Looking for a unique Cat Ba overnight cruise that combines beautiful scenery, kayaking, swimming, local culture and an unforgettable night experience?
Our 2-day 1-night Lan Ha Bay overnight cruise from Cat Ba takes you through the spectacular landscapes of Lan Ha Bay, with visits to Cai Beo Floating Fishing Village, Bright & Dark Cave, Ba Trai Dao, Viet Hai Village and Monkey Island.
One of the highlights of this journey is night kayaking to see bioluminescent plankton. When the weather, tide and natural conditions are suitable, you can paddle through the dark water and see tiny organisms naturally glowing around your kayak.
This carefully designed itinerary is ideal for travelers who want more than a typical day boat tour and want to experience Lan Ha Bay from Cat Ba both during the day and at night.
Why Choose Our Cat Ba Overnight Cruise?
A day cruise gives you a few hours to explore Lan Ha Bay, but an overnight cruise gives you more time to slow down and enjoy the bay.
During this Cat Ba cruise 2 days 1 night, you will experience:
- Cai Beo Floating Fishing Village
- Lan Ha Bay sightseeing
- Kayaking at Bright & Dark Cave
- Swimming at Ba Trai Dao
- Viet Hai Village
- Cat Ba National Park
- Sunset over Lan Ha Bay
- Overnight stay on board
- Night kayaking
- Bioluminescent plankton experience
- Local floating fish farm
- Monkey Island
- Swimming and relaxation
- Vietnamese cuisine and local seafood
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board
It is a complete 2 day 1 night cruise from Cat Ba designed to combine nature, adventure and local culture.
Cat Ba Overnight Cruise Itinerary
DAY 1 – Cat Ba Town – Lan Ha Bay – Viet Hai Village – Overnight Cruise
08:00 – Hotel Pickup in Cat Ba Town
Your overnight cruise from Cat Ba begins with pickup from your hotel in Cat Ba Town.
Our team will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the day boat before starting your journey into the beautiful waters of Lan Ha Bay.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as you leave Cat Ba behind.
08:30 – 09:30 | Cai Beo Floating Fishing Village
Your first experience is Cai Beo Floating Fishing Village, one of the traditional fishing communities around Cat Ba Island.
Discover how local fishermen have lived and worked on the water for generations and learn about the history of fishing and aquaculture in the area.
The floating village provides an interesting cultural introduction to your Lan Ha Bay cruise from Cat Ba.
10:30 – 12:30 | Kayaking at Bright & Dark Cave
Next, get ready for one of the most exciting activities of the trip: kayaking through the Bright & Dark Cave area.
Paddle through calm waters surrounded by limestone cliffs and explore hidden lagoons and peaceful corners of Lan Ha Bay.
Kayaking allows you to get closer to the natural landscape and experience parts of the bay that larger boats cannot reach.
Don’t forget your camera — this is one of the best opportunities to capture the dramatic scenery of Lan Ha Bay from the water.
12:30 – 13:30 | Swimming at Ba Trai Dao & Lunch
After kayaking, continue to Ba Trai Dao, a beautiful area surrounded by limestone islands.
Take some time to:
- Swim in the clear water
- Relax on board
- Take photographs
- Enjoy the scenery
Lunch is served on board while cruising through Lan Ha Bay.
The menu features Vietnamese dishes and local seafood, giving you the chance to enjoy a meal while surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the bay.
13:30 – 14:30 | Visit Viet Hai Village
After lunch, continue to Viet Hai Village, a peaceful community located within Cat Ba National Park.
Explore the village by bicycle and discover a quieter side of Cat Ba Island.
Away from the busy tourist areas, Viet Hai offers a glimpse into traditional local life and the natural environment of Cat Ba.
15:30 – 16:30 | Transfer to the Overnight Cruise & Check In
After visiting Viet Hai Village, transfer to your overnight cruise.
Check into your cabin and take some time to relax after an exciting day of exploring.
You can enjoy the cruise facilities, take photographs or simply relax on the sundeck while the boat moves into its overnight anchorage.
Sunset Over Lan Ha Bay
As the afternoon turns into evening, enjoy the beautiful sunset over Lan Ha Bay.
The limestone islands become silhouettes against the changing sky, creating one of the most peaceful moments of the cruise.
Take a seat on the sundeck, enjoy the fresh air and watch the sun disappear behind the islands.
This is one of the reasons an overnight cruise in Lan Ha Bay is so different from a short day trip.
18:00 – 19:00 | Dinner on Board
Enjoy dinner on board featuring Vietnamese cuisine and local seafood.
Relax with your travel companions and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the bay after sunset.
20:00 – 20:30 | Night Kayaking & Bioluminescent Plankton
A unique experience on our Cat Ba overnight cruise
After dinner, prepare for one of the most unusual experiences of the trip: night kayaking to see bioluminescent plankton.
When conditions are suitable, you will head out onto the dark water by kayak.
As you paddle, tiny naturally occurring organisms called bioluminescent plankton may glow in the water around your kayak.
The experience can feel like paddling through a sky full of tiny stars.
Please note: Bioluminescent plankton is a natural phenomenon. Visibility depends on weather, tide, water conditions, moonlight and other natural factors. We cannot guarantee that the plankton will be visible every night.
This is also why we describe the activity as an experience to see bioluminescent plankton when conditions permit, rather than promising that it will always be visible.
21:00 onwards | Overnight Stay on the Cruise
After the night kayaking experience, return to the cruise and relax in your cabin.
Spend the night surrounded by the peaceful waters and limestone scenery of Lan Ha Bay.
Wake up the next morning to a completely different atmosphere as the bay becomes bright again.
DAY 2 – Floating Fish Farm – Monkey Island – Cat Ba
08:00 | Breakfast on Board
Wake up and enjoy breakfast on board.
Take some time to enjoy the morning scenery and peaceful atmosphere of Lan Ha Bay before continuing the journey.
09:00 – 10:00 | Visit a Local Floating Fish Farm
Visit a local floating fish farm and learn about aquaculture in Lan Ha Bay.
Local fishing and fish farming are an important part of life for communities living around the bay.
This visit provides a different perspective on Lan Ha Bay beyond its beautiful scenery and tourist attractions.
10:30 – 11:00 | Monkey Island – Swimming & Relaxation
Continue to Monkey Island for swimming and relaxation.
Enjoy the beautiful surroundings, take photographs and spend some time in the water when conditions are suitable.
Monkey Island is another scenic location that adds a relaxing element to your 2-day 1-night Lan Ha Bay cruise.
12:30 – 13:00 | Farewell Lunch on Board
Enjoy your final lunch on board while cruising back toward Cat Ba.
Relax and enjoy your last views of the limestone islands and peaceful waters of Lan Ha Bay.
14:00 – 14:30 | Return to Cat Ba Harbor
The cruise arrives back at the harbor at approximately 14:00–14:30.
This marks the end of your Cat Ba overnight cruise.
If you are continuing your journey, we can help arrange transportation from Cat Ba to:
- Hanoi
- Ninh Binh
- Ha Giang
We recommend arranging onward transportation from 15:30 onwards.
What Is Included in the Cat Ba Overnight Cruise?
Your cruise package includes:
- Boat accommodation
- Overnight cabin
- Entrance fees for the cruise itinerary
- Lan Ha Bay & Ha Long Bay sightseeing fees according to the itinerary
- Kayaking
- Fishing gear
- Waterproof bags
- Headlamps
- Life jackets
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water
- English-speaking local guide
- Hotel pickup in Cat Ba Town
What Is Not Included?
The following are not included in the cruise price:
- Additional drinks
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Optional services
Please contact us before booking if you would like to arrange additional transportation or other services.
Family Policy
Families are welcome on our Cat Ba overnight cruise.
The child policy depends on the children’s ages and the number of adults in the cabin.
As a general policy:
- 2 adults + 1 child under 3 years old can stay in one cabin.
- For 2 adults + 2 children under 3 years old, one child may stay free according to the cruise policy.
- Children from 3–9 years old receive the applicable child rate.
- Guests aged 9 years and above are charged the adult rate.
Please provide the ages of all children when booking so we can confirm the correct arrangement and price.
Why Book a 2 Day 1 Night Cruise from Cat Ba?
Choosing an overnight cruise means you don’t have to rush through Lan Ha Bay in a single day.
You have time to experience the bay from different perspectives:
Kayak through hidden caves.
Swim among the limestone islands.
Explore Viet Hai Village.
Watch the sunset from the cruise.
Enjoy dinner on the bay.
Go night kayaking and look for bioluminescent plankton.
Wake up surrounded by Lan Ha Bay.
Visit a floating fish farm.
Relax at Monkey Island.
This combination makes our Cat Ba cruise 2 days 1 night a great choice for travelers who want both adventure and relaxation.
Cat Ba Overnight Cruise vs. Day Cruise
If you are deciding between a day trip and an overnight cruise, consider how much time you have.
A day cruise is suitable if you only have one day available.
However, an overnight cruise from Cat Ba gives you:
- More time on the bay
- A private overnight cabin
- Sunset views
- Sunrise views
- Night kayaking
- The opportunity to see bioluminescent plankton
- More time to relax
- A more complete Lan Ha Bay experience
If you have two days available, we recommend choosing the 2D1N overnight cruise.
Best Time for a Lan Ha Bay Overnight Cruise
Lan Ha Bay can be visited throughout the year, but weather and sea conditions can affect your cruise itinerary.
The warmer months are particularly enjoyable for swimming and kayaking, while the cooler months can offer comfortable conditions for sightseeing.
Because kayaking, swimming and especially bioluminescent plankton are dependent on natural conditions, the exact itinerary may occasionally need to change.
Our priority is always the safety and comfort of our guests.
Important Information Before Booking
Please keep the following points in mind before booking your Lan Ha Bay overnight cruise:
Weather conditions: The itinerary may change because of weather, tides or instructions from local authorities.
Bioluminescent plankton: This is a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. Night kayaking operates when weather and tide conditions are suitable.
Swimming and kayaking: Activities depend on weather and local safety conditions.
Cruise itinerary: The order and timing of activities may change depending on actual operating conditions.
Transportation: If you need transportation after the cruise, we recommend arranging your onward journey from Cat Ba after 15:30.
Book Your Cat Ba Overnight Cruise
Ready to explore Lan Ha Bay beyond a traditional day tour?
Our Cat Ba overnight cruise combines some of the best experiences around Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay in one 2-day, 1-night journey.
From Cai Beo Floating Fishing Village and Bright & Dark Cave to Viet Hai Village, Ba Trai Dao and Monkey Island, every part of the itinerary offers something different.
And when night falls, you can experience night kayaking and look for naturally glowing bioluminescent plankton on the peaceful waters of Lan Ha Bay.
Book Your Cat Ba Overnight Cruise Today
Contact Vietnam Venture for cruise availability, cabin options, current prices and booking assistance.
Experience Lan Ha Bay by day.
Kayak under the night sky.
Wake up on the bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Cat Ba overnight cruise?
The cruise is a 2-day, 1-night itinerary, starting at approximately 08:00 on Day 1 and returning to Cat Ba around 14:00–14:30 on Day 2.
Where does the cruise start?
The program starts with hotel pickup in Cat Ba Town, followed by transfer to the day boat.
Is kayaking included?
Yes. Kayaking at Bright & Dark Cave is included in the itinerary.
Can I go night kayaking?
Yes. Night kayaking is included in the program when weather, tide and local operating conditions are suitable.
Can I see bioluminescent plankton?
You may be able to see bioluminescent plankton during the night kayaking experience. However, this is a natural phenomenon and visibility cannot be guaranteed.
Is Viet Hai Village included?
Yes. The itinerary includes a visit to Viet Hai Village, with cycling through the village.
Is swimming included?
Yes. Swimming is planned at Ba Trai Dao on Day 1 and Monkey Island on Day 2, subject to weather and safety conditions.
Are meals included?
Yes. Meals listed in the itinerary are included, including lunch, dinner and breakfast according to the cruise schedule.
Can I travel to Hanoi after the cruise?
Yes. The cruise normally returns to Cat Ba harbor around 14:00–14:30. We recommend arranging onward transportation from 15:30 onwards.
Is this cruise suitable for couples and families?
Yes. The cruise is suitable for couples, families and groups. Please provide children’s ages when booking so we can confirm the appropriate cabin and child policy.
