2-day kayaking in Lan Ha Bay: Night plankton excursion

Paddle at night to watch plankton glow beneath your hands

A 2-day kayaking tour in Lan Ha Bay departing from Cat Ba, with overnight stay in a floating homestay, night paddle to see bioluminescent plankton, and second-day cave kayaking and beach swimming. Pickup from Cat Ba town or Ha Noi is included. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided each day. The tour runs with a live English or French-speaking guide and welcomes children from age 2.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Sunset, swimming, and plankton kayaking

• Pick up from Cat Ba town
• Visit floating fishing village
• Swim in the bay at sunset
• Check in floating homestay
• Have dinner on floating home or boat
• Kayak to see plankton lighting
• Stay overnight on the bay

Day 2: Kayaking, swimming, and fish farm visit

• Watch sunrise and have breakfast
• Cruise Lan Ha Bay and kayak through caves
• Swim in calm lagoon
• Have lunch on boat
• Swim and snorkel at deserted beach
• Visit local fish farm
• Enjoy sunset party and return to Cat Ba

The experience

The tour starts with a 3pm pickup in Cat Ba town or a morning pickup from Ha Noi, followed by a boat ride to the floating fishing village in Lan Ha Bay. You'll swim during sunset in the middle of the bay, surrounded by limestone cliffs, then check into your room at a floating homestay. After dinner, your guide leads a night kayak to paddle through bioluminescent plankton: each stroke of your paddle lights up the water like phosphorescent stars beneath your fingertips. You stay overnight on the bay in a twin or double room with views across the water.

Day two begins before dawn. You'll watch the sunrise from the bay, eat breakfast on the floating home, then board the boat for a full day of paddling and swimming. Between 9:15 and 11:30am, you kayak through three caves (Bat Cave, Dark Cave and Bright Cave), then cruise the quieter southern section of Ha Long Bay. Lunch is served on the boat at noon. In the afternoon, you swim and snorkel at a deserted beach and visit a local fish farm. The tour ends with a sunset gathering on deck before returning to Cat Ba town by 5pm.

The boat stays small and uncrowded, and all three meals are included. A live guide in English or French leads the kayaking and explains what you're seeing. Children from age 2 can join, and the tour is suitable for anyone with moderate fitness. It does involve early starts, water entry and several hours of paddling across the two days.

What’s included

• Pickup from Cat Ba town or Ha Noi (7am or 10am departure).
• two nights accommodation in a floating homestay with bay views.
• breakfast, lunch and dinner each day.
• kayaking equipment and guide.
• night plankton paddle.
• cave kayaking.
• swimming at sunset and at a deserted beach.
• visit to a local fish farm.
• live guide in English or French.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 15:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (14 to 80 years) · Youth (6 to 13 years) · Child (2 to 5 years)

GroupUp to 35

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “FOR THOSE WHOSE STAY AT HA NOI OLD TOWN / NINH BINH CITY/ TAM COC TOWN 6:00 Get pick up from your hotel or meet at our bus office at Ha Noi old town and tranfer to Beo pier at Cat Ba town ( Extra cost will be added).”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Cat Ba Green Trail Travel

Is this one for you?The tour starts early and involves several hours of kayaking across two days, plus a night paddle and water entry at multiple points, so it suits travelers with moderate fitness and comfort on the water. The overnight homestay and all-inclusive meals mean you pack light and don't arrange food or lodging separately once you're picked up.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 13 years); Child (2 to 5 years).

What is the bioluminescent plankton like when you paddle through it at night?

The plankton lights up with a blue-green glow when disturbed by movement: each paddle stroke and hand motion creates a trail of light in the water, visible because the organisms are bioluminescent. The effect is strongest at night and most visible when the water is calm.

Can I kayak if I've never paddled before?

Yes. The tour welcomes beginners and includes instruction from your guide. The kayaking sections are designed for mixed ability levels, and the guide will show you how to paddle before you set out on the water.

What's included in the overnight stay at the floating homestay?

Your room is a twin or double bedroom with views of the bay. Dinner is served on the evening you arrive, breakfast the next morning, and lunch on the boat during day two. All meals are included in the tour price.

How long is the drive from Ha Noi to Cat Ba, and when do we leave?

Pickup from Ha Noi old town departs at 7am or 10am on the day the tour starts. The drive to Cat Ba takes several hours. You'll arrive at the floating homestay by mid-afternoon to begin the sunset swim and evening plankton paddle.

What happens if the weather is bad or the plankton isn't visible?

The tour operates in most weather conditions. Bioluminescent plankton visibility depends on water conditions and season. Your guide will paddle you out to see them if conditions allow, but the night kayak is part of the itinerary regardless.