Cat Ba: 2-Day Lan Ha Bay Cruise with Plankton Excursion

Cat Ba: 2-Day Lan Ha Bay Cruise with Plankton Excursion offers an engaging mix of serene landscapes, unique accommodations, and memorable activities. For just $114 per person, you get two days and one night exploring one of Vietnam’s most beautiful and less crowded parts of Ha Long Bay. The journey begins with a scenic transfer from Cat Ba town, followed by a sunset cruise into the calm waters of Lan Ha Bay, ending with a night on a floating homestay. The next day includes a full-day exploration of caves, beaches, and fish farms, topped off with a sunset return to town.

What we particularly like about this tour is the opportunity to see bioluminescent plankton at night, which lighting up the water like a starry sky—something truly magical. Another highlight is the less touristy route in the southern parts of Ha Long Bay, offering a more peaceful, authentic experience away from the crowds. The floating homestay itself is a novelty, allowing you to sleep right on the water, and the guided kayaking trips through caves and lagoons add a sense of adventure.

A potential drawback is the mixed quality of accommodations and management, as some reviews mention issues with cleanliness, noise, and service at the homestay. For travelers seeking a smooth, luxury experience, this might be a consideration. However, if you’re eager for authentic, off-the-beaten-path encounters and don’t mind some rustic charm, this trip could be a perfect fit. It’s best suited for adventurous souls, nature lovers, and those curious about true local life on the water.

Key Points

• Unique Floating Homestay: Sleep on the water for a novel overnight experience in Lan Ha Bay.
• Bioluminescent Plankton: Kayaking at night reveals glowing waters—an unforgettable sight.
• Less Crowded Routes: Explore quieter parts of Ha Long Bay, away from tourist masses.
• Diverse Activities: Includes kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, and visits to fish farms and caves.
• Authentic Local Vibe: Experience a simple, rustic stay and local seafood meals.
• Flexible Booking & Good Value: Reserve now, pay later, with an all-inclusive price that covers meals, equipment, and guided excursions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Lan Ha Bay 2-Day Cruise

Starting Point and First Impressions

The adventure begins in Cat Ba town, with options to be picked up from your hotel or meet at the tour office. The pickup process is straightforward, and the transfer to the boat is quick—about 10 minutes—giving you a glimpse of the town’s lively streets before slipping into the calm waters of Lan Ha Bay.

As you cruise out in the late afternoon, the sunset views over the bay are a treat, casting golden hues across the limestone karsts and tranquil waters. This is a perfect moment to relax, sip a drink, and soak in the scenery, knowing you’re about to spend the night on a floating home.

The Floating Homestay Experience

Checking into the floating homestay is a highlight, though with some caveats. The room comfort can vary; one reviewer noted it was comfortable but not perfectly clean, with issues like a leaking ceiling during rain. Still, the novelty of sleeping on water is worth it for many travelers. The ambiance is rustic and authentic, offering a quiet, unhurried atmosphere.

Dinner is served onboard or at the homestay, featuring local flavors, which adds to the sense of being immersed in local life. The guide takes you kayaking in the evening, where you get to see the bioluminescent plankton light up the water with your movements—a scene so breathtaking it’s hard to believe it’s real.

The Night Kayaking with Plankton

This part is truly the tour’s star. The bioluminescent plankton glow when disturbed, creating a scene comparable to floating among stars. We loved the way the water lit up with every paddle stroke—truly a magical moment that turns a simple kayak trip into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s a gentle, peaceful activity, and guides often help you identify the best spots for viewing.

However, some reviewers mentioned inconsistency—one noted that after a fantastic first kayak trip, the next morning’s kayak rental was managed by people who didn’t speak English, and the room in the homestay was less than ideal, with issues like noise and leaky ceilings. So, be prepared for some rustic conditions and a bit of unpredictability.

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The Second Day: Exploring Lan Ha Bay

The early morning dawn on the bay is equally special—fresh air, quiet waters, and beautiful light. After breakfast, the full-day cruise begins at 9 am, with the boat heading toward the less-touristy southern part of Ha Long Bay. Here, the scenery is dominated by sandy beaches, islets, and calm lagoons that invite swimming and snorkeling.

Stops include kayaking through Bat Cave, Dark Cave, and Bright Cave, each offering unique geological formations and a sense of discovery. The caves are accessible via kayak, making the experience more intimate than just sightseeing from the boat. The group size tends to be small, which enhances the feeling of exploration rather than crowds.

Further along, you’ll enjoy cruising past Pen Islet, Sailing Islet, and Frog Islet, with plenty of photo opportunities. At Three Peach Beach, you’re free to jump into the water for swimming or snorkeling, although the water clarity and marine life might vary—one review mentioned swimming with jellyfish, so caution is advised.

The visit to a local fish farm offers insight into traditional aquaculture practices, adding an educational touch to the journey. The set menu lunch on board is well-received—simple, fresh, and satisfying after a morning of activity.

Sunset and Return to Cat Ba

As the day winds down, the boat glides back toward the bay with the sunset painting the sky in warm colors. The crew offers drinks and snacks, creating a relaxing atmosphere on the deck. The return trip to Cat Ba is a peaceful end to a day full of exploration.

Practicalities and Tips

• The tour includes pickup and drop-off in Cat Ba town, making logistics simple.
• All meals, kayaking equipment, and guides are provided, offering good value for the price.
• The overnight stay is on a floating homestay, which is rustic but memorable.
• Bring swimwear, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothes. Be aware that hearing loud people early in the morning was noted by some guests, so pack earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.
• This tour is not suitable for pregnant women, non-swimmers, or those prone to seasickness.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to see a different side of Ha Long Bay—less crowded, more authentic, and filled with personal encounters. If you’re excited by the idea of sleeping on water and kayaking under the stars, this tour will hit the right notes. Be prepared for rustic conditions and some surprises, both good and bad, as highlighted in reviews.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day Lan Ha Bay cruise provides a balanced blend of scenic beauty, genuine local experiences, and outdoor adventure. The highlights—especially the bioluminescent plankton and quiet caves—are genuinely breathtaking and offer a perspective on Vietnam’s natural charm that’s hard to find elsewhere.

While the accommodations and management may sometimes fall short of luxury expectations, the overall value and authenticity more than compensate. It’s a great choice for those wanting to escape the crowds, embrace nature, and sleep on the water—an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

If you’re seeking a peaceful, adventure-filled escape with memorable sights and the chance to connect with local traditions, this cruise will deliver. Just pack your sense of adventure, a sense of humor, and a willingness to embrace the rustic charm of floating life.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, they provide hotel pickup and drop-off in Cat Ba town, making it easy to get to and from the boat.

How long is the trip?
The tour lasts 2 days and 1 night, with specific starting times that you can check in advance.

What meals are included?
Dinner and breakfast are served on the floating homestay, while a set lunch is included on the boat.

Can I kayak at night?
Yes, kayak excursions at night are part of the experience, where you’ll see the plankton lighting up the water.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothing for activities and relaxing.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, so you might want to bring some for the sunset cruise.

Is this suitable for non-swimmers?
It’s not ideal for non-swimmers, as swimming and snorkeling are part of the activities.

Is it good for families?
The tour is more suited for adventurous travelers; it’s not recommended for pregnant women or those prone to seasickness.

What’s the best part of this tour?
Many say the plankton kayaking and the serenity of the less crowded southern bay are unforgettable highlights.

What are some downsides?
Some guests report issues with cleanliness, noise from early morning kayaking, and rustic accommodations, so manage expectations accordingly.

In the end, this tour offers a genuine, sometimes rustic but deeply memorable way to experience Lan Ha Bay. It’s perfect if you crave adventure, tranquil scenery, and a taste of local water-based life—just go with an open mind and a sense of curiosity.

You can check availability for your dates here: