Lan Ha Bay Cruise & Viet Hai Village Biking from Hanoi

Summary

Small-Group Lan Ha Bay Kayak & Village Ride with Local Guide

On this Lan Ha Bay cruise with kayaking and biking from Hanoi, you’ll paddle emerald waters, swim at hidden beaches, try your hand at Vietnamese cooking, and cycle through peaceful Viet Hai village with a local guide. Expect real moments—like laughter echoing off cliffs or sunrise over Halong Bay—that’ll stay with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the water to be that green — almost like someone dropped a bucket of jade into Lan Ha Bay. We left Hanoi early (I nearly forgot my hat, classic me), and by noon we were stepping onto this wooden boat at Cai Beo Harbor. Our guide, Minh, had this gentle way of pointing out things you’d never notice: a fisherman waving from a tiny floating house, the way the limestone cliffs seem to lean in when you’re drifting past. Lunch was already waiting — I still remember the taste of that fish, so fresh it almost felt wrong to eat it. But I did anyway.

Kayaking around the bay was both peaceful and kind of hilarious — I kept zigzagging while everyone else glided straight. Minh just grinned and said “more fun this way.” The air smelled salty-sweet, and when we stopped for a swim near Ba Trai Dao beaches, I could hear laughter echoing off the rocks. Later, back on deck, we tried making Vietnamese spring rolls (mine fell apart instantly), but nobody cared. There was this moment at sunset where everything went quiet except for the soft slap of water against the hull — not sure why that stuck with me.

The next morning started early — too early maybe — but seeing dawn break over Halong Bay made up for it. We took a tender out to Ba Ham Lake; paddling through those narrow tunnels felt like sneaking into another world. After lunch (on a smaller boat this time), there was more time to just sit and watch the light change on the water. The second night on board felt different somehow — maybe because everyone started sharing stories over dinner or maybe just because you get used to the gentle rocking after a while.

Biking through Viet Hai village was my favorite part, even though my legs complained about it later. The path wound through Cat Ba National Park; locals smiled as we passed by, sometimes waving or calling out “xin chào!” Li laughed when I tried to say it back in Mandarin — probably butchered it. There’s something about riding past rice fields with mist still hanging low that makes you feel small in a good way. By the time we headed back toward Hanoi, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone in hours — which is rare for me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay Cruise

• Pick up from Hanoi old quarter or opera house
• Pick up from Cai Beo Harbour and check-in onboard
• Lunch on board, cruise through Lan Ha Bay, kayaking, swimming
• Cooking class: Vietnamese spring rolls
• Dinner on board
• Squid fishing and karaoke
• Happy hour on sundeck

Day 2 — Ba Ham Lake Visit and Relax

• Sunrise watching
• Breakfast in quiet bay
• Tender boat to Ba Ham Lake, kayaking and swimming
• Lunch on local tender boat
• Overnight on boat in Lan Ha Bay

Day 3 — Biking Viet Hai Village and Return

• Sunrise watching
• Breakfast in restaurant
• Biking 5km to Viet Hai Village
• Lunch on boat
• Disembark at To Beo Harbor and bus to Hanoi

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Lan Ha Bay cruise?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter or at Hanoi Opera House if you’re staying elsewhere.

How long is the biking trip in Viet Hai village?

The biking route through Viet Hai village is about 5 km and takes roughly half an hour.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Yes, three lunches, two dinners, and two breakfasts are included with local Vietnamese dishes served onboard and on day boats.

Do I need to bring anything special for kayaking or swimming?

You should bring swimwear, sandals or flip flops, sunscreen, towel, hat or umbrella for sun protection, insect spray, and a camera if you like.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

What’s included in the price?

The price covers hotel pickup/drop-off (from Hanoi Old Quarter), all entrance fees and kayaking equipment, English-speaking guide, private cabin with bathroom and air-conditioning on board, all meals listed in itinerary (3 lunches/2 dinners/2 breakfasts), day boat & bike rental on second day.

Can I join if I’m not staying in Hanoi Old Quarter?

Yes—you can meet at Hanoi Opera House before 7:30 AM for pickup if your hotel isn’t in Old Quarter.

Are there any extra charges during Lunar New Year?

A surcharge of 50 USD per person applies during Lunar New Year holidays (Feb 16–20).

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter or Opera House meeting point; all entrance fees; kayaking gear; English-speaking local guide; private cabin with bathroom and air-conditioning; three lunches featuring fresh seafood and local favorites; two dinners including a BBQ option; two breakfasts; use of day boat and bicycle rental for exploring Viet Hai village before returning comfortably to Hanoi by shuttle bus.