Lan Ha Bay day cruise from Cat Ba: Kayaking and swimming

Paddle through limestone karsts, then swim in Lan Ha Bay's clear water

A day cruise from Cat Ba explores Lan Ha Bay, an extension of Halong Bay, with two kayaking trips, swimming, lunch and a sunset party on deck. The itinerary shifts with the season: winter runs include Bright Cave and a floating village. Summer adds a trip through Cat Ba National Park to Viet Hai Village. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with an English-speaking guide, towels and a 4-season jacuzzi on board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Luxury Day Cruise in Lan Ha Bay

• Pick up from Cat Ba hotels
• Transfer to Beo Harbor
• Board the cruise
• Explore floating village or Viet Hai Village
• Kayak or electric car ride through scenic areas
• Enjoy fresh seafood lunch
• Swim or relax on sundeck
• Second kayaking or paddle through lagoons
• Enjoy sunset party with snacks and drinks
• Return to pier and transfer to hotel

The experience

The boat leaves Beo Harbor after an 8:00 AM pickup from your Cat Ba hotel and spends the full day on the water. Winter departures (September to April) visit Cai Beo floating village, which has existed for 7,000 years, then paddle through Bright Cave: a 100-meter passage with a 4-meter entrance where Halong and Lan Ha meet. Summer trips (May to August) take a different route: an electric car ride through Cat Ba National Park leads to Viet Hai Village, where you can learn about local life and try an optional fish massage. Both seasons include two separate kayaking sessions, so you get time to explore the limestone landscape at your own pace rather than watching it pass from the deck.

Lunch is fresh seafood and local specialties served on the cruise. Afterward, you swim in the bay or relax on the sundeck, then enjoy a water slide and the heated 4-season jacuzzi. The day ends with a sunset party on deck (tea, snacks, cake and fruit) before the boat returns to the pier around 5:30 PM (winter) or 3:30 PM (summer) and transfers you back to your hotel.

The cruise holds small groups and welcomes children from age 2. Dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free can be arranged if you note them at booking. Towels are provided, and the guide speaks English throughout the day.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cat Ba Town Center.
• welcome drink and towels.
• entrance fees to Lan Ha Bay attractions.
• Vietnamese seafood lunch on the cruise.
• two kayaking sessions.
• swimming access and water slide.
• heated 4-season jacuzzi.
• sunset party with tea, snacks, cake and fresh fruit.
• English-speaking guide for the full day.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to11h before

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Child (2 to 5 years)

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Authentic Travel VIETNAM

Is this one for you?Book this if you want kayaking, swimming, and lunch combined in one departure from Cat Ba Island. Choose it over separate bookings when you need everything scheduled together in a single day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 5 years).

What is Cai Beo floating village like, and do we spend much time there?

Cai Beo is a 7,000-year-old floating village in Lan Ha Bay. The winter itinerary includes a visit to explore the village and its unique way of life on the water, though the exact duration depends on the day's flow and sea conditions.

Can I kayak if I've never done it before?

Yes. The tour includes two kayaking sessions designed for all fitness levels, and the guide is there to help. You can also skip kayaking and stay on the boat or in the water if you prefer.

What's the difference between the winter and summer schedules?

Winter (September to April) visits Bright Cave and Cai Beo floating village, while summer (May to August) includes an electric car ride through Cat Ba National Park to Viet Hai Village. Summer trips also end earlier, around 3:30 PM instead of 5:30 PM, and skip the sunset party.

Is the 4-season jacuzzi really heated year-round?

Yes, the jacuzzi on board is heated and available throughout the day. It's one of the perks included with your cruise ticket.

What time does the boat return, and can I leave early?

Winter departures return around 5:30 PM. Summer trips return around 3:30 PM. If you need to return to Beo Harbor or Cat Ba Town before 4:00 PM (winter) or 3:00 PM (summer), the operator can arrange an earlier departure.