Lan Ha Bay: Kayaking, Biking & Overnight Cruise Less Crowded

Summary

Kayak wild caves bike Cat Ba village sleep on the bay

You’ll leave Hanoi behind for two days of kayaking in quiet Lan Ha Bay waters, swimming off hidden beaches, sharing laughs over local food on your overnight cruise, and biking through Cat Ba Island’s Viet Hai Village with locals waving as you pass by. It’s not rushed or crowded—it’s just you soaking up new sights and stories at your own pace.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left the chaos of Hanoi’s Old Quarter when I realized how much I needed this break. The bus ride out to Beo Harbour was longer than I expected (I think I dozed off for part of it), but stepping onto the Venezia Cruise boat felt like switching worlds. Our guide, Minh, handed me a drink and grinned—he said something about “quiet water” and honestly, he was right. The limestone cliffs in Lan Ha Bay looked almost fake at first, all jagged and green against the water. Lunch was served as we started moving—fish with ginger, something pickled that woke me up. I remember thinking: this is way less crowded than what people say about Halong.

The kayaking bit was my favorite. Paddling into one of those shadowy caves—cool air, water slapping under the hull—I kept bumping into my partner’s paddle (sorry again). Minh pointed out some tiny crabs clinging to the rocks; I never would’ve noticed them. After that we just floated for a while, letting the silence sink in. Later we swam off the boat—cold at first but then perfect—and someone did a cannonball that made everyone laugh. Sunset hit different here: orange light bouncing off every rock, and you could hear someone singing softly from another boat nearby.

Dinner was loud in that good way—clinking bowls and stories from other travelers. The chef showed us how to roll spring rolls (I failed spectacularly; Minh laughed and said “practice!”). Some folks tried squid fishing after, but honestly I just wanted to sit on deck with a drink and watch the bay go dark. There’s karaoke if you’re brave enough (I wasn’t). My cabin had this big window; woke up early to catch sunrise colors spilling over the water—still half asleep but didn’t want to miss it.

Biking through Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island was slower than I thought it’d be—nobody rushed us. We passed locals waving from their porches, chickens darting around, kids yelling hello (“xin chào!”). Stopped for a foot massage that left me kind of giggly (ticklish feet), then tried some homemade rice wine that burned going down but tasted sweet after. I still think about that valley: green everywhere, mist clinging to the hillsides. The ride back felt quieter somehow—not sad exactly, just full.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay cruise and activities

• Collect from Hanoi Old Quarter
• Transfer to Beo Harbour, Cat Ba
• Board Venezia cruise by tender
• Welcome drink and safety briefing
• Lunch onboard cruise
• Cruise through limestone karsts
• Kayak at Ba Trai Dao Beach
• Swim in crystal clear waters
• Watch sunset from cruise deck
• Join traditional cooking class
• Dinner onboard cruise
• Night squid fishing and karaoke
• Overnight on Venezia cruise

Day 2 — Viet Hai Village visit and return

• Enjoy sunrise and coffee in cabin
• Light breakfast onboard
• Transfer to Viet Hai Village by tender
• Bicycle ride through rainforest tunnel
• Visit traditional house and village
• Return to cruise and check out
• Lunch while cruising back
• Disembark at quay side
• Farewell at port
• Return to Hanoi drop-off point

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Lan Ha Bay overnight cruise?

Yes, pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels is included at 7:00 AM.

How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay?

The drive from Hanoi to Beo Harbour takes about 4–4.5 hours including stops.

What activities are included during the Venezia Cruise?

You’ll kayak in Lan Ha Bay, swim at beaches, join a cooking class onboard, bike in Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island, try squid fishing at night, and can enjoy karaoke.

Are meals provided during this 2 day 1 night tour?

Yes—lunch and dinner are served on Day 1; breakfast and brunch are included on Day 2.

Is this cruise less crowded than Halong Bay tours?

Yes—the route goes through quieter areas of Lan Ha Bay with fewer boats than Halong Bay itself.

Can I choose between biking or riding an electric car in Viet Hai Village?

Yes—you can bike or take an electric car through the rainforest tunnel to Viet Hai Village.

Are there vegetarian options available for meals?

The tour offers various dishes; let them know your dietary needs when booking so they can accommodate you.

What type of cabins are available on Venezia Cruises?

All cabins have large windows facing the bay scenery; rooms are spacious and comfortable for overnight stay.

What’s included

Your trip includes pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels by bus, all entrance fees along Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island routes, kayaking gear for exploring quiet caves and islets with your local guide Minh (or whoever’s leading), swimming stops at uncrowded beaches, a traditional cooking demonstration onboard with dinner and breakfast provided by the crew (plus happy hour if you’re feeling social), bikes or electric car transport into Viet Hai Village where you’ll meet locals and try homemade rice wine—and yes, there’s karaoke if you want it before heading back to Hanoi in comfort.