Kayaking Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay from Cat Ba

Paddle into caves and lagoons most tour groups skip

Kayak through Lan Ha Bay's rock arches, caves and lagoons on a 6-hour day trip from Cat Ba, then cruise into Ha Long Bay's less-crowded limestone landscape. The itinerary includes a visit to a working fishing village, 1.5 to 2 hours of paddling, lunch on the boat, snorkeling at two beaches and entry to both bays. A live guide in English or Vietnamese leads the group.

The experience

The day starts at 8am from the Cat Ba office with a 5-minute bus ride to the pier. Once on the water, you'll stop at Cai Beo Floating Fishing Village to see how locals fish and live on the bay, then paddle for 1.5 to 2 hours through rock arches and into Dark Cave, Bat Cave and Bright Cave: the exact caves depend on the tide. The paddling takes you through lagoons most day tours avoid, and the route is designed to move at a pace that lets you absorb the scenery instead of rushing between crowded stops.

After the caves, you'll swim and snorkel at Ba Trai Dao Beach, then the boat cruises into Ha Long Bay itself to see the hundred limestone islands from the less-touristy side of the bay. Lunch arrives on the boat at noon: a full meal with bottled water included. On the return to Lan Ha Bay, the route shifts to show you different landscapes, and there's time for another swim at a secluded sandy beach before you're back in Cat Ba town by 3pm to 3:30pm.

Kayaking equipment, snorkeling gear and entry fees to both bays are included in the price. The group size stays small enough that the guide can adjust the paddling pace and cave stops based on conditions and what the group wants to see. A live guide speaks English or Vietnamese throughout the day.

What’s included

• Kayaking equipment including a waterproof bag.
• snorkeling gear.
• lunch with bottled water.
• entry to Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay.
• a live guide in English or Vietnamese.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 23:00

AgesAdult (12 to 63 years) · Senior (64 to 80 years) · Youth (7 to 11 years) · Child (3 to 6 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 35 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Vietnamese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cat Ba Bay

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want a full day exploring caves and secluded islands with a guide steering the route, rather than navigating independently or joining larger group tours.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

4 verified traveler reviews

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: Youth (7 to 11 years); Child (3 to 6 years); Infant (under 3).

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.

How much time do I actually spend kayaking on this trip?

Kayaking takes 1.5 to 2 hours total, paddling through the rock arches and caves in Lan Ha Bay. The exact duration depends on the tide level and which caves are accessible that day. The rest of the 6-hour day includes the fishing village visit, meals, swimming and the cruise through Ha Long Bay.

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

Lan Ha Bay is where you kayak through the caves and lagoons: the quieter, less-crowded part of the limestone landscape. Ha Long Bay is the larger, more famous area you cruise through afterward to see the hundred limestone islands from the less-touristy side. Both are included in the same day.

Do I need to know how to kayak, or is this for beginners?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and does not require kayaking experience. The guide leads the group through the caves and tunnels, and the pace is set to match the group's comfort.

What happens if the tide is too high or too low to enter the caves?

The caves you visit (Dark Cave, Bat Cave and Bright Cave) depend on the tide level that day. The guide will adjust which caves are accessible and may spend more time in the lagoons and rock arches if the tide limits cave entry. You'll still paddle the full 1.5 to 2 hours through the scenic areas.