Cat Ba Island: Lan Ha Bay Cruise, Kayak & Viet Hai Village

Summary

Lan Ha Bay limestone islets kayak swim Viet Hai village cruise

You’ll float past Lan Ha Bay’s wild limestone islets, kayak through clear water, visit Viet Hai village by electric car, and share fresh seafood lunch on board with locals nearby. Swim off the boat or just watch light dance on the bay—this day trip from Cat Ba Island leaves you with more than photos.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that one?” our guide Minh pointed at a lopsided rock jutting from Lan Ha Bay, “Locals say it looks like a turtle—depends on how much rice wine you’ve had.” That made us all laugh, even before the boat had left Cat Ba’s little harbor. The air smelled salty and green, if that makes sense—like wet leaves and seaweed. I kept glancing back at the island as we drifted out, half-excited, half-worried I’d forget what it looked like from this angle.

The cruise wasn’t what I expected—there was a jacuzzi bubbling away in one corner (my friend jumped in before noon), and the dining room was cool and bright with big windows. Lunch was this huge spread of seafood—shrimp with chili salt, some kind of fish stew. Minh showed us how to eat the tiny clams properly; I probably did it wrong but nobody seemed to mind. Afterward, we kayaked around these limestone karsts. The water was so clear you could see little fish darting under your paddle. At one point I just stopped paddling to listen: cicadas in the distance, someone laughing on another boat, nothing else.

We took an electric car through Cat Ba’s forest to Viet Hai village—a bumpy ride with flashes of green everywhere and old men waving as we passed. There was an optional fish massage (I chickened out), but watching my friend shriek when the fish nibbled her toes was honestly worth it. People in the village smiled but didn’t fuss over us; Minh said most families have lived here for generations. It felt peaceful in a way I can’t quite explain.

Back on board, there was an afternoon tea party with fruit and sweet snacks while music played quietly from someone’s phone—it wasn’t fancy but somehow perfect after swimming off the boat (the slide is faster than it looks). On the way back to Cat Ba town, everyone got quiet for a while watching the light change on the bay. I still think about that view sometimes—how soft everything looked right before we docked.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day Lan Ha Bay luxury cruise tour

• Hotel pick-up in Cat Ba town
• Board cruise and explore Lan Ha Bay
• Visit Pen, Turtle, and Tay Keo Islets
• Arrive at Viet Hai Village
• Electric car ride through Cat Ba National Park
• Learn about local culture at village center
• Optional fish massage experience
• Lunch on board with fresh seafood
• Kayaking in hidden lagoons
• Swim in Lan Ha Bay or relax on sundeck
• Enjoy cruise water slide and jacuzzi
• Afternoon tea party on board
• Return to pier and hotel drop-off

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Lan Ha Bay tour?

Yes, pickup from hotels in Cat Ba town is included at the start of your day trip.

What activities are part of this Cat Ba Island cruise?

The tour includes kayaking, swimming (with water slide), visiting Viet Hai village by electric car, and lunch on board.

Is lunch provided during the Lan Ha Bay cruise?

Yes, a seafood lunch featuring local specialties is served onboard during the cruise.

Can children or infants join this day trip?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Are there restrooms available during the tour?

Yes, there are restrooms available onboard the cruise boat throughout your trip.

How long does it take to reach Lan Ha Bay from Cat Ba town?

The journey begins with hotel pickup between 8:00–8:30 AM; cruising starts soon after boarding near Cat Ba town.

Is kayaking suitable for beginners?

Yes, kayaking is suitable for all fitness levels and life jackets are provided for safety.

Are drinks included during afternoon tea?

Tropical juices and snacks are served during afternoon tea onboard after swimming activities.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Cat Ba town, all transportation between stops—including electric car rides through lush forest—a fresh seafood lunch onboard with local specialties, entrance fees for every site visited along Lan Ha Bay and Viet Hai village, plus use of kayaks, water slide, jacuzzi facilities, towels for swimming breaks, afternoon fruit snacks with drinks before returning to your hotel at sunset.