Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba Cruise: 2-Day Kayak, Swim & Village Ride

Summary

Kayaking turquoise Lan Ha Bay waters, biking Cat Ba’s hidden village, sleeping on the bay

You’ll paddle through Lan Ha Bay’s calm waters, swim at peaceful Ba Trái Đào Beach, sleep under stars on an overnight cruise, and bike into Viet Hai village where mountain air smells like rain. Expect laughter with locals, real seafood meals, and moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to look left,” our guide Hien said, just as the boat slid past a cluster of jagged limestone islets in Lan Ha Bay. I was still chewing a piece of pineapple from breakfast — sweet and sharp — and honestly, I almost missed it because the whole bay feels like a painting you keep walking into by accident. We’d left Cat Ba Island early (I think it was barely 9am?) but the sun was already making the water that weird blue-green you only see in postcards. There weren’t many other boats around; just a couple of fishermen waving, their voices carrying across the flat water. It felt quieter than I expected for somewhere so close to Halong Bay.

I’m not really a “kayak person” but somehow ended up paddling next to Li from Hanoi who kept pointing out tiny crabs on the rocks — she said they’re good luck if you spot one before lunch. The water near Ba Trái Đào Beach was so clear I could see my own shadow on the sand below. We swam until our fingers wrinkled and then lay back on the soft sand while someone from our group tried (and failed) to open a coconut with a flip-flop. The air smelled faintly salty and green at once — maybe from all that thick jungle behind us? Anyway, lunch on board was mostly seafood, super fresh, and I still think about those grilled prawns.

The next morning felt different. Maybe it was sleeping on the boat (the gentle rocking is better than any white noise app), or maybe just waking up surrounded by all that mist and silence. After breakfast we biked out to Viet Hai village — it’s tucked between mountains and jungle so thick you’d swear you were in another world. The local kids waved as we passed and Hien told us how people here still use traditional bamboo houses because storms can get wild in winter. My legs were jelly after all that cycling but nobody seemed to mind; someone started singing quietly and for a second it felt like time slowed down.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lan Ha Bay kayaking and swimming

• Explore Cat Ba Island
• Cruise Lan Ha Bay
• Swim at Ba Trái Đào Beach
• Kayak in Lan Ha Bay
• Overnight on cruise

Day 2 — Biking Viet Hai Village

• Breakfast on cruise
• Bike to Viet Hai Village
• Explore Viet Hai Village
• Lunch on cruise

Top questions

Is Lan Ha Bay less crowded than Halong Bay?

Yes, Lan Ha Bay is quieter with fewer tourists compared to Halong Bay.

Does this tour include kayaking in Lan Ha Bay?

Yes, kayaking in Lan Ha Bay is part of the itinerary.

Where do you sleep during the tour?

You spend one night onboard an overnight cruise in Lan Ha Bay.

Is swimming possible at Ba Trái Đào Beach?

Yes, swimming is included at Ba Trái Đào Beach during the tour.

Do you visit any villages on Cat Ba Island?

Yes, there’s a biking trip to Viet Hai village included.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

Dinner and breakfast are included during your overnight stay.

Is hotel pickup included?

The tour includes pickup options nearby via public transportation.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels except pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your two days include overnight cabin accommodation sharing with others aboard the cruise, kayaking gear for exploring Lan Ha Bay’s quiet corners, dinner and breakfast with plenty of fresh seafood options, plus time for swimming at Ba Trái Đào Beach and biking through Viet Hai village before heading back toward Cat Ba Island by boat.