Lan Ha Bay: Kayak, Swim & Seafood Lunch with Local Guide

Summary

Kayaking and swimming in Lan Ha Bay’s peaceful corners with a local

You’ll kayak through quiet lagoons in Lan Ha Bay with a local guide, explore floating villages, swim at secluded beaches like Bai Mieu, and share a fresh seafood lunch on deck. With small groups and peaceful scenery away from crowds, it’s an easygoing day you’ll remember long after you’ve rinsed off the salt.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way our guide, Minh, grinned when he handed me the paddle — “You’ll get wet,” he warned, but I was already rolling up my sleeves. We’d just left Cat Ba town behind in this creaky but comfortable boat, and the air smelled faintly of salt and engine oil. There were only a handful of us on board, mostly swapping shy hellos. Minh pointed out clusters of floating houses as we drifted past; one fisherman waved back with a cigarette dangling from his mouth. It felt like we were sneaking into someone’s backyard, honestly.

I didn’t expect the silence out on Lan Ha Bay — it’s not that far from Halong but somehow feels like another world. The water was glassy green under low clouds, and every so often you’d hear a splash echo off those limestone karsts. When we slid into our kayaks near a little cove (I think Minh called it Bai Mieu Beach?), I could smell wet stone and something sweet from the mangroves. Paddling through an archway was trickier than it looked; I bumped my kayak against the wall and Minh laughed — “Everyone does that.” He showed us how to spot tiny crabs clinging to the rocks. My arms burned after an hour but I didn’t care.

Lunch was simple: grilled fish, rice, some kind of tangy soup that Minh’s aunt apparently makes for all their tours. We ate on deck while watching clouds shift over the bay — there was this moment where everything went quiet except for chopsticks tapping bowls. Afterward we swam at a sandy patch no one else seemed to know about; the sand stuck between my toes for hours. On the way back to Cat Ba, I sat by the rail just letting the wind dry my hair and thinking about how different Lan Ha Bay felt from what I’d pictured — softer somehow, less showy than Halong but more real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lan Ha Bay Kayaking and Cruise

• Kayak through caves with stalactites
• Visit beautiful island surrounded by water
• Kayak and swim in less touristy bay
• Cruise Lan Ha Bay, lunch on boat, swim at secluded beach

Top questions

Is kayaking experience required for this Lan Ha Bay tour?

No previous kayaking experience is needed; your local guide will help you get started and keep things relaxed.

Does this day trip include lunch?

Yes, a seafood lunch prepared by a local chef is included on board during your cruise.

Are there swimming opportunities during the tour?

Yes, you’ll have time to swim at secluded sandy beaches such as Bai Mieu Beach.

How long does the Lan Ha Bay day trip last?

The tour typically departs around midday from Cat Ba town and returns by 5pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

The tour includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from Cat Ba town or nearby areas.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

Infants and small children can join with a pram or stroller; families are welcome.

Are there options for travelers with limited mobility?

The boat is wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from Cat Ba town or nearby spots, all kayaking equipment provided by your local guide, time for swimming at quiet beaches like Bai Mieu, plus a fresh seafood lunch prepared right on board before heading back in the afternoon.