2-day Lan Ha Bay kayaking from Ninh Binh: Luxury cruise

Kayak through limestone karst, explore Dark and Bright Cave by bamboo boat, and sleep on the water

A 2-day kayaking and cruise experience in Lan Ha Bay departing from Ninh Binh, with hotel pickup, overnight accommodation in a private cabin, all meals, and activities including kayaking, swimming, cave exploration by bamboo boat, and a cooking class. The itinerary pairs active water time in the morning with evening relaxation and entertainment aboard Dora Cruise, a state-of-the-art vessel with spa and dining facilities.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay on Dora Cruise

• Pick up at hotel lobby
• Arrive at Tuan Chau harbor
• Transfer by speedboat to Dora Cruise
• Enjoy welcome drink and meet crew
• Lunch with Vietnamese seafood and vegetarian options
• Cruise through Con Vit, Thumb, and Gia Luan islets
• Check in and rest on cruise
• Kayaking and swimming at Tra Bau area
• Return to cruise for sunset party
• Join cooking class
• Dinner with special seafood and Vietnamese dishes
• Evening entertainment on cruise

Day 2: Lan Ha Bay and Return to Hanoi

• Early sunrise and fresh air
• Morning Tai Chi on sun deck
• Enjoy morning view with tea or coffee
• Visit Dark & Bright Cave by tender
• Explore cave on local bamboo boat
• Relax on cruise or stay on board
• Check out from cabin
• Lunch at restaurant
• Leave Dora Cruise and transfer to Tuan Chau Harbor
• Return to Hanoi with stopover in Hai Duong
• Arrive in Hanoi and end trip

The experience

Pickup happens between 7:00 and 7:15 from your Ninh Binh hotel or the operator's office, followed by a drive to Tuan Chau harbor and a speedboat transfer to Dora Cruise. You'll arrive around 12:30, meet the captain and crew over a welcome drink, then sit down to Vietnamese seafood and vegetarian lunch while the boat cruises past Con Vit islet, Thumb islet and Gia Luan. After checking into your private cabin, the afternoon opens to active time: kayaking and swimming in Tra Bau area (the filming location for Kong Skull Island) from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., or relaxing in the ship's Jacuzzi. A sunset party follows at 5:30, then a short cooking class before dinner and evening entertainment (card games, chess, music, squid fishing) that runs until you overnight aboard the cruise.

Day two starts early. A Tai Chi session on the sun deck begins around 7:00 a.m., with tea or coffee and light breakfast to follow. Between 8:45 and 10:00 a.m., you transfer by tender to a small floating house and explore Dark and Bright Cave by local bamboo boat, where the rowers navigate the quiet water and limestone formations. Those who prefer to rest can stay aboard the cruise instead. You'll return to the ship, check out of your cabin by 10:30, have a final lunch, and depart Dora Cruise around 11:30 a.m. for the return to Tuan Chau harbor. The drive back to Hanoi takes roughly three hours, with a stop in Hai Duong province, arriving around 3:30 to 4:00 p.m.

All meals (lunch and dinner on day one, breakfast and lunch on day two) are included, as are the kayak, guide in English, and air-conditioned transport. Drinks and tips for the crew and driver are optional at checkout. Children from age one are welcome, though infants must sit on an adult's lap. Bring a swim suit, shorts and flip-flops for kayaking. The cruise provides towels and robes.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Ninh Binh, Hanoi Old Quarter or Cat Ba island.
• speedboat transfer to the cruise.
• overnight in a deluxe private cabin.
• all meals (Vietnamese seafood lunch and dinner on day one, breakfast and lunch on day two).
• kayak and swimming time in Tra Bau area.
• bamboo boat exploration of Dark and Bright Cave.
• cooking class.
• Tai Chi session.
• access to the ship's piano bar, spa and Jacuzzi.
• English-speaking guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle for transfers.
• return transport to Hanoi or Cat Ba.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (6 to 70 years) · Child (3 to 5 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years)

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.Operator's directions: “The office to meet Customers (Ninh Binh Footprint Travel) beside the Tam Coc Boat Wharf ( 50 metres )”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or 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

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Full Moon Travel Asia (Cat Ba)

Is this one for you?Book this shared cruise if you want an all-inclusive overnight experience with 5-star amenities, active water activities like kayaking and bamboo boat rides, and flexible pickup from Ninh Binh, Hanoi, or Cat Ba Island.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 5 years); Infant (1 to 2 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Lan Ha Bay and how does it compare to Ha Long Bay?

Lan Ha Bay sits adjacent to the more famous Ha Long Bay, sharing the same limestone karst landscape but with fewer crowds and a quieter, more sheltered setting. The bay's rock formations, islets and caves are the backdrop for the kayaking and cave exploration in this itinerary.

Can I kayak if I've never done it before?

Yes. The kayaking in Tra Bau area is suitable for all fitness levels, and the operator provides the kayak. The activity runs from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. on day one, giving you time to settle in after arrival. If you prefer not to kayak, you can use the ship's Jacuzzi instead.

What happens if I want to skip the Dark and Bright Cave visit on day two?

The cave exploration by bamboo boat is scheduled for 8:45 to 10:00 a.m. on day two, but you can stay aboard Dora Cruise and relax instead. Either way, you'll have time to rest before checkout at 10:30 a.m.

Is the private cabin included, and what does it look like?

Yes, overnight accommodation in a deluxe cabin aboard Dora Cruise is included. The ship is described as state-of-the-art with suites offering views of the bay, and amenities include a piano bar, day spa, and butler service.

How does pickup work if I'm staying in Hanoi or Cat Ba instead of Ninh Binh?

The tour offers flexible pickup from Ninh Binh, Hanoi Old Quarter, or Cat Ba island, and you can choose where to end the trip: either back in Hanoi or Cat Ba. Confirm your preferred pickup location and return point when you book.

What's included in the cooking class on day one?

The cooking class runs from 6:00 to 6:15 p.m. aboard the cruise and teaches you to prepare Vietnamese dishes. It's followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m., where you'll eat what you've learned to make.