The BEST Ha Long Bay Alternative: Lan Ha Bay - Day Trip of Cruising and Kayaking
Everyone talks about Ha Long Bay, but we heard Lan Ha Bay was just as stunning and far less crowded. Instead of an expensive overnight cruise, we opted to base ourselves in the coastal city of Hai Phong for three nights and take a day cruise to Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. In this video, we break down exactly how we did it, what it cost, and why this alternative route was one of our favorite experiences in Vietnam! We also review our experience aboard the beautiful Serenity Grandeur, including a boat tour and tandem kayaking through limestone karsts and the rare treat of having the ship to ourselves for over an hour. We also will sow how you can use the tour operator transit options to relocate onto your next destination. 1:26 Why We Chose Lan Ha Bay 2:30 How We Got To Cat Ba Island 3:55 Ship Tour & Scenery 5:05 Kayaking In The Bay 6:47 Travel Hack For Tour Companies If you are looking for practical tools and travel efficiency to make your budget stretch further in Vietnam without sacrificing the experience, this breakdown is for you. We love adding to the collective wisdom of the travel community, so let us know in the comments: Have you visited this part of Vietnam, or are you planning a trip soon? https://halongserenitycruises.com/ Serenity Cruise Transport Options: (there is an additional fee for longer transit - see website) Pick-up & drop-off Cat Ba Town Pick-up Hanoi & drop-off Cat Ba Town Pick-up Cat Ba Town & drop-off Hanoi Pick-up & drop-off Hanoi Pick-up Hanoi & drop-off Hai Phong. Pick-up Hai Phong & drop-off Cat Ba Town Pick-up Cat Ba Town & drop-off Hai Phong Pick-up Hai Phong & drop-off Hanoi Pick-up & drop-off Hai Phong Pick-up Cat Ba & drop-off Ninh Binh Pick-up Hanoi & drop-off Ninh Binh Pick-up Hai Phong & drop-off Ninh Binh Cost comparison to overnight cruise: Overnight trips (same company for Ha Long Bay) 1 night starting from $330 USD per cabin or $451 CAD per cabin 2 nights starting from $660 USD per cabin or $903 CAD per cabin What We Spent (for two people): Serenity day cruise- $220 CAD 3 hotel nights in Hai Phong $222 CAD Train - round trip $ 33.40 CAD Grabs to and from trains - $5 CAD Meals/groceries $80 CAD Boat Beer $6 CAD Total 3 night trip with cruise = $414 USD or $566 CAD for two ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are Andrea & Keith - retired GenX Canadians who are slow-travelling the world without flying. Join us on our journey and share in our adventure! Follow on Facebook & Instagram @ NoFlyZoneNomads #LanHaBay #HaLongBay #VietnamTravel #TravelTips #CatBaIsland #LanHaBay #SerenityCruises #VietnamItinerary #kayak #daycruise #cruise