Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay from Cat Ba: 3 caves and swimming

You kayak through tunnel caves carved into limestone cliffs, not just paddle past them.

A full-day boat trip from Cat Ba takes you to Lan Ha Bay and the southern edge of Ha Long Bay, where you kayak through three tunnel caves, swim at multiple beaches, and dive to see coral reefs. The boat picks you up from your hotel at 7:30 am, returns you by late afternoon, and includes lunch cooked on board, all kayak gear, masks and dry bags, and entrance fees. An English or Vietnamese-speaking guide leads the group.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day boat tour in Lan Ha Bay

• Pick up from hotel to Ben Beo wharf
• Board boat and start Lan Ha Bay tour
• Visit fishing village and small islands
• Kayak through Dark-bright caves
• Return to floating house and see sea fish
• Enjoy lunch on board
• Boat moves to three-peach beaches
• Swim and jump from boat at beaches
• Move to Thap Nghieng Island for swimming
• Boat returns to Ben Beo harbor
• Car transfer back to Cat Ba town

The experience

The day starts with a hotel pickup and a short drive to Ben Beo wharf, where you board the boat at 8:30 am. The boat winds through a fishing village and past hundreds of small islands shaped like candles, toads and seals before reaching the Dark-Bright Caves area around 10:00 am. This is where you get into a kayak and row through tunnel caves that connect Lan Ha Bay to Ha Long Bay: the water runs through limestone passages with cliffs rising on both sides, opening into a valley surrounded by high mountains. After kayaking ends around 11:00 am, you return to a floating house to rest and eat lunch, which the crew prepares and serves on board.

By midday the boat moves to Three Peach Beaches, where you can jump from the boat into clear water and swim on smooth golden sand. The stop lasts about an hour. Next is Thap Nghieng Island, another beach with white sand and shallow water for swimming and snorkeling to see coral reefs and sea life like cobia and starfish. The boat leaves Cat Dua Island at 3:00 pm and returns to Ben Beo harbor by 3:30 pm, where a van takes you back to Cat Ba town by late afternoon.

Everything you need is provided: kayak, paddle, mask, snorkel gear and a dry bag for personal items. The crew speaks English or Vietnamese, so communication is straightforward. Lunch is local dishes prepared by the sailors. The only things not included are drinks beyond what the boat offers and personal spending money for souvenirs or tips.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off by van.
• kayak, paddle, mask, snorkel gear and dry bag.
• lunch cooked on board.
• entrance fees and all taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (17 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 96 years) · Youth (7 to 16 years) · Child (3 to 6 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish and Vietnamese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Tran Nguyen Travel

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you want to visit multiple secluded beaches and paddle through caves in a single day: the itinerary combines both activities in one trip, whereas most options focus on one or the other.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Vietnamese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 16 years); Child (3 to 6 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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's the water like for swimming and snorkeling in Lan Ha Bay?

The water at Three Peach Beaches and Thap Nghieng Island is clear and shallow, with white and golden sand. You'll see coral reefs and colorful sea fish like cobia and starfish when you dive or snorkel.

How much kayaking experience do I need for the three caves?

The caves are suitable for all physical fitness levels. You paddle through tunnel caves with high limestone walls, but the route is guided and the water is calm: no whitewater or technical skills required.

What time does the boat leave Cat Ba and when do I get back?

Hotel pickup starts at 7:30 am, and you board the boat at 8:30 am. The boat returns to Ben Beo harbor by 3:30 pm, and the van drops you back in Cat Ba town by late afternoon.

Is lunch included, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Lunch is included and cooked on board by the crew using local dishes. Drinks and personal spending are not included in the price.

What gear do I need to bring, and what's provided?

The tour provides kayak, paddle, mask, snorkel gear and a dry bag. Bring sunscreen, a towel, a change of clothes and water shoes or sandals for the beaches.

Can I do this trip if I have a medical condition or injury?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. If you have concerns about your fitness, contact the operator before booking.