Cat Ba Island
2 days, 1 night
AH-HP06
7/10
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DESCRIBE

Uncover the hidden gems. Conquer the waves. Sleep under the stars. Step away from the crowded tourist routes and embark on a true adventure to Dau Be Island, the farthest island cluster of Cat Ba. This challenging 2-day expedition takes you kayaking across open waters to discover Ba Ham Lake—a secret system of enclosed lagoons accessible only by hidden tunnels at low tide. Designed for thrill-seekers and nature lovers, this journey rewards your physical efforts with an unforgettable night of wild beach camping, a BBQ dinner, and pristine paddling routes through the stunning Lan Ha Bay.

Highlights

  • Conquer the challenging Cat Ba - Dau Be waters by kayak.
  • Kayak through the stunning Lan Ha Bay - Ba Trai Dao area.
  • Explore the hidden Ba Ham Lake (Ho Ba Ham).
  • Camp on a pristine, isolated beach in Lan Ha Bay.
  • Enjoy a BBQ dinner with an incredibly chill beachfront setting.

 

SUMMARY

  • Departure Point: Cat Ba Island

  • Duration: 2 days, 1 night

  • Destination: Cat Ba Island

  • Activities: Kayaking

  • Min : 6 people

  • Best time: Sep - Mar

  • Max : 10 people

  • Difficulty level: 7/10

ITINERARY
Day 1: Cat Ba Island – Ba Ham Lake – Lan Ha Bay

08:30 Boarding on the boat at Beo wharf and heading towards Dau Be Island. After about 30 minutes of boating, we will start kayaking across the wide strait to Dau Be Island (6 km). Prepare your flashlight and necessary equipment for exploring Dau Be Island.

12:00 Exiting the cave and having lunch on the boat or on the beach (depending on weather and tide conditions).

In the afternoon, we will paddle to explore around this archipelago before boarding the boat back to Lan Ha Bay.

17:00 Arriving at a beach in Lan Ha Bay. We will set up campsite* and have a BBQ dinner with the soothing sound of the waves, gentle music, and a cozy campfire.

22:00 Having a wonderful evening. Staying overnight in tents.

* Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

* Camping: can be replaced with an overnight stay on a floating house in the bay.

 

Day 2: Lan Ha Bay – Ba Trai Dao Bay – Cat Ba Island

07:00 Having breakfast with a cup of coffee at the campsite.

08:00 Striking the campsite and bringing back the equipment onto the boat.

08:30 Kayaking through Lan Ha Bay towards Ba Trai Dao Bay.

11:00 Arriving at Ba Trai Dao Bay, relaxing, and swimming at the most beautiful beach of Ba Trai Dao.

12:00 Having lunch on the boat or on the beach (depending on weather and tide conditions).

14:00 Boarding the boat to return to Cat Ba Island. The program ends upon arrival at Beo wharf.

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

 

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

Inclusion:

  • Boat for 2 days
  • Sea kayak, life jackets, dry bags (you can choose between double or single kayak, but quantities of each type are limited)
  • Meals: 1 BBQ dinner on the beach, 2 lunches on the boat (or on the beach depending on the tide and time available), 1 breakfast
  • Camping on the beach with tents, inflatable mattresses, and sleeping bags (double tents or 4-person tents)
  • Headlamps for exploring Ba Ham Lake
  • First aid kit for the entire group
  • Professional kayaking guide
  • Daily drinking water 
  • Breakfast coffee at the camping site
  • Drinks during the evening BBQ (standard: 1 bottle of red wine for every 4 people & 2 chilled cans of beer per person)
  • Entrance tickets
  • Travel insurance   

Exclusion:

  • Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks during meals (except for the evening BBQ).
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation fee before and after the trip

 

 

THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

Equipment provided by VAH:

  • Camping equipments
  • Insect repellent
  • First-aid kit
  • Backpack (10L)
  • Reusable bottle
  •  Sea Kayak and accessories
  • Life jacket
  • Caving helmet
  • Headlamp 

     What to bring: 

  • Water shoes / water sandals
  • Backpack (10L–30L)
  • Reusable bottle
  • kayak clothing: long-sleeved swimwear (rash guard) or T-shirt and shorts
  • Sun protection: hat/cap, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen
  • Personal medications
  • Electronics (Mobile phone, camera, power bank...), appropriate waterproof cases
  • ID or passportents

     Also recommended:

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Spare clothing
  • Waterproof phone pouch
  • Multi-tool

 

TOUR EQUIPMENT
IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Kayaking notes.

  • Distance: The paddling route is approximately 3 to 4 km per day
  • Terrain: We will paddle across a stunning bay with clear, cool blue waters, dotted with small islands rising randomly from the sea. Ba Ham Lake is a system of three enclosed lagoons connected by dark caves running through the mountains. Entering these lagoons feels like stepping into a mysterious paradise, thanks to their breathtaking beauty and profound tranquility
  • Suitability: This route requires good physical fitness and solid experience in outdoor activities. This level is generally not suitable for children.
  • This is an adventure-style exploration tour, so participants are expected to handle many tasks themselves, such as setting up tents, cooking dinner, making a fire, and more.
  • The kayaking route crosses a relatively wide stretch of sea between Cát Bà and Đầu Bê, where there may be strong waves. Therefore, participants are required to have good physical fitness. In case weather conditions are not suitable for crossing this area by kayak, we will travel by boat to a safer location before continuing the kayaking activity.
  • This is an experimental tour with many potential unexpected situations. With the principle of ‘Safety First,’ VAH will adjust the itinerary and activities if necessary to ensure the safety of all participants.

2. Responsible Travel & Environmental Protection

  • Leave No Trace: We strictly follow and promote the Leave No Trace principles in all our outdoor programs. We encourage our guests and partners to apply these ethics to minimize our impact on the natural environment. [See details about Leave No Trace here]
  • Reduce Plastic Waste: To limit single-use plastics, we encourage everyone to bring a reusable Reusable bottle (minimum 1L capacity). Refill stations will be provided throughout the trip.
  • Local Regulations: We kindly ask all guests to comply with the specific environmental regulations and instructions provided by our guides at the destination.

3. Health & Safety

  • Medical Considerations: Your safety is our priority. If you have a history of cardiovascular conditions or chronic joint issues (knees, ankles, shoulders, etc.), please consult with your doctor before booking this trip.
  • Physical fitness: Train by running or kayaking/SUP at least two weeks in advance. Run 2–3 sessions per week, about 5 km per session. Alternatively, paddle 2–3 sessions per week, covering 5–7 km per session.
  • Transparency: Please inform our tour guide of any existing health conditions or allergies at the start of the journey so we can support you best.