The Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Tour from Cat Ba is a half-day canoe adventure designed for travellers who want to explore the quieter side of Lan Ha Bay. This tour combines smooth canoe travel, kayaking (subject to permission), and swimming at hidden beaches chosen by tide and weather. Ideal for short stays, it offers a balanced mix of nature, culture, and relaxation in just three hours.
The Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Tour is a half-day canoe experience designed for travellers who want to explore the quieter, less-crowded side of Lan Ha Bay from Cat Ba. This tour focuses on natural scenery, light adventure, and flexible timing, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors.
Operating daily with two departure windows, the Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Tour lasts approximately three hours and is conducted by canoe, allowing access to areas that larger cruise boats cannot reach. This form of transport ensures a smooth journey across the bay while maintaining safety and efficiency.
Key characteristics of the Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Tour include:
Throughout the journey, guests are taken through calm waters, limestone formations, and hidden corners of Lan Ha Bay. Activities typically include kayaking in sheltered lagoons and swimming at one of the selected secluded beaches, such as Two-Side Beach, Leaning Tower Beach, or Ba Trai Dao Beach, depending on real-time sea conditions.
From an operational perspective, the Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Tour is structured to maximise safety, comfort, and time efficiency. The itinerary is suitable for first-time visitors to Lan Ha Bay, travellers with limited schedules, and those seeking a balance between sightseeing and active experiences without committing to a full-day cruise.
The Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Tour follows a well-paced half-day itinerary that allows travellers to explore the bay’s most scenic and less-visited areas. The route is adjusted daily based on sea conditions and regulations from the Lan Ha Bay Management Board to ensure safety and environmental protection.
Your Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Tour begins with hotel pick-up in Cat Ba town.
A short transfer takes you to Cai Beo Pier, where boarding procedures are completed before departure.
Travelling by canoe allows access to narrow waterways and calm lagoons.
This flexibility is a key advantage of the Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Tour, especially during peak seasons.
The canoe passes through Cai Beo Floating Village, offering insight into traditional fishing life.
Guests observe floating houses, fish farms, and daily activities shaped by the rhythms of the bay.
Kayaking is included as part of the Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Tour, subject to approval from the Lan Ha Bay Management Board and current weather conditions.
When permitted, guests paddle through sheltered areas of the bay, allowing a closer connection with limestone cliffs and tranquil waters in a controlled environment.
The journey includes a stop near Turtle Islet, a distinctive limestone formation rising from the sea.
This location is ideal for short breaks and photography from the canoe.
The tour concludes with swimming time at one secluded beach.
Depending on tide and sea conditions, this may be Two-Side Beach, Leaning Tower Beach, or Ba Trai Dao Beach.
After beach activities, the canoe returns to Cai Beo Pier, followed by transfer back to Cat Ba town.
When travellers ask me about the value of the Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Tour, I always explain it in simple terms: this is a short tour, but every minute is used well. The pricing is clear, the services are well organised, and the experience is designed to give you the most authentic side of Lan Ha Bay within half a day.
The official price of the Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Tour is clearly set and applied consistently for all daily departures.
|
Tour name |
Duration |
Price |
|
Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Cano Tour from Cat Ba |
Half day (3 hours) |
27 USD / pax |
This price is considered reasonable for a canoe-based tour in Lan Ha Bay, especially when compared with longer cruises that require a full day or overnight commitment.
To help travellers understand exactly what they receive, the inclusions are listed below in a clear and transparent way:
|
Included services |
Description |
|
Hotel transfer |
Pick-up and drop-off within Cat Ba town |
|
Cano transport |
Modern canoes (20–35 seats) |
|
Kayaking activity |
Subject to weather and approval from the Lan Ha Bay Management Board |
|
Swimming stop |
One selected hidden beach based on tide and sea conditions |
|
Entrance fees |
Lan Ha Bay sightseeing ticket |
These inclusions ensure that the Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Tour runs smoothly, safely, and comfortably, even for first-time visitors.
Some costs are not covered in the tour price and should be considered when planning your trip:
|
Not included |
Notes |
|
VAT |
Not included in tour price |
|
Drinks |
Additional beverages during the tour |
|
Personal expenses |
Souvenirs or personal purchases |
|
Other services |
Any activity not mentioned in the itinerary |
By presenting the price and services clearly, the Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Tour allows travellers to plan confidently, knowing exactly what is included and what is not, without unexpected costs during the journey.
Below are the most common questions travellers ask before joining the Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Tour. These answers are based on daily operations, local regulations, and real experience guiding guests in Lan Ha Bay.
The Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Tour is a half-day canoe tour departing from Cat Ba town.
It focuses on exploring quieter areas of Lan Ha Bay, combining canoe travel, kayaking, and swimming at hidden beaches that are not accessible to large cruise boats.
The Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Tour lasts approximately 3 hours.
Travellers can choose between a morning session (08:00–11:00) or an afternoon session (14:00–17:00), making it easy to fit into any Cat Ba itinerary.
Yes, the Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Tour is suitable for children, especially those aged six and above.
Life jackets are provided, and activities take place in calm waters under close supervision.
Kayaking is included in the Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Tour, subject to weather conditions and approval from the Lan Ha Bay Management Board.
When permitted, kayaking takes place in sheltered areas with gentle currents.
Depending on tide and sea conditions, the tour visits one of the following beaches:
The final choice is made on the day to ensure safety and the best experience.
For a comfortable Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Tour, travellers should bring:
Yes. Weather and sea conditions can affect the Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Tour.
In cases of strong wind or restricted sea access, activities may be adjusted or rescheduled to ensure safety.
Private bookings for the Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Tour are available upon request.
This option is suitable for families, groups of friends, or travellers seeking flexible timing and a more personalised experience.
Travellers can easily enrich their Cat Ba itinerary by combining the Lan Ha Bay Hidden Island Tour with other well-curated experiences in the region. Those starting their journey in the capital may choose the Lan Ha Bay tour from Hanoi, which offers a smooth and time-efficient way to reach the bay. Once on the island, many visitors enjoy pairing this tour with a classic Ha Long Bay tour from Cat Ba or another flexible option such as the Lan Ha Bay half day tour.
For transportation, comfortable and reliable services like the Hanoi to Cat Ba bus and the Ninh Binh to Cat Ba bus make travelling between destinations simple and stress-free. Travellers with more time may consider extending their stay with the scenic Lan Ha Bay 2 days 1 night tour or enjoying a unique evening experience on the water with the Lan Ha Bay plankton tour. For a complete island escape, the Cat Ba tour 3 days 2 nights provides a well-balanced mix of relaxation and exploration.
All of these tours and transport services are organised and updated by Quang Thắng Cát Bà, allowing travellers to plan confidently and enjoy authentic local experiences throughout Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay.
