Lan Ha Bay: The Untamed Explorer’s Route
2 Days – 1 Night: Overnight Private cabin on Junk
Traditional Junk Boat | Lan Ha Bay Kayaking | Cat Ba National Park | Cycling | Trekking
Leave the crowds behind and experience the authentic side of Lan Ha Bay on this unforgettable 2-day kayaking and trekking adventure. Combining a traditional junk boat cruise, sea kayaking, cycling, rainforest trekking, and cultural encounters, this journey explores the hidden corners of Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba National Park, and the spectacular UNESCO Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve. Designed for active travellers and nature lovers, this tour offers the perfect balance of adventure, local culture, and breathtaking scenery while avoiding the busy tourist routes of Ha Long Bay.
Cruise through the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay aboard a beautifully restored traditional junk boat, passing towering limestone islands, peaceful floating fishing villages, and secluded white-sand beaches. Paddle premium sea kayaks through hidden lagoons, limestone tunnels, and spectacular sea caves that larger cruise boats cannot reach. Discover the quiet beauty of Lan Ha Bay and the untouched waters of Bai Tu Long Bay, where crystal-clear water, dramatic karst landscapes, and complete tranquillity create one of Vietnam’s finest outdoor adventures.
On Cat Ba Island, venture deep into Cat Ba National Park, where ancient tropical rainforest, limestone mountains, and remote villages await. Cycle through lush forest trails to the secluded Viet Hai Village, one of the island’s oldest communities, accessible only by boat, bicycle, or hiking trail. Continue on foot with a rewarding trek to one of Cat Ba’s spectacular panoramic viewpoints, offering breathtaking views across Lan Ha Bay, Ha Long Bay, and the surrounding biosphere reserve.
Spend the night aboard a traditional Vietnamese junk boat, anchored in a peaceful bay far from the crowds. Enjoy freshly prepared local cuisine, unforgettable sunsets, and a relaxing evening beneath a sky full of stars while surrounded by the dramatic limestone scenery of Lan Ha Bay. With experienced local guides, premium sea kayaks, small group departures, and carefully selected off-the-beaten-path locations, Lan Ha Bay: The Untamed Explorer’s Route is one of the most complete Lan Ha Bay adventure tours, perfect for travellers seeking an authentic and active island experience.
CKA011
Tour Price
Group Tour Price:
290$ USD Per person
Group Size
• Minimum: 2 guests
• Maximum: 10 guests
Single Supplement
40$ USD Per person single room
• Private transfers from Hanoi can also be arranged.
• Flexible return times to Hanoi or Ninh Binh are available on request.
Why You’ll Love This Tour
Overnight aboard a traditional junk
with a private ensuite cabin and wonderful Vietnamese Food.
Guided sea kayaking through hidden lagoons, caves, and quiet beaches
Explore the peaceful waters of Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.
Guided rainforest trekking with spectacular panoramic viewpoints
Cycle through Cat Ba National Park to the remote Viet Hai Village.
Small group adventure with experienced local guides
Perfect combination of kayaking, cycling, trekking, and cultural exploration.
Kayaking Adventure Itiniary
07:00 – 07:30 | Hotel Pick-up – Hanoi Old Quarter
Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Travel by modern expressway through the fertile Red River Delta, passing traditional farming villages before crossing the spectacular Tan Vu–Lach Huyen Sea Bridge, the longest sea bridge in Southeast Asia.
10:30 | Arrive on Cat Ba Island
Board a high-speed ferry to Cat Ba Island before enjoying a scenic drive to Ben Beo Harbour, the gateway to Lan Ha Bay and one of Vietnam’s finest sea kayaking destinations.
12:00 | Welcome Aboard
Meet our friendly crew and board your traditional wooden junk boat. Settle into your private ensuite cabin before cruising through authentic floating fishing villages where generations of local families continue to live and work on the water.
Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch while surrounded by the spectacular limestone islands and emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay.
Afternoon | Kayaking Hidden Lagoons & Sea Caves
Cruise to the peaceful Ang Van Ta area before launching your kayak to explore the famous Dark Cave and Bright Cave (tide permitting). Paddle through natural limestone tunnels into hidden lagoons surrounded by towering cliffs, discovering secluded waterways that larger boats simply cannot reach.
Take time to relax on quiet beaches, swim in crystal-clear water, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that makes Lan Ha Bay one of Southeast Asia’s premier kayaking destinations.
Evening | Overnight on Lan Ha Bay
As the sun sets over the dramatic karst landscape, anchor in a secluded bay far from the tourist crowds. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner served onboard before spending a peaceful night beneath a sky full of stars aboard your traditional junk boat.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Private cabin aboard on junk boat
(Breakfast, Lunch)
Morning | Journey to Viet Hai Village
Wake to a beautiful sunrise over Lan Ha Bay and enjoy breakfast on deck before cruising to the remote Viet Hai Village, hidden deep inside Cat Ba National Park and accessible only by boat, bicycle, or hiking trail.
Cycling Through Cat Ba National Park
Explore the island by bicycle, following quiet paths through lush tropical rainforest, limestone valleys, and peaceful countryside. This scenic ride offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the untouched beauty of Cat Ba Island and its unique rural communities.
Optional Trek to Hai Quan (Navy) Peak
For those looking for an extra challenge, join your guide on a rewarding trek to Hai Quan (Navy) Peak. This moderate hike is rewarded with spectacular 360-degree panoramic views across Lan Ha Bay, Ha Long Bay, and the surrounding UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.Guests who prefer a more relaxed pace can spend time exploring Viet Hai Village, meeting local residents, visiting traditional homes, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of one of Vietnam’s most isolated communities.
Village Lunch
Enjoy an authentic Vietnamese lunch at a local village restaurant before cycling back to the harbour.
Afternoon | Return to Hanoi
Board the boat back to Ben Beo Harbour before transferring to the express bus for the journey back to Hanoi.
19:00 – 19:30 | Arrival in Hanoi
Arrive back at your hotel with unforgettable memories of Lan Ha Bay, Viet Hai Village, Cat Ba National Park, and two days of authentic adventure exploring one of Vietnam’s most spectacular island destinations.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: None
Notes:
– Earlier or Later departure and return are available upon request.
-Vegetarian food is always available upon request.
– Minimum group size: 2 people.Maximum group size: 10 people. Please get in touch with us for larger group bookings; we may be able to offer a discount.
– The price does not include Private transportation to and from Hanoi but we can book private transport(Car + Hydrofoil) to and from Hanoi at a reasonable price.
Accommodation
Deluxe Overnight Junk – A Boutique Cruise Through Lan Ha Bay
Experience the magic of Lan Ha Bay from the comfort of our beautifully appointed Deluxe Overnight Junk. Blending the charm of a traditional Vietnamese sailing boat with modern comforts, our boutique junk is the perfect base for exploring the hidden lagoons, limestone islands, and secluded beaches of the Cat Ba Archipelago. After a day of kayaking through sea caves and swimming in crystal-clear waters, return to your floating hotel to relax in complete tranquillity.
Each private ensuite cabin features air conditioning, hot showers, and comfortable bedding, while the spacious dining room serves freshly prepared Vietnamese cuisine using local seafood and seasonal ingredients. Unwind on the large panoramic sundeck with a cold drink from the onboard bar, watch the sunset over the limestone karsts, or take a refreshing swim directly from the boat’s swimming platform. As evening falls, the junk anchors in a quiet bay away from the busy cruise routes, offering an unforgettable overnight experience surrounded by the peaceful beauty of Lan Ha Bay.
What's Included on Tour
- Return express bus between Hanoi and Cat Ba (or Ninh Binh option)
- English-speaking kayaking guide
- Sea kayak and safety equipment
- Support boat throughout the tour
- Private ensuite room at Floating Homestay
- Meals set menu: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
- Entrance fees
- Drinking water during activities
- Bike for Viet Hai Village
Tour Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Vietnam visa
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
- Personal expenses
- Laundry
- Tips
Make a Booking
Payment must be made in full before departure, Please make booking 24 hours in advance, we reserve the right to cancel kayak tours based on weather conditions. Please see our terms and conditions for full details.
