Lan Ha Bay offers some of the most striking scenery in northern Vietnam — with its towering limestone karsts, tranquil lagoons, and colorful floating villages. Unlike the more crowded Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay promises a more intimate and authentic experience, especially if you love activities like kayaking, swimming, or exploring caves. Many tours allow you to paddle through caves, relax on quiet beaches, and even enjoy a romantic sunset over the water. The variety of options means you can pick a tour that suits your energy level, budget, and interests. For those who want a mix of adventure and relaxation, the Lan Ha Bay: Full Day Boat Trip Kayak, Snorkel, Beach, Cave is a top choice, thanks to its comprehensive itinerary and great reviews.
If you’re after a more active day exploring with fewer travelers, several tours focus on kayaking, snorkeling, and visiting less-visited spots. For a budget-friendly and well-rated option, the Full Day Boat Tour explore Cat Ba Archipelago & Lan Ha Bay stands out, with excellent reviews praising its scenic stops and friendly guides. For those craving a mix of adventure and culture, the Full day: Kayaking, Swimming, Snorkeling, Sunset, Plankton offers a smaller group experience with unique bioluminescent plankton viewing. A variety of tours means you can choose based on your interests, fitness level, and whether you want a relaxed or action-packed day.
1. Lan Ha Bay: Full Day Boat Trip Kayak, Snorkel, Beach, Cave
At number one, this full-day boat trip shines for its all-round appeal — kayaking, snorkeling, visiting floating villages, and discovering a hidden cave. The tour starts with a scenic cruise around Lan Ha Bay, where you can marvel at limestone formations and floating fishing villages like Cai Beo. You’ll get to paddle through lagoons and arches, exploring secluded spots away from the crowds. One of the highlights is Monkey Island, where you can play with monkeys on the beach — a great photo opportunity and a chance to interact with local wildlife.
The tour also includes swimming and snorkeling at some of the most secluded beaches, perfect for escaping the busy tourist spots. As the day winds down, you’ll enjoy a romantic sunset — a calming moment before heading back to Beo Pier. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a balanced day of active exploring and relaxing in nature, with a friendly guide leading the way. The price of $98 per person reflects its all-inclusive nature, and with a perfect 5-star rating from four reviews, it’s clearly a favorite.
Bottom Line: For a full day packed with kayaking, snorkeling, beach time, and wildlife, this tour offers excellent value and a true taste of Lan Ha Bay’s best.
2. Full Day Boat Tour explore Cat Ba Archipelago & Lan Ha Bay
Number two on our list is the Full Day Boat Tour exploring Cat Ba Archipelago & Lan Ha Bay. Priced at just $60, it provides an excellent combination of scenic cruising, kayaking, and beach relaxation. This tour is notable for exploring less-touristy areas, offering an authentic experience away from the crowds. You’ll visit a traditional fishing village, paddle through rock arches to explore lagoons and caves, and stop at the stunning Ba Trai Dao Beach — known for its clear waters and soft sands.
What sets this tour apart is its emphasis on natural beauty and cultural encounters. The kayak trips through Bright and Dark Cave lagoons make you feel like an explorer, and the included lunch is praised for its deliciousness. The fact that it offers hotel pickup and drop-off in Cat Ba Town makes the logistics easier. The two reviews, both 5/5, highlight how fun and interactive the experience is, with one noting the guide’s kindness.
Bottom Line: If you want a well-rounded day with scenic kayaking, cultural insights, and beaches, this affordable tour offers great value and a personalized feel.
3. Full day : Kayaking, Swimming, Snorkeling, Sunset, Plankton
Next, the Full day: Kayaking, Swimming, Snorkeling, Sunset, Plankton focuses on smaller groups — just 12-20 people — for a more intimate experience. Priced at $56, it’s designed for those who want a mix of water activities and the magic of bioluminescent plankton. This tour emphasizes hands-on activities like jumping into the waters for snorkeling, cycling around small islands, and kayaking to see the glowing plankton at night — an unforgettable sight.
The professional guides, armed with international travel licenses, ensure safety and learning during the trip. The highlight for many is the chance to see the bioluminescent plankton, which makes the water shimmer at night — a rare and beautiful spectacle. You’ll also get a chance to try squid fishing, adding an authentic local twist. Reviews mention how fun and well-organized the tour is, with a focus on enjoying the natural environment.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking an active, small-group adventure with unique nature experiences like bioluminescent plankton viewing.
4. Cat Ba: Lan Ha Bay Full-Day Boat Tour
Ranked fourth is the Cat Ba: Lan Ha Bay Full-Day Boat Tour, which captures the essence of Lan Ha Bay’s tranquility. For around $47, this 9-hour cruise combines kayaking, swimming, and cultural visits in a relaxed setting. It begins with pickup from Cat Ba, followed by a scenic transfer to the bay. The guided tour includes kayaking through the Bright and Dark Caves’ lagoons, and a visit to Cai Beo Fishing Village for a touch of local life.
The highlight is jumping into the clear waters at Ba Trai Dao Beach and enjoying the serenity of the bay’s karst formations. The onboard lunch is both plentiful and tasty, offering a good balance of local flavors. In the late afternoon, you’ll experience a peaceful sunset while sipping a drink on the boat deck — a perfect end to a day of exploration.
This tour appeals most to travelers wanting a comprehensive, relaxed day with plenty of opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and soaking in the scenery. The reviews praise the natural beauty and the friendly crew, with a 4.6/5 rating.
Bottom Line: For a full day of gentle exploration and culture, this cruise offers a well-rounded experience at a reasonable price.
$47 per person
5. From Cat Ba: Full-day tour explore the stunning Lan Ha Bay
Number five focuses on the longest route to the less crowded areas of Lan Ha Bay, priced at $54. This full-day tour starts from Beo Wharf and offers outdoor activities like kayaking, swimming, and jumping. The itinerary includes a 30-minute transfer, followed by a full day of exploration with stops at beautiful spots. It emphasizes outdoor activities, making it perfect for active travelers who want to maximize their time on the water.
The tour includes a delicious seafood lunch and round-trip transfer from your hotel in Cat Ba. The focus on outdoor fun and scenic cruising makes it stand out for travelers who want a full day immersed in nature without the crowds.
Bottom Line: This tour suits those seeking a longer, activity-rich day in quieter parts of Lan Ha Bay, with the convenience of hotel pickup.
$54 per person
6. Full Day Tour to Lan Ha Bay with Kayaking, Cliff Jumping
Finally, at number six is the Full Day Tour to Lan Ha Bay with Kayaking and Cliff Jumping. For $106, it’s the most adventure-focused option, blending kayaking with the thrill of cliff jumping off limestone cliffs into the bay’s waters. The highlight is the deep water solo climbing experience, which combines physical challenge with incredible scenery.
You’ll explore the bay by kayaking, visiting caves like the Dark-Light Cave, and stopping on quiet beaches for swimming. Lunch is served on a floating house, providing a unique dining experience amid the water. The tour is designed for those who love adrenaline, offering opportunities to jump and climb in a stunning natural setting. The reviews highlight how fun and safe the activities are, with a 4.8/5 score.
Bottom Line: For thrill-seekers wanting a full day of climbing, jumping, and exploring, this tour delivers excitement with memorable views.
$106 per person
How to Choose the Best Full-Day Lan Ha Bay Tour for You
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, activity level, and interests. If you prefer a balanced mix of kayaking, snorkeling, and scenery, the first or second tours are excellent. For more intimate, small-group adventures, the third offers bioluminescent plankton viewing. Those wanting a relaxed, cultural experience may prefer the fourth, while active travelers who love jumping and climbing should opt for the sixth.
Practical tips include booking early during peak season (October to April), when weather is most reliable. If you’re staying in Cat Ba, the full-day cruise from Cat Ba offers easy logistics. Remember, some tours include transfers, making your planning simpler.
Final Thoughts
Lan Ha Bay’s diverse tours mean there’s something for every traveler — whether you want peaceful kayaking, snorkeling adventures, or adrenaline-pumping cliff jumping. For the best value, consider tours that combine multiple activities, like the Full Day Boat Trip Kayak, Snorkel, Beach, Cave, or opt for the more adventurous Lan Ha Bay with Cliff Jumping if your adrenaline is calling.
No matter which you pick, these tours offer a memorable way to experience one of Vietnam’s most beautiful marine landscapes. Booking early and choosing an experience that matches your energy and interests will ensure you get the most out of your day in Lan Ha Bay.