Lan Ha Bay Day Cruise: Kayak, Swim & Viet Hai Village Tour

Summary

Lan ha bay cruise day trip with kayaking swimming village walk lunch from hanoi or hai phong

You’ll leave Hanoi behind for a full day on Lan Ha Bay—kayaking emerald waters, swimming off the boat, wandering through Viet Hai Village by bike or electric car, and sharing laughter over lunch with new friends. The moments feel unhurried and real; you might even surprise yourself by jumping into the bay or chatting with locals along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget that first moment the bus left Hanoi’s noise behind and we hit the long bridge out toward Hai Phong — suddenly it was all open water and salt air, way quieter than I expected. The driver nodded at me in the mirror like he’d seen a thousand nervous city folks do this before. It was early but I could smell coffee somewhere on board, and I just watched the green hills get closer. Not sure why that sticks with me.

Our guide, Minh, had this gentle way of explaining things without making it feel like school — he pointed out Cai Beo fishing village as we cruised past, houses floating right against the cliffs. He told us it’s been here for thousands of years. I tried to picture living out there; honestly can’t imagine it. Lunch came quick after that (the rice was sticky in a good way), and someone at our table tried to guess what half the dishes were — Minh laughed and said his grandma would be proud if we finished everything.

After lunch we docked at Viet Hai Village. Biking through those narrow paths between palms felt surreal — chickens darting everywhere, old men waving from their porches. There was this odd little moment where you dip your feet in tanks for a fish massage; it tickled more than anything but everyone ended up giggling like kids. Later we kayaked under these limestone arches in Lan Ha Bay — water so green it looked fake in photos — and people started jumping off the boat just because they could. I hesitated but eventually went for it (cold shock, then total joy). The sun started dropping fast after that, lighting up all those jagged islands in gold. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck on the subway back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lan Ha Bay full-day cruise and activities

• Get picked up in Hanoi Old Quarter
• Travel via 5B expressway to Hai Phong
• Take ferry from Got port to Cai Vieng
• Drive scenic road to Cat Ba Pearl Island
• View Cai Beo ancient fishing village
• Enjoy panoramic cruise through Lan Ha Bay
• Welcome drink and tour briefing on Serenity Cruise
• Buffet lunch on board
• Sail to Viet Hai Port and disembark
• Take electric car or bicycle to Viet Hai Village
• Experience fish-foot massage and village walk
• Kayaking and swimming in Lan Ha Bay
• Relax on top deck with drinks
• Enjoy small sunset party with fruit and tea
• Return to Beo Dock and board bus to Hanoi
• Arrive back at Hanoi Old Quarter

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Lan Ha Bay day tour?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter or select locations in Hai Phong or Cat Ba Town.

What activities are offered on this Lan Ha Bay cruise?

The tour includes kayaking, swimming, boat-jumping, sliding from the top deck, biking or electric car ride in Viet Hai Village, and a fish-foot massage.

How long does the full-day tour last?

The tour starts around 7:00 am with return to Hanoi Old Quarter by about 8:30 pm.

Is lunch provided during the cruise?

Yes, lunch is served on board Serenity Cruise (buffet for groups of 40+ guests).

Are guides available in English?

Yes, experienced Vietnamese/English-speaking guides are provided on board.

Can children join this Lan Ha Bay day trip?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Got Port near Hai Phong after road transfer from Hanoi or other pickup points.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfers from Hanoi Old Quarter (or Hai Phong city or Cat Ba Town), all entrance and sightseeing tickets for Lan Ha Bay and Viet Hai Village, use of kayaks and swimming gear (life jackets recommended), a welcome drink when boarding Serenity Cruise, buffet or set-menu lunch on board depending on group size, bottled water along the way, plus guidance throughout from an experienced Vietnamese/English-speaking local guide before returning to your hotel in the evening.