Lan Ha Bay Cruise: Kayaking, Viet Hai Village & Cooking Class

Summary

Lan Ha Bay’s quiet corners, kayaking & village life with food and laughter

You’ll drift through Lan Ha Bay’s peaceful waters with a small group, kayak hidden coves, join a Vietnamese cooking class on deck, and cycle into Viet Hai village for real glimpses of daily life. With all meals included and hotel pickup from Hanoi, it’s an easy way to sink into local rhythms—just don’t blame me if you keep thinking about that sunrise view later.

What’s the experience like?

“You really think we’ll see that many islands?” That’s what I asked our guide as we left Cat Ba port and the Venezia Cruises boat slid into Lan Ha Bay. The water was so still you could see every cloud doubled up. We’d barely finished the welcome drink when someone pointed out a fisherman in a tiny boat waving — his hat looked too big for his head. Lunch was served before I even realized I was hungry; the lemongrass scent hit first, then the clatter of chopsticks. It felt like the whole bay belonged to us — not another cruise in sight, just limestone cliffs and those weirdly perfect little beaches.

I didn’t expect kayaking to be so… quiet. Just the sound of paddles tapping water and my friend laughing because she can’t steer straight (sorry Linh). The sun was warm but not punishing, and when we jumped in for a swim at Ba Trai Dao beach, the salt stung my lips — in a good way. Back on board, our chef set up for a cooking class on deck. He showed us how to roll spring rolls; mine looked sad but he just grinned and said “practice.” Later, happy hour meant fresh fruit and some kind of local wine that went straight to my head (in a fun way). Karaoke after dinner got loud — apparently “My Heart Will Go On” is universal.

The next morning I woke up early by accident — sunrise through the cabin window is hard to ignore. Breakfast was light but enough, coffee strong enough to wake me up properly. We took a tender out to Viet Hai village on Cat Ba Island; biking through that green tunnel of rainforest felt like being inside some old movie. Met an older woman weaving baskets who let me try (I failed miserably). Kids waved from the schoolyard, shouting “hello!” in chorus. Someone offered us fish foot massage — it tickled more than I want to admit. The ride back felt quieter somehow; maybe everyone was just thinking about what they’d seen.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay cruise

• Bus pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter
• Transfer to Venezia cruise by tender
• Check in and welcome drink onboard
• Lunch while cruising limestone karsts
• Cruise to Ba Trai Dao beach area
• Kayaking or swimming in Lan Ha Bay
• Sunset watching on sundeck
• Join traditional cooking class
• Happy hour with fresh fruits
• Dinner onboard with local food
• Night squid fishing and karaoke

Day 2 — Viet Hai Village and return

• Sunrise viewing and light breakfast
• Visit Viet Hai Village by tender
• Bicycle or electric car tour in village
• Meet locals and visit traditional house
• Return to cruise and check out
• Lunch while cruising back
• Disembark at quay side
• Transfer back to Hanoi

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Lan Ha Bay cruise?

Yes, pickup from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter is included before transfer to Cat Ba port.

What activities are part of this Venezia Cruises tour?

You’ll kayak or swim at Ba Trai Dao beach, join a cooking class on board, bike or take an electric car to Viet Hai village, try squid fishing and karaoke at night.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

All meals—lunches, dinner and breakfast—are provided on board with local dishes featured.

How many people are usually in each group?

The cruise runs with very small groups for a more relaxed experience away from crowds.

Can I choose between biking or electric car at Viet Hai village?

Yes—you can either bike or use an electric car for the visit through Cat Ba island’s rainforest tunnel to Viet Hai village.

Is this cruise suitable for families or less active travelers?

Yes—the tour is suitable for all fitness levels and infants can sit on an adult’s lap during transfers.

What’s included

Your trip includes hotel pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter, all entrance fees along the route through Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island, kayaking or swimming time at quiet beaches, guided cycling (or electric car) tour into Viet Hai village with local encounters and even a quirky fish foot massage stop—plus all meals on board featuring Vietnamese flavors before returning you safely back in Hanoi by late afternoon.