Cat Ba Lan Ha Bay Full Day Tour with Kayaking and Lunch

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Cat Ba Lan Ha Bay Full Day Tour with Kayaking and Lunch

Overview

This nine-hour tour starts on Cat Ba Island, not in Hanoi, and explores Lan Ha Bay and the southern edge of Ha Long Bay by boat. We collect you from your hotel or bungalow on Cat Ba, cruise past a floating fishing village and limestone islets, kayak into quiet lagoons, swim at a sheltered beach, have lunch on board and cycle through Viet Hai village in Cat Ba National Park. Entrance fees, lunch, water and travel insurance are included, so it is an easy day for active travellers.

Highlights

  • Boat trip through Lan Ha Bay and the southern edge of Ha Long Bay
  • Kayaking into quiet lagoons and past limestone islets
  • Swimming at a secluded beach with clear water
  • Full lunch on board with a bottle of water
  • Cycle through Viet Hai village in Cat Ba National Park, or take a green-car ride
  • Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or bungalow on Cat Ba Island

Full Description

Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island

Lan Ha Bay lies beside Cat Ba Island, the largest island in the archipelago, and has hundreds of limestone islets, sheltered beaches and calm green water. It shares the karst scenery of Ha Long Bay but is much quieter, which is why a Lan Ha Bay day tour is popular with travellers who want to avoid the crowds. Cat Ba Island and its archipelago are part of the wider UNESCO World Heritage listing that includes Ha Long Bay.

The tour boat leaves from the harbour a short drive from town and follows a route that avoids the busiest lanes. If you are asking how to get to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi, the usual route is a bus and a ferry or speedboat, which takes around three to four hours, so most visitors stay on the island for the night before this tour.

Floating fishing village and kayaking in the caves

Early in the day the boat passes a floating fishing village, where families have lived on the water for generations, and your guide explains how the fishermen live and work at sea. The islets have names such as Turtle and Toad because of their shapes, and the views change with every turn.

You then paddle a kayak through lagoons and low cave openings, with the guide leading. It is a highlight of any Ha Long Bay kayaking tour. The water is calm and the paddling is gentle for beginners. Lucky visitors may spot the Cat Ba langur, one of the rarest primates in the world, which lives only on this island.

Swimming in the bay and lunch on board

Mid-day the boat anchors near a secluded beach where you can swim in clear, sheltered water or jump from the deck. It is a good place to cool off after paddling, and the guide keeps an eye on safety. A waterproof bag is provided for your phone and valuables.

Lunch is served on board and is a full Vietnamese meal, with a bottle of water. After eating you can rest on the deck while the boat sails on to the next stop. Bring swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes so you stay comfortable for the cycling in the afternoon.

Viet Hai village and Cat Ba National Park

Viet Hai is a small village inside Cat Ba National Park, reached only by boat and by a track through rice fields and forest. It is a peaceful place, and the visit is the cultural part of the day. Village tickets are included.

You cycle along a flat track between fields and houses, meeting local residents on the way. If you prefer not to pedal, a green electric car is available instead. Allow about an hour. It makes the tour more than a boat trip, and shows how people live in the national park.

Itinerary

  1. Pickup on Cat Ba IslandWe collect you from your hotel or bungalow at around 8:00 AM and drive about ten minutes to the harbour.
  2. Cruise through Lan Ha BayAbout 30 minutes of sailing past the floating village and limestone islets, with a safety briefing and tea.
  3. Kayaking and swimmingAround two and a half hours paddling into lagoons and swimming at a secluded beach.
  4. Lunch on boardAbout 75 minutes for a full lunch with water while the boat cruises.
  5. Rest and sceneryFree time on deck to relax and take photos as the boat heads to Viet Hai.
  6. Cycle through Viet Hai villageAbout an hour cycling, or riding a green car, through Cat Ba National Park.
  7. Return to Cat BaCruise back to the harbour, then a drop-off at your accommodation at around 5:00 to 5:15 PM.

What's included

  • Tour guide
  • Pickup and drop-off from your hotel or bungalow on Cat Ba Island
  • Entrance fees across Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay
  • Waterproof bag
  • Kayaking and swimming
  • Cycling tour in Viet Hai village (or a green-car ride if you prefer not to cycle)
  • Viet Hai village tickets
  • Full lunch and a bottle of water
  • Travel insurance

Not included

  • Other drinks
  • Tips

Not suitable for

  • Travellers who cannot walk on uneven ground or board a small boat
  • Wheelchair users
  • Guests who cannot swim and do not want to wear a life jacket

Meeting point

Pickup is from your hotel or bungalow on Cat Ba Island at around 8:00 AM. This tour starts on Cat Ba Island, not in Hanoi, and the drop-off is also on the island, so you should already be on Cat Ba when you book. Onward transport to Hanoi is not part of this option.

Important information

  • This tour starts and ends on Cat Ba Island, not in Hanoi.
  • Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, sports shoes, a change of clothes and sunscreen.
  • You will get a message via WhatsApp within 24 hours of booking, with a reminder the day before.
  • Itineraries can change with the weather and tide.
  • Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle or indoors.
  • Bring a little cash for tips and other drinks, which are not included.
  • Onward transport from Cat Ba to Hanoi can be arranged separately on request.

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

How much does the Cat Ba Lan Ha Bay tour ticket cost?

The price depends on the age of each traveller, and the booking panel on this page shows the current price for adults and children.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, but only on Cat Ba Island: we pick you up from your hotel or bungalow there. There is no pickup from Hanoi.

How long is the tour?

It is about nine hours, from the pickup at around 8:00 AM to the drop-off at around 5:00 PM.

What is included?

A tour guide, hotel pickup and drop-off on Cat Ba, entrance fees across Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay, a waterproof bag, kayaking, swimming, Viet Hai village tickets, a full lunch with water and travel insurance.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join, with different rates by age shown in the booking panel. Younger children need supervision on the beach, on the boat and in kayaks.

Do I have to cycle in Viet Hai?

No. You can ride a green electric car instead if you prefer not to cycle.

What should I wear and bring?

Swimwear, a towel, sports shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a change of clothes.

Can I book for today or tomorrow?

Often yes if seats are available, and we confirm by message within 24 hours.

Is Lan Ha Bay better than Ha Long Bay?

It has the same limestone scenery with fewer boats, clearer water and more beaches, so many travellers find it more peaceful. It is a good choice if you want to avoid crowds.

How do I get from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island?

The usual way is a bus and then a ferry or speedboat, which takes around three to four hours in total. Most visitors arrive the day before the tour.

From 53 USD