Lan Ha Bay Cruise 3 Days 2 Nights is a multi-day tour from Hanoi or Ninh Binh that explores Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. The trip includes kayaking through hidden lagoons, trekking in Cat Ba National Park, visiting Viet Hai village and overnight stays on a traditional cruise boat.
Lan Ha Bay is one of the most beautiful destinations in northern Vietnam. Located just south of the famous Halong Bay, this area offers the same dramatic limestone landscapes but with a quieter atmosphere and fewer tourist boats.
For travelers who want to explore beyond a quick day trip, a Lan Ha Bay Cruise 3 Days 2 Nights is one of the best ways to experience the region. Spending several days on the water allows visitors to kayak through hidden lagoons, swim at peaceful beaches and discover the natural beauty of Cat Ba Island.
This tour combines sea exploration with activities on land. Guests can cycle through Viet Hai village, trek in Cat Ba National Park, and spend relaxing evenings on a cruise surrounded by limestone islands.
With daily departures from Hanoi or Ninh Binh, it is an ideal journey for travelers looking for both adventure and relaxation in Lan Ha Bay.
Highlights of the Lan Ha Bay Cruise
- Kayaking through hidden lagoons and limestone caves
- Swimming at peaceful beaches in Lan Ha Bay
- Cycling to Viet Hai village on Cat Ba Island
- Trekking in Cat Ba National Park rainforest
- Visiting floating fishing villages
- Overnight stay on a traditional cruise boat
Quick Tour Overview
Tour Code: LH03DC
Tour Type: Group tour – daily departure
Departure: Hanoi / Ninh Binh
Destination: Cat Ba Island – Lan Ha Bay – Ha Long Bay area
Accommodation: Overnight cruise boat
Activities Included
- Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay
- Swimming at secluded beaches
- Cycling to Viet Hai village
- Trekking in Cat Ba National Park
- Exploring floating fishing villages
What Is a Lan Ha Bay Cruise 3 Days 2 Nights?
A Lan Ha Bay Cruise 3 Days 2 Nights is a multi-day boat tour that allows travelers to explore Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island at a relaxed pace.
Unlike short boat trips, this itinerary provides enough time to visit hidden lagoons, quiet beaches and remote villages while enjoying overnight stays on a traditional cruise boat.
Typical experiences include kayaking through limestone caves, swimming in calm waters, cycling to Viet Hai village and trekking through the rainforest of Cat Ba National Park.
Why Choose a Lan Ha Bay Cruise
While Halong Bay is world famous, many travelers now prefer Lan Ha Bay cruises because the area is quieter and less crowded.
The scenery is equally impressive, with hundreds of limestone islands rising from emerald water. However, the lower number of cruise boats makes the experience more peaceful and relaxing.
Lan Ha Bay is also located next to Cat Ba Island, the largest island in the region. This allows visitors to combine sea activities such as kayaking and swimming with land experiences like trekking and cycling through local villages.
Spending three days in Lan Ha Bay provides enough time to explore areas that day tours rarely reach.
Detailed Itinerary – Lan Ha Bay Cruise 3 Days 2 Nights
Day 1 – Hanoi – Cat Ba – Lan Ha Bay
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight on Cruise
07:30
Our guide from Good Morning Cat Ba will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and transfer you toward Hai Phong.
After traveling through the countryside, you will arrive at Dong Bai Harbour where the sea transfer to Cat Ba Island begins.
10:20 – 10:30
Upon arrival at Dong Bai Harbour, guests board a speed boat to Cat Ba Island.
11:00 – 11:30
After arriving on the island, a bus takes you along the scenic road passing through Cat Ba National Park before reaching Cat Ba town where the cruise is waiting.
The journey into Lan Ha Bay begins with a cruise through a floating fishing village. Local families here have lived on the water for generations and rely on fishing and aquaculture for their livelihood.
As the boat continues deeper into the bay, travelers will see hundreds of limestone islands with unique shapes rising from the sea.
Later the cruise reaches a quieter area between Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay, where guests begin kayaking.
You will spend about one and a half hours kayaking through caves, including:
- Bright Cave
- Dark Cave
- Bat Cave
These caves lead to hidden lagoons surrounded by limestone cliffs.
The cruise then moves to Ba Trai Dao Beach, where guests can swim in clear water or relax on the boat deck.
12:00 – 13:00
Lunch is served on board with Vietnamese cuisine, fresh seafood and vegetarian options.
13:00 – 14:30
Guests may relax on the deck, take photos or rest in their cabins while the cruise continues through the bay.
14:30 – 16:00
The boat stops near a local fish farm, where visitors can observe traditional fishing methods and floating aquaculture.
Later in the afternoon the cruise hosts a small gathering with tea, coffee and cakes.
17:00 – 22:00
Dinner is served either on the floating homestay or on the cruise boat, featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes.
In the evening guests may try night squid fishing or kayak to see bioluminescent plankton glowing in the water.
Overnight on the cruise.
Day 2 – Lan Ha Bay – Viet Hai Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight on Cruise
Morning on Lan Ha Bay is peaceful and quiet. Watching sunrise between limestone islands is one of the highlights of the cruise.
After breakfast, the boat transfers guests to Viet Hai Pier.
From the pier bicycles are provided for a scenic ride into the countryside.
The cycling route is about 5 kilometers, passing lagoons, rice fields and valleys before reaching Viet Hai village, a small community hidden inside Cat Ba National Park.
08:30 – 11:30
Guests begin a 2–3 hour trek through the rainforest and valleys of Cat Ba National Park, climbing toward Navy Peak.
From the summit you can enjoy panoramic views of Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba National Park and Viet Hai village.
12:00
Lunch is served in the village with traditional local cooking.
13:30 – 17:30
After lunch guests cycle back to the pier and board the boat.
The cruise continues exploring another area of Lan Ha Bay before returning to the overnight boat.
18:00 – 22:00
Dinner is served on the boat. The evening is free for relaxation and enjoying the peaceful night scenery of the bay.
Overnight on the cruise.
Day 3 – Lan Ha Bay – Ha Long Bay Area – Return to Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
08:00 – 10:00
After breakfast guests enjoy the morning scenery while the cruise continues toward another part of the bay.
10:30 – 12:00
The boat arrives near Dau Be Island, where guests can relax on a quiet beach before kayaking to explore Ho Ba Ham, a system of three hidden lagoons.
These lagoons are surrounded by limestone cliffs and accessible only through narrow cave entrances.
12:30
Lunch is served on board.
13:30 – 15:30
During the return journey through Lan Ha Bay, guests can swim, kayak or relax on the boat deck.
The cruise returns to Cat Ba town, where the bus will transfer guests back to Hanoi.
19:30
Arrival in Hanoi. End of the tour.
Tour Price
255 USD per person
Daily group tour departing from Hanoi or Ninh Binh.
Contact to book
- WhatsApp / Telegram: +84913096281 / +84888000896
- Email: info@goodmorningcatba.com
What’s Included
- Round-trip transfer Hanoi – Cat Ba – Hanoi
- Speed boat transfer from Dong Bai Harbour
- Accommodation on overnight cruise
- Kayaking and boat activities in Lan Ha Bay
- Cycling and trekking activities
- Experienced English-speaking tour guide
- All meals mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees
What’s Not Included
- Drinks and additional meals
- Personal expenses
- Early check-in or late check-out
- Single supplement (70 USD)
Best Time to Visit Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay can be visited throughout the year, but the experience may vary depending on the season.
- October to April offers cooler temperatures and clearer skies.
- May to September is warmer and ideal for swimming and kayaking.
Early mornings often provide the most beautiful scenery, when limestone islands appear through light mist and the water is calm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lan Ha Bay better than Halong Bay?
Lan Ha Bay offers scenery similar to Halong Bay but is generally quieter and less crowded. Many travelers prefer Lan Ha Bay cruises because they provide a more peaceful atmosphere for kayaking and swimming.
How many days should I spend in Lan Ha Bay?
Most travelers recommend 2–3 days in Lan Ha Bay. A 3 days 2 nights cruise allows enough time to explore hidden lagoons, beaches and Cat Ba National Park.
Does this tour start from Hanoi?
Yes. The tour includes transportation from Hanoi Old Quarter to Dong Bai Harbour, where the speed boat transfer to Cat Ba Island begins.
Is kayaking included in the tour?
Yes. Kayaking is included and is one of the main activities of the Lan Ha Bay cruise experience.
Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes. Activities such as kayaking, cycling and trekking are suitable for beginners with normal fitness levels.
More bus to Cat Ba Island
Book Your Lan Ha Bay Cruise
If you are looking for a quieter alternative to Halong Bay and want to explore hidden lagoons, peaceful beaches and the natural beauty of Cat Ba Island, this Lan Ha Bay Cruise 3 Days 2 Nights offers an unforgettable experience.
Check availability and book your tour here:
- WhatsApp / Telegram: +84913096281
- Email: info@goodmorningcatba.com