| Option | Duration | Price per person (observed) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day boat from Cat Ba | boarding 8:30-9:30 am, back 4-5 pm | about 450,000 to 650,000 VND (45 to 75 USD), lunch and kayak included | those staying on Cat Ba |
| Day package from Hanoi | 13 to 14 hours | about 80 to 130 USD (transport, boat, return) | short on time, can handle the bus |
| 2 days, 1 night, budget boat | 2 days | about 105 to 160 USD | tight budget |
| 2 days, 1 night, mid-range or luxury | 2 days | about 145 to 450 USD | couples, families, honeymoons |
Day boat from Cat Ba: the cheapest
Boats leave from Ben Beo port or Got pier and return late afternoon. Booking locally often costs 10 to 20 USD less than online according to a specialist guide, but a seat is not guaranteed in high season. Be wary of prices below 35 USD and choose a group of fewer than 25 people. See Cat Ba Island for where to stay.
Day trip from Hanoi: possible, but long
The road and boat transfers take most of the day, leaving little time on the water. It is the right choice if you have only one day. If you are torn with Ha Long Bay, read the day cruise from Hanoi.
2 days and 1 night: the best compromise
You see the bay at sunset and sunrise and spend less time on the bus. Boat classes, extras (drinks, tips) and pitfalls are detailed in the 2-day, 1-night cruise comparison. The bay entrance fee is usually included; check it.
What to check before booking
- Is kayaking included (a separately advertised extra is a warning sign)?
- Does the trip start from Cat Ba, Got or Hai Phong, and what is the transfer from Hanoi?
- Group size, and whether drinks and tips are extra.
- The cancellation policy for bad weather or typhoons (July to September).
When to go
April to June and September to early November. From December to March it is 10 to 16 °C and swimming is not possible. See the Lan Ha Bay page and the best time to visit Hanoi and the bay.
FAQ
Lan Ha or Ha Long? Same scenery; Lan Ha has far fewer boats, Ha Long has the Sung Sot cave and a shorter transfer.
Can you do Lan Ha in a day from Hanoi? Yes, but it is 13 to 14 hours, nearly all of it travelling.
How much is an overnight cruise? About 105 USD for a budget boat to over 450 USD for luxury, per person.
