Lan Ha Bay Snorkeling Tour: Kayak and Swim from Hanoi
A 7,000-year-old fishing village still floats on the water where you kayak.
This full-day snorkeling cruise from Hanoi explores Lan Ha Bay with kayaking, swimming and snorkeling in the less touristy areas, departing from Cat Ba Town or Hai Phong with hotel pickup included. The boat carries under 45 people, and the itinerary can shift to Viet Hai Village or Cat Ba National Park depending on sea conditions and tides. Lunch features fresh Cat Ba seafood and Vietnamese dishes. An English or Vietnamese-speaking guide leads the day on the water.
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Step-by-step itinerary
Lan Ha Bay full-day cruise and activities
- Pick-up at Hanoi Old Quarter hotel
- Pick-up at Serenity Cruises Office Hanoi
- Pick-up at Hai Phong location
- Pick-up from Cat Ba Express office and nearby hotels
- Check-in Serenity Boutique Cruise and welcome drinks
- Cruise past Cai Beo ancient fishing village
- Cruise through Lan Ha Bay emerald waters and islands
- Kayaking at Dark Cave and Bright Cave area
- Return to cruise and relax
- Lunch with fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes
- Cruise to Ba Trai Dao Beach area
- Cruise back to harbour with scenic views
- Sunset party on board
- Arrive at Beo Wharf and end trip
- Return to Hai Phong
- Return to Hanoi
The experience
The boat leaves Beo Wharf at 9:00 AM after pickup from your hotel in Hanoi, Cat Ba Town or Hai Phong. The first stop is Cai Beo, an ancient fishing village where floating houses line the mountainside. Your guide explains how the fishers live and what the water means to them. From there the cruise moves into the core of Lan Ha Bay, where limestone islands rise from emerald water in shapes that shift as you pass them.
At 10:30 AM the boat anchors at Dark Cave and Bright Cave (Sang–Toi Cave), on the border between Halong and Lan Ha Bay. You spend an hour and a half kayaking through the limestone structures and natural habitat there. After kayaking, you return to the cruise, rest, and eat lunch at 12:30 PM. Fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes cooked on board. The crew can prepare vegetarian meals if you request them ahead of time.
The afternoon takes you to Ba Trai Dao Beach, then back toward the harbor on a different route so you see more of the bay's landscape. At 4:00 PM there's a sunset party on deck before arrival at Beo Wharf at 5:00 PM. The return journey to Hanoi takes until 8:20 PM. If you're picked up from Hai Phong or Ninh Binh, arrival times shift accordingly. The itinerary can change to Viet Hai Village or Cat Ba National Park instead of the caves if sea currents, weather or tides make that necessary.
What’s included
- Hotel pickup from Hanoi, Cat Ba Town or Hai Phong.
- round-trip transfer to and from the boat.
- kayak and snorkeling equipment.
- entrance and sightseeing tickets.
- lunch with fresh Cat Ba seafood and Vietnamese dishes (vegetarian meals available on request).
- an experienced guide who speaks English or Vietnamese.
- time kayaking through limestone caves and swimming at Ba Trai Dao Beach.
Options for this experience
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You pick the guide language when booking.
Before you book
Prices and times updated 8 days ago
Operated by Cat Ba Express
Is this one for you?Choose this cruise if you want to snorkel and kayak without fighting the crowds at Ha Long Bay: Lan Ha's less touristy route and small group size mean you spend the day on the water with under 45 people instead of the packed boats elsewhere. The fixed itinerary and included pickup from your hotel means the day holds together without you arranging transport or timing yourself.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Vietnamese.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 8 years); Infant (under 4): 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. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What's the actual snorkeling like in Lan Ha Bay?
Snorkeling happens in the same limestone cave areas where you kayak (Dark Cave and Bright Cave), where the water is clear and the rock formations create natural habitats. The exact snorkeling spots can shift based on sea conditions and tide, and your guide will direct you to the best areas on the day you go.
How much time do I actually spend in the water?
You spend roughly an hour and a half kayaking through the caves and swimming in that area, then have time at Ba Trai Dao Beach in the afternoon. The rest of the day is on the boat traveling between stops, eating, and watching the bay.
Do I need snorkeling experience or my own gear?
No experience is required: the tour suits all fitness levels. The cruise provides kayaks and snorkeling equipment. You don't need to bring your own or know how to snorkel beforehand.
What if the weather or tides change the plan?
The itinerary shifts to Viet Hai Village or Cat Ba National Park instead of Dark and Bright Cave if sea currents, weather or tides make that necessary. Your guide will decide on the day based on conditions.
How many people are on the boat?
The cruise carries under 45 people, though the boat's total capacity is 99. Groups stay small enough that you're not packed in with hundreds of other visitors.
What's included in the price?
Hotel pickup from Hanoi, Cat Ba Town or Hai Phong is included, along with the boat ride, kayak and snorkeling equipment, entrance tickets, lunch with fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes, and an English or Vietnamese-speaking guide. Drinks at the bar are not included.
Lan Ha Bay Snorkeling Tour: Kayak and Swim from Hanoi
15h–16h · EN +1 · at your hotel
from US$ 38 per person
4.91106 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider