Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay 3D/2N cruise: kayak, trek, bike

Paddle through hidden grottoes, then trek and bike across an island you'd miss from the water.

You kayak through grottoes and lagoons in Lan Ha Bay, trek through Cat Ba Island's national park, and bike to local villages—all from a single cruise that provides meals, guides, and transport. The three days move between water and land without you managing the handoff between them, and you return to Hanoi by late afternoon on day three.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel to Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay

• Travel from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
• Pass great attractions en route
• Continue to Lan Ha Bay via hidden route
• Visit Dark and Light cave and Frog lagoon
• Kayak through karst mountains to fishing villages
• Swim in emerald waters and relax on secluded beaches
• Enjoy sunset on the bay
• Dinner and overnight on the bay
• Optional squid fishing at night

Day 2 — Trekking Cat Ba Island and Cruise

• Trek through Cat Ba National Park
• Overnight on luxury Unicharm Cruise

Day 3 — Cruise Lan Ha Bay and Return Hanoi

• Swim and relax on cruise in Lan Ha Bay
• Enjoy breakfast with dawn view
• Relax on sundeck or swim in bay
• Check out and cruise through limestone islands
• Enjoy brunch on board
• Arrive at Halong dock and disembark
• Drive back to Hanoi
• Drop off at Unicharm office or hotel

The Experience

You leave Hanoi in the morning and reach Ha Long Bay by midday, but the real trip starts when the boat turns toward Lan Ha Bay—the quieter side of the limestone landscape, where fewer tourists go. The first afternoon you kayak in two-seat boats through narrow channels between karst mountains, ducking under tunnel grottoes and paddling into lagoons the tide sometimes opens up. A guide leads; you paddle. The water is clear enough to swim in, and there are secluded beaches to rest on if you want to stop.

Day two shifts to land. You trek through Cat Ba Island's national park—the terrain changes from water to forest, and you move at a pace that lets you notice things: the vegetation, the quiet, the way the island rises. Later you bike through villages where locals live and work, not perform. The boat waits for you both times; you don't navigate logistics between activities. Dinner and the second night are on the cruise, anchored in Lan Ha Bay. If you want, you can try squid fishing after dark—it's optional, but the bay at night is different from the bay in daylight.

The third morning starts early: breakfast is between 6:30 and 8:00 AM, and you can swim or sit on the sundeck while the light comes up over the water. By 10:30 you're cruising back through Ha Long Bay on a different route, passing thousands of limestone islands. Brunch happens on board. You dock at Ha Long around noon and drive back to Hanoi, arriving between 4:00 and 4:30 PM—dropped at the Unicharm office or your hotel in the old quarter.

The boat has deluxe cabins with air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. An English-speaking guide is with the group the whole time. All meals are included, plus welcome drinks. The bus from Hanoi has complimentary bottled water. What you arrange is just showing up; everything else—transport, meals, entry, the kayaks and bikes—is already there.

What’s included

• Shared transfer by bus or minivan from Hanoi.
• deluxe cabin with air conditioning and en-suite bathroom.
• English-speaking tour guide.
• all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
• welcome drinks.
• kayaking in Lan Ha Bay.
• trekking through Cat Ba Island.
• biking to local villages.
• visit to a floating fishing village.
• entry to attractions.
• taxes and service charges.
• complimentary bottled water on the bus.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Halong Bay Cruise Hunters

Is this one for you?Right for travelers arriving in Hanoi with a few days free who want to see Ha Long Bay's main highlights—kayaking, trekking, biking, and villages—without booking each piece separately or managing the schedule between activities. The fixed itinerary and included transport mean you show up and the rest unfolds.

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Top questions

How long is the drive from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay?

The itinerary doesn't specify the drive time, but you leave Hanoi in the morning and reach Ha Long Bay by midday.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

Snorkel gear is not mentioned in the inclusions. Bring your own or ask the operator when you book.

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

Lan Ha Bay is the quieter, less-visited side of the limestone landscape. The tour spends most of its time there because it's better for kayaking and has fewer other boats.

Is the trekking difficult?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, according to the operator.

Can I skip the squid fishing?

Yes—it's offered as an optional activity in the evening of day two.

What happens if the tide is too high for the tunnel grotto?

The itinerary notes that the tunnel grotto paddle depends on the tide; sometimes it's not possible. The guide will choose an alternative route.

Is there a surcharge during holidays?

Yes. During Tet, Christmas, and New Year's Eve, there's a surcharge of $35 per person for the 2 days/1 night option, or $55 per person for the 3 days/2 nights option.

What language is the guide?

The tour guide speaks English and is with the group full-time.