Hanoi/Ninh Binh: 2-Day Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba with Small Cruise
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Cruise from Hanoi or Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay on a 2-day tour. Explore caves by kayak, swim, and visit the ancient fishing village of Viet Hai.
Highlights
- Discover the natural beauty of Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island on a 2-day cruise
- Visit the ancient fishing village of Viet Hai and immerse yourself in local life
- Enjoy a sunset with a cup of tea and explore caves by kayak
- Kayak and swim in the cool waters of the bay and take photos of the scenery
- Savor fresh seafood caught directly from the bay and enjoy a cooking class
Description
Enjoy the sunset with your loved ones over a cup of tea and kayak through Dark and Bright Cave on this 2-day 1-night cruise from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay.
These are small cruises with fewer than 11 cabins, simply decorated – the true value lies in the privacy and limited number of guests, meaning you won’t be sharing your journey with too many others.
This tour focuses on outdoor experiences and connecting with nature, rather than high-end luxury amenities.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi/Ninh Binh - Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay
07:00 | Hotel pickup
Pickup from your hotel in Hanoi or Ninh Binh. Drive to Cai Beo Port (Cat Ba Island) via the Got - Cai Vieng ferry.
11:30 - 12:10 | Arrival at Cai Beo Port
Meet our staff and prepare for boarding.
12:30 - 13:00 | Boarding the cruise
Enjoy a welcome drink, meet the crew, and listen to a short cruise briefing. Lunch is served in the restaurant before you check into your cabin.
The cruise will pass by Pen Islet - a uniquely shaped limestone rock resembling a giant pen, along with other scenic islets.
14:00 - 14:30 | Outdoor activity - arranged depending on the tide
Option 1: Explore Dark and Bright Cave by kayak for about 1 hour. Afterwards, return to the cruise for swimming.
Option 2: Cruise to Ba Trai Dao Beach – ideal for kayaking among limestone islets and swimming in clear water.
17:30 - 19:15 | Sunset & dinner
Return to the boat. Don’t miss the stunning sunset over the bay! Join a Vietnamese cooking class with the onboard chef. Dinner with a fresh seafood menu will be served in the restaurant.
After dinner, relax with a cocktail at the panoramic bar or try your luck at squid fishing. Overnight onboard in your private cabin.
Day 2: Viet Hai Village - Cat Ba Island - Hanoi/Ninh Binh
06:00 | Sunrise & coffee
Start your day with a cup of coffee, capture the sunrise from your cabin, or simply enjoy the peaceful morning view.
06:30 - 07:30 | Light breakfast
08:00 - 09:30 | Visit Viet Hai Village by bicycle
Cycle to the peaceful Viet Hai fishing village. Breathe in the fresh air and discover the authentic daily life of the locals.
10:00 | Cabin checkout
Return to the cruise and check out of your cabin.
10:30 | Light lunch onboard
Enjoy a light lunch as the boat cruises back to the port.
11:45 - 12:00 | Disembarkation
Disembark at Cai Beo Port and say goodbye to the crew.
15:45 - 16:30 | Drop-off in Hanoi or Ninh Binh
Notes:
- This tour is operated by 6 small cruises (5 to 11 cabins). The cruise assigned depends on cabin availability at the time of booking.
- Cabins are modestly and simply decorated – not suitable for travelers expecting luxury.
- Standard cabin: Located on the 1st deck without a balcony. Upper deck upgrades available upon request (surcharge applies).
- For guests choosing the included transfer, pickup and drop-off is flexible between Hanoi and Ninh Binh.
- Please contact us via email if you have any special requests.
Includes
2-day cruise
English guide
Welcome drinks
Entry fees and sightseeing fees
Standard cabin: 1st deck with A/C and en-suite bathrooms, no balcony
Upper deck upgrade on request (surcharge applies)
All meals: 1 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, and 1 brunch
Swim stops
Kayak tours
Cooking class
Nighttime squid fishing
Tax & service fee
Important Information
- Drop-off in Ninh Binh instead of Hanoi is available upon request via email.
This tour is operated by 6 small cruises (from 5 to 11 cabins). The cruise you join will be assigned based on cabin availability at the time of booking.
Cabins are modest and simply decorated - not suitable for travelers expecting high-end luxury.
Please inform us if there is any special request on food such as vegetarian or food allergies for our best arrangement
The internet signal on the bay is weak hence please complete all important tasks before getting on the ship
Infant rates apply, provided they do not occupy a seat
The schedule and menu may change (subject to weather, local authority regulations, traffic, etc.)
In case of full availability on the date you booked, we will try to make arrangements and contact you, and there may be an additional charge for upgrading
All activities are optional
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund