Lan Ha & Ha Long Bay: Kayak, Fishing Villages & Lunch

Summary

Kayak hidden lagoons and meet Cai Beo village locals on Lan Ha Bay

You’ll paddle through Lan Ha & Ha Long Bay’s quietest corners with a local guide, visit Cai Beo fishing village, kayak hidden caves, swim at remote Ba Trai Dao Beach, and share lunch on deck as the bay glows around you. Expect laughter, salt spray, and moments you’ll replay long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, is that really a seal-shaped rock?” That’s how our guide Minh started the day — pointing out shapes in the karsts as our small group drifted past Cai Beo fishing village. The air smelled faintly salty but also like engine oil (not in a bad way — just honest). We started later than most tours, so it was quieter; only the slap of water against the hull and some distant laughter from the floating houses. Minh waved at a fisherman hauling nets. I tried waving too, but probably looked awkward — he grinned anyway.

Kayaking through K.A cave felt like sneaking into a secret world. It got dim and echoey inside, and I could hear my own paddle drips louder than anything else. My arms were already tired by Bats Cave (I’m not proud), but seeing sunlight spill onto those green lagoons made me forget about it for a second. At Ong Cam islet, we ate this sweet-sour fish dish with rice — simple but somehow perfect after paddling. Someone jumped off the boat (not me), and Minh just laughed, saying “good luck with jellyfish!”

The southern part of Ha Long Bay was emptier than I expected; only one other tourist boat in sight. It felt like we’d drifted off the map. Ba Trai Dao Beach had this powdery sand that stuck to my feet for hours — still found some in my shoes later. Kayaking under those low arches was trickier than it looked (ducking required), but worth it to find these tiny hidden beaches where you could just float and watch black kites circling above. The sun started dipping as we headed back, painting everything gold for a few minutes — I still think about that light sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lan Ha Bay cruise and kayaking tour

• Start tour at 8:15 AM
• Cruise Lan Ha Bay past Cai Beo Village
• Kayak through hidden lagoons and caves
• Lunch at Ong Cam islet with free time
• Sail through Southern Ha Long Bay sights
• Kayak, swim, and beach hop at Ba Trai Dao
• Enjoy sunset cruise back to harbor
• Van drop-off at office at 5:00 PM

Top questions

What time does the Lan Ha & Ha Long Bay tour start?

The tour starts at 8:15 am to avoid busy hours.

Is kayaking included on this Lan Ha Bay day trip?

Yes, kayaking through caves and lagoons is included.

Will we visit Cai Beo fishing village?

Yes, the boat passes by Cai Beo fishing village early in the tour.

Is lunch provided during the Lan Ha & Ha Long Bay tour?

Yes, a traditional Vietnamese lunch is served onboard at Ong Cam islet.

Are there swimming or beach stops?

Yes, there are swimming and beach hopping stops at Ba Trai Dao Beach.

How many people are on this small group tour?

The tour guarantees a small group size for a more personal experience.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; guests meet at the office for van transfer to harbor.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

What’s included

Your day includes van transfer from the office to harbor and back, all scheduled activities like kayaking and swimming at Ba Trai Dao Beach, a traditional Vietnamese lunch served onboard (with vegetarian option if you ask ahead), plus an English-speaking local guide who knows every corner of Lan Ha & Ha Long Bay.