Luxury Lan Ha Bay Day Cruise with Kayaking & Viet Hai Village

Summary

Explore Cat Ba Island & Lan Ha Bay by Luxury Cruise

You’ll get to see Lan Ha Bay’s quieter side: float past Cai Beo village, bike through Viet Hai’s green lanes, swim or kayak in clear waters—all in one relaxed day trip from Hanoi.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Hanoi Old Quarter is always a bit cool, even in summer. We waited outside our hotel just after 7am, watching the city slowly wake up—vendors setting up their baskets, the smell of strong coffee drifting out of tiny cafés. Our shuttle bus rolled up right on time and off we went, weaving through early traffic toward Cat Ba Island.

Around 11am, we reached Beo Harbour. If you’re coming from elsewhere, it’s easy to spot—just follow the line of snack stalls selling fresh coconut and sticky rice cakes. The boat itself felt more like a floating lounge than a ferry: wide decks, a rooftop bar with beanbags, even a water slide (which I didn’t expect!). After a quick welcome drink and cold towel (needed that), we set off into Lan Ha Bay.

Cai Beo fishing village was our first real stop. It’s not just for show—people actually live here in floating houses tucked against the limestone cliffs. Our guide Minh grew up nearby and pointed out which homes belonged to his childhood friends. The water was calm and glassy; you could hear the soft clatter of shells being sorted by hand. Lunch came next—a buffet if you’re in a big group—with lots of local seafood and some surprisingly good tofu dishes.

The real highlight? Biking through Viet Hai Village inside Cat Ba National Park. Electric bikes are an option if you want to take it easy (I did). The path runs under tall bamboo groves and past tiny ponds where ducks splash around. We stopped for a quick fish-foot massage at one house—ticklish but fun—and chatted with an older couple who still make rice wine the old way.

Later in the afternoon, we anchored somewhere quiet for kayaking and swimming. The captain picked a spot away from other boats so it felt private—just us and the sound of cicadas echoing off the rocks. Some folks jumped straight off the top deck; I stuck to kayaking along the edge where small crabs scuttled over sun-warmed stones. Before heading back, there was fruit and tea on deck while everyone swapped stories about their favorite part of the day.

We docked at Beo Harbour before 5pm. If you booked return transport to Hanoi (like we did), expect to be back in the Old Quarter around 8:30pm—tired but happy, with salt still on your skin and maybe a few new friends’ numbers saved in your phone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lan Ha Bay Cruise and Activities

• Pick up from Hanoi hotels
• Pick up at Beo Harbour, Cat Ba Island
• Visit Cai Beo fishing village, lunch, Viet Hai Village biking, kayaking, swimming, water activities
• Return to Beo Harbour, Cat Ba Island
• Drop off at Hanoi Old Quarter hotels

Top questions

Is this cruise suitable for families with kids?

Yes! There’s plenty for kids to do—kayaking, swimming (with life jackets), biking—and staff are great with families.

What should I bring for this tour?

Bring sunscreen, swimwear, sandals or comfy shoes for biking, and maybe a light jacket if it gets breezy on deck.

I have dietary restrictions—can lunch be adjusted?

No problem! Just let us know ahead of time about allergies or preferences; vegetarian options are always available too.

How long is travel time between Hanoi and Cat Ba?

The shuttle takes about 3–4 hours each way depending on traffic and ferry timing.

What’s included

Your round-trip shuttle from Hanoi (if selected), all entrance fees, kayaking gear, bikes or electric car ride in Viet Hai Village, welcome drink and towel on board, lunch (buffet for groups over 40), cooking demo, English-speaking guide—all sorted so you can just enjoy the day.