaking through sea caves and hidden lagoons, swimming off a deserted beach, and a traditional Vietnamese lunch served on an islet in the middle of the bay. Small group, local guides, no tourist conveyor belt.
Why Choose Lan Ha Bay Over Ha Long Bay
Most visitors to northern Vietnam head straight to Ha Long Bay, not realizing that Lan Ha Bay — just a short boat ride from Cat Ba Island — offers the same jaw-dropping scenery with far fewer tourists. Our full day tour takes you deep into both bays, crossing into Ha Long’s protected inner zones where commercial cruise ships are not permitted.
Lan Ha Bay is part of the Cat Ba Archipelago, recognised by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2004. Unlike Ha Long Bay, which falls under stricter commercial cruise regulations, Lan Ha’s southern zones remain accessible to small local operators — which is why Cat Ba Local can take you to spots that large cruise ships are not permitted to enter. You can read more about the designation on the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve page for Cat Ba.
What’s Included in the Full Day Tour
Your day begins at 08:00 when you meet the Cat Ba Local team at our office at 229, 1/4 Street in Cat Ba town. From there, a short transfer takes you to the harbor where you board our traditional wooden junk boat.
As you cruise through Lan Ha Bay and into Ha Long Bay, your guide will point out the most iconic limestone formations and share stories about the geology, history, and culture of the region. One of the highlights is sailing past the Cai Beo floating fishing village — one of the oldest human settlements in the bay.
The kayaking section takes you through narrow sea caves and into hidden lagoons accessible only by small boat or kayak. Your guide will lead the way and ensure everyone stays safe and has a great time.
After kayaking, you’ll have time for a swim off a deserted beach or directly from the boat. The water in Lan Ha Bay is exceptionally clear and calm, ideal for snorkeling or simply floating and taking in the scenery.
Lunch on the Bay
Around midday, the boat anchors at a scenic islet where the crew prepares a traditional Vietnamese lunch. The meal includes a generous spread of fresh seafood, vegetables, rice, and local specialties — all cooked onboard using ingredients sourced from Cat Ba Island’s markets and the bay itself. Vegetarian options are available on request.
Tour Details and Booking Information
The tour departs daily at 08:00 and returns by approximately 17:00. All equipment is provided, including kayaks, life jackets, and snorkeling gear. Price starts from $32 per person and includes the boat trip, kayaking, swimming, a traditional Vietnamese lunch, and an English-speaking guide.
Group sizes are kept small to ensure a high-quality, personal experience for every guest. Cat Ba Local is a locally owned and operated company with a strong commitment to sustainable tourism and community development.
If you’re staying overnight, consider combining this with our Night Kayaking with Glowing Plankton tour for a complete Cat Ba experience.
Included - Excluded
- Lunch
- Dry towels
- Entrance fees
- Transport
- Insurances
- Kayaks
- Dry-bags
- Top Tour Guide
- Flip - Flops
- Sun cream
- Sun glasses
- Swimming suit
- Clothes to get change
Tour Plan
08:00 — Gather at Cat Ba Local office (229, 1/4 Street, Cat Ba Town)
08:30 — Boat cruise through Lan Ha Bay. Pass Cai Beo Fishing Village and its distinctive karst formations — the Chopstick Rocks, Seal Island, and dozens of towers rising straight from the water.
10:30 — Kayak through hidden lagoons, tunnels, and sea arches. Explore K.A Cave and Bats Cave, where light filters through narrow openings and walls drip with stalactites.
12:30 — Lunch at Ong Cam Islet. Free time: swimming, boat jumping, sunbathing on deck.
13:30 — South Ha Long Bay: Dau Be Island, Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Le Virgin Arch, Kita Arch.
14:30 — Ba Trai Dao Beach — swim, explore Temple Beach, Screaming Island, and hidden lagoons only kayaks can reach.
16:00 — Sunset cruise back to harbor.
17:00 — Bus/taxi back to Cat Ba Town. Tour ends.
Related Tours
Booking Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Lan Ha Bay full day tour?
The tour includes a 9-hour cruise through Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay, kayaking through sea caves and hidden lagoons, a swimming stop at a deserted beach, a traditional Vietnamese lunch served on an islet, and a visit to Cai Beo floating fishing village. Life jackets, kayak equipment, local guide, and hotel pickup in Cat Ba town are all included.
How is Lan Ha Bay different from Ha Long Bay?
Lan Ha Bay sits directly south of Ha Long Bay with the same limestone karst landscape and emerald water, but significantly less boat traffic. This tour routes through Lan Ha’s less-visited channels and Ha Long’s quieter eastern zones, reaching areas most tourists never access.
Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes. The swimming stop is optional — non-swimmers can stay on the boat. Kayaking does not require swimming ability. Life jackets are provided and mandatory for all kayaking activities.
Can children join this tour?
Yes. Children aged 4 and above can join. Young children can ride in a double kayak with a parent. The boat is stable and the itinerary pace is relaxed enough for families. Lunch can be adjusted for children on request.
What is the group size?
Maximum 30 people per departure. In practice, most departures run with 10–20 guests. Cat Ba Local does not combine groups with other operators.
What time does the tour start and end?
The tour departs at 8:00 AM from 229, 1/4 Street, Cat Ba town and returns by approximately 5:00 PM. Total duration is 9 hours including travel time on the water.
Can I book this tour as a day trip from Hanoi?
Yes, but it requires an early start. The most practical option is to travel to Cat Ba the evening before and take the full day tour the following morning. Cat Ba Local can advise on transport options from Hanoi.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable. In the event of bad weather or unsafe sea conditions, Cat Ba Local will reschedule or issue a full refund.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a change of clothes, a towel, and any personal medication. Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting wet. Leave valuables at your accommodation — the boat has limited secure storage.
Is the tour available year-round?
Yes, daily departures run year-round. The best months are April–June and September–November when weather is most stable. July and August are peak season — busier but still excellent conditions. December–February can be cool and misty; the tour still runs but swimming is less appealing.