From Hanoi: Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay Day Trip with Lunch

Imagine waking up early in Hanoi and heading out for a day that promises stunning scenery, adventurous activities, and a taste of local life. This day trip to Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island, offered at around $62 per person, is a carefully curated journey that combines luxury with authenticity. Starting between 5:45 and 6:00 am with a convenient pick-up from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you’ll be whisked away to the coast, leaving the city behind for an ocean of limestone karsts and quiet fishing villages.

What we love most about this tour is the luxury cruise experience, complete with a floating swimming pool and water slide—a surprise element that turns relaxation into an adventure. The visit to Viet Hai Village, with its peaceful countryside vibe, offers an authentic glimpse into local life, while the option to go kayaking through caves or swim in calm waters makes the whole day feel personalized and fun.

One possible drawback is the early start time, which can be tough for some, especially if you’re not a morning person. The entire day is packed, so if you prefer a more leisurely pace or want to explore at a slower tempo, this might feel a bit rushed.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of nature, local culture, and active pursuits—especially those looking for a full day of varied experiences without breaking the bank. It’s ideal for those who want a comfortable, well-organized trip that balances sightseeing, adventure, and relaxation.

Key Points

• Convenient pick-up from Hanoi’s Old Quarter early in the morning
• Luxury cruise with unique features like a water slide and floating pool
• Authentic village visits to Viet Hai and Cai Beo fishing village
• Active options such as kayaking, swimming, and biking
• Delicious seafood lunch included, with a relaxed sunset tea party
• Flexible options for private groups and multilingual guides

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Starting before sunrise, the tour begins with a pick-up from Hanoi’s Old Quarter at around 5:45 to 6:00 am. This early start is a small price to pay for the treasure trove of sights awaiting you. The bus ride to the coast takes roughly three hours, giving you a chance to glimpse the countryside and prepare for a day of discovery.

Check-in and Welcome on the Cruise

By 9:00 am, you’ll check in on the cruise, where a friendly crew greets you with welcome drinks and fresh fruit. As the boat begins to glide through the waters, the sense of anticipation builds. The vessel itself isn’t just a means of transportation — it’s a floating lounge with luxury touches, including a water slide and floating swimming pool, making it more than just a boat.

Kayaking and Cave Exploration

Around 10:00 am, the adventure kicks off with kayaking and swimming. Paddling through the Luon/Tai Keo Cave, one of Lan Ha Bay’s most impressive caves, provides a close-up view of the limestone formations and a chance to be among nature’s quietest spots. Many travelers loved this part, with one commenting, “Kayaking through the caves was a highlight—it’s a peaceful yet exhilarating way to see the bay.”

Swimming in calm waters is another favorite activity, allowing you to cool off and take in the scenery from a different perspective. Safety gear such as life jackets is provided, which reassures those who might be unsure about their swimming ability.

Seafood Lunch and Scenic Cruising

At noon, the boat cruises smoothly past towering limestone cliffs to arrive at Viet Hai Village. The seafood lunch served onboard is often highlighted as one of the best features—fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared, offering a real taste of coastal Vietnam. Many reviews praise the delicious food and tapas-style dishes, making the meal both satisfying and memorable as you drift past stunning landscapes.

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Visiting Viet Hai and Cai Beo

Post-lunch, the tour offers a visit to Viet Hai Village, accessible via bike or electric car. This small, peaceful village is an excellent place to see how locals live amidst the dramatic scenery. You might also indulge in a simple fish foot massage, which many found both relaxing and amusing.

The Cai Beo Fishing Village is another authentic stop, with its floating houses and traditional livelihood. These visits give a genuine glimpse into Vietnamese coastal and fishing culture, away from the tourist crowds.

Afternoon Tea & Turtle Islet

As the day winds down, you’ll enjoy an afternoon tea on the sundeck, with fresh fruit and biscuits—a perfect way to unwind while watching the bay pass by. The cruise then makes a brief stop at Turtle Islet, an iconic symbol of Lan Ha Bay, providing excellent photo opportunities.

Return and Transfer

By 4:00 pm, the boat heads back to Beo Wharf, where the transportation arrangements take you either back to Hanoi or to Cat Ba Town. The return journey offers a chance to relax after a full day, with typical arrival in Hanoi around 7:30 pm.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The luxury cruise experience is the star, especially with its fun water slide and floating pool, making it ideal for families or groups seeking a bit of whimsy. The combination of adventure and culture—from kayaking through caves to visiting local villages—is another big plus. Many travelers appreciate the balanced itinerary that mixes active pursuits with relaxed sightseeing.

The seafood lunch is consistently praised for being fresh and tasty, elevating the overall value. The scenic views of limestone cliffs, quiet caves, and traditional villages create an atmosphere that feels both exclusive and authentic.

Some reviewers mention that the early start time can be challenging, especially after a late night or for less energetic travelers. The packed schedule might feel hurried for those who prefer a more leisurely pace. But for most, the convenience of a well-organized day trip outweighs this minor inconvenience.

The multilingual guide service is a helpful feature, especially for international visitors, and the option for private groups allows a customized experience.

The Value of This Tour

At $62, this experience offers a lot of bang for your buck. Included are round-trip transportation, a seafood lunch, kayaking, and admission fees, making it a comprehensive package. The added touches like the floating pool and water slide set it apart from standard boat tours, particularly appealing to families or younger travelers.

The quality of the scenery alone makes this trip worthwhile. The calm waters, towering limestone formations, and the peaceful villages provide a visual feast, especially if you’re tired of overly commercialized tourist spots. The authentic visits to fishing and Viet Hai villages add depth that you won’t find on more superficial excursions.

The tour offers a well-rounded, engaging day that balances active adventure, cultural insights, and relaxation. It’s a smart choice for travelers who want a full-experience day without spending a fortune.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for adventurous families, couples, or solo travelers looking for an active day immersed in nature and local culture. It’s especially suitable if you enjoy kayaking, swimming, or biking, and appreciate a delicious seafood meal.

If you prefer a more leisurely, unhurried pace, or have mobility limitations, the packed schedule and early start might feel a bit rushed. It’s also not ideal for pregnant women, those with back problems, or non-swimmers—some activities require physical participation, even if optional.

Travelers who value authentic experiences and breathtaking scenery, but want to stay comfortable and well-organized, will likely find this tour hits the right note.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the tour start and end?
The pick-up from Hanoi is between 5:45 and 6:00 am, with the tour returning around 7:30 pm.

Is the seafood lunch included?
Yes, a seafood lunch is part of the package, served onboard while cruising through Lan Ha Bay.

Are kayaking and swimming activities included?
Yes, both kayaking and swimming are included, with safety gear provided. Optional kayaking can be arranged, and swimming is in calm bay waters.

Can I visit Viet Hai Village and Cai Beo?
Absolutely. Both villages are part of the itinerary, offering a glimpse into local fishing and village life.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip tickets from Hanoi to Cat Ba and the boat cruise are included. Transfers after the tour depend on your destination—either back to Hanoi or to Cat Ba Town.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The activities, particularly kayaking and biking, are family-friendly, but consider the early start and activity level.

Are guides multilingual?
Guides are available in English, German, Japanese, French, Korean, and Chinese, with some surcharges for languages other than English.

This day trip to Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island offers a lively mix of scenery, culture, and fun. It’s especially valuable for travelers who want a full, diverse day with memorable activities, stunning views, and a taste of local life—all at a very reasonable price. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, it’s a solid choice for making the most of your time in northern Vietnam.

You can check availability for your dates here: