How to get around Lan Hạ Bay: local transport options and prices

To get around Lan Hạ Bay, you must first reach Cát Bà Island or Bến Bèo harbor. From there, your main transport options are daily group cruises, private wooden boats, speedboats, and kayaks. If you want a flexible itinerary, hiring a private wooden boat is the most practical choice. For budget travelers, group day tours offer the lowest entry price. Most travelers combine a transfer from Hà Nội to Cát Bà with a local boat hire at the harbor. Prices for local transport options start from $5 (approximate) for kayak rentals up to $150 (approximate) for full-day private boat charters. You can speak to a Trip2VN specialist to get a quote for your specific dates.

Hiring a traditional wooden boat at Bến Bèo harbor gives you complete control over your route. These boats carry small groups of 10 to 20 passengers safely through the calm bay waters. A half-day charter of four hours costs from $60 (approximate), while a full-day charter of eight hours starts from $110 (approximate). These prices usually exclude the mandatory bay sightseeing ticket, which costs from $3 (approximate) per person. You must negotiate directly with boat captains at the harbor, or arrange it beforehand through your hotel. For a guaranteed English-speaking captain and clear safety standards, we recommend booking via a trusted agency.

Speedboats and kayaks serve two very different travel needs in Lan Hạ Bay. Speedboats, or tenders, are ideal for fast transfers between Cát Bà Island and floating villages like Cái Bèo. A one-way speedboat transfer costs from $15 (approximate) per boat. Kayaks, on the other hand, are the only way to access shallow caves and quiet lagoons. You can rent a double kayak from local floating stations from $5 (approximate) per hour. Most organized day cruises include kayaking in their package price. If you travel independently, always wear a life jacket, as currents near the cave entrances can change quickly.

To catch any boat into Lan Hạ Bay, you must travel from Cát Bà town to Bến Bèo harbor. The distance is about two kilometers. A local motorbike taxi, known as xe ôm, costs from $2 (approximate) for a one-way trip. A standard electric car, which is the main public transport in Cát Bà town, costs from $1 (approximate) per person. If you prefer driving yourself, motorbike rentals in town start from $5 (approximate) per day, excluding fuel. Parking at Bến Bèo harbor is available for a small fee. To avoid transport scams at the pier, ask your accommodation to arrange the transfer.