Kayaking Lan Ha Bay from Cat Ba: Caves, beaches, lunch

Six to eight hours paddling through limestone caves, hidden lagoons and quiet beaches

Kayak from Cat Ba Island into Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay, paddling through Bright and Dark Caves and exploring secluded beaches only reachable by water. The day includes lunch on the boat, snorkeling equipment, towels and an English-speaking guide. Children from age 2 are welcome. The itinerary mixes paddling, swimming and time to rest on sand.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Ha Long Bay2h · entry included
2. Lan Ha Bay2h · entry included

Boat tour and Lan Ha Bay exploration

• Kayak through Bright and Dark Caves
• Lunch on the boat
• Visit Viet Hai ancient village
• Bike and relax in Viet Hai village
• Enjoy sunset party on return
• Van drop-off at accommodation

The experience

The morning starts with paddling toward Bright and Dark Caves, where you navigate through limestone tunnels and lagoons by kayak. The caves are only accessible from the water, so the kayak is what gets you into corners the tour boats cannot reach. After paddling, you return to the main boat for lunch served on deck.

The afternoon shifts to Lan Ha Bay for swimming and sunbathing on pristine beaches. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and towels come with the booking. The return journey includes a sunset party on the water before the van drops you back at your accommodation on Cat Ba Island. An English-speaking guide leads the full day and manages the pace between paddling, swimming and rest.

What’s included

• Lunch served on the boat.
• snorkeling equipment and towels.
• a dry bag for your gear.
• an English-speaking guide for the full day.
• van drop-off to your accommodation at the end.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Youth (6 to 11 years) · Child (2 to 5 years)

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “The meeting point is next to The One Hostel, where there is a sign for our trip. Our manager, Le Tung, will greet you, and then we’ll head to the pier to start the journey.”

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 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cat Ba Bay

Is this one for you?The day runs six to eight hours with paddling in the morning and swimming in the afternoon, so you're in and out of the kayak rather than paddling the whole time. If you want to explore the caves and beaches without a full-day commitment or back-to-back paddling, this split pace fits the schedule.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 11 years); Child (2 to 5 years).

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 are Bright and Dark Caves like when you paddle through them?

Bright and Dark Caves are limestone formations in Ha Long Bay accessible only by kayak. You paddle through tunnels and into lagoons surrounded by the rock formations. The caves are the centerpiece of the morning paddling section.

How much time do I spend actually kayaking versus swimming and relaxing?

The morning focuses on paddling through the caves and lagoons. After lunch on the boat, the afternoon shifts to Lan Ha Bay where you swim and sunbathe on the beaches. The guide sets the pace and you control how long you stay in the water.

Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is included in the booking, along with towels and a dry bag for your belongings.

What happens if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You control your time in the water, and the guide is present throughout the day. Snorkeling and swimming are optional. You can stay on the beach or the boat if you prefer.

Does the tour include transportation from my hotel?

A van drop-off to your accommodation is included at the end of the day. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need to reach the departure point on Cat Ba Island.