The Cat Ba - Lan Ha Bay 2D1N Floating House Tour offers a rare chance to sleep on the sea in the heart of Lan Ha Bay. Enjoy a scenic cruise, kayaking in calm lagoons, visits to Cat Ba National Park, and a peaceful overnight stay on a floating house. A well-balanced itinerary designed for travellers seeking nature, comfort, and a truly different Cat Ba experience.
The Cat Ba - Lan Ha Bay 2D1N Floating House Tour is designed as a combined travel experience, bringing together a daytime cruise and an overnight stay on a floating house in Lan Ha Bay.
During the day, travellers explore key areas by cruise, allowing access to wider routes, scenic viewpoints, and onshore attractions.
At night, the journey slows down, with accommodation provided on a floating house anchored in calm bay waters.
This structure offers a clear distinction between exploration time and rest time, avoiding long transfers late in the day while maximising time spent on the bay.
The route of the Cat Ba 2D1N Floating House Tour follows a well-established yet less congested travel corridor.
It typically includes:
This routing reduces overlap with heavily trafficked cruise areas while maintaining access to major natural and cultural sites.
This tour operates on a 2 days 1 night schedule, suitable for travellers seeking a complete bay experience within a limited timeframe.
Accommodation is provided in a private floating house room with basic modern amenities and direct sea surroundings.
Rather than positioning itself as a luxury hotel alternative, the Cat Ba - Lan Ha Bay 2D1N Floating House Tour focuses on location, tranquillity, and proximity to nature.
The experience is structured for travellers who prioritise time on the water, quiet evenings, and overnight immersion in the bay environment.
The defining moment of the Cat Ba - Lan Ha Bay 2D1N Floating House Tour is the overnight stay on a floating house set in the calm, protected waters of Lan Ha Bay.
These locations are carefully chosen for their shelter and stability, where the sea remains gentle and movement is minimal throughout the night.
As evening settles, the atmosphere becomes noticeably quieter.
There is no engine noise, no passing traffic—only soft water sounds and open views of limestone formations under the night sky.
This setting creates a sense of distance from busy tourist areas and allows travellers to rest in a truly natural environment.
What separates the Cat Ba - Lan Ha Bay 2D1N Floating House Tour from a typical overnight cruise is the way life on the bay continues after sunset.
Evening activities often include:
In the early morning, the experience shifts again.
Sunrise unfolds slowly across the bay, with fishing boats beginning their daily routines and gentle activity returning to the water.
This rhythm offers insight into daily life on Lan Ha Bay, something rarely experienced on standard cruise itineraries.
The focus here is not luxury in the conventional sense, but authenticity, stillness, and extended time on the water—key elements that define the Cat Ba - Lan Ha Bay 2D1N Floating House Tour experience.
07:15 – 08:00 | Pick-up and Departure
Guests are picked up from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter or Hanoi Opera House and travel via the expressway toward Ha Long.
11:00 – 11:15 | Cruise Check-in
Arrival at Tuan Chau Harbour.
Welcome drink and brief introduction on board.
11:20 | Buffet Lunch on Board
Buffet lunch is served while cruising through the limestone scenery of Lan Ha Bay.
12:15 – 13:45 | Cat Ba Island and National Park Visit
Electric cart ride through Cat Ba National Park and visit to Trung Trang Cave.
14:30 | Cruising into Lan Ha Bay
The cruise moves deeper into quieter areas of Lan Ha Bay, passing floating villages and limestone formations.
15:15 – 16:30 | Kayaking and Swimming
Kayaking in sheltered lagoons and swimming in calm, clear water.
Floating pool and water slide are available depending on conditions.
16:45 | Sunset Activities on Board
Time to relax on deck, enjoy sunset views, and unwind.
17:30 | Transfer and Check-in at Floating House
Transfer to the floating house, room check-in, and free time.
19:00 | Dinner on the Floating House
Dinner is served in a quiet bay setting, surrounded by open water and limestone cliffs.
After Dinner | Evening Activities on the Bay
After dinner, guests may join a range of light evening activities, creating a calm and memorable end to the day:
Optional Night Kayaking – Bioluminescent Plankton Experience
In suitable conditions, guests may have the opportunity to join a short night kayak to observe bioluminescent plankton, where gentle movements in the water create natural glowing effects.
Please note: Evening activities, including night kayaking and plankton observation, are subject to weather conditions, sea safety regulations, and permission from the Lan Ha Bay Management Authority.
Overnight on the floating house in Lan Ha Bay.
05:30 – 06:30 | Sunrise on Lan Ha Bay
Early risers can enjoy sunrise views as fishing boats begin their daily routines.
08:00 | Breakfast
Breakfast is served on the floating house in a calm morning atmosphere.
09:00 – 10:00 | Aquaculture Village Experience
Visit to a nearby floating village to observe fish farming and daily life on the bay. Time for light fishing or a short swim.
10:00 – 11:00 | Final Swim and Photo Stop
Swimming near Monkey Island and photo opportunities with traditional boats.
11:30 | Check-out and Lunch
Guests check out of rooms and enjoy lunch before departure.
13:00 – 15:00 | Return Transfer
Speedboat transfer back to Tuan Chau Harbour, followed by bus transfer to Hanoi or Hai Phong.
Tour ends in the afternoon.
Choosing the Cat Ba 2D1N Floating House Tour is not only about the experience of sleeping on the sea, but also about understanding clearly what the price includes and how it varies by season and departure point.
Below is a transparent overview, explained as I would normally brief guests before departure, so you know exactly what to expect.
Prices are listed per person in USD and vary by season and pick-up location.
The tour operates as an open-group tour with fixed pricing.
|
Pick-up Location |
Low Season |
High Season |
|
From Tuan Chau Harbour (no transfer) |
125 USD |
135 USD |
|
From Hanoi (limousine shuttle bus) |
145 USD |
155 USD |
|
From Hai Phong City (private car) |
145 USD |
155 USD |
Low season: 1 January – 14 May & 16 August – 31 December
High season: 15 May – 15 August
Children policy:
Children from 0–4 years old are free of charge.
Children from 5 years old are charged the adult price.
The Cat Ba 2D1N Floating House Tour is designed as a full-package experience, allowing you to relax without worrying about hidden costs:
To keep expectations clear, the following items are not included in the tour price:
This clear pricing structure is one of the reasons many travellers choose the Cat Ba 2D1N Floating House Tour—everything essential is arranged in advance, leaving you free to enjoy the bay, the quiet nights, and the rare experience of sleeping on the sea.
When travellers consider the Cat Ba 2D1N Floating House Tour, one of the most common decisions is whether to stay overnight on the bay or choose a hotel in Cat Ba Town.
Both options are comfortable, but they offer very different experiences, and understanding this difference helps you choose what suits your travel style best.
From a guide’s perspective, a hotel stay in Cat Ba Town is familiar and convenient.
You are right in the centre, close to restaurants, cafés, and the night market.
Evenings are lively, with plenty of options for dining and casual walks around town.
By contrast, the floating house option included in the Cat Ba 2D1N Floating House Tour focuses on immersion rather than convenience.
Located in the middle of Lan Ha Bay, the floating house is surrounded by limestone mountains and open water.
At night, the atmosphere is calm and quiet, defined by gentle waves, soft sea sounds, and an uninterrupted night sky.
To make the differences clear, the table below summarises the two experiences:
|
Criteria |
Hotel Stay in Cat Ba Town |
Floating House Stay on Lan Ha Bay |
|
Location |
Town centre, close to shops and nightlife |
Middle of the bay, surrounded by nature |
|
Evening atmosphere |
Lively and social |
Quiet, peaceful, low-light environment |
|
Scenery |
Town or mountain views |
360° views of sea and limestone cliffs |
|
Experience style |
Comfortable and familiar |
Rare experience of sleeping on the sea |
|
Best for |
Families, comfort-focused travellers |
Nature lovers, couples, small groups |
|
Cost level |
Stable and standard |
Slightly higher due to on-bay logistics |
The floating house stay is often chosen by travellers looking to disconnect from noise and routine.
While mobility is more limited at night, the reward is a rare sense of stillness and closeness to nature—an experience that defines the Cat Ba 2D1N Floating House Tour and sets it apart from traditional Cat Ba itineraries.
When travellers consider the Cat Ba 2D1N Floating House Tour, one of the most common decisions is whether to stay overnight on the bay or choose a hotel in Cat Ba Town.
Both options are comfortable, but they offer very different experiences, and understanding this difference helps you choose what suits your travel style best.
From a guide’s perspective, a hotel stay in Cat Ba Town is familiar and convenient.
You are right in the centre, close to restaurants, cafés, and the night market.
Evenings are lively, with plenty of options for dining and casual walks around town.
By contrast, the floating house option included in the Cat Ba 2D1N Floating House Tour focuses on immersion rather than convenience.
Located in the middle of Lan Ha Bay, the floating house is surrounded by limestone mountains and open water.
At night, the atmosphere is calm and quiet, defined by gentle waves, soft sea sounds, and an uninterrupted night sky.
To make the differences clear, the table below summarises the two experiences:
|
Criteria |
Hotel Stay in Cat Ba Town |
Floating House Stay on Lan Ha Bay |
|
Location |
Town centre, close to shops and nightlife |
Middle of the bay, surrounded by nature |
|
Evening atmosphere |
Lively and social |
Quiet, peaceful, low-light environment |
|
Scenery |
Town or mountain views |
360° views of sea and limestone cliffs |
|
Experience style |
Comfortable and familiar |
Rare experience of sleeping on the sea |
|
Best for |
Families, comfort-focused travellers |
Nature lovers, couples, small groups |
|
Cost level |
Stable and standard |
Slightly higher due to on-bay logistics |
The floating house stay is often chosen by travellers looking to disconnect from noise and routine.
While mobility is more limited at night, the reward is a rare sense of stillness and closeness to nature—an experience that defines the Cat Ba 2D1N Floating House Tour and sets it apart from traditional Cat Ba itineraries.
For travellers interested in expanding their journey beyond the Cat Ba 2D1N Floating House Tour, there are many flexible options to explore Cat Ba and the surrounding bays depending on time and travel plans.
Guests can start with a classic Lan Ha Bay day tour from Hanoi, ideal for those looking to experience the highlights of the bay in a single day.
If you are already on the island, the Ha Long Bay tour from Cat Ba offers a seamless way to connect two world-famous bays in one journey.
For shorter experiences, the Lan Ha Bay half day tour is a great option, while nature lovers should not miss the unique Lan Ha Bay plankton tour, featuring bioluminescent waters at night.
Travel between destinations is also easy with the Hanoi to Cat Ba bus or the convenient Ninh Binh to Cat Ba bus.
For longer stays, travellers can combine experiences with the Lan Ha Bay 2 days 1 night cruise or a complete island journey through the Cat Ba 3 days 2 nights tour.
With its peaceful overnight experience on the sea, balanced itinerary, and full-service design, the Cat Ba 2D1N Floating House Tour remains one of the most memorable ways to explore Cat Ba.
For updated prices, personalised advice, and secure booking, travellers are encouraged to book directly with Quang Thắng Cát Bà, a trusted local operator specialising in Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay experiences.