Lan Ha Bay Day Cruise: Kayak, Swim & Seafood Lunch from Cat Ba

Summary

Lan Ha Bay day trip with kayaking, swimming and seafood lunch

You’ll start your Lan Ha Bay day trip with hotel pickup from Hanoi or Cat Ba before boarding a boutique cruise past ancient fishing villages and limestone islands. Kayak through caves, swim off white-sand beaches, and enjoy a seafood lunch on deck with new friends. There’s laughter, quiet moments, and that feeling of drifting far from busy streets—something you might want to hold onto long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely stepped onto the boat at Beo Wharf when our guide, Minh, grinned and handed me a tiny cup of something sweet and herbal — “welcome tea,” he said. I tried to thank him in Vietnamese (not my strong suit), which made him laugh so hard he nearly dropped the tray. The sun was already warming the deck, but there was still this faint salt-and-motor smell from the harbor. It felt like everyone on board was half awake but excited — you could tell by how people kept pointing at the floating houses drifting past as we cruised out of Cat Ba toward Lan Ha Bay.

I didn’t expect to feel so quiet watching Cai Beo fishing village slip by. Minh told us it’s been here for thousands of years — I watched an old woman in a conical hat wave from her porch, chickens pecking right on her floating plank. The limestone islands started rising up all around us, green and jagged against that unreal blue-green water. When we stopped near Dark & Bright Cave for kayaking, I dipped my hand in and it felt cool and silky. Paddling under those arches, everything echoed: birds overhead, someone laughing behind me when their kayak spun sideways. It’s easy to lose track of time out there.

Lunch back on the Serenity Premium Cruise was noisy in a good way — bowls clinking, people trading stories about who got stuck in the mangroves (me). The seafood was so fresh it almost tasted sweet; I still think about those little fried fish with chili dipping sauce. After eating way too much rice, we headed to Ba Trai Dao Beach for swimming. The sand was soft but gritty between my toes and the water clearer than any pool I’ve seen. Some folks tried snorkeling (tide was just right), others just floated quietly or took photos — nobody seemed rushed.

On the way back, Minh poured us something cold for the “sunset party” — though honestly it was more like everyone just leaning on the railings watching light shift across all those islands. Someone played music from their phone but mostly it was just wind and voices. We docked again at Beo Wharf as dusk settled in; Minh waved goodbye like we were old friends already. I keep thinking about that peaceful stretch of water behind us — not sure photos do it justice.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lan Ha Bay day tour from Hanoi

• Pick up at Hanoi Old Quarter 6:00 am
• Pick up at Hai Phong 6:30 am
• Pick up from Cat Ba Express office 8:15 am
• Check-in Serenity Premium Cruise 9:00 am
• Cruise past Cai Beo fishing village
• Explore emerald waters and rocky islands
• Kayak at Dark Cave and Bright Cave area
• Relax on cruise after kayaking
• Lunch with fresh seafood and Vietnamese food
• Swim and snorkel at Ba Trai Dao Beach
• Cruise back admiring Lan Ha Bay scenery
• Sunset party on board 16:00
• Arrive at Beo Wharf 17:00
• Return to Hai Phong 18:45
• Arrive back in Hanoi 20:20

Top questions

How long is the Lan Ha Bay day tour from Cat Ba?

The tour lasts about 8-9 hours including transfers—departing around 9:00 am from Cat Ba and returning by late afternoon or early evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this Lan Ha Bay cruise?

Yes, hotel pickup is included from Hanoi Old Quarter or central Cat Ba hotels along 1/4 Street area.

What activities are included on this Lan Ha Bay day trip?

The tour includes kayaking at Dark & Bright Cave area, swimming at Ba Trai Dao Beach (Three Peach Islets), snorkeling if tides allow, plus sightseeing on the cruise.

Is lunch provided during the Lan Ha Bay cruise?

Yes, a traditional Vietnamese lunch with fresh seafood is served onboard; vegetarian requests can be accommodated if notified in advance.

How many people are on the boat during this tour?

The group size is limited to under 45 guests even though the boat can fit up to 99 people.

Where does the cruise depart from in Cat Ba?

The boat departs from Beo Wharf in Cat Ba Island after pickup at designated hotels or offices nearby.

Can children join this Lan Ha Bay day tour?

Yes, children including infants are welcome; prams/strollers can be used onboard and infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Are guides English-speaking?

An experienced English-speaking guide leads the tour throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfers from Hanoi or Cat Ba hotels, all entrance fees for Lan Ha Bay sights, kayaking gear for exploring caves, time for swimming or snorkeling depending on tides, a full Vietnamese seafood lunch served onboard (vegetarian options available), plus friendly guidance from an English-speaking local guide before returning comfortably by evening.