Overnight Cruise Kayak Lan Ha Bay Cat Ba: 2 Days 1 Night

Sleep on the boat, kayak to three caves before dawn

You start from Cat Ba island instead of the crowded Ha Long docks, kayak through hidden caves and lagoons for nearly four hours across two days, swim at deserted beaches, and sleep on a small junk anchored in a pocket lagoon. Meals, snorkel gear, headlamp, and entrance fees are included. The route shifts based on tide and weather, so flexibility is built in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Lan Ha Bay cruise and kayaking

• Take minibus to pier
• Board Lan Ha 25 Junk boat
• Have lunch on the boat
• Change to Cat Ba Ventures boat
• Cruise Lan Ha Bay and visit fishing village
• Swim at deserted beach
• Kayak to Bat cave and Bright cave
• Cruise to Ha Long Bay scenic areas
• Enjoy sunset on the bay
• Have dinner and overnight on boat
• Optional squid fishing at night

Day 2: Ha Long Bay and Dau Be island tour

• Have breakfast on boat
• Cruise Ha Long Bay and Cong Tau lagoon
• Visit Dau Be Island and swim
• Kayak Ho Ba Ham or Ba Trai Dao lagoon
• Cruise Lan Ha Bay
• Have lunch on the boat
• Finish trip at noon

The experience

The minibus was supposed to leave at 11, but the driver was still loading someone's extra bag when we pulled up at the office. Five minutes late, which somehow set the tone for the whole trip. Nothing running on strict schedule, everything flexible. That turned out to be the point. We drove five minutes to the pier and switched boats mid-bay at 13:45, moving from the initial junk to the Cat Ba Ventures, our sleeping boat for the night. The crew explained it as we went: smaller boats can anchor in the pocket lagoons where the bigger Ha Long tour boats can't fit. That's why you get the quieter side of the bay.

Lunch came on the water, and then we paddled for nearly two hours through rock arches into lagoons so narrow the kayak felt like it was threading through a slot. Bat Cave, Bright Cave, Dark Cave: each one a tunnel that opened into still water and limestone walls that rose straight up. The guide pointed out where bats hung in the shadows, though honestly we were too focused on not scraping the kayak on the rocks. Swimming happened at a beach that had maybe three other people on it, which felt impossible given we were technically in Ha Long Bay. Snorkeling gear was there if you wanted it, but the water was clear enough without it. Sunset came while we were still on deck, the limestone turning orange, and then dinner at 19:00 and a bunk in the cabin. Some people did the optional squid fishing at night. We slept.

Day two started with breakfast and more cruising, this time toward Cong Tau lagoon and Dau Be Island. The tide was low enough that we could kayak into Ho Ba Ham, which is three hidden lagoons connected by narrow passages, each one smaller and quieter than the last. The guide said the route changes depending on tide and weather, so no two trips are exactly the same. We swam again, ate lunch on the boat, and were back at the pier by noon. The whole thing ran from 11 on Day 1 to 15:00 on Day 2. Longer than the standard 24-hour tours because you actually spend time in the water and on the kayak, not just sitting on a boat watching the view pass. If you need to catch a bus back to Hanoi at 12:30, they can help arrange it, or you can stay another night on Cat Ba and explore the island itself.

What’s included

Your two days include minibus pickup from the office to the pier, two boats (switching mid-bay for better anchorages), all kayaking equipment with dry bags and headlamps, snorkel gear, lunch and dinner on Day 1, breakfast and lunch on Day 2, fruits and water throughout, entrance fees to the bays and islands, and sleeping accommodation on the boat overnight. Optional squid fishing is available but not included in the standard package.

Options for this experience

2 options

Two-day, one-night Lan Ha and Ha Long Bay trip to Dau Be island, departing from Cat Ba, visiting quieter areas away from the main tourist routes.Guide in English or Vietnamese · 11:30

Solo traveller: an extra $65 is payable at the office.Guide in English or Vietnamese · 11:30Boat accommodation: a solo traveller shares a twin bedroom. To get a private room, pay an additional $65 before the trip begins.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (9 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 80 years) · Youth (6 to 8 years) · Child (4 to 5 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years)

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish and Vietnamese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Cat Ba Ventures

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want to kayak and swim in Ha Long Bay without the crowds of the main tour route, and if you're comfortable sleeping on a boat. The two-day format means more time in the water and less time sitting. It's what lets you explore the hidden lagoons and caves properly instead of just passing them on a larger boat.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Vietnamese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 8 years); Child (4 to 5 years); Infant (1 to 3 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between this tour and Ha Long Bay tours from Ha Long city?

This tour departs from Cat Ba island and uses smaller boats that can anchor in less-visited pocket lagoons and narrow passages. Ha Long city tours use larger boats and visit more crowded areas. You also get more time kayaking and swimming here, and you sleep on the boat rather than rushing back the same day.

How much kayaking is there?

About 1.5 to 2 hours on Day 1 through caves and hidden lagoons, and another kayaking session on Day 2 depending on tide and sea conditions. You're also swimming at deserted beaches both days.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The itinerary can be adjusted based on weather and tide conditions. The crew will choose the safest and most scenic route available on the day.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkel gear is included, but snorkeling is optional. The water is clear enough to see without it if you prefer just swimming.

What time does the tour start and end?

Day 1 starts at 11:00 from the office and you board the sleeping boat at 13:45. Day 2 finishes at 15:00 (3pm). Total time is about 28 hours on the water.

Is squid fishing included?

Squid fishing at night is optional and not part of the standard itinerary. You can join if you want to.

What meals are provided?

Lunch and dinner on Day 1, breakfast and lunch on Day 2. Fruits and water are available throughout.

Can I catch a bus back to Hanoi after the tour?

Yes. The tour finishes at 15:00, and buses to Hanoi depart at 12:30 and 15:30. The crew can help you book onward transport.

What should I bring?

Sunscreen, a light jacket for the evening, and any personal medications. Kayak, dry bag, headlamp, and snorkel gear are provided.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes, it's suitable for all fitness levels. It's not recommended only for people with poor cardiovascular health. No kayaking experience is necessary.