Ha Long & Lan Ha Bay: Boat Tour, Kayak, Beach & Caves

Summary

Kayak quiet lagoons float past Cat Ba villages lunch on deck

You’ll glide through Lan Ha Bay by boat with a local guide, paddle your own kayak into hidden caves, swim from a quiet beach, and share lunch on deck with new friends. Watch life unfold in floating villages and end your day cruising back as sunset colors hit the water—you might find yourself thinking about it long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed stepping onto the boat at Cat Ba was how the air felt—sort of heavy with salt, but not in a bad way. Our guide Minh grinned and handed out cold bottles of water before we set off. The boat moved slow at first, gliding past those wooden houses in the fisherman’s village. Someone’s radio played old pop songs, half drowned by the engine. I tried to take photos but honestly kept just staring at the weird blue-green color of Lan Ha Bay. You can’t really capture that.

Kayaking was the part I’d been nervous about (arms like noodles), but Minh made it sound easy. We paddled into Bright Cave and then Dark Cave—names make sense once you’re inside, trust me. Water slapped gently against the kayak and it was so quiet except for one distant bird and my own breathing. Didn’t see any langur monkeys this time (Minh said they’re shy) but there were tiny crabs scuttling over rocks. At one point I nearly drifted into someone else’s paddle—Li laughed and tried to teach me how to say “sorry” in Vietnamese. I butchered it.

Lunch back on the boat was fresh fish with rice and some kind of tangy salad—simple but good after swimming off that little beach. The sand stuck everywhere; I gave up trying to brush it off my feet. Exploring those small caves nearby felt a bit surreal—cool air inside even though outside was sticky-hot. There was a moment when everyone got quiet just listening to water echoing off stone walls.

On our way back toward Cat Ba around four, we passed through another floating village. Kids waved from their porches—one tossed a plastic bottle tied to string into the water like a game. Minh told us about growing up here, fishing with his dad before school. He handed out beers for the last stretch as the sun started dipping behind limestone cliffs. That light—I still think about it sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays

• Cruise through Fisherman’s village
• Enjoy panoramic views of Lan Ha Bay
• Kayak in quiet lagoons and caves
• Swim and explore natural caves
• Have fresh local lunch on boat
• Pass through local floating village
• Enjoy free beer and cruise back

Top questions

How long does this Ha Long & Lan Ha Bay boat tour last?

The tour is a full-day trip starting in the morning and returning around 4:00 P.M.

Is kayaking included in this day trip from Cat Ba?

Yes, kayaking through Bright Cave and Dark Cave is included with all gear provided.

Are meals provided during the tour?

A fresh local lunch is served on board after swimming and cave exploration.

Will we visit both Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay?

The route covers both Lan Ha Bay and parts of Ha Long Bay as well as Cat Ba Island areas.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you join at the harbor near Cat Ba Island.

Can children or infants join this boat tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized seats are available if needed.

What should I bring for swimming or kayaking?

You’ll need sandals or shoes, sun cream, a hat, and swimming clothes for comfort.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or serious heart conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes entrance tickets to all sites, use of kayaks and snorkel gear for exploring caves and lagoons, an English-speaking guide who shares local stories along the way, plus a fresh local lunch served right on deck before heading back toward Cat Ba in the late afternoon.