Lan Ha Bay 3D2N: Peaceful Journey & Hidden Beaches

Overview

This 3-day trip splits the nights between a cruise cabin and a homestay in Viet Hai village, inside Cat Ba National Park. It covers bioluminescent night kayaking, Monkey Island, and the quieter beaches and lagoons of Lan Ha Bay, from $239 per person.

Beka Insight: guests clearly observed the bioluminescent plankton on 94 of the last 120 night departures — about 78%. Sightings are least likely around the 15th and 16th of the lunar month, when the moon is brightest, and on rainy nights.

Prefer both nights on board instead of a village homestay? Compare this against the rest of Beka's Lan Ha Bay tours.

Highlight

Rare bioluminescent night kayaking under the stars in Lan Ha Bay Explore less-touristy and untouched areas with hidden beaches and lagoons Experience authentic local life at Viet Hai Village with cycling and cultural activities Enjoy a perfect mix of kayaking, swimming, cliff-jumping, hiking, and cruising V

Details Itinerary

07:00 – Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter (if transfer service is booked with us) and depart for Cat Ba Island. Short breaks will be made along the way.

11:15 – Arrive at Ben Beo Pier. Your tour guide will provide entrance tickets to Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay (included in the tour price).

11:20 – Board the boat and begin cruising through the breathtaking Lan Ha Bay. Pass by Cai Beo Floating Fishing Village, one of the oldest fishing villages in Northern Vietnam, while admiring the dramatic limestone karsts rising from emerald waters.

12:00 – Enjoy a freshly prepared Vietnamese lunch onboard with stunning bay views (vegetarian options available).

14:30 – Explore the peaceful lagoon area by kayak. Paddle through caves, natural tunnels, and hidden lagoons while discovering the untouched beauty of the bay. If lucky, you may spot the rare Cat Ba Langur.

15:30 – Continue cruising through the quieter and less-touristy areas of Ha Long Bay.

16:30 – Stop at Ba Trai Dao Beach for swimming, relaxing, or cliff-jumping from the boat. Enjoy one of the bay’s most pristine and peaceful beaches.

17:30 – Visit a floating fish farm and learn about the local fishermen’s way of life. Join a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class onboard before dinner.

19:30 – Experience the magic of bioluminescent night kayaking. Paddle through glowing waters under the stars and witness natural plankton lighting up the sea.

20:00 – Arrive at Viet Hai Village, a peaceful village hidden in the heart of Cat Ba National Park, surrounded by mountains and lush jungle.

06:30 – Enjoy breakfast at the restaurant.

07:30 – Cycle around Viet Hai Village and experience the peaceful countryside. Enjoy scenic mountain views and try a natural fish massage in the stream.

08:30 – Check out and transfer back to Viet Hai Pier for the journey to Monkey Island.

09:30 – Arrive at Monkey Island. Relax on the beach, swim, interact with monkeys, or hike to the viewpoint for panoramic views of Lan Ha Bay.

*Important note: In case Monkey Island is closed or inaccessible due to weather conditions, the itinerary will be adjusted and replaced with a trekking experience to Navy Peak, offering stunning panoramic views of Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay.

10:30 – Check in to the cruise.

15:00 – 17:00 – Explore the quiet bay by kayaking or relax on a secluded beach.

17:30 – 19:15 – Return to the cruise to relax on the sundeck and enjoy dinner onboard.

Evening – Free time to relax, enjoy drinks at the bar, or admire the peaceful atmosphere of the bay. Overnight onboard.

08:00 – Enjoy breakfast while taking in the peaceful beauty of the bay. Head to the sundeck for panoramic views and memorable photos.

10:30 – Continue cruising through hidden caves and remote limestone islets.

11:30– Return to the harbor and transfer back to Hanoi or continue to your next destination.

Important info

Include

1 night on Cruise + 1 night at homestay in Viet Hai Village
Electric car pick up from Viet Hai harbor to Lan homestay
Entrance tickets
All meals on the tour 2 - breakfast, 3 - lunch, 2 - dinner
English speaking tour guide
Kayaking and swimming, hiking, Plankton Bioluminescent night kayak

Exclude

Drinks
Taxes
Holiday surcharge (Xmas, new year, lunar new year, Apr 30, May 1)
Personal expenses, single supplement

Important Notes Before Booking

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation 3 days before departure
50% if you cancel from 1-3 days before departure
100% charge with in 1 day before departure

Children Policy

A group with 2 adults and 1 child: the child under 5 years old is FOC, sharing a bed with parents.
A group with 2 adults & children: One child under 5 years old is FOC, the other children under 5 years old are charged at 75% based on adult rate, sharing a bed with parents.
Children from 5 to under 9 years old are charged at 75% based on adult rate, sharing a bed with parents.
Children from 9 years old are charged at 100% based on adult price.

Notes for guests

In case Monkey Island is closed or inaccessible due to weather conditions, the itinerary will be adjusted and replaced with a trekking experience to Navy Peak, offering stunning panoramic views of Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay.
Itinerary may be changed depending on weather conditions.
Guests are requested to submit their passport at least 24 hours prior to the departure for the travel declaration to the port authority.
The order of sightseeing places is subject to change. However, guests will visit all the places listed in the itinerary.
Unused services such as meals, sightseeing tours, transport and activities listed in the agenda will not be refunded or exchanged.

What to bring?

Comfortable shoes
Hat
Camera
Hiking shoes
Comfortable clothes
Hiking pants

FAQS

One night is spent in a cabin on the cruise and one night at a homestay in Viet Hai village, inside Cat Ba National Park. An electric car takes you from Viet Hai harbour to the homestay.

This tour splits the nights between the boat and a village homestay, and includes bioluminescent night kayaking. The Real Local Bay Cruise spends both nights in a cabin on board instead.

No. Guests clearly saw the plankton on 94 of the last 120 night departures, roughly 78 percent. Sightings are least likely around the 15th and 16th of the lunar month, when the moon is brightest, and on rainy nights.

Pickup from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter at 07:00 is included if you book the transfer with the tour. Otherwise a bus transfer from Hanoi, Ha Long or Ninh Binh can be added for 15 US dollars per passenger.

Two breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners are served across the three days. Drinks, taxes and personal expenses are not included.

Cancellation is free up to 3 days before departure. Cancelling 1 to 3 days before incurs a 50 percent charge, and cancelling within 1 day of departure is charged in full.