Lan Ha & Ha Long Bay: Kayak, Floating Village & Cooking Class

Summary

Kayak caves swim in clear water and meet Cat Ba locals

You’ll start early from Hanoi or Cat Ba and spend your day gliding through Lan Ha & Ha Long Bay by boat and kayak, slipping into quiet lagoons and watching life unfold at Cai Beo floating village. Swim at hidden beaches, share lunch with local flavors (vegan options too), then try your hand at spring rolls as the sun sets over the bay — it stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure I’d be awake enough for a 5:30 pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. But the city was still half asleep, and that weird hush made the bus ride to Cat Ba feel like sneaking out before the world starts. Our guide, Minh, handed out tickets at Ben Beo Pier with this smile that said he’d done this a hundred times but still liked it. The boat chugged past Cai Beo floating village — houses balancing on blue barrels, laundry flapping in the salt air. I caught a whiff of frying garlic from somewhere and wondered what breakfast looked like out here.

By the time we reached Lan Ha Bay, the water had turned that unreal green you see in postcards (but it’s real). Kayaking under rock arches was quieter than I expected — just our paddles tapping and Minh pointing out where golden-headed langurs sometimes appear. Didn’t spot any monkeys but did see two fishermen waving from their tiny boat, one shouting something I didn’t catch. Later, swimming at Ba Trai Dao Beach felt like pressing pause; sand soft as flour between my toes and no crowds at all. Lunch back on board was mostly seafood — clams in ginger broth and something spicy with tofu for me (they remembered I’m vegetarian), which was honestly better than I’d hoped.

After lunch we floated up to a fish farm. One of the women there showed us how she checks her nets — her hands moved so fast it was kind of hypnotic. Minh translated bits here and there; apparently some families have lived on these platforms for generations. On the way back, everyone got roped into making spring rolls during a little cooking class while the sun dipped behind those jagged limestone islands. My rice paper tore twice but nobody cared — Minh laughed and said his first ones were worse.

The ride back was quieter. Salt still on my skin, hair tangled from wind. There’s something about seeing Lan Ha Bay by boat that makes you want to just sit quietly for a while — not everything needs words, you know? Sometimes I still think about that silent stretch between islands when all you hear is water against wood.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lan Ha and Ha Long Bay boat tour

• Pick up from Hanoi Old Quarter
• Transfer to Got pier and break
• Speed boat to Cai Vieng harbour
• Bus to Cat Ba town and Beo harbour
• Pick up from Cat Ba hotel to Ben Beo Pier
• Board boat to Lan Ha Bay
• Pass Cai Beo Fishing Village
• Kayak through Dark and Bright Caves
• Return to cruise and relax
• Lunch with fresh seafood
• Boat to Ba Trai Dao Beach for swimming
• Visit local fish farm
• Cooking class and sunset over bay
• Bus back to Cat Ba hotels

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for both Hanoi and Cat Ba?

Yes, pickup is included from Hanoi Old Quarter or hotels in Cat Ba town depending on your starting point.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available during lunch?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available if you let them know in advance.

How long does the day trip to Lan Ha & Ha Long Bay last?

The tour starts around 5:30 am from Hanoi or 8:30 am from Cat Ba and returns by late afternoon or early evening.

Is kayaking equipment provided?

Yes, kayaks are included as part of the tour activities in Lan Ha Bay.

Can infants join this day trip?

Yes, infants can join; prams or strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available.

Will we visit a floating village during this tour?

Yes, you'll pass through Cai Beo floating village and visit a local fish farm to see how people live on the water.

Is swimming possible during the tour?

Yes, there's time set aside for swimming at Ba Trai Dao Beach area in Lan Ha Bay.

What should I bring for this day trip?

You should bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, camera/phone, and maybe a change of clothes if you plan to swim.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup either from Hanoi or Cat Ba town (depending on where you start), all entrance tickets for Lan Ha & Ha Long Bay areas, kayaking gear for exploring caves and lagoons, time to swim at quiet beaches, a traditional Vietnamese lunch with vegetarian options if needed, plus a sunset cooking class before returning by bus or boat in the evening.