Cruise Lan Ha Bay's beauty on

Boat Cruise in Cat Ba

Swap crowded Halong Bay for Cat Ba's rugged beauty and stunning limestone islands.

All Boat Cruise in Cat Ba

Top Picks

5.0 (12)

7.5 hrs

|Up to 10 guests

Hidden Lan Ha Bay Cruise | Secret Spots, Crabbing & Beach BBQ

From 1.428.000đ / person

“Uncrowded kayaking stunning views delicious bonfire dinner ”

Private trip

4.8 (45)

10 hrs

|Up to 16 guests

1 Day Lan Ha Bay + Halong Bay Cruise | From Cat Ba

From 714.000đ / person

“Tour was extremely well organised”

4.9 (45)

8 hrs

|Up to 30 guests

1 Day Cat Ba Cruise to Lan Ha Bay | Best Value

From 835.546đ / person

“Everything about this experience was phenomenal”

5.0 (2)

2D1N

|Up to 8 guests

2D1N Floating Homestay + Bioluminescence Kayaking

From 3.723.000đ / person

Browse Collection

What other guests say

4.9

253 reviews

Chans’ tour was exceptionally good. I thought it would be a small group and it turned out to be just my partner and I. The tour is well off the beaten path, away from tourists boats both big and small and you really feel you have the place to yourself for large parts of the day. We went around the fishing village on a small boat before transferring to kayaks and paddling around lan ha bay for about 4 hours exploring secret lagoons and hidden caves that only a local would know. It was a good mix of paddling, swimming and relaxing in the sunshine. Because you are away from other tourists it is very peaceful, we heard and saw lots of birds, and also saw little fish, crabs and even some little cuttlefish! We had draft beer and an excellent dinner on a floating homestay while the sun set and then went back out to another private lagoon to swim with the bioluminescent plankton, again completely on our own. A totally magical experience. And to top it off, a 10 min speedboat back to the mainland! At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, this was the best tour we have done in Vietnam, and one of the best things we have ever done. It is well worth booking if you want to experience the beauty and peace of the nature of Lan Ha bay at a relaxed and gentle pace.

Georgie

Booked: Hidden Lan Ha Bay Cruise | Secret Spots, Crabbing & Beach BBQ

We had an amazing trip. Chans is a really great guy, who speaks English very well. We were inspired by his love for nature. We had enough time to enjoy the scenery, relax and kajak around Han La Bay. It’s really different from a kajak Then from a boat. The mix of different spots, different boats and eating at the homestay was perfect. And we loved to see the plankton and fisherment homes by night. Conclusion: we had a perfect day.

Monica (Netherlands)

Booked: Hidden Lan Ha Bay Cruise | Secret Spots, Crabbing & Beach BBQ

This trip was honestly the best part of my time in Vietnam. Our guide was very knowledgeable and ensured that we have a wonderful time. We really appreciated the planning and got to learn a lot about local people and go to places that are not visited by other tourist and caught crabs and collected mussels for dinner. We had an amazing day and evening and even ended up fishing squid!! Our dinner was delicious. Totally recommending this trip!!

Regina

Booked: Hidden Lan Ha Bay Cruise | Secret Spots, Crabbing & Beach BBQ

Had a very enjoyable day out on the bay. We went rock climbing on Tiger Beach. Our guides - Alexis and partner, were super encouraging, and made the whole experience super beginner friendly. Lunch on the floating villages was delightful. Did a fair bit of kayaking as well. Highly recommend them if you’re looking to fully immerse in the many offerings of the bay - and in the company of some of the most enthusiastic guides too.

Booked: 1 Day Cat Ba Cruise with Rock Climbing and Kayaking

Amazing! Chans took us to all the less touristy spots using the kayak. We saw amazing lagoons, witnessed an amazing sunset. In the evening we had a nice dinner and did another kayak tour where we could see the blue bioluminescent algae. Afterwards we finished the day at a local fisherman's family, where chans showed us how to clean a jellyfish. I would 100% recommend this tour to anyone visiting Cat Ba!

Pieter-Jan & Jasmien

Booked: Hidden Lan Ha Bay Cruise | Secret Spots, Crabbing & Beach BBQ

This was an awesome cruise and really the only way to see the bay. It seemed like all other cruises were doing the same activities, so don’t hesitate to book this. The team at Sunlight Cruise was amazing - they organized our transfers and even picked some of us up in the middle of the bay, since they couldn’t make the dock. Truly wonderful service and great responses to my many whatsapp questions. Thank you to our incredibly guide, Tony, and the whole team.

Emily

Booked: 3D2N Lan Ha Bay Cruise + Cat Ba Hotel | Pick Up from Hanoi Included

Cat Ba is a very nice alternative to Ha Long Bay. With beautiful nature (you can also trek in this national park). Very nice guide. Good schedule with bicycle, swimming, kayaking, lunch and everything in a chill mood. Good and big lunch on the boat. Small boat and not too big group. Well done. We did not meet the locals in the village (but they might not want to be bothered). They made all efforts possible for us to be back on time for the last bus to Hanoi (at 5 pm).

Pauline

Booked: 1 Day Lan Ha Bay + Halong Bay Cruise | From Cat Ba

Boat Cruise in Cat Ba FAQs

How far is Cat Ba from Hanoi?

Cat Ba is about a 3.5 hour bus ride from Hanoi which includes a ferry transfer to the island. There are several buses going daily from Hanoi to and from Cat Ba island.

Should I go to Cat Ba or Halong Bay?

The answer will depend on your preference on travel style. If you are looking for a more chilled out and low key experience on a traditional junk boat, Cat Ba may be the right place for you. Cat Ba is also less touristed with less and smaller boats going out daily than the more popular Ha Long Bay. However if you want to have a more luxurious experience and spend a night or two on board a 4 or 5 star cruise, you should definitely opt for Halong Bay.

What is included in the Sightseeing Boat Cruise in Cat Ba?

The Sightseeing Boat Cruise in Cat Ba typically includes a visit to popular sites such as Lan Ha Bay, Monkey Island, and Cat Ba National Park. It may also include activities like kayaking or swimming.

How long does the Sightseeing Boat Cruise in Cat Ba usually last?

The duration of the Sightseeing Boat Cruise in Cat Ba can vary depending on the package chosen, but most cruises last between 4 to 8 hours.

Are meals provided during the Sightseeing Boat Cruise in Cat Ba?

Most Sightseeing Boat Cruises in Cat Ba include meals, usually a seafood lunch served on board the boat. Some cruises may also offer snacks and beverages.

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