Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba: Kayak, Trek & Cruise Quiet Routes

Summary

Quiet mornings on the bay, village cycling, fresh seafood lunches and peaceful kayaking far from crowds

You’ll drift through Lan Ha Bay’s calm waters by kayak, trek Cat Ba’s forest trails for sweeping views, share meals with locals on shore, and cycle shaded paths to hidden villages—all far from the crowds. Expect salty air mornings and quiet nights under stars; if you’re lucky, maybe even homemade rice wine shared by a stranger.

What’s the experience like?

“If you want to see the real bay, we go this way,” our guide Minh grinned as we left Tuan Chau behind. He was right — after a couple hours rolling out of Hanoi (with a pit stop for strong coffee that still lingers in my memory), we boarded the Vega Legend and the usual tourist chaos just... faded out. The boat’s deck smelled like salt and pineapple juice. Lunch was already waiting — tofu with lemongrass for me — while limestone islands slid past in that dreamy haze you only get near Lan Ha Bay. I kept staring at the water thinking, is this really happening? It didn’t feel crowded or forced. Just us, some friendly crew who always seemed to know when I needed more tea, and a lot of sea air.

The first time I dipped a paddle into those green channels, Minh called out for us to follow him through what looked like a crack in the rocks. “Careful—crabs sometimes sunbathe here!” he joked. We glided under a low grotto into a quiet lagoon where even our voices sounded soft. The only other sounds were birds and someone laughing from another kayak (I think they almost tipped over). Later, sunset turned everything gold while we tried making spring rolls on deck — mine fell apart but tasted fine anyway. Night brought squid fishing (I caught nothing) and quiet talks with other travelers under a sky full of stars.

Next morning was all about Cat Ba Island. The hike up Ngu Lam Peak wasn’t easy (my legs complained), but Minh kept us going with stories about his childhood here and how the forest changes in rainy season. At the top you could see Lan Ha Bay spread out forever — blue water dotted with boats so tiny they looked like toys. We met an old fisherman on the trail who offered us green tea from his thermos; it tasted earthy and sweet somehow. After lunch at a local spot (rice, fish, lots of chili), we wandered along the cliffs between Cat Co beaches — wind in our faces, kids waving from mopeds down below.

On our last day we cycled to Viet Hai village through shady paths lined with bamboo and banana trees. A woman waved us into her house to show off her homemade rice wine; Li laughed when I tried to say thank you in Vietnamese — probably butchered it but she just smiled wider. Riding back felt slow in that good way where you want time to stretch out longer than it ever does on these trips. Even now I keep thinking about those quiet corners of Lan Ha Bay most people never see.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay cruise and kayaking

• Pick up from Hanoi hotel
• Drive to Ha Long city with break
• Arrive at Tuan Chau wharf
• Board Vega Legend cruise and welcome drink
• Enjoy lunch on board
• Cruise Ha Long Bay to Lan Ha Bay
• Kayak in Lan Ha Bay and visit fishing villages
• Swim and relax on secluded beaches
• Enjoy sunset, cooking class, and dinner
• Optional squid fishing at night
• Overnight on cruise in Lan Ha Bay

Day 2 — Trekking Cat Ba Island and return to cruise

• Sunrise on sun deck and buffet breakfast
• Tender boat to Cat Ba Island
• Drive to National Park for trekking
• Trek to Ngu Lam peak for panoramic views
• Visit Trung Trang and hospital caves
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Walk cliff path from Cat Co 1 to Cat Co 3 beach
• Swim and relax on Cat Co 3 beach
• Return by boat to cruise
• Enjoy kayaking or swimming from cruise
• Dinner and optional night fishing on board
• Overnight on cruise

Day 3 — Cycling Viet Hai village and return to Hanoi

• Breakfast with bay sunrise
• Tender boat to Viet Hai dock
• Cycle 30 minutes to Viet Hai village
• Visit local house and school
• Cycle back and tender to cruise
• Relax or swim on board
• Check out and cruise through limestone islands
• Enjoy buffet lunch on board
• Arrive Ha Long dock and disembark
• Drive back to Hanoi
• Drop off at hotel or Vega office

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba tour?

Yes, pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels is included in your booking.

How long is the drive from Hanoi to Ha Long?

It takes about 3 hours by bus or minivan from Hanoi to Tuan Chau wharf.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available during the cruise?

Yes, vegetarian or vegan food can be provided if you request it in advance.

What activities are included—kayaking or trekking?

You’ll kayak hidden lagoons in Lan Ha Bay and trek up Ngu Lam Peak on Cat Ba Island.

How many nights do we sleep on the boat?

You spend two nights onboard the Vega Legend cruise with ocean-view cabins.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The itinerary is suitable for most fitness levels; trekking is moderate but can be adjusted as needed.

Are children or infants allowed on this trip?

Yes, infants can join if seated on an adult’s lap; prams or strollers are welcome onboard.

Do we visit any local villages during the tour?

You’ll cycle to Viet Hai village on Cat Ba Island and may visit local homes or schools there.

What’s included

Your days include hotel pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, all entry fees for Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island attractions, kayaking equipment, guided trekking and cycling tours with an English-speaking guide throughout, two nights aboard the Vega Legend cruise with ocean-view cabins plus all meals—freshly cooked lunch and dinner each day—and return transport back to Hanoi at journey’s end.