Venezia Cruises · Ben Beo harbour, Cat Ba
A small-boat overnight that boards at Ben Beo harbour on Cat Ba and never goes into Ha Long Bay. A boat of 18 guests at most, a kayak at Ba Trai Dao and a morning bike ride to Viet Hai: it is the only cruise on this site that never enters Ha Long Bay.
This one starts at Ben Beo harbour on Cat Ba, east of Cat Ba town, so every hour on the water is Lan Ha. The boat sails through Cua Dong to Ba Trai Dao for kayaking and a swim, anchors for the night, and the next morning drops you at Viet Hai village for a bike ride before brunch. You are back at Ben Beo around 11:50.
The trade-off is the road. Cat Ba is 4 to 5.5 hours from Hanoi by bus and the car ferry, against about 2.5 hours to Tuan Chau. Bus transfers depend on the option you pick: with the Hanoi bus, from Ninh Binh (Tam Coc, Trang An or Hang Mua on request), or meeting at the harbour if you are already on Cat Ba. Check which option your price covers. The guide calls the day before to confirm the pickup time.
Included: a private cabin with en-suite bathroom, all meals, kayaking, a cooking demonstration, squid fishing, karaoke, the Viet Hai bike ride with local wine, and every entrance and government fee. Not included: drinks, tips, and a $50 single room supplement paid at check-in. Venezia runs a 5-cabin boat (5 to 10 guests) and a 10-cabin boat (10 to 18), and you are assigned to one. Kayaking is on the itinerary, but kayak rules in Lan Ha have changed several times since late 2024, and on some days crews switch to a rowed bamboo boat at the caves. Treat the kayak as likely, not promised.
With the bus option, a morning pickup in Hanoi (time confirmed by the guide the day before), then 4 to 5.5 hours by road and car ferry to Ben Beo.
Meet the guide, sign the cruise papers, welcome drink and safety briefing. Lunch as the boat sails out of Ben Beo through Cua Dong.
Kayaking and swimming at Ba Trai Dao, the Three Peaches beach, then back on board for sunset.
An optional Vietnamese cooking demonstration and happy hour, dinner on board, then drinks, squid fishing and karaoke.
Light breakfast at 07:00, then a tender to Viet Hai on Cat Ba Island: cycle through a forest tunnel, visit a traditional house, back at about 10:00.
Check out, brunch at about 10:50 while cruising back, ashore at Ben Beo at about 11:50, then the bus to Hanoi, Ninh Binh or Cat Ba town.
★★★★★Our two-day, one-night boat trip was an incredible experience! Our guide, Tony, was super attentive, funny, and made the whole trip even more enjoyable. [...] We were on a smaller boat [...], which made the experience feel even more special. All the activities were fantastic, from kayaking and swimming to cycling around the island and watching both the sunrise and sunset.
★★★★★We loved the cruise! The transfers were smooth. The guide was knowledgeable, engaging and funny. The cabins were clean and very comfortable. The crew was polite and attentive. The food was delicious. Activities were fun.
★★★★★Tom was a very friendly guide, with lots of energy! He made our trip very fun. The boat was really nice, we were impressed by the quality and luxury of the cabins (for the price we paid)
★★★★★Fabulous scenery! Excellent value for money! Very well organized.
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No. It boards at Ben Beo harbour on Cat Ba and stays in Lan Ha: Cua Dong, Ba Trai Dao and Viet Hai.
About 4 to 5.5 hours each way by bus and the car ferry to Cat Ba. Bus transfers come with the option you choose; the guide confirms the pickup time the day before.
Small. Venezia has a 5-cabin boat for 5 to 10 guests and a 10-cabin boat for 10 to 18; the listing caps groups at 15.
Drinks, tips and a $50 single supplement for solo travellers. All entrance and government fees are included.
Ready to book
Two days that stay in Lan Ha: a cabin on board, kayaking, squid fishing and a morning bike ride to Viet Hai.
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