Lan Ha Bay Overnight Cruise: Kayaking, Cycling & Local Food

Summary

2-Day Lan Ha Bay Tour with Kayak, Swim & Viet Hai Village Bike Ride

If you want more than just sightseeing—a real taste of local life on Lan Ha Bay—this overnight cruise packs in kayaking, cycling through hidden villages, home-cooked meals, and plenty of chances to meet travelers from everywhere. You’ll come home with sandy feet and some new recipes too.

What’s the experience like?

It’s just after sunrise when I find myself weaving through the narrow streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, suitcase rolling behind me. The city’s already buzzing—vendors setting up, the smell of strong coffee in the air. Our guide waves us over by the Opera House, and before long we’re on the shuttle heading east. The drive to Cat Ba Island is a patchwork of rice fields and misty hills. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch glimpses of water buffalo plodding along the roadside.

By noon, we’re stepping onto the boat at Cai Beo harbor. There’s a salty breeze and a bit of chatter from other travelers—some from France, others from Korea. Lunch is served as we glide into Lan Ha Bay: platters of shrimp, crispy spring rolls, and steamed fish that tastes like it was caught that morning. I grab a seat by the window; limestone islands drift past like green giants.

The afternoon is for kayaking around Cua Van area. The water’s calm—almost glassy—and you can hear nothing but your paddle dipping in and out. Sometimes a fisherman will wave from his floating house. Later, back on board, there’s time for swimming (and if you’re feeling brave, jumping off the top deck). I tried it—cold shock at first but worth it for the laughs.

As dusk falls, we gather for a cooking class on deck—rolling up fresh Vietnamese spring rolls while swapping stories with fellow guests. Dinner is another feast: grilled squid, tangy salads, sticky rice. Some folks head off to try their luck at squid fishing; others belt out karaoke classics under fairy lights strung across the sundeck. There’s even a happy hour if you fancy a drink before bed.

The next morning comes early—noisy gulls overhead and a hint of sunrise peeking through clouds (though in winter it can be pretty grey). After breakfast, we hop over to Viet Hai village by bike. It’s about 5km each way along quiet paths shaded by bamboo and banana trees. A few locals wave as we pass; chickens dart across the road now and then.

Lunch back on board is simple but good—think stir-fried veggies and sweet pineapple for dessert. By midday we’re docking at Beo Harbor again. The bus ride back to Hanoi is sleepy; most people nod off or scroll through photos of emerald waters and new friends made along the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay Cruise

• Pick up from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels
• Check-in onboard at Cai Beo Harbour
• Lunch and cruise through Lan Ha Bay with kayaking and swimming
• Cooking class: Vietnamese spring roll
• Dinner on board
• Squid fishing and karaoke
• Happy hour on sundeck

Day 2 — Biking Viet Hai Village and Return

• Sunrise viewing on the boat
• Breakfast on board
• Biking 5km to Viet Hai Village
• Lunch on board and disembark at Beo Harbor
• Bus transfer back to Hanoi

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?

Absolutely! Many guests join solo—it’s easy to make friends onboard during activities like cooking class or karaoke night.

What should I bring for this trip?

You’ll want swimwear, sunscreen, comfy shoes or sandals for biking and walking around villages, insect spray (especially in summer), plus a light jacket if traveling in winter months.

I have dietary restrictions—can meals be adjusted?

Please let us know your needs when booking; our kitchen team can usually accommodate vegetarian or allergy-friendly options with advance notice.

How physically demanding are the activities?

The kayaking is relaxed and biking route is mostly flat—fine for most fitness levels. Just let your guide know if you need any help or want to skip an activity.

Will there be Wi-Fi on board?

There may be limited Wi-Fi signal depending on location in the bay—but it’s best to expect spotty coverage so you can enjoy being offline!

What’s included

Your spot includes round-trip shuttle from Hanoi Old Quarter (or pickup at Opera House), all entrance fees for Lan Ha Bay attractions, use of kayaks and bikes, swimming stops at quiet beaches like Three Peaches area (weather permitting), hands-on Vietnamese cooking class (spring rolls!), two lunches plus one BBQ dinner and breakfast onboard—all freshly prepared by our crew—and an English-speaking guide who knows every corner of Cat Ba Island. Your private cabin has air-con and hot shower too.