Lan Ha & Ha Long Bay: 2-Day Cruise, Kayak & Sleep on Boat

Summary

Kayak secret lagoons sleep on deck eat fresh fish in Lan Ha Bay

You’ll paddle beneath stone arches into silent caves, share fresh-caught fish with new friends, sleep under stars in Lan Ha Bay’s quieter corners, and wake to sunrise over Dau Be island—all with a local guide who knows every channel by heart.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the clatter of ropes as we stepped onto the old wooden junk at Cat Ba’s pier—someone laughing behind me, salty air thick with that briny seaweed smell. Our guide, Minh, waved us over with a grin and handed out cold bottles of water. He said we’d avoid the crowds in Ha Long Bay and head for Lan Ha instead. I didn’t really get what that meant until we passed the last big tour boat and suddenly it was just limestone islands and these tiny fishing boats with blue tarps. At some point I realized my phone had no signal. Weirdly nice.

Lunch was served right after we started cruising—rice, fried fish (caught that morning, Minh said), some kind of sweet-sour soup I still can’t pronounce. The water looked almost glassy as we kayaked through arches into caves called Bat and Bright; you could hear your own paddle echo. At one point a kingfisher darted past so close I ducked. I probably spent too long floating there, just listening to the drip-drip from the cave roof. Minh told us about his uncle who fishes here every week—he pointed out his boat anchored by a rock that looked like a turtle.

We slept on the boat that night, anchored in this pocket lagoon where the only light came from someone’s headlamp on deck and a couple of squid boats blinking far off. There was an optional squid fishing thing but honestly I just sat up top watching the sky go dark over those jagged cliffs. It felt like being let in on some secret side of Vietnam—no karaoke boats or loudspeakers anywhere. In the morning there was coffee (strong enough to wake the dead) and eggs before we set off again toward Dau Be island for more kayaking and swimming at another empty beach. The sand squeaked under my feet—never noticed that before.

I think what stuck with me most wasn’t any single view but how quiet it got sometimes between all those islands. Even Minh got quiet for a while, just steering us through misty channels with birds calling overhead. We got back to Cat Ba around three in the afternoon but honestly I kept thinking about that last swim all evening—you know when saltwater dries on your skin? That feeling.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cruise Lan Ha Bay and kayak caves

• 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 — Explore Ha Long Bay and Dau Be Island

• Have breakfast on boat
• Cruise Ha Long Bay and Cong Tau lagoon
• Visit Dau Be Island and relax on beach
• Kayak to Ho Ba Ham lagoons
• Have lunch on boat
• Cruise Lan Ha Bay
• Return to Cat Ba Town

Top questions

Is pickup from Cat Ba included?

Yes, pickup from Cat Ba town office is included before boarding.

How long is the Lan Ha Bay cruise?

The cruise lasts about 28 hours—from 11:00 AM Day 1 to 3:00 PM Day 2.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Yes, lunch, dinner, breakfast, fruit snacks, and water are all included.

Can you kayak during this tour?

Yes, kayaking is included both days with all necessary equipment provided.

Is snorkeling available?

Snorkeling gear is available as an option at deserted beaches.

Where do you sleep overnight?

You sleep onboard the boat anchored in a quiet lagoon in Lan Ha Bay.

Are guides local?

Yes, guides are local to Cat Ba and experienced navigating Lan Ha Bay.

What should I bring for this trip?

Packing light clothes for kayaking/swimming is best; dry bag provided.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Cat Ba town office, all entrance fees for Lan Ha & Ha Long Bay areas, lunch and dinner on board featuring fresh seafood plus breakfast next morning; use of kayak with dry bag and headlamp; optional snorkeling gear; fruit snacks and bottled water throughout; guidance from an experienced local crew; overnight accommodation on the boat before returning mid-afternoon next day.