SaPa :2D1N Lan Ha Bay -HA Long Bay -Dau Be Island

Exploring Lan Ha Bay, Ha Long Bay, and Dau Be Island: A 2-Day Adventure

If you’re looking for a wholesome escape that combines natural beauty, active pursuits, and authentic local life, this 2-day tour from Cat Ba offers just that. Priced at $152 per person, it covers the highlights of Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay, including kayaking, snorkeling, visiting floating fishing villages, and enjoying stunning sunsets from the deck. Plus, there’s the chance to experience squid fishing and watch bioluminescent plankton dance beneath the night sky.

What really caught our attention are small groups, which mean you’ll get a more personalized experience, and the fact that the company holds an international travel license, ensuring a certain standard of quality and safety. We also love the variety of activities packed into just two days, from exploring caves to lounging on deserted beaches.

A common consideration is the timing—early mornings and long days mean you’ll want to be ready for a full schedule, but it’s well worth it for the scenery and experiences you’ll gain. This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural insight, especially those who appreciate smaller groups and a more intimate atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic experience with small group sizes ensuring personalized attention
• Beautiful limestone islands and caves, perfect for photography and exploration
• Active pursuits like kayaking, snorkeling, and squid fishing add excitement
• Floating fishing village provides a glimpse into local life on the water
• Stunning sunsets and bioluminescent plankton create memorable night scenes
• All-inclusive meals and accommodations offer good value and comfort

Discovering the Beauty of Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay

This 2-day tour takes you on a carefully curated journey through some of Vietnam’s most scenic waters. Starting from Cat Ba Island, you’ll embark early in the morning, with options for travelers arriving from destinations like Sapa or Ha Giang via overnight buses—so you can start exploring fresh after an early breakfast.

Day One: Floating Villages, Limestone Islands, and Underwater Adventures

We loved the way the day begins with a direct pickup from the Cat Ba office, followed by a short cruise across Bèo Harbour. The highlight here is the Floating Fishing Village, one of Vietnam’s oldest communities. Our guide, whose stories brought the place alive, shared insights about the fishermen’s daily routines and traditions—an authentic window into local life.

The scenery is truly captivating: limestone Turtle, Toad, and Candle Islets rise dramatically from the water, their shapes almost cartoon-like. The beauty of these formations is best appreciated from the boat, with the sun casting shadows that change with the light—an ideal moment for photography.

Lunch on board offers a satisfying break, with Vietnamese seafood and vegetarian options. We appreciated the fresh, well-prepared dishes that made a long day of sightseeing more enjoyable.

Kayaking and Cave Exploration

Post-lunch, the tour takes you to the border between Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay for a more active part: kayaking through Bright, Dark, and Bat Caves. We found this to be a highlight—navigating through caves gives you a sense of discovery and a closer look at the natural rock formations.

The caves are smaller than you might expect but filled with character. Paddling through these natural corridors, you might feel like explorers in a hidden world. The kayaking is suitable for all levels, and the guides are on hand to assist.

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Swimming, Snorkeling, and Relaxation

Later in the afternoon, the tour moves to a private swimming area in the middle of Ha Long Bay, away from crowds. The water is clear and perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Jumping from the boat’s deck into the blue below is a simple pleasure that many reviews mention as a favorite.

Evening Activities: Nighttime Magic

The evening begins with a traditional Vietnamese dinner on board. The calm night air is perfect for trying squid fishing, an activity that many travelers find both relaxing and fun, especially when accompanied by the chance to see bioluminescent plankton shimmering beneath the boat lights. As one reviewer noted, “Seeing the plankton glow was truly mesmerizing—like stars in the water.”

After dark, you can choose between relaxing on the deck, enjoying the night sky, or paddling quietly in a kayak to spot more bioluminescence—an experience that’s both peaceful and visually stunning.

Day Two: Dau Be Island and More Kayaking

The next morning, the tour begins with a sunrise viewed from the deck—an early, peaceful moment we highly recommend. Following breakfast, the boat heads to Dau Be Island, a relatively untouched spot with a deserted beach perfect for relaxing or wandering.

Here, you’ll have time to kayak around the island’s hidden lagoons, explore the coastline, or simply soak up the sun on the beach. The quietness is a stark contrast to the busier parts of Ha Long Bay, making it a peaceful retreat.

Exploring Ho Ba Hm and Hidden Lagoons

In the afternoon, the boat returns to Lan Ha Bay, where you can kayak around limestone islands or swim at secluded beaches. Many guests appreciate the chance to unplug and enjoy nature away from crowded tourist spots.

The tour concludes in the early afternoon, giving you ample time to catch your bus back to Hanoi or other destinations like Ninh Binh, Sapa, or Ha Giang.

The Value of This Tour

At $152 per person, including meals, accommodations in a comfortable cabin with air conditioning and private bathroom, and guided activities, this tour offers great value. The focus on small groups means you’ll benefit from a more intimate experience and personalized attention—something larger cruises often lack.

The inclusion of activities like kayaking, snorkeling, squid fishing, and exploring caves provides a well-rounded adventure that appeals to active travelers. Plus, the certified license of the company adds an extra layer of trust in the quality and safety standards.

What’s Not Included?

You’ll want to budget extra for the entrance fee of 400,000 VND (around $16), as well as drinks like beer, wine, or soft drinks. These are typical extras, but the meals on board are already included, featuring Vietnamese dishes that satisfy without breaking the bank.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who seek authentic, active, and scenic adventures without feeling crowded. The focus on small group size and personalized activities suits those who appreciate a more relaxed, immersive experience. If you love stunning limestone scenery, night-time bioluminescence, and off-the-beaten-path beaches, you’ll find plenty to love here.

It’s also perfect for those arriving from Sapa or Ha Giang who want a relaxing yet exciting way to unwind after mountain adventures, or for travelers who want a balanced mix of boat leisure and outdoor exploration.

The Sum Up

This 2-day Lan Ha and Ha Long Bay tour from Cat Ba offers a well-balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural insight, and active fun. With its small-group format, personalized activities, and stunning scenery, it stands out as a value-packed option for those wanting an authentic experience. The opportunity to kayak through caves, snorkel in clear waters, and witness the glow of bioluminescent plankton makes it especially memorable.

While the long days and early starts might not suit everyone, the chance to see limestone karsts, explore floating villages, and relax on deserted beaches makes it worthwhile. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or simply want to enjoy Vietnam’s waters in a more intimate setting, this tour offers a genuine taste of Lan Ha and Ha Long Bay’s magic.

FAQ

How do I get to Cat Ba for the tour?
You can take an overnight sleeping bus from places like Sapa or Ha Giang, arriving early in the morning in Cat Ba, where the tour begins at 8:00 or 11:00 am.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers the boat cruise, meals, bottled water, accommodation in a private, air-conditioned cabin, kayaking, squid fishing, and watching bioluminescent plankton, guided in English.

Do I need to pay extra for entrance tickets?
Yes, an entrance fee of 400,000 VND (about $16) is not included and should be budgeted separately.

Are the activities suitable for beginners?
Yes, kayaking and snorkeling are suitable for all levels, with guides available to assist. The caves are small but manageable for most.

Can I book this tour from Hanoi or other cities?
Yes, you can book in advance, and some providers offer pick-up services or transportation options to Cat Ba.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The activity is described as wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to confirm specific needs with the tour provider.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and waterproof clothing if you plan to kayak or snorkel. Don’t forget your camera to capture the scenery.

When is the best time to do this tour?
While not explicitly stated, the calm, clear waters and good weather are typical from spring to early autumn, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities.

In short, this tour beautifully combines nature, adventure, and culture, making it a wonderful way to see the stunning waters of northern Vietnam. Whether you’re after picturesque caves, quiet beaches, or magical bioluminescence, it’s a trip that leaves you with durable memories—and plenty of photos.

You can check availability for your dates here: