2-day Lan Ha Bay kayaking cruise from Hanoi with cave exploration

Kayak into limestone caves and sleep on the water in Lan Ha Bay.

A 2-day cruise in Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi includes kayaking, cave exploration by bamboo boat, onboard meals, and a live guide in English or Vietnamese. Pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter is available as an option at checkout. The cruise departs from Tuan Chau Harbor. You overnight on the boat and return to Hanoi the following afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay cruise

• Pick-up from Hanoi Old Quarter
• Transfer to Tuan Chau Harbor
• Check-in and board Aurora Cruise
• Welcome drink and safety briefing
• Lunch on board cruising Lan Ha Bay
• Kayaking and swimming at Tra Bau
• Sunset Party and Happy Hour on sundeck
• Cooking class on board
• Romantic dinner on board
• Evening relaxing, Sky Bar, squid fishing
• Overnight on board

Day 2: Lan Ha Bay to Hanoi return

• Early morning Tai Chi session
• Light breakfast
• Visit Dark & Bright Cave by bamboo boat
• Return to cruise and check-out
• Brunch while cruising back to harbor
• Transfer back to Tuan Chau Harbor
• End of tour and return to Hanoi

The experience

The itinerary starts with pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter (if you choose that option) and a transfer to Tuan Chau Harbor, where you board Aurora Cruise with a welcome drink and safety briefing. Lunch happens while the boat cruises through Lan Ha Bay. In the afternoon you kayak and swim at Tra Bau area, then return for a sunset party and happy hour on the sundeck. After a cooking class, dinner is served on board, and the evening is yours to relax on deck, visit the Sky Bar, or try squid fishing if you want to pay extra.

The second morning starts early with a Tai Chi session and light breakfast. You explore Dark and Bright Cave by bamboo boat: a slower, quieter way to move through the limestone landscape than the kayak. Back on the cruise, you check out and have brunch while heading back to Tuan Chau Harbor. If you booked the transfer option, the boat arranges your ride back to Hanoi. If not, you make your own way from the harbor.

What’s included

• Dinner and breakfast.
• kayaking and swimming.
• cave exploration by bamboo boat.
• cooking class.
• onboard activities including a sunset party, happy hour, and access to the Sky Bar.
• a live guide in English or Vietnamese.
• hotel pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter (if selected at checkout).

Options for this experience

4 options

Day cruise without transferGuide in English or Vietnamese · Available from 1 Jan 2027

Day cruise, transfer includedGuide in English or Vietnamese · Available from 1 Jan 2027Includes pickup

2D1N no TRANSFERGuide in English or Vietnamese · 11:00Deluxe cabin with 1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner

2D1N with TRANSFERGuide in English or Vietnamese · 08:00Deluxe cabin with 1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner; pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 11:00

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Infant (under 5): 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.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Aurora Cruise Ha Long - Lan Ha Bay

Is this one for you?Choose the option with transfer if you're arriving in Hanoi without a car or prefer not to navigate to Tuan Chau Harbor on your own. The option without transfer works if you have your own transport or are already staying near the harbor.

Traveler reviews

4.94★★★★★★★★★★

234 verified traveler reviews

5 ★224

4 ★7

3 ★1

2 ★2

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Vietnamese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 10 years); Infant (under 5): 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 included in the 2-day Lan Ha Bay cruise?

The cruise includes dinner on the first night and breakfast on the second morning; kayaking and swimming at Tra Bau; cave exploration by bamboo boat; a cooking class; and a live guide who speaks English or Vietnamese. Pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter and return transfer are available as a paid option.

Do I need to arrange my own transport from Hanoi?

Transport from Hanoi Old Quarter to Tuan Chau Harbor and back is optional at checkout. If you don't book it, you'll need to arrange your own way to and from the harbor.

What happens on the first day in Lan Ha Bay?

Day one includes kayaking and swimming at Tra Bau in the afternoon, a sunset party on the sundeck, a cooking class, and dinner on board. You sleep on the cruise overnight.

Can I explore caves on this cruise?

Yes. On the second morning you visit Dark and Bright Cave by bamboo boat before returning to the harbor for brunch and checkout.

Is this cruise suitable for families?

The cruise works for couples, families, and groups of friends. Infants can sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available. The cruise is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health.