Cat Ba to Lan Ha & Ha Long Bay: Day Cruise, Kayak, Swim

Summary

Kayak floating villages swim quiet beaches Lan Ha Bay day trip

You’ll slip away from Cat Ba for a full-day cruise through Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay—kayak hidden caves, meet local fishermen at Cai Beo village, swim at empty beaches like Ba Trai Dao, and share lunch on deck with new friends. With a local guide handling all logistics (including pickup), you get time to just look up and breathe it all in.

What’s the experience like?

Pushing off from Cat Ba felt almost too easy—one minute we were shuffling down the pier with our guide (Minh, who somehow remembered all our names), and the next we’d left the noise behind. The boat engine was low and steady, but mostly I remember the slap of water against wood and that salty-fish smell near Cai Beo floating village. Minh pointed out a fisherman mending nets with his son—he waved, then went right back to work like we weren’t there. I liked that.

Kayaking through rock arches was trickier than I thought. My paddle kept scraping limestone and Minh just grinned, “No rush.” We drifted into this tunnel where the air suddenly cooled and everything echoed—someone’s laugh bounced around in the dark. When we reached Bat Cave, it was quiet except for drops falling somewhere far inside. I tried to imagine living out here year-round, surrounded by water and misty cliffs. It’s hard not to feel small in Lan Ha Bay.

Lunch on deck tasted better than it should’ve—maybe because we’d been paddling for hours or maybe because the seafood was so fresh (the tofu wasn’t bad either). Someone started a story about getting lost in Hanoi traffic and soon everyone was sharing travel mishaps over rice. Afterward, we stopped at Ba Trai Dao beach for swimming; the sand felt coarse underfoot and I swear the water was clearer than any pool. Minh showed us how to spot tiny crabs hiding in rock pools—he laughed when I jumped back from one. There’s something about being out here that makes you forget your phone exists.

The ride back cut through quieter corners of Ha Long Bay, past hunched islets no one else seemed to notice. By then the sun had dipped behind clouds and everything looked softer, almost blue-grey. We pulled into Cat Ba just before six—hair still damp, skin salty, everyone a little quieter than before. Sometimes a day doesn’t feel long enough but still changes something—I guess that’s why people keep coming back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day cruise to Lan Ha and Ha Long Bay

• Start from office at 8:30am
• Take bus 5 minutes to pier
• Visit Cai Beo Floating Fishing Village
• Learn fishing and daily life
• Kayak 1.5 to 2 hours through rock arches
• Discover Dark, Bat, and Bright Caves
• Swim and snorkel at Ba Trai Dao beach
• Cruise to Ha Long Bay for sightseeing
• Have lunch on the boat at 12:00pm
• Return to Lan Ha Bay by different route
• Swim at secluded sandy beach
• Return to Cat Ba town by 5:30-6:00pm

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Lan Ha Bay day trip?

No, but the tour starts with pickup from the office in Cat Ba town—a short bus ride to the pier is included.

How long is the day trip from Cat Ba to Lan Ha & Ha Long Bay?

The tour runs from 8:30am until about 5:30–6pm.

Do I need kayaking experience for this tour?

No experience needed—the kayaking is suitable for all skill levels.

What’s included for lunch on board?

You can choose between seafood mixed meat or vegetarian options; lunch is served on the boat.

Can I swim during this Lan Ha Bay cruise?

Yes—you’ll stop at beaches like Ba Trai Dao for swimming and snorkeling breaks.

Are entry fees or equipment rentals extra?

No—all fees and use of kayaking/snorkeling equipment are included in your booking.

Will we visit any local communities during this day trip?

Yes—the itinerary includes time at Cai Beo Floating Fishing Village to see daily life on the bay.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Cat Ba town office with a quick bus transfer to the pier, all entry fees and taxes covered, use of kayaking gear (with headlamp and waterproof bag), snorkeling equipment provided free of charge, plus a big bottle of water per person—and lunch on board with both seafood mixed meat or vegetarian options available before returning late afternoon.