Ultimate Guide to Lan Ha Bay: A 2 Day Boat Cruise Itinerary

Lan Ha Bay is a mesmerizing destination located in northeastern Vietnam, famous for its iconic limestone karsts and emerald waters. Lan Ha Bay offers breathtaking scenery, exciting activities, and a chance to immerse yourself in the charm of Vietnam’s coastal beauty. Join us on a 2 day cruise to explore the wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this detailed guide, we share the itinerary for a 2 day cruise in Lan Ha Bay, highlighting the must-see attractions, exhilarating experiences, and practical tips to make the most of your adventure. Are you ready for an unforgettable journey?

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Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay?

Halong bay is the famous bucket list destination but that also means it is very crowded and more touristic. Lan Ha Bay has equally stunning views but it’s much less crowded and quieter. It’s completely up to your preference and either experience will be worthwhile and memorable.

We ultimately decided to visit Lan Ha Bay instead of the more popular Ha Long Bay as we wanted a less touristy experience. We also considered staying one night in Cat Ba but decided against it due to the limited activities available and the additional cost of $100 per night for two people (to put things into perspective, the average night in Vietnam costs around $20). It’s worth mentioning that we had previously done a 3-day/2-night trip in Ninh Binh for less than $150, which included all expenses.

How many days do you need to visit Lan Ha Bay

To fully experience the beauty of either Halong Bay or Lan Ha bay, we recommend dedicating at least 2 days to your cruise. We were very happy with the [2D1N] Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba Excursion by Sunlight Premium Cruise. This schedule allows you to explore the bay, visit the main attractions, and engage in various activities such as kayaking, swimming, and cave exploration. However, if you have more time, extending your stay to three or more days will allow you to immerse yourself further in the bay’s natural wonders. The commute from Hanoi is 3-4 hours so it would be a very tiring and long day trip and it is quite special to stay overnight on a boat.

Detailed Lan Ha Bay Cruise Itinerary

We highly recommend the [2D1N] Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba Excursion by Sunlight Premium Cruise, as we gave this company an impressive 4.5 out of 5-star rating for their outstanding service.

Day	What did we do?
1 (Wednesday)	Pickup from our Airbnb in Hanoi Boat check-in Lunch Kayaking Swimming Cooking Class / Dinner Squid Fishing Karaoke
2 (Thursday)	Sunrise Breakfast Bike ride on Cat Ba Island + History of the Island Snake Wine + Visit of the islandLunchBoat Check out Transportation back to Hanoi

Day 1: Kayaking, Swimming & Food

We embarked on our Lan Ha Bay adventure, beginning with a convenient pickup from our Hanoi Airbnb by the tour company. After a scenic 2.5-hour bus ride, including a short ferry crossing, we reached Cat Ba National Park. Some fellow travelers opted to stay overnight in Cat Ba, while we proceeded to the pier to board our boat.

Upon arrival, we were given a tour of the boat and settled into our cozy room, complete with a private balcony and ample windows offering breathtaking views of the bay.

As we were getting hungry the staff prepared us a feast which was perfect to make our tummies happy! It was also a great opportunity to meet the other 20 or so people that were with us on the cruise.

When then enjoyed our first view at the Bay. Pretty mesmerising.

Our first activity was kayaking, where we embarked on two-person kayaks and ventured into the bay. Passing through a captivating cave, we marveled at the natural wonders surrounding us.

After an hour of exploration, we returned to the boat and headed to a secluded swimming area with a small beach. Some of us even swam from the boat to the pristine beach.

Refreshed from our adventure, we returned to our room for a shower, as the crew prepared for dinner. Before the evening meal, we participated in a delightful cooking class, learning how to make traditional Vietnamese spring rolls. With the ingredients prepped, we carefully assembled the rolls using rice paper wrappers, fresh vegetables, herbs, and vermicelli noodles. The result was a mouthwatering treat.

Dinner was another culinary delight, skillfully prepared by the boat’s talented chefs.

Following our meal, we had the option to try our hand at squid fishing, although our efforts proved unsuccessful.

Nonetheless, we enjoyed the bar and karaoke on the boat’s rooftop before calling it a night, as we anticipated an early morning to catch the sunrise.

Day 2: Cultural Explorations

We rose early, eager to witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the Bay. Unfortunately, the thick fog obstructed our view, but we remained optimistic. As the day progressed, the fog lifted, revealing the bay’s magnificent vistas, which we had all to ourselves.

After a satisfying breakfast…

We embarked on an adventure to Cat Ba National Park, combining biking and cultural exploration. We pedaled through the park, immersing ourselves in the scenic surroundings.

Along the way, we stopped at a unique location where we tried the fish spa and learned about the production of snake juice/wine, a local specialty. I decided to try the snake beverage, although it tasted similar to regular hard liquor. Nevertheless, it added a unique experience to our journey.

Continuing our tour, we visited local Vietnamese accommodations, gaining insights into the daily lives of the residents. With our bike ride complete, we returned to the boat.

We enjoyed one last delightful meal on the boat, knowing our time in Lan Ha Bay was drawing to a close. Reluctantly, we packed our belongings and bid farewell to the boat’s gracious staff!

A bus awaited us, transporting us back to Hanoi, where we arrived at our Airbnb by 4 pm.

Where to stay in Ha Long / Lan Ha Bay

We booked our [2D1N] Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba Excursion by Sunlight Premium Cruise through the Klook booking platform, a great place to find exceptional deals on tours and experiences. There are an overwhelming number of cruises available in both Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay (more manageable number of options in Lan Ha Bay). We did a ton of research to make sure we were on a nice boat, with good reviews, reasonable price and nice people (no party boats for us!). You’ll find a wide range of options available so be clear on what you’re looking for to help narrow down the options.

Booking.com is another good place to find cruises because it’s easy to filter and many of them have free cancellations. Your hotel in Hanoi will often have a lot of cruise offers but you will have to trust their selection and you will likely have to pay cash upfront.

We recommend the [2D1N] Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba Excursion by Sunlight Premium Cruise, as we gave this company an impressive 4.5 out of 5-star rating for their outstanding service.

Considering the amount we paid, we were happy with the overall experience. While the boat may not have been the epitome of luxury (you can pay twice as much if this is what you are looking for), it definitely exceeded our expectations and provided all the necessary amenities. Our guide spoke fluent English and exhibited great professionalism throughout the tour (while being funny!), enhancing our enjoyment of the trip. The only aspect that could have been better was the weather, which unfortunately was beyond the company’s control.

Pro-tip: It’s worth noting that this tour offers a free cancellation option up to two weeks in advance. If you plan on spending an extended period in Vietnam, we suggest booking the tour to secure your spot, but carefully monitor the weather conditions as your booking date approaches. Should the weather appear unfavorable, consider canceling and rescheduling for a later date to ensure an optimal experience. 

Getting to Lan Ha Bay

Here are some common ways to get to Lan Ha Bay:

1. From Hanoi:
   • By Road and Boat: The most common way to reach Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi is to take a combination of road and boat. From Hanoi, you can take a bus or private car to Hai Phong City.
2. From Ha Long Bay:
   • By Boat: If you are already in Ha Long Bay, you can easily reach Lan Ha Bay by taking a boat or cruise. Many boat tours and cruises operate in the area, and they often include visits to both Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay as part of their itinerary. 
3. From Hai Phong:
   • By Boat: If you are in Hai Phong City, you can also reach Lan Ha Bay by taking a boat from Ben Binh or Binh Ferry Terminal. The boat journey from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour. 

Cost of 2 Day Cruise in Lan Ha Bay

Our 2-day trip to Lan Ha Bay was a good value for how touristy the location is. As a couple we spent a total of 212.38 USD for this trip, which was basically the cost of the tour (+ tip for our tour guide). Food, Activities and Entertainment were all included and we feel that we got a pretty good value.

Typically, comparable tours in the area range from $100 to $200 per person for a two-night stay. However, we were fortunate to find an option that offered an all-inclusive experience, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the wonders of Lan Ha Bay without breaking the bank.

Others tips

Here are our tips for anyone that is planning to visit Lan Ha Bay and wants to save time and money while having the best possible experience:

• Choose the Right Time to Visit: Lan Ha Bay can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from October to April when the weather is generally pleasant and rainfall is minimal. The peak tourist season is from November to March, so if you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder months of October or April.
• Decide on the Duration of Your Stay: Plan for at least 2 night on a boat cruise. If you want to stay an extra night we suggest another night on a boat, vs on land. 
• Choose the Right Type of Cruise or Tour: There are numerous cruise options available for exploring Lan Ha Bay (We recommend the [2D1N] Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba Excursion by Sunlight Premium Cruise), ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury cruises. Research and compare different cruise companies, considering factors such as itinerary, inclusions, boat quality, reviews, and price. It’s also important to check if the cruise includes activities you are interested in, such as kayaking, swimming, or visiting floating villages.
• Explore Cat Ba Island: Cat Ba Island is the largest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago and serves as a gateway to Lan Ha Bay. Consider spending some time exploring Cat Ba Island’s attractions, including the Cat Ba National Park, beaches, and viewpoints. Renting a motorbike or bicycle is a popular way to explore the island.
• Engage in Water Activities: Lan Ha Bay offers excellent opportunities for water activities such as kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. Many cruises and tours include these activities as part of their itinerary.
• Respect the Environment: Lan Ha Bay is known for its natural beauty, and it’s important to help preserve it. Respect the environment by not littering, following designated trails, and avoiding any activities that may harm marine life or ecosystems. Take care to choose responsible tour operators that adhere to sustainable practices.
• Plan for Cash: While some places in Lan Ha Bay may accept card payments, it’s advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments or local vendors. ATMs are available on Cat Ba Island, but it’s recommended to have some cash on hand for convenience. Also if you book a cruise, some items (like drinks) might not be included and would require cash payment as well. 

Our Bottom Line

Our 2-day excursion to Lan Ha Bay was a memorable experience filled with stunning landscapes, engaging activities, and delicious cuisine. From kayaking through enchanting caves to swimming to a secluded beach, we immersed ourselves in the natural wonders of the bay. Despite the foggy mornings, the bay’s beauty shone through, providing us with breathtaking views. We recommend this adventure to cross off your bucket list, though we did prefer Ninh Binh (check our Ultimate Guide to Ninh Binh: A 3-Day Biking Itinerary where we spent ~$135 for a 3 days, 2 night getaway).

Have a trip planned to Vietnam? Check out our other Vietnam articles: Destination guide for Hanoi, Destination guide for Ho Chi Minh City and How to Apply for a Tourist Visa in Vietnam.

What do you think about our itinerary to Lan Ha Bay? Did you know about it? Would you like to spend a couple days there and enjoy this region? Please leave us a comment in the comment section below!