Ha Long & Lan Ha Bay: 2-Day Kayak Cruise with Viet Hai Village

Summary

Kayak quiet waters cruise past caves cycle Viet Hai village

You’ll drift through quieter corners of Ha Long & Lan Ha Bay on this 2-day kayak cruise—with hotel pickup from Hanoi included—kayaking hidden lagoons, cycling shaded paths to Viet Hai village on Cat Ba Island, sharing meals on deck with fellow travelers, and soaking up silence far from the usual crowds.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first time the boat engine cut out and all I could hear was this soft slap of water against the hull. We’d just left Tuan Chau behind—Ha Long Bay was busy as always, but suddenly we veered off and it got quieter. The limestone islands looked almost unreal in the haze, like someone painted them in layers. Our guide Minh handed me a welcome drink (something tropical and sweet—mango maybe?) and grinned, “This is the less crowded route.” I didn’t realize how much I needed that silence until then.

Lunch was already waiting when we boarded Vega Legend—fresh fish, rice, some crunchy greens. They asked if anyone wanted vegan food; a couple from France nodded and the chef just smiled and waved his ladle. After that we cruised past places Minh called Frog Lagoon and Dark & Light Cave (I probably misheard one of those). The air smelled salty but also green, if that makes sense. We kayaked for a while in Lan Ha Bay—my arms are still sore thinking about it—and at one point I just floated there, watching tiny jellyfish pulse under my paddle.

The next morning started early—maybe too early for me—but the tender took us over to Cat Ba Island. Bikes were waiting at Viet Hai dock, old-school ones with baskets and squeaky brakes. The ride to the village was mostly shaded; you could hear birds and sometimes a rooster yelling somewhere out of sight. We stopped at a local house where an older woman showed us her garden. Someone tried to ask about her chili plants in Vietnamese—Li laughed when I tried to say it too (I definitely butchered it). There’s something about seeing people go about their day that sticks with you more than any postcard view.

After cycling back, I just lay on the sundeck chair for a while, letting my shirt dry out in the breeze. Some folks jumped in for a swim but I was happy just breathing in all that space. The cruise felt nothing like what I’d expected from Ha Long Bay—no crowds pushing past each other or shouting guides waving flags. Just water, sky, and these odd little moments that keep coming back to me now and then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay

• Pick up from Hanoi hotel
• Drive 3 hours to Ha Long city
• Arrive at Tuan Chau wharf
• Board Vega Legend Cruise
• Welcome drink and room check-in
• Enjoy lunch on board
• Cruise Ha Long Bay scenic route
• Explore Lan Ha Bay kayaking and swimming
• Pass Dark and Light cave and other sights
• Anchor overnight in Lan Ha Bay

Day 2 — Lan Ha Bay to Hanoi via Viet Hai Village

• Tender boat to Cat Ba island
• Bicycle trip to Viet Hai village
• Visit local house and village
• Cycle back to dock
• Tender boat returns to cruise
• Relax or swim on board

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included from Hanoi?

Yes, pickup from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter is included.

Do I need kayaking experience for this tour?

No prior experience is needed; kayaking is suitable for beginners.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available?

Yes, vegetarian or vegan meals can be provided upon request.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Tuan Chau Island near Ha Long City.

Is there swimming during the trip?

Yes, there are opportunities to swim in Lan Ha Bay.

How long is the bike ride at Viet Hai village?

The bike ride takes about 30 minutes each way on shaded paths.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

How many nights do you spend on board?

You spend one night on board the Vega Legend cruise boat.

What’s included

Your trip includes pickup from your Hanoi hotel in the Old Quarter area, all transport between Hanoi and Tuan Chau pier, overnight accommodation aboard Vega Legend cruise with dinner and breakfast provided (vegetarian or vegan options available), guided kayaking in Lan Ha Bay, a bike ride to Viet Hai village on Cat Ba Island with local visits along the way—and time to relax or swim before heading back to Hanoi.