3-day kayaking in Lan Ha Bay: Daiichi Boutique Cruise

Kayak through 300 karst islands without the Halong Bay crowds.

A 3-day, 2-night cruise on the Daiichi Boutique explores Lan Ha Bay, a quieter counterpart to Halong Bay, with kayaking, visits to floating fish rafts and Viet Hai fishing village, and nights in an en-suite cabin. The boat departs from Cai Beo Cruise Port near Cat Ba and includes an English or French-speaking guide, all meals, and activities like Tai Chi at sunrise and night squid fishing. You choose between a cabin with balcony or a deluxe triple with window.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Cai Beo Port to Lan Ha Bay

• Welcome at Cai Beo Cruise Port
• Check-in and enjoy welcome drink
• Lunch while cruising to Lan Ha Bay
• Kayak or relax on wild beach
• Relax on sundeck and cooking demo
• Dinner on board
• Relax or enjoy drinks at bar

Day 2: Lan Ha Bay and Ba Ham Lake

• Morning Tai Chi session
• Breakfast with bay view
• Kayak at Ba Ham Lake and visit Ba Men Temple
• Lunch on cruise
• Visit floating fish rafts and fishermen's life
• Free time on boat
• Dinner and night squid fishing

Day 3: Viet Hai Village and Return

• Morning Tai Chi and sunrise
• Breakfast with bay view
• Cycling or electric car tour in Viet Hai Village
• Check out and lunch on cruise
• See Turtle Islet
• Return to Beo Harbor
• Bus transfer to hotel in Cat Ba

The experience

Lan Ha Bay sits southeast of Cat Ba Island with around 300 limestone karst formations rising from the water. The cruise picks you up at Cai Beo Cruise Port, and by early afternoon you're kayaking through quiet coves and exploring a wild beach on one of the islands. Dinner happens onboard with a Vietnamese cooking demonstration beforehand, and you sleep in an air-conditioned cabin with en-suite bathroom.

Day two starts before dawn with optional Tai Chi on deck, followed by breakfast while the bay wakes up. You spend the morning kayaking through Ba Ham Lake, a sheltered spot where you'll visit Ba Men Temple (a 200-year-old spiritual site locals still use), and have time on the beach. After lunch back on the boat, you visit floating fish rafts to see how fishermen live on the bay, then the evening brings night squid fishing before dinner and sleep onboard.

The final morning repeats the Tai Chi and sunrise routine. You cycle or take an electric car through Viet Hai fishing village to see daily island life, then check out and cruise back to Cai Beo while eating lunch. On the way you pass Turtle Islet, the iconic limestone stack that marks Lan Ha Bay. A bus ticket back to your Cat Ba hotel is included in some cabin options.

What’s included

• A live guide in English or French.
• three days of meals including Vietnamese cuisine and BBQ dinner.
• kayaking, cycling or electric car rides.
• Tai Chi sessions at sunrise.
• visits to Ba Men Temple, floating fish rafts and Viet Hai fishing village.
• night squid fishing.
• en-suite cabin with air conditioning and hot water.
• welcome drink.
• all entrance fees and authorized charges.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English or French12:00

Guide in English or French12:00

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 12:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and French

Audio guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 6 days before the start.Between 2 and 6 days before the start, 50% refund.After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Daiichi Travel

Is this one for you?The 3-day length lets you move slowly through the bay and spend a full morning kayaking at Ba Ham Lake, plus time in a fishing village. Something the shorter 2-day cruises skip. If you want to see Lan Ha without rushing, this pace fits. If you're short on time, a day trip or overnight option might suit better.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

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 6 days before the start.

What's the difference between Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay?

Lan Ha Bay is a geological extension of Halong Bay with the same dramatic karst landscape, but it sits less visited and less inhabited, making it a quieter alternative with fewer crowds and more of a peaceful atmosphere.

Can I kayak every day, or is it just one activity?

Kayaking happens on day two through Ba Ham Lake for a morning session. Day one includes a kayak option or beach time on an island, and day three focuses on cycling or electric car exploration of Viet Hai village instead.

What meals are included on the cruise?

All meals are included: lunch and dinner on day one, breakfast, lunch and dinner on day two (with a Vietnamese cooking demonstration before dinner), and breakfast and lunch on day three, plus welcome drinks and tea or coffee at sunrise.

Do I need experience to kayak, or is this suitable for beginners?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and kayaking is offered as an activity option rather than a requirement. You can relax on the beach or the sundeck instead if you prefer.

Is the bus ride back to Cat Ba included in my booking?

The bus ticket from Cai Beo Cruise Port back to your hotel in Cat Ba is included in some cabin options. Check which option you've selected at checkout.

What time does the cruise depart and return?

The cruise departs at 12:30 on day one from Cai Beo Cruise Port after a noon welcome and check-in. It returns to the port by late morning on day three after breakfast and the Viet Hai village visit.