Lan Ha Bay From Hanoi - 1 Day
Full-day Lan Ha Bay boat tour from Cat Ba with kayaking, swimming and lunch on board. Small group, from $30 per person.
Experience Lan Ha Bay on a full-day local boat trip from Cat Ba, combining scenic cruising, kayaking, swimming and authentic local experiences. Explore Cai Beo Floating Fishing Village, kayak through Dark and Bright Cave, swim at Ba Trai Dao Beach and visit a floating fish farm. With a maximum of 25 guests, enjoy a freshly prepared Vietnamese lunch, cooking class and sunset views before returning to Cat Ba. Hanoi transfers are available.
Make the most of a short visit with a Cat Ba day trip combining scenic cruising, kayaking, swimming and island exploration.






Itinerary
Day 1Lan Ha bay full day boat tripLunch
05:15 - 05:30: Pick up at your Hotel in The old quarter (Only Hoan Kiem District) for the guest start from Hanoi
08:30 - 08:50: Our bus will pick you up at your hotel in Cat Ba town along the way to Ben Beo Pier. for the guest start from Cat Ba
08:50: We will arrive at Ben Beo Pier and our tour guide will give you the entrance tickets for Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long bay. The tickets are included in the tour price.
09:00: Board the boat to Lan Ha bay. At first the boat will sail around Lan Ha Bay. The bay itself is spectacular, with towers of limestone rocks rising from the sea, passing by Cai Beo Fishing Village which is the most traditional fishing village in the north of Vietnam. It is also one of the biggest floating villages in Cat Ba and continues sailing to thousands of karst towers with many unique shapes (chopsticks and seals).
11:00: We will discover the lagoon natural area belonging to Lan Ha bay by kayaking through Dark and Bright Caves, tunnels, and archways. This is the most beautiful lagoon in Lan Ha Bay for kayaking activities and also the conservation area. If you are lucky you will see Cat Ba langurs (Golden-headed monkey)
12:30: The boat drops anchor at the border of Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long bay for lunch. The lunch is freshly cooked and served in Vietnamese style by the local crews on board (vegetarian dishes for a choice). Enjoy lunch while cruising through magnificent Halong Bay, admiring the fascinating rock formations in the bay.
13:30: Afterwards, the boat continues to sail off Southern Ha Long bay
14:30: Swimming and jumping from the boat at Ba Trai Dao Beach which is very natural, remote, quiet and less-touristy. We can discover the temple beach, more lagoons and arches.
15:00: After swimming, we will visit a local fish farm where you will see how local fishermen live on the water and how they farm the fish. In the meantime, join us for a cooking class - an exciting activity to experience some of Vietnam's most enticing traditional dishes.
15:30: Our boat will be cruising back to the pier. Enjoy the magical sunset with local drinks as the boat comes back to the harbor.
16:20 - 16:30: Drop you off at your hotels in Cat Ba town.
16:30: The bus will pick you up at the harbour to take you to Hanoi. (for the guest book the bus to Hanoi)
20:30 - 21:00: Drop you off at your Hotel in The Old Quarter in Hanoi!
Included
- Hotel pickup and one-way bus transportation from Hanoi to Cat Ba (if option selected) - Please choose departure time from 05:30
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter (if option selected) - Please choose departure time from 05:30
- Roundtrip shuttle bus from Cat Ba town center. Please choose departure time from 08:30
- Sightseeing tickets
- Lunch on the boat
- Kayaking, swimming, floating villages and jumping from the boat
Not included
- Beverage
- Taxes
- Personal expenses
- Holiday surcharge: 10$/person (Xmas, new year, lunar new year, 30 April, 1 May, 2nd September)
Good to know
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time
- 100% charged for cancellation with in 24 hours before departure or no show
- A group with 2 adults and 1 child: the child under 5 years old is FOC
- A group with 2 adults & children: One child under 5 years old is FOC, the other children under 5 years old are charged at 75% based on adult rate
- Children from 5 to under 9 years old are charged at 75% based on adult rate
- Children from 9 years old are charged at 100% based on adult price
- Itinerary may be changed depending on weather conditions.
- Guests are requested to submit their passport at least 24 hours prior to the departure for the travel declaration to the port authority.
- The order of sightseeing places is subject to change. However, guests will visit all the places listed in the itinerary.
- Unused services such as meals, sightseeing tours, transport and activities listed in the agenda will not be refunded or exchanged.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat
- Bikini or swimwear
- Slippers for outdoor activities
- Halong Bay to Lan Ha Bay Day Tour - full day from Hanoi, from $50 · also a full day, but combines Halong Bay with Lan Ha Bay.
- Lan Ha Bay 2D1N Adventure - 2 days 1 night, from $99 · same island, more time - trade the day trip for an overnight in a jungle bungalow.
- Lan Ha Bay 2D1N Cruise - 2 days 1 night, from $99 · overnight in a cabin on the water.
- Lan Ha Bay 3D2N Peaceful Journey - 3 days 2 nights, from $239 · slower and culture-focused.
- Lan Ha Bay 3D2N Cruise - 3 days 2 nights, from $239 · a longer cruise into quieter waters.
Questions travellers ask
1. Where does this tour depart from?
The boat departs directly from Ben Beo Pier on Cat Ba Island. If you are staying in the Hanoi Old Quarter or downtown Cat Ba, we offer a convenient pickup service right at your hotel. You just need to select your preferred transfer option when booking the trip online.
2. How much does the Lan Ha Bay day tour cost?
A standard ticket costs $30 per adult and $23 per child, while infants can join completely for free. This all-inclusive rate covers your sightseeing tickets, transportation, lunch, and all water activities. You only need to pay extra for any personal drinks ordered on board, plus a $10 holiday surcharge.
3. Is Lan Ha Bay less crowded than Ha Long Bay?
Yes, it is significantly more peaceful and less crowded than its famous northern neighbor. The bay covers over 7,000 hectares of UNESCO seascape with hundreds of islands, but hosts far fewer tourist boats. You will enjoy kayaking and swimming around Cai Beo and Ba Trai Dao in complete tranquility.
4. What activities are included? Is the Lan Ha Bay 1 day tour suitable for beginners with no kayaking experience?
Kayaking: Paddle through calm emerald waters, hidden lagoons, and water caves like Bright Cave (Hang Sang).
Swimming: Stop at quiet, clean beaches such as Ba Trai Dao or Ao Ech.
Uniques point: Floating fish-farm visit, a short cooking class
Dining: Enjoy a fresh seafood or traditional Vietnamese lunch served directly on the cruise boat.
Kayaks, life jackets and the guide are all part of the price. The waters in the bay are extremely calm and protected by thousands of islands, making it perfectly safe for beginners. Our expert local guides will provide a quick safety briefing and ensure you are comfortable before you start paddling.
5. Is lunch provided?
Yes, a freshly prepared Vietnamese lunch is fully included in your day tour package. Our crew cooks the meal directly on board while the boat anchors in a quiet lagoon. We also provide excellent vegetarian portions if you simply let us know your dietary needs during the booking process.
6. Do you pick up from Hanoi, and what time do I get back?
Yes. Hanoi Old Quarter pickup runs between 05:15 and 05:30, and the return bus leaves Cat Ba at 16:30, reaching Old Quarter hotels between 20:30 and 21:00. That makes it a 15-hour day door to door, so book it on a day you have nothing else planned either side.
7. Is the Lan Ha Bay entrance ticket included?
Yes, your Lan Ha Bay sightseeing ticket is completely included in the tour price. You will not have to worry about buying separate passes at the pier. We handle all the local government fees so you can just step on board and relax.
8. What happens if the trip is cancelled for weather?
We only suspend trips when the local port authority issues an official sailing ban due to bad weather. If this happens, you will never lose your money. You can easily choose between receiving a full refund or moving your trip to a better date.
9. Who is this Lan Ha Bay day tour for?
This excursion is perfect for travelers wanting a full day on the water without sleeping overnight. It offers a cozy wooden boat experience with a small group rather than a massive party cruise. Families, solo adventurers, and visitors arriving from Hanoi will find this schedule extremely convenient.
10. What does a day on Lan Ha Bay look like?
You will board at Ben Beo pier around nine in the morning and return by late afternoon. The journey includes paddling through Dark and Bright Cave, swimming at Ba Trai Dao, and visiting a local fish farm. We also host a fun cooking class after serving lunch on board.
11. When is the best time to take this day tour?
Our boat runs daily throughout the entire year. If you love swimming and want warm waters, you should definitely plan your trip between May and October. Winter months bring cooler sea temperatures, making it a great time for sightseeing and kayaking without the heavy summer crowds.
12. What is included and what you pay on top?
Your ticket covers all transportation, sightseeing fees, kayaking gear, and a fresh lunch cooked on board. You only need to pay extra for personal drinks, crew tips, and a small surcharge on public holidays. We will never ask you for any hidden fees at the pier.
13. What should you bring on a Lan Ha Bay day tour?
You should pack a small day bag with sunscreen, swimwear, and a pair of comfortable slippers. Please bring some cash in Vietnamese dong to buy drinks since the boat does not accept credit cards. A waterproof bag is also highly recommended to protect your phone while kayaking.
14. Should you take the day tour or stay overnight?
A day tour is fantastic if you already have a hotel on the island or run on a tight travel schedule. However, sleeping on a cruise is better if you want to wake up to a peaceful sunrise. It really depends on how much time you have to explore.
15. Is this a half day or full day tour?
This is absolutely a full day excursion designed to give you a deeply immersive experience. The schedule runs from morning until late afternoon so you never feel rushed. You will have plenty of time for kayaking, swimming, and enjoying a relaxing lunch on the water.
16. Can I combine this day tour with a Cat Ba National Park trek?
Our specific itinerary focuses entirely on exploring the bay by boat, so it does not include a jungle trek. If you want to experience the national park, we recommend dedicating a separate half day for it. Most guests easily combine both activities during a two-night stay.
17. Are vegetarian or other dietary requirements accommodated?
We happily provide delicious vegetarian or vegan options for your lunch on the water. Just remember to let our team know about your dietary preferences or serious allergies when you book the trip. Our boat kitchen is small, so we need a little time to prepare ingredients beforehand.
18. Is there a toilet on board?
Yes, our wooden day boat features a clean and accessible onboard toilet for your convenience. The facilities are quite simple and standard, perfectly suiting a daytime sightseeing vessel rather than a luxury hotel ship.
19. Will I get seasick on this tour?
The bay is heavily protected by thousands of limestone islands, making the water extremely calm and flat. Seasickness is very rare on this specific route. If you are highly sensitive to motion, just take medication thirty minutes before sailing and pick a seat near the middle of the boat.
20. Can solo travelers join this tour?
We always welcome solo travelers to join our daily group departures without charging any unfair single supplements. You will pay the exact same ticket price as everyone else on board. It is a wonderful opportunity to make new friends while kayaking and swimming through the beautiful bay.
21. Why should I book directly with Beka Travel?
Booking with us means you are dealing directly with the local team who actually operates the boat. There are no middlemen, allowing us to handle your special requests and schedule changes instantly. Your direct booking also directly supports a passionate, family-run tourism business right here on the island.
22. Should I choose visits to floating villages or cycling to Viet Hai village?
You should choose Viet Hai village if you enjoy cycling through the jungle and exploring the rustic local lifestyle. Conversely, prioritize the floating fish farms if you are traveling with young children, prefer to avoid long walks, and want to witness traditional aquaculture on the bay firsthand.
More in Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba
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