Last updated on : August 19, 2026
An Alternative to Ha Long Bay?
Already our last day in Vietnam… And before continuing our journey to Japan, we absolutely wanted to discover Lan Ha Bay.
Often described as the little sister of the famous Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay is known for its impressive limestone karsts rising from the sea, small floating fishing villages, and generally more peaceful atmosphere.
When planning our trip, we spent a long time deciding between the two bays. After reading numerous travel blogs, watching several vlogs, and going through travelers’ reviews from different sources, one thing kept coming up: the scenery is said to be very similar, but Lan Ha Bay is usually a little less crowded than Ha Long Bay. Since we were looking for an experience focused more on nature than mass tourism, Lan Ha Bay ultimately became our choice.
However, I have never visited Ha Long Bay myself. So this isn’t meant to be a comparison between the two, but rather an account of our own experience in Lan Ha Bay.
As our itinerary evolved throughout the planning process, we ultimately decided on a day trip from Hanoi. Was one day enough? Looking back, would we make the same choice again?
Here’s our experience.
🎥 On Video: Lan Ha Bay, As If You Were There
Before you continue reading, I invite you to join us for our day in Lan Ha Bay through the vlog we filmed during this excursion.
Come aboard with us and let yourself be carried along by this immersive experience, through the cruise, the spectacular scenery, and the different moments that made this day so memorable.
I hope this video makes you feel as though you were there with us… and maybe even inspires you to experience this adventure for yourself.
⚠️ The prices mentioned in this article reflect our visit in March 2026. They are listed in Canadian dollars (CAD), unless otherwise stated, and may vary over time.
In addition, some links in this article are affiliate links. This comes at no extra cost to you, but if you choose to book or purchase through them, you help support Âme & Aventure. Thank you so much for your support! 🌎🩵
When to Visit Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay can be visited year-round, but each season offers a different experience.
Spring (March to May) is generally considered one of the best times to explore the region. Temperatures are pleasant, the vegetation is lush, and the humidity is more manageable than during the peak of summer. Autumn (September to November) is also a popular time to visit, thanks to milder weather and generally better visibility, which is ideal for enjoying the scenery.
Summer (June to August) is hotter and more humid. It’s also the season when rain showers and tropical storms are more frequent, which can sometimes lead to cruises being cancelled or modified. In winter (December to February), temperatures are cooler, and the sky is often grayer or mistier. The atmosphere may be different, but the landscapes still retain all their charm.
We visited Lan Ha Bay at the end of March. The sky remained gray for much of the day, and we were even a little worried about rain. Fortunately, the showers never came, and we were able to fully enjoy our cruise.
Of course, blue skies probably would have brought out the colors of the bay even more. However, the cloudy weather took absolutely nothing away from the beauty of the scenery. The impressive limestone karsts, peaceful waters, and atmosphere across the bay were simply beautiful.
Excursion: Our Luxury Day Cruise in Lan Ha Bay
When planning our trip to Vietnam, our original intention was to discover Lan Ha Bay on a two-day, one-night cruise. This option seemed ideal for fully enjoying the scenery, experiencing a night on board, and avoiding spending too much of the day on the many transfers between Hanoi and Cat Ba Island.
However, as often happens when planning a long trip, our itinerary evolved over the weeks. We ultimately decided to spend more time in other destinations, including Pu Luong and Tokyo. With limited time, we therefore replaced our two-day cruise with a one-day excursion.
However, the trip had a little surprise in store for us.
While we were already in Vietnam, I received a message on WhatsApp informing me that the boat originally scheduled for our excursion would be undergoing maintenance and wouldn’t be available on the date of our booking. Since we were leaving Hanoi the very next morning, simply postponing the activity wasn’t an option. Instead, we were offered an upgrade to a more luxurious cruise at no additional cost—an offer we were obviously very happy to accept!
The excursion included round-trip transportation from Hanoi, the cruise through Lan Ha Bay, lunch served on board, a visit to Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island, a bike ride, a stop for kayaking and swimming, as well as all transfers between the different modes of transportation.
💡 Good to Know
If, like us, you choose a day trip from Hanoi, keep in mind that it makes for a very long day. Between the bus, ferry, shuttles, and the cruise itself, transportation takes up a significant part of the schedule.
Still, if you don’t have any more time available, as was the case for us, this option is a good compromise that allows you to experience one of Vietnam’s most beautiful landscapes.
First Stop: The Many Transfers to Cat Ba Island
Our day started early, as we left Hanoi around 7 a.m. and headed toward Cat Ba Island, the departure point for our cruise.
Contrary to what you might expect, getting to Lan Ha Bay isn’t as simple as taking a bus straight to the port. Several transfers are required along the way. Fortunately, everything was extremely well organized.
At the scheduled time, we made our way to the meeting point provided with our booking. At each stop where the bus picked up travelers, someone was there to welcome participants, check their reservations, and direct them to the correct vehicle. Since several excursions leave Hanoi around the same time, this organization helped avoid a lot of confusion and made the departure very easy, even when you’re unfamiliar with the area.
We then spent around three hours on the road toward Cat Ba Island. Once we reached the coast, we boarded a small ferry to cross over to the island.
On the other side, a second bus was already waiting to take us the final few kilometers to Cai Beo Terminal, the main departure port for cruises in Lan Ha Bay.
Finally, a small tender took us out to our cruise boat, which was anchored farther out in the bay and couldn’t dock directly at the pier because of its size.
All in all, it took us more than four hours from the time we left Hanoi until we finally stepped aboard. It may sound like a long journey, but every transfer went smoothly and without any stress.
Before long, we were finally ready to set sail and discover the landscapes we had been looking forward to seeing.
Second Stop: Cruising Through the Heart of the Bay
Once aboard the Serenity Grandeur, the crew welcomed us with a smile before showing us to our dining area. The boat has two dining spaces spread across two decks, and each guest is assigned a table upon arrival.
Since the cruise begins almost immediately, lunch is served during the first part of the journey. It is offered buffet-style and, I have to admit, it pleasantly exceeded my expectations. There may have been fewer choices than at some large hotels, but everything we tried was very good. A vegetarian menu was also available for travelers who preferred it.
Lunch was included in the price of the excursion. Drinks, however, were extra and had to be paid for at the end of the day. A tip box was also available for passengers who wished to leave a gratuity for the entire crew.
After lunch, we headed up to the upper deck to fully enjoy the cruise. Since we had the good idea of going up fairly quickly, we managed to find seats with a small table—a perfect spot to admire the scenery while staying comfortably settled. Since these seats are limited, I recommend heading upstairs as soon as you get the chance if you’d like to enjoy one too.
This was when we were finally able to fully appreciate the magnificent landscapes unfolding before us. Even though we had discovered the spectacular scenery of Ninh Binh just a few days earlier, often nicknamed “Ha Long Bay on land,” we never grew tired of admiring these enormous rock formations seemingly rising straight out of the sea.
Of course, the boat still carried several dozen passengers, so the atmosphere was livelier than we had originally imagined, especially compared with the smaller two-day cruise we had initially planned. Despite that, once we settled onto the upper deck, the conversations around us seemed to fade into the background.
We were simply happy to finally be there, taking in the landscapes we had been so excited to discover.
Third Stop: A Visit to Viet Hai Village
After about an hour and a half of cruising, our boat dropped anchor near Cat Ba Island. Since it was too large to dock directly at the pier, we first boarded a small tender that took us to shore.
Once we disembarked, another shuttle—this time an electric one—was waiting to take us the few kilometers separating us from Viet Hai Village. When we arrived, our guide explained how this part of the excursion would unfold and how much time we had to enjoy the village before heading back to the boat.
Cycling Through Viet Hai Village and the Landscapes of Cat Ba
We chose to explore Viet Hai Village by bike. Since we were among the first to arrive, we were able to choose our bikes before the other groups got to them. And that wasn’t such a bad thing! The bikes had clearly seen better days, and the best ones were taken very quickly. Ours worked perfectly fine, but let’s just say that squeaky brakes and less-than-perfect adjustments were part of the experience. Nothing too concerning—just a little reminder that we were definitely in Vietnam!
The route begins along the village’s main road before joining a trail that winds through the countryside. The houses quickly give way to fields, karst mountains, and lush vegetation. The scenery is beautiful and reveals a completely different side of Cat Ba from what we had seen from the boat.
We especially enjoyed the off-road section through the fields. Cycling through this beautiful natural setting with the mountains in the background was one of the highlights of the day.
The only small downside is that this route is very popular. Stops are frequent, as many travelers pause to take photos of the scenery… or of the numerous water buffalo relaxing in the fields. So sometimes, you have to wait a little before you can get moving again or pass other cyclists.
Fortunately, we eventually found a little more open space ahead of us. From that point on, we were able to fully enjoy the ride and capture some of our favorite footage from the excursion.
An Experience as Surprising as It Was Fun
Before taking the shuttle back to the port, we decided to try one of the activities offered there: the famous fish spa.
The concept is simple: you put your feet into a pool filled with small fish that nibble away at the dead skin. On paper, it might sound a little strange… and in reality, the sensation is just as unusual!
Unlike the small tanks sometimes found in spas or massage salons, this one took place in a large pool where several visitors could sit along the stone edges at the same time. The setting was much more spacious and blended nicely with the village’s natural surroundings.
As for the experience itself, the first few seconds are particularly surprising. It tickles like crazy, you jump, you burst out laughing… basically, it’s impossible to keep a straight face! Fortunately, I had my camera with me, so I was able to capture our reactions as they happened. It was probably one of the funniest moments of the entire day.
Once we had finished, we took the electric shuttle back to the port, then boarded the small tender waiting to take us back to our boat so we could continue exploring Lan Ha Bay.
Fourth Stop: Kayaking, Swimming… or Simply Enjoying the Moment
Back on board, we continued cruising through Lan Ha Bay. A few minutes later, the captain dropped anchor in another part of the bay, giving passengers the opportunity to enjoy some water activities.
For about an hour and a half, everyone was free to enjoy the stop at their own pace. Several travelers chose to head out and explore the bay by kayak, while others went swimming in the calm waters or had fun on the slides installed on the boat.
We watched as the many kayaks slowly headed off one after another. Some paddled toward small openings in the limestone cliffs, while others simply took their time exploring the surroundings. The scenery certainly made you want to head out on an adventure.
As for us, we made a slightly different choice.
Even though we had brought our swimsuits and could easily have joined in, we decided to stay on board. After all the transfers that morning and the lively atmosphere on the boat since our departure, we enjoyed having the upper deck almost to ourselves while most of the other passengers were out on the water.
Sitting comfortably in front of the scenery, we simply took the time to admire the limestone karsts, watch the kayaks in the distance, and enjoy the present moment. With far fewer people around us, the atmosphere became particularly peaceful. In the end, it became one of our favorite memories of the entire day.
If you enjoy more active experiences, kayaking and swimming are great ways to discover the bay from a different perspective. As for us, we don’t regret our choice at all.
Sometimes, traveling isn’t necessarily about always doing more. It’s also about knowing when to stop for a moment, take in your surroundings, and simply appreciate being there. That’s exactly what we chose to do. This peaceful break allowed us to slow down, breathe, and fully appreciate the beauty of the bay before heading back toward Hanoi.
Fifth Stop: The Journey Back to Hanoi
After this well-deserved break, it was already time to start cruising back toward Cai Beo Terminal. The kayaks were brought back on board, the last swimmers returned to the boat, and we slowly left this part of the bay behind to begin our journey back.
One last time, we enjoyed the magnificent scenery passing before our eyes. On our way out of the bay, we passed several floating fishing villages again, giving us one final opportunity to admire this unique setting before returning to dry land.
At certain times of the year, the return journey coincides with sunset, which must make the experience even more spectacular. In our case, the sky remained gray until the end of the day. Even though we didn’t get the vibrant colors you sometimes see in photos, the landscapes still retained all their charm.
Once we arrived back at Cai Beo Terminal, we still had to complete all the transfers in reverse: the shuttle to the pier, the bus across Cat Ba Island, the ferry, and finally the bus back to Hanoi. This is when you really realize just how long a day trip can be, with transportation taking up a significant part of the day.
We finally arrived back in Hanoi at around 8 p.m. Since several streets around Hoan Kiem Lake were closed to traffic because of the night market, our guide offered to drop us off nearby rather than trying to reach each of the morning’s original meeting points.
In the end, this small last-minute adjustment turned out to be a wonderful surprise. It gave us the chance to experience the lively atmosphere of the Hanoi Night Market, with its pedestrian streets, live music performances, numerous stalls, and lights reflecting on Hoan Kiem Lake.
It was a beautiful way to end the day before heading out for dinner and returning to our hotel. I talk more about this experience in my article about our stay in Hanoi.
Budget & Cost
At the time of our trip, in March 2026, this day trip to Lan Ha Bay cost us C$106 per person. Keep in mind, however, that this price reflects the original cruise we booked before receiving our complimentary upgrade.
We booked the activity with Tinny Travel Co. Ltd through GetYourGuide, a platform we regularly use to book excursions during our travels.
The excursion included:
- round-trip transportation from Hanoi;
- the ferry crossing to Cat Ba Island;
- the cruise through Lan Ha Bay;
- a buffet lunch;
- a visit to Viet Hai Village;
- the bike ride;
- access to kayaking and swimming;
- the services of a guide.
Additional costs to budget for:
- drinks purchased on board;
- tips, left at the travelers’ discretion.
👉 If you would like to see the excursion or check current prices and availability, you can find it on GetYourGuide.
Prices, itineraries, and included services may change over time, so I recommend checking the current details before booking.
Other Options We Considered
The cruise we had originally booked with the same tour operator offered a day in Lan Ha Bay with a slightly different itinerary and activities.
👉 If you’d like to take a look at this excursion or check its current price: Hanoi/Cat Ba: Lan Ha Bay Day Cruise with Dark & Bright Caves
However, our original choice was a two-day, one-night cruise with Venezia Cruises. Unfortunately, after making a few changes to our itinerary, we had to switch to a one-day excursion instead.
If your schedule allows, I would still recommend taking a look at this option. It gives you more time to enjoy the bay and, most importantly, avoids having to fit all the transfers into a single day.
👉 You can also check out the option offered by Venezia Cruises on GetYourGuide: Hanoi: 2-Day Lan Ha Bay Cruise with Meals & Activities
Is This Excursion Right for You?
This Excursion Is Ideal If:
- you’re staying in Hanoi and only have one day available;
- you want to discover Lan Ha Bay without having to organize the logistics yourself;
- you enjoy combining cruising, sightseeing, and activities.
It May Be Less Suitable If:
- you’re looking for a very quiet and intimate experience;
- you want to take your time exploring the bay;
- you don’t enjoy long days involving several transfers.
In Conclusion
Overall, we had a wonderful day in Lan Ha Bay. Between the spectacular scenery, our visit to Viet Hai Village, the bike ride, and the time spent cruising among the limestone karsts, this excursion allowed us to discover one of the most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam.
Of course, not everything was perfect. The many transfers between Hanoi and Cat Ba Island make this excursion quite demanding, and a significant part of the day is spent getting from one place to another. The boat also carried more passengers than we had originally imagined, which sometimes made the atmosphere a little livelier than what we usually look for.
Looking back, if our itinerary had allowed it, we probably would have chosen the two-day, one-night cruise we had originally planned. It would have given us more time to enjoy the bay, experience an evening and a night on board, and spread the many transfers over two days rather than fitting everything into one.
That said, we don’t regret our choice at all. When time is limited, sometimes you have to make compromises, and this excursion still gave us a wonderful experience. We came away with beautiful memories, amazing footage, and the feeling that we had discovered a place that fully deserved its reputation.
If, like us, you only have one day to discover Lan Ha Bay, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this excursion. You simply need to be aware that it’s a long day, with transportation taking up a significant amount of time. Despite that, the beauty of the scenery and the variety of activities offered make it, in our opinion, an experience that is truly worth it.
