Top 15 Canoe & Kayak Experiences In Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay is a paddler’s paradise. Known for its stunning limestone karsts, calm waters, and less crowded alternative to Halong Bay, it offers some of Vietnam’s most memorable canoe and kayak experiences. Whether you’re paddling silently past floating villages, exploring hidden lagoons, or marveling at glowing plankton at night, Lan Ha Bay delivers authentic, quiet immersion in nature.

Our favorite? The Half day Lan Ha Bay excursion stands out for its balance of adventure and relaxation, with kayaking within the largest floating village—a rare chance to see local life up close. The Night Kayaking with Glowing Plankton is another highlight, offering a magical glow in the dark that’s hard to beat.

Quick Overview

This list covers a range of kayaking and canoeing experiences—from half-day paddling trips to full-day adventures and special night tours. Some tours combine kayaking with snorkeling, swimming, cycling, and cave visits, while others focus on quiet exploration or bioluminescent night paddling. Prices start around $20, with options for longer trips, overnight stays, and luxury cruises. Many tours highlight small group sizes, local guides, and authentic experiences. Explore more at the linked tours below to find what suits your style and schedule.

1. Half day Lan Ha Bay excursion ( 4 hours ): Kayaking, Snorkel

At number 1 on our list, this half-day Lan Ha Bay excursion offers a perfect introduction to the area’s calm waters and impressive limestone formations. The tour includes kayaking in quiet spots away from crowds, plus snorkeling to glimpse underwater life. Led by an experienced captain and staff, you’ll explore the oldest floating village in Lan Ha Bay—a fascinating peek at local life.

Guests rave about the breathtaking sunset, the peaceful paddling, and the personalized service. The tour costs $64 per person for four hours, making it a great value for those short on time but eager for an authentic experience. It’s ideal for travelers who want some active fun without overcommitting.

Bottom Line: A well-rounded, relaxing paddle that combines scenery, local culture, and snorkeling in a peaceful setting.

2. Cat Ba: Night Kayaking with Glowing Plankton

Number 2 is the truly magical Night Kayaking with Glowing Plankton. This 6-hour tour combines sunset hikes on Monkey Island, visiting Cai Beo floating village, and paddling in the bioluminescent waters once night falls. The glowing plankton creates a surreal, shimmering effect that’s hard to find elsewhere.

The tour also includes swimming and a traditional Vietnamese dinner. It’s a unique experience perfect for travelers seeking something truly special—especially those interested in nature’s night-time magic. The small group setting and the opportunity to socialize with international travelers make it a memorable choice.

For $35, you get a night full of wonder, combining adventure with cultural insights. This trip suits those who want to see Lan Ha Bay from a different perspective—by night, with a hint of enchantment.

Bottom Line: An extraordinary, unforgettable experience for night owls and nature lovers alike.

3. Lan Ha Bay: Full Day Boat Trip Kayak, Snorkel, Beach, Cave

Number 3 on our list offers a full-day exploration of Lan Ha Bay’s highlights. This full-day boat trip takes you past floating fishing villages, hidden caves, and beautiful beaches. You’ll also visit Monkey Island and paddle through lagoons and arches, with options to swim and snorkel at secluded spots.

What sets this tour apart is the comprehensive itinerary—a perfect choice if you want a well-rounded day of paddling, swimming, and sightseeing. The highlight is watching a romantic sunset in a natural setting, away from crowded tourist spots. The trip is ideal for active travelers who like diverse experiences and longer excursions.

Priced at $98, it offers great value given the full day of activities and unlimited opportunities for photo-worthy moments.

Bottom Line: A versatile, full-day adventure packed with paddling, wildlife, and scenic spots.

4. Full day : Kayaking, Swimming, Snorkeling, Sunset, Plankton

Coming in at number 4, this full-day kayak, swim, snorkel, and sunset tour emphasizes diverse water activities. It’s a small group operation with professional guides who ensure safety and fun. The day includes kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling—plus timed visits to scenic spots.

The tour also offers bioluminescent plankton viewing during the evening, adding a magical glow to your experience. For $56, it provides a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation, with highlights like squid fishing and cycling included.

Ideal for active travelers who want a full-day immersion in the bay’s natural beauty. The reviews mention ** enjoyable guides** and good organization, making it a reliable choice for families and groups.

Bottom Line: A well-rounded day for water lovers, with the bonus of seeing plankton glow after sunset.

5. Đảo Cát Bà: 1Day Kayaking, Swimming, Cycling, Snorkeling, Lunch

Number 5 is perfect for those wanting active exploration on a budget. This 1-day tour combines kayaking, swimming, cycling, and snorkeling with a delicious local lunch. It’s a small group tour with professional guides, ensuring personalized attention and safety.

The tour efficiently packs in multiple activities, with emphasis on off-the-beaten-path locations. The guide is praised for friendliness and helpfulness, making the experience smooth and fun. At $20, it’s a great value for budget travelers who seek diverse outdoor fun in one day.

Suitable for travelers who want a bit of everything—water, land, and local culture—without breaking the bank. The main drawback might be the fast pace—not ideal if you want a very relaxed experience.

Bottom Line: An active, affordable day combining paddling, cycling, and snorkeling in Cat Ba.

6. Cat Ba: Day boat tour with: kayak, cave, bike, meal, tickets

Number 6 offers the longest full-day trip in Cat Ba. This day boat tour features kayaking in tranquil bays, biking in Viet Hai village, and swimming in blue waters. The local guides ensure an authentic experience, and the tour includes a lunch with local foods.

What makes this trip stand out is the opportunity to combine water sports with land exploration. The bike ride allows a closer look at local village life, while kayaking offers serene moments in the bay. Priced at $27, it’s a full package suitable for those who want an active, varied day.

Best suited for travelers who want to combine adventure with cultural insight, especially if they enjoy biking and paddling in a quieter environment. The only potential downside is the long day, which might be tiring for some.

Bottom Line: A comprehensive, active day with local flavor and scenic kayaking spots.

7. Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay 1 Day with kayaking , Swimming and Cave

Number 7 is a luxury day cruise offering kayaking, swimming, and cave explorations. This 5-star cruise combines premium amenities such as a rooftop bar, floating swimming pool, and water slide, along with eclectic activities.

The trip includes a 2.5-hour bus transfer from Hanoi, making it suitable for visitors looking for a luxurious escape. The guided excursions into the bay’s natural beauty are complemented by relaxing moments and gourmet dining. The review highlights the knowledgeable guide and the fun water slide.

At around $64, the value lies in the luxury experience and all-inclusive activities. It’s perfect for travelers wanting comfort and opulence alongside adventure.

Bottom Line: A luxurious, activity-rich day for those who want comfort with their kayaking and sightseeing.

8. Cat Ba Lan ha Bay Cruise 2 Days 1 Night: Kayak, Swim, Biking

Number 8 takes you deep into natural beauty over two days and one night. This cruise offers kayaking, swimming, and biking in a comfortable setting, with onboard activities like cooking classes and karaoke.

Guests appreciate the personalized care and the chance to stay overnight in peaceful coves, away from crowds. The itinerary is flexible, allowing guests to enjoy activities at their own pace. The trip costs $155 and is ideal for adventure seekers who want a more immersive experience.

Suitable for those looking to slow down, appreciate nature, and enjoy multiple days of water and land fun.

Bottom Line: A longer, more relaxed experience perfect for nature lovers and active travelers.

9. Cat Ba: Lan Ha Bay Lagoon Trekking and Kayaking Tour

This tour emphasizes nature exploration through trekking and kayaking. It’s less about the water sports and more about scenic hikes and serene lagoon paddling. Participants trek through Cat Ba’s national forest to reach the lagoon, then explore on kayak.

It’s ideal for nature enthusiasts looking for a quiet, scenic outing. The tour is affordable at $22 per person, with a focus on learning about the environment from guides. It’s a slower pace, perfect for mindful travelers who want to connect with nature.

The main appeal is the peaceful combination of trekking and paddling in a less explored part of the bay.

Bottom Line: A tranquil, nature-focused tour for those who prefer gentle exploration without rushing.

10. Cat Ba: Sunset and Plankton Bioluminescent Night Kayak

Number 10 offers a combination of sunset views and bioluminescent kayaking. Paddle as the sun sets over Lan Ha Bay, then enjoy glowing plankton in the dark. The tour includes dinner on the beach and a chance to swim in warm waters under the stars.

The $56 price covers a full evening of activity, perfect for romantic couples or adventurous night paddlers. The beautiful sunset and glowing waters are the main draws. Reviewers mention the friendly guides and the quality of the experience.

Ideal for travelers who want a romantic or awe-inspiring night experience combined with good food and scenery.

Bottom Line: A memorable evening experience that combines nature’s light show with a relaxing dinner.

11. Cat Ba:Lan Ha Bay on Serenity Premium Cruise W Kayak Full-Day

This full-day cruise emphasizes kayaking through caves and enjoying local scenery. The Serenity Premium Cruise offers the chance to explore the Dark and Bright Caves and relax at Ba Trai Dao Beach.

The trip includes a sumptuous Vietnamese lunch onboard, with swimming and jumping opportunities. It’s a balanced day for travelers who want water activities combined with cultural insights. The value is in the quality of the guides and the less crowded spots visited.

Best suited for those who love caves, kayaking, and beach relaxation in one trip.

Bottom Line: An active, scenic day perfect for adventurers and explorers seeking quiet spots.

12. Full Day Tour to Lan Ha Bay with Kayaking, Cliff Jumping

Number 12 is for those craving high-energy fun. This tour offers kayaking, cliff jumping, and a floating house lunch. The adrenaline kicks in as you jump off limestone cliffs into clear waters, then paddle through caves like the Dark-Light Cave.

The $106 price reflects the thrill and variety packed into 8 hours. The cliff jumping makes it stand out, appealing to adventure lovers. The traditional lunch adds cultural flavor, and the small group sizes ensure safety and personal attention.

This experience is best for fit travelers looking for action and excitement in a stunning natural setting.

Bottom Line: Perfect for thrill-seekers wanting a full-day adrenaline rush in Lan Ha Bay.

13. Lan Ha bay 5star cruise 6 hours trip, kayaking, bike, swim

The luxury 6-hour cruise offers an upscale experience with kayaking, biking, and swimming. The 5-star cruise features water slides, rooftop bars, and delicious local cuisine.

Unique to this tour is the combo of land and water activities in a luxurious setting. It’s suited for travelers who want comfort and adventure in equal measure. The wild beauty of the Viet Hai villages and untouched islets makes it extra special.

Value-wise, $74 offers premium amenities and multiple activities. It appeals to those who seek a relaxed yet active day with high-end touches.

Bottom Line: A luxurious, activity-rich trip for those who prefer comfort with their paddle.

14. Lan Ha Bay sunset and night kayak with Bioluminescence

Number 14 combines sunset views and bioluminescent kayaking in a 5-hour tour. You’ll cruise Lan Ha Bay at dusk, enjoy a BBQ dinner on the boat, then paddle in waters glowing with plankton.

The highlight is the dazzling glow in the dark, which creates a magical atmosphere. It’s perfect for romantic evenings and nature lovers. Reviews mention the friendly guides and the amazing scenery.

If you want an evening of serenity with a touch of nature’s light show, this tour is ideal. It costs $46 and offers an experience you won’t forget.

Bottom Line: An enchanting night excursion that combines culinary delights with nature’s luminous display.

15. Lan Ha Bay Sunset,Evening Kayak Bioluminescent Plankton Trip

Rounding out our list at number 15, this sunset and evening kayak trip focuses on bioluminescent plankton. With a 4-hour duration, it’s a perfect short escape from your day or evening in Cat Ba. Paddling during sunset, you’ll witness the glowing waters and enjoy a BBQ dinner on the beach.

The tour is suited for those seeking a quick, memorable experience of Lan Ha Bay’s magical night waters. The reviews highlight the quality of the guides and the unique glow of plankton as major draws.

This experience is ideal if you’re short on time but want an authentic, luminous adventure.

Bottom Line: A brief but impactful tour for night kayaking and starry skies.

How to Choose Your Perfect Lan Ha Bay Canoe & Kayak Experience

When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. If you love diverse water activities and local culture, a full-day trip like the Lan Ha Bay: Full Day Boat Trip or the Serenity Premium Cruise offers a great balance. For quick escapes or romantic nights, the Sunset and Plankton Bioluminescent Night Kayak or the Bioluminescent Night Kayak are perfect.

Budget travelers will find value in tours like the 1Day Kayaking, Swimming, Cycling, Snorkeling, Lunch, while adventurers who crave cliff jumping and longer overnight experiences should consider the 2 Days 1 Night Cruise.

Book early, especially for tours with limited availability or special experiences like glowing plankton. The best time to go is during dry season (October to April), when waters are calmer and skies clearer.

Final Thoughts

Lan Ha Bay offers an impressive array of canoe and kayak experiences suited for every type of traveler—whether you’re seeking peaceful paddling, exciting cliff jumps, or bioluminescent wonders in the dark. The key is choosing an adventure that matches your interest, fitness level, and schedule.

For a relaxing, scenic paddle in a quiet bay, the Half day Lan Ha Bay excursion is a fantastic choice. If you’re craving nighttime magic, the Night Kayaking with Glowing Plankton will surpass your expectations. And for those wanting a full immersion into the bay’s natural beauty, the Full Day Boat Trip or the 2 Days 1 Night Cruise are unbeatable.

No matter which you choose, booking early is advised. Lan Ha Bay’s kayak experiences are as popular as they are stunning—so don’t miss your chance to paddle through one of Vietnam’s most beautiful landscapes.