Lan Ha Bay is gaining more recognition as a hidden gem in northern Vietnam. Located next to the famous Halong Bay, it offers the same breathtaking limestone karsts, emerald waters, and peaceful beaches but with far fewer crowds. This makes it an ideal destination for travelers looking for a more relaxed and authentic experience.

If you're looking for the best cruise itinerary for 3 days and 2 nights in Lan Ha Bay, this guide provides everything you need to know. You'll explore untouched landscapes, visit charming local communities, and enjoy top-notch hospitality aboard a comfortable cruise. Read on to discover the perfect way to experience Lan Ha Bay in three unforgettable days.

Discovering Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay

Cat Ba Island is the largest island in the Gulf of Tonkin, located on the southwestern edge of Halong Bay. It is part of Hai Phong City and is known for its rugged limestone landscapes, lush forests, and rich biodiversity. The island is home to Cat Ba National Park, a protected area with diverse wildlife, scenic hiking trails, and hidden caves. What makes Cat Ba unique is that it serves as a gateway to Lan Ha Bay, a stunning yet less-visited alternative to Halong Bay.

Lan Ha Bay lies to the south of Halong Bay and is often considered its quieter, more pristine counterpart. While both bays share similar karst formations, Lan Ha Bay offers a more peaceful experience with fewer boats and tourists. Unlike Halong Bay, which has fewer beaches, Lan Ha Bay is dotted with over 300 small islands, many of which have white sandy shores where you can swim, relax, and explore. The bay is also home to many fishing villages, where local families have lived in floating houses for generations. If you are looking for an experience that combines breathtaking scenery with adventure and cultural immersion, Lan Ha Bay is the perfect choice.

How long to spend in Lan Ha Bay

Deciding how long to stay depends on what you want to experience. A day trip can give you a quick glimpse of the bay’s beauty, but it won’t allow enough time to truly explore its hidden lagoons, floating villages, and secluded beaches.

For a more immersive experience, a 2-day, 1-night cruise is a great choice. It gives you time to cruise through the bay’s stunning limestone formations, kayak in peaceful waters, swim in crystal-clear lagoons, and enjoy a night under the stars. 

However, if you want to go beyond the usual tourist routes, a 3-day, 2-night cruise is ideal. This extended itinerary includes off-the-beaten-path destinations like Viet Hai Village, hidden caves, and remote kayaking spots. You’ll also have more time to relax and fully soak in the bay’s tranquility.

Lan Ha Bay cruise 3 days 2 nights highlights

• Cruising through Lan Ha Bay’s Hidden Beauty: You’ll sail past towering limestone islands, untouched beaches, and floating fishing villages, giving you a more intimate look at this natural wonder.
• Kayaking in Lagoons: One of the best ways to explore the bay is by kayak. You’ll paddle through hidden lagoons, under natural rock arches, and into areas where bigger boats can’t go. The calm, emerald waters make kayaking easy, even for beginners.
• Exploring Viet Hai Village: Nestled inside Cat Ba National Park, Viet Hai Village offers a rare glimpse into traditional Vietnamese rural life. You’ll cycle through lush jungle paths, visit local homes, and see how the villagers live in harmony with nature.
• Swimming in Pristine Waters: Lan Ha Bay is home to some of the most beautiful swimming spots in northern Vietnam. You’ll stop at places like Three Peaches Beach, where the water is crystal clear, warm, and perfect for a refreshing dip.
• Cooking Demonstration and Sunset Happy Hour: Each evening, you can join a Vietnamese cooking class on the boat, where you’ll learn how to make traditional dishes like fresh spring rolls. As the sun sets, the boat offers a happy hour with drinks and a breathtaking view of the bay.
• Trung Trang Cave Exploration: You’ll visit Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island, an ancient limestone cavern filled with unique stalactites and stalagmites.

Best cruise itinerary for 3 days 2 nights in Lan Ha Bay

Day 1: Tuan Chau – Ha Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay – Tra Bau

Morning

The journey to Lan Ha Bay begins with a morning departure from Hanoi. If you’ve arranged for a shuttle, a comfortable limousine bus will pick you up at your hotel in the Old Quarter. The drive to Tuan Chau Marina takes about two and a half hours, passing through the Red River Delta, where you can see rice fields, small villages, and local markets along the way. If you prefer to arrange your own transportation, arriving at the marina by noon ensures a smooth check-in.

Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Marina, the cruise team welcomes you at the waiting lounge. After a short introduction and check-in process, you’ll board a speedboat that takes you to the main cruise ship. As you step onto the deck, the crew greets you with a welcome drink and a towel. A short briefing follows, covering safety procedures and the itinerary ahead.

Noon

Once everyone is settled, the cruise begins its journey through Lan Ha Bay. As the ship glides past towering limestone formations, a gourmet lunch is served. Fresh seafood, traditional Vietnamese dishes, and a variety of delicacies make for a perfect introduction to the flavors of the region.

In the afternoon, the ship anchors near Tra Bau, a hidden gem in Lan Ha Bay home to peaceful waters and a fishing village. This area is ideal for kayaking, allowing you to paddle through quiet lagoons and explore floating houses. If you prefer to stay on board, the top deck offers a perfect spot to relax and soak in the panoramic views. The water here is calm and inviting, making it a great place for swimming.

As the sun begins to set, the cruise hosts a Vietnamese cooking demonstration. A chef guides you through the process of making spring rolls, one of Vietnam’s most iconic dishes. You’ll learn the secrets behind the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and best of all, you get to taste your own creation.

Meanwhile, the sunset over Lan Ha Bay creates a stunning scene. This is the perfect time to head to the sundeck with a drink in hand. During Happy Hour, the bar offers a "Buy One Get One Free" deal on selected beverages. If you love photography, this is an excellent opportunity to capture the golden hues reflecting off the bay’s limestone formations.

Evening

As the evening sets in, a multi-course dinner is served in the dining area. The menu features fresh seafood and carefully prepared local specialties, offering a mix of flavors that highlight Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage. The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate, with soft lighting and the gentle sounds of the bay in the background.

After dinner, the night is yours to enjoy as you wish. The bar serves a variety of cocktails and wines, providing a great place to unwind with a drink. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, try your luck at squid fishing on the main deck. The crew will provide the necessary equipment and guide you through the process, and if you catch one, the chef may prepare it for you.

For those who prefer a quiet evening, the top deck offers the best spot to admire the starlit sky over Lan Ha Bay. If you’re in the mood for some pampering, spa services are available on board.

Day 2: Viet Hai Village – Three Peaches Beach

Morning

As the sun rises over Lan Ha Bay, the second day of your cruise begins with a Tai Chi session on the top deck. This peaceful practice is the perfect way to start the morning, helping you stretch and wake up while surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

After Tai Chi, a hearty breakfast is served at the restaurant. You can enjoy a selection of fresh pastries, tropical fruits, and Vietnamese-style dishes, accompanied by coffee or tea. This meal fuels you for the day ahead, which is filled with adventure and cultural discovery.

By mid-morning, a smaller day boat arrives to take you further into the untouched parts of Lan Ha Bay. If you prefer a more relaxing experience, you can choose to stay on the main cruise and enjoy the facilities on board, including the Jacuzzi and sundeck. However, for those eager to explore, the day trip offers an incredible journey into the quieter corners of the bay.

After cruising for a while, the boat reaches Viet Hai Village, a small and isolated community nestled deep within Cat Ba National Park. This village, accessible only by boat or through a long trek, has remained largely untouched by modern development. From the jetty, you can either cycle or take an electric cart ride along a scenic path that winds through dense rainforest and towering limestone mountains.

Upon arrival at the village, you’ll get a fascinating look into traditional rural life in northern Vietnam. The houses here are built using a combination of bamboo, straw, and mud, designed to withstand the region’s weather. Locals still practice age-old techniques for farming and fishing, and you may even get to see them at work.

Noon

After leaving Viet Hai, the boat continues its journey while you enjoy lunch on board. Fresh seafood and Vietnamese specialties are served as you relax and admire the ever-changing views of the bay.

In the afternoon, the boat arrives at Three Peaches Beach (Ba Trai Dao), a stunning area famous for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. This is one of the best spots in Lan Ha Bay for kayaking. Paddling through the calm waters, you can explore hidden lagoons and small caves that larger boats can’t reach. If you prefer, you can simply swim in the warm waters, enjoying the untouched beauty of this quiet corner of the bay.

After an afternoon of adventure, the boat makes its way back to the main cruise. You’ll have time to unwind in the Jacuzzi, sip on a cocktail at the bar, or simply stretch out on the sundeck, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves.

As the sun sets, Happy Hour begins, offering a great deal on drinks. This is another perfect moment for photographers, as the sky turns shades of orange and pink, reflecting off the bay’s limestone karsts.

Evening

In the early evening, another cooking demonstration takes place, where you can learn a different variation of Vietnamese spring rolls. The chefs will guide you through the process, sharing tips on how to perfect the balance of flavors.

Dinner is served in the restaurant, featuring another carefully curated menu of local and international dishes. The relaxed atmosphere, combined with the stunning views of the bay at night, makes for a truly special dining experience.

After dinner, you can choose how to spend the rest of the night. The sky bar offers a great place to unwind with music and drinks, while the squid fishing activity on the main deck gives you a chance to test your luck with a rod and net. If you prefer a quiet evening, your private balcony is the perfect place to sit back and listen to the sounds of the bay.

Day 3: Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Island – Tuan Chau Marina

Morning
The final morning on board begins with another Tai Chi session on the sundeck. As the boat drifts gently through Lan Ha Bay, the sun rises over the horizon, casting a warm golden glow on the limestone islands. This peaceful practice is the perfect way to stretch and energize yourself before the day’s activities.

After Tai Chi, a light breakfast is served in the restaurant. You can enjoy a selection of fresh pastries, tropical fruits, and Vietnamese-style dishes while the boat cruises towards Gia Luan Jetty on Cat Ba Island.

Upon arrival at Gia Luan Jetty, a shuttle bus takes you deeper into Cat Ba National Park to explore Trung Trang Cave, one of the most fascinating caves on the island. The journey takes about 30 minutes, passing through lush jungle and dramatic limestone formations.

Trung Trang Cave is a natural wonder, stretching over 300 meters through the heart of the mountain. As you step inside, you’ll see thousands of stalactites and stalagmites in different shapes, formed over millions of years. The cave is also home to a unique ecosystem. The atmosphere inside is cool and slightly humid, providing a refreshing contrast to the tropical heat outside.

After the cave visit, you return to the main boat to finalize check-out. Luggage is placed outside the cabin, and guests are given time to relax before heading back to the mainland.

A farewell lunch is served in the restaurant, featuring a final selection of delicious local and international dishes. This is a chance to enjoy the last meal on board while reminiscing about the incredible experiences of the past three days.

Departure

At 10:30 AM, the cruise reaches Tuan Chau Marina, where guests disembark. After collecting luggage, there is time to relax at the terminal before continuing the journey back to Hanoi or other destinations.

For those who want to extend their stay, Cat Ba Island has even more to offer, including trekking in Cat Ba National Park, visiting Cannon Fort, or relaxing on Cat Co Beach. But for now, it’s time to say goodbye to one of Vietnam’s most beautiful natural wonders.

Travel tips for Lan Ha Bay

To make the most of your 3-day, 2-night cruise in Lan Ha Bay, here are some essential tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

1. Choose the Right Time to Visit

The best time to visit Lan Ha Bay is from October to April, when the weather is cooler and drier and perfect for outdoor activities like kayaking and swimming. May to September is the low season, with fewer tourists, but there’s a higher chance of rain and storms, which could disrupt your plans.

2. Pack Smart for the Trip

Bring light, breathable clothing for daytime activities and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Comfortable shoes are essential for exploring Viet Hai Village and Trung Trang Cave. Don’t forget swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent for kayaking and beach stops. A waterproof bag is also useful to protect your phone and camera while on the water.

3. Prepare for Limited Connectivity

Wi-Fi and mobile signals can be weak in some parts of Lan Ha Bay. Use this as an opportunity to disconnect from technology and fully enjoy the natural beauty around you. Let family or friends know that you may be out of reach for a couple of days.

4. Bring Cash for Extra Expenses

While most cruises include meals and activities, drinks, spa treatments, and some optional excursions may cost extra. Bring some Vietnamese Dong (VND) for onboard expenses, as card payments might not always be available.

5. Respect Local Communities

You may visit floating fishing villages and Viet Hai Village during your trip. Respect local customs, ask before taking photos of people, and support the community by buying local products or trying their specialties.

6. Be Flexible with the Itinerary

Weather and sea conditions may cause itinerary changes. Be prepared for slight adjustments, and trust that the crew will always prioritize safety while ensuring you have the best experience possible.

Conclusion

A 3-day, 2-night cruise in Lan Ha Bay is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the bay’s natural beauty, rich culture, and exciting activities. With a well-planned itinerary, you can kayak through stunning lagoons, cycle through remote villages, relax on secluded beaches, and enjoy world-class service on board.

If you're ready to embark on the best cruise itinerary for 3 days and 2 nights in Lan Ha Bay, don’t wait any longer. Book your cruise today and let us take care of the details while you enjoy an unforgettable journey through one of Vietnam’s most beautiful destinations!

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