Lan Ha Bay 1-Day Tour: Should You Start from Cat Ba or Tuan Chau

Lan Ha Bay — the “emerald gem” lying to the east of Cat Ba Island — has long been a dream destination for sea lovers seeking untouched beauty and peaceful natural scenery. If you only have one day to explore, the biggest question is undoubtedly: Should you choose a Lan Ha Bay 1-day tour from Cat Ba or from Tuan Chau (Ha Long)?

Each route offers its own strengths, suited to different travel styles. This guide will help you clearly compare travel time, itinerary, tour prices, and real experiences so you can easily make the best choice.

Lan Ha Bay

1. Overview of the Lan Ha Bay 1-Day Tour

A typical Lan Ha Bay 1-day tour lasts 6–8 hours, taking visitors through the most iconic spots of the bay, such as:

• Scenic areas: Van Boi, Ba Trai Dao, Bright–Dark Cave, Tra Bau for swimming and kayaking
• Cai Beo floating village – one of the oldest floating villages in Vietnam
• Hidden natural beaches scattered among limestone islands
• Islands with unique shapes: Turtle Islet, Finger Islet, Candle Islet, Pen Islet…
• Viet Hai ancient village – an isolated valley between Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba National Park

Whether you depart from Cat Ba or Tuan Chau, the tour promises relaxation, peaceful scenery, and an immersive experience in nature.

Ba Trai Dao Beach Area

2. Comparing the Lan Ha Bay 1-Day Tour from Cat Ba vs. Tuan Chau

2.1. Travel Time Comparison

✔ Departing from Cat Ba

Advantages: Ideal for maximizing your time in the bay with more activities such as swimming, kayaking, boat jumping, and banana boat rides.

• Departure from Beo Harbor – Cat Ba (8:00–15:00)
• Travel by deluxe boats (3-star) to luxury cruises (up to 6-star)
• Only 10–25 minutes to reach the core area of Lan Ha Bay

Beo floating village

✔ Departing from Tuan Chau

Advantages: Enjoy stunning views of Ha Long Bay along the way.

• Cruise passes through Ha Long Bay before reaching the Lan Ha Bay boundary
• Takes 45–60 minutes to reach the central area of Lan Ha

5 star day -cruise from Tuan Chau

2.2. Itinerary Comparison

✔ Lan Ha Bay 1-Day Tour from Cat Ba

This itinerary focuses on exploring the core beauty of Lan Ha Bay and water-based activities. Travelers have multiple cruise options ranging from 3-star to 6-star.

• 8:00 – Pick-up from Cat Ba hotel
• 8:30 – Board the boat at Beo Harbor – visit Cai Beo floating village
• 9:00–11:00 – Kayaking at Van Boi or Tai Keo, swimming, sightseeing
• 11:30–12:30 – Lunch on board
• 14:00–15:00 – Visit Viet Hai Village
• 15h30–16h30 – Relax on the sundeck, enjoy the scenery & afternoon tea
• 17h00 – End of the journey

Turtle island

✔ Lan Ha Bay 1-Day Tour from Tuan Chau

A more relaxing itinerary designed for sightseeing and enjoying premium cruise services (5-star to 6-star cruises).

• 10:00 – Pick-up at Tuan Chau
• 10:30 – Cruise departs, sailing through Ha Long Bay
• 11:30 – Arrive at the Lan Ha area – light kayaking
• 12:00–13:00 – Lunch on the cruise
• 13:30–15:00 – Swimming or visiting floating fish farms
• 15:30–16:30 – Cruise back to Tuan Chau
• 17:00–17:30 – End of the trip

Do kayaking at Dark & Bright cave 

2.3. Price Comparison

✔ Price from Cat Ba

Prices vary depending on cruise category. Detailed pricing:

• 3-star boat: 650,000 – 700,000 VND
• 4-star boat: 750,000 – 850,000 VND
• 5-star cruise: 950,000 – 1,050,000 VND
• 6-star cruise: 1,100,000 – 1,200,000 VND

Note: During peak summer weekends (May 15 – Aug 15), an additional 100,000 VND/person applies for 4–6 star cruises.

6 star day cruise from Cat Ba

✔ Price from Tuan Chau

Tours from Tuan Chau mainly use high-end 5-star and 6-star cruises, with excellent service quality.

• 5-star cruise: 1,200,000 – 1,300,000 VND
• 6-star cruise: 1,400,000 – 1,500,000 VND

5 star day cruise from Tuan Chau

2.4. Experience Comparison

✔ Departing from Cat Ba – Nature-Focused Adventure

• More time for activities
• Multiple secluded natural beaches
• Easy access to the core zone of Lan Ha Bay and its most unique attractions
• Wide range of boat choices (3–6 stars), suitable for all budgets

Jump from cruise into water

✔ Departing from Tuan Chau – Comfort & Sightseeing

• Large, luxurious cruises
• Combined route through Ha Long Bay + Lan Ha Bay
• International-standard service and professional staff

Enjoy Juccuzi pool on cruise

3. Should You Choose a Lan Ha Bay 1-Day Tour from Cat Ba or Tuan Chau?

✔ Choose the Cat Ba departure if:

• You are staying on Cat Ba Island
• You love kayaking and water activities
• You prefer a budget-friendly tour
• You want to spend 100% of your time inside Lan Ha Bay’s core area
• You enjoy exploration-focused experiences

Sunset Party

If you decide to start from Cat Ba island, please click on Lan Ha Bay 1 day cruise from Cat Ba island for more details. 

✔ Choose the Tuan Chau departure if:

• You are staying in Ha Long, Hanoi, or Hai Phong
• You prefer large, luxurious cruises
• You want to admire both Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay in a combined route
• You prioritize convenience and comfort over physical activities

Buffet lunch 

If you decide to start from Tuan Chau habour (Ha Long city), please click on Lan Ha Bay - Cat Ba island 1 day tour from Tuan Chau for more details. 

4. Conclusion

Both tour options offer memorable experiences, but the ideal choice depends on your travel style:

• Choose Cat Ba → if you love exploration and activities
• Choose Tuan Chau → if you want luxury, comfort, and scenic cruising

Lan Ha Bay is breathtaking from every angle, and no matter where you depart from, your trip will surely become an unforgettable highlight of your journey.