Short answer
Book a small-group or private trip with at least two hours of kayaking, leave from Ben Beo pier in the morning and check what is included before paying. Expect roughly 500,000–1,500,000 VND per person, or more for a private boat.
01Types of trip
| Trip | Group size | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget group | 20–40+ | Cheapest, social | Fixed route, little kayak time, busy stops |
| Small-group premium | 8–20 | Better food, more kayaking, quieter routes | Higher price |
| Private local boat | Your group | Flexible, ideal for families | Language barrier, agree everything |
| Speedboat tour | 6–12 | Covers more ground | Noisy, less relaxing |
02Questions to ask before booking
- How many passengers will be on the boat?
- How long will we actually kayak, and are kayaks single or double?
- Is the Lan Ha Bay fee included? Lunch? Drinks?
- Which stops are on the route, and which beach do we swim at?
- What happens if the weather is bad: refund or new date?
- Are there life jackets for children?
03A good day on the water
The best trips leave early, pass Cai Beo and head into the quieter southern or eastern parts of the bay, where you kayak into lagoons such as those near Hang Sang Toi or the Ba Ham area. Lunch is served on board, followed by a swim at a beach like Ba Trai Dao or Van Boi, and the boat returns around 16:00–17:00.
04Private boats
At Ben Beo pier you can hire a local boat with a captain for a few hours or a full day. Prices depend on boat size and season; expect from around 1.2 million VND for a half day in a simple boat. Agree the route, the return time, whether kayaks and the bay fee are included and pay at the end. Your hotel can help arrange it.
Where it is
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Pins mark approximate locations.
?Questions people ask
Where do Lan Ha Bay boats leave from?
Ben Beo pier, about 2 km east of the Cat Ba Town centre. Most tours include a pick-up from your hotel.
Are cheap boat tours worth it?
They show you the scenery, but expect crowded boats and little time in the kayak. Paying a little more usually improves the day a lot.