3-day Lan Ha Bay kayaking cruise from Hanoi: Viet Hai Village
Kayak through limestone karst and pedal a quiet village instead of watching from a boat.
A 3-day cruise from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay combines kayaking and cycling across less-visited scenery (Viet Hai Village, Three Peaches Beach, Dark & Bright Cave) with accommodation in a Junior Suite, roundtrip shuttle bus from Hanoi Old Quarter, meals, and an English-speaking guide. Tai Chi at sunrise, cooking demonstrations, and squid fishing happen on the boat. You choose between cycling or an electric car tour at Viet Hai on day two. Suitable for all fitness levels.
Step-by-step itinerary
Day 1: Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay cruise
- Pick up from Hanoi Old Quarter
- Travel to dock 35 Tuan Chau
- Check in Doris Cruise
- Have lunch on cruise
- Rest on cruise
- Kayak and swim at Tra Bau area
- Enjoy sunset party and cooking demo
- Have dinner on cruise
- Evening entertainment and squid fishing
Day 2: Viet Hai Village and Ba Trai Dao
- Practice Taichi on sundeck
- Have breakfast on cruise
- Transfer to Viet Hai Village by boat
- Cycle or electric car tour in Viet Hai Village
- Have lunch on daily boat
- Kayak around hidden islands
- Swim at Ba Trai Dao beaches
- Return to Doris Cruise
- Enjoy sunset party and cooking demo
- Have dinner on cruise
- Evening entertainment and squid fishing
Day 3: Lan Ha Bay and return to Hanoi
- Practice Tai Chi on sundeck
- Have breakfast on cruise
- Explore Dark & Bright Cave by bamboo boat
- Relax and check out cabin
- Enjoy buffet lunch on cruise
- Dock at Tuan Chau Harbor and end cruise
- Return to Hanoi by limousine
- Arrive in Hanoi
What’s included
- Roundtrip shuttle bus from Hanoi Old Quarter.
- Junior Suite cabin with private balcony and air-conditioning.
- all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
- kayaking equipment and life jackets.
- bamboo boat rowing at Dark & Bright Cave.
- cycling or electric car tour at Viet Hai Village.
- sunrise Tai Chi demonstration.
- cooking class on the cruise.
- welcome drinks and sunset party with complimentary refreshments.
- English-speaking guide.
- entrance fees and taxes.
Times
- Every day 08:00
Before you book
Operated by Doris Cruise
Prices and times updated yesterday
Traveler reviews
The experience
The day starts with a 2.5-hour shuttle bus pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter at 8am, arriving at the dock by noon. You board the Doris Cruise and settle into your Junior Suite with private balcony, then head straight to Tra Bau for your first kayaking session (the backdrop of Kong Skull Island movie), or use the Jacuzzi on the sundeck if you prefer. Life jackets, towels and dry bags are provided. Sunset brings a cooking demonstration with complimentary cakes, fruit and tea, followed by dinner and evening squid fishing on deck.
Day two splits your time between water and land. After breakfast and optional sunrise Tai Chi, you transfer to a day boat heading to Viet Hai Village. Here you choose: cycle around the village or take an electric car through it. Lunch happens on the day boat, then you kayak around hidden islands in the afternoon and swim at Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches Beach) before returning to the Doris for another sunset party and dinner.
The final morning offers early Tai Chi and breakfast with views of the bay's limestone islets. You explore Dark & Bright Cave by local bamboo boat, rowed by the locals, then return to your cabin to pack. After a final buffet lunch, the shuttle bus takes you back to Hanoi, arriving around 3pm. The itinerary holds tight: every meal, transfer and activity is arranged, so you show up and move through the day without building it yourself.
Is this one for you?Book this cruise if you want to paddle and pedal instead of sit and watch: the kayaking and cycling put you in motion through the landscape, which is what separates a 3-day cruise like this from the versions that keep you on deck. Small groups work best here, since the day boat and kayak sessions operate with a limited number of people at a time.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 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. No refund if you cancel.
What's the difference between kayaking and taking a bamboo boat on this cruise?
Kayaking puts you in control of the paddle at Tra Bau on day one and around the hidden islands on day two. The bamboo boat, rowed by locals, is the option for exploring Dark & Bright Cave on the final morning. Both are included, and you can choose based on the moment and how you feel.
Do I have to cycle at Viet Hai Village or can I skip it?
Cycling is one option on day two. You can choose an electric car tour of Viet Hai Village instead. Both are included in the price, so the choice is yours at the time.
What's included in the meals on the cruise?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served each day. Day one includes a welcome lunch and sunset party with complimentary cakes, fruit and tea. Day two and three follow the same pattern. Drinks in the restaurant and minibar are not included, and you can bring cash if you want to order extras.
How far is Hanoi Old Quarter from the dock, and how long is the bus ride?
The shuttle bus picks you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter at 8am and takes 2.5 hours to reach the dock at Tuan Chau. The return journey on day three follows the same route, arriving back in Hanoi around 3pm.
What should I bring for kayaking and swimming?
Bring a swimsuit, sandals or water shoes, sunglasses, a camera or phone, and warm clothes depending on the weather. The cruise provides life jackets, towels and dry bags to keep your camera and phone safe while you're on the water.
Is there a guide with the group the whole time?
An English-speaking guide is with the cruise throughout the three days, leading the kayaking sessions, the village visit and the cave exploration. The guide is included in the price.
3-day Lan Ha Bay kayaking cruise from Hanoi: Viet Hai Village
3d · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 540 per person
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