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

Not many people have explored the farthest island cluster of Cat Ba, which is Dau Be Island. Here, you'll find Ba Ham Lake, a system of three interconnected bays accessible through underwater caves that can only be entered at the right tide. Unlike the popular destinations in Lan Ha and Cat Ba, Dau Be Island rarely sees tourists, as it is quite far from Cat Ba, and not everyone has the courage to explore dark caves by kayak. 

Not only does this unique kayaking trip allow you to discover Ba Ham Lake, but it also takes you to other beautiful locations in Cat Ba, such as Lan Ha Bay and Ba Trai Dao.

If you're looking for a truly challenging and exciting adventure, join this one-of-a-kind kayaking adventure!

Highlight

  • Kayaking to conquer the Cat Ba – Dau Be stage
  • Kayaking to conquer the beautiful Lan Ha - Ba Trai Dao stage
  • Exploring Ba Ham Lake
  • Camping on the beach in Lan Ha Bay
  • Having BBQ with a beautiful view

 

SUMMARY
  • Departure Point: Cat Ba Island

  • Duration: 2 days, 1 night

  • Destination: Cat Ba Island

  • Activities: SUP

  • Min : 2 people

  • Best time: Sep - Mar

  • Max : 15 people

  • Difficulty level: 7/10

ITINERARY
1st day: 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.

 

2nd day: 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 us:

  • Sea kayak
  • Life jacket
  • Dry bag
  • Stainless steel water bottle
  • Helmet (for cave exploration)
  • Headlamp
  • Tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag
  • First aid bag 

Essential stuff you need to bring: 

  • Waterproof shoes or sandals
  • Waterproof windbreaker, sweater or fleece jacket, thermal jacket, quick-dry pants, thermal pants
  • Face towel, hand sanitizer gel, toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper
  • Phone, camera, power bank, suitable waterproof bag...
  • Personal identification documents

Other items you may consider to bring:

  • Personal medicine
  • Flashlight or light for tent
  • Multi-purpose tool

 

IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Notes on Activities During the Tour

  • This is an adventurous exploratory tour, so participants will need to carry out many tasks themselves, such as setting up tents, cooking dinner, and making a fire. 
  • The kayaking route crosses a wide sea area between Cat Ba and Dau Be, which may have large waves; therefore, participants must be in good health. If the weather is not suitable for crossing this sea area by kayak, we will have to take a boat to a safe location before kayaking.
  • This is an experimental tour with many surprises that may occur unexpectedly, so with the principle of "Safety First," we will adjust the itinerary and activities if any changes are deemed necessary for the safety of participants.
  • Fee for transportation to and from Cat Ba (before and after the tour) is not included in the cost. Participants are responsible for their own transportation. If you need assistance from us to book bus tickets or arrange transportation, please contact the Tour Leader of this trip.
  • Before the trip, the equipment provided by us for each participant includes tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, lanterns, and stainless steel water bottles, all packed in bags. Participants will receive and return the equipment at our office in Hanoi. Kayaks and kayaking accessories will be handed over at Cat Ba.

2. Camping on the Beach

  • We provides double tents and four-person tents, along with mattresses and sleeping bags. 
  • At the camping site, there will be toilet tents and shower tents. The fresh water available for showering will be limited to 10L per person.

3. Food & Drinks

  • Lunch will be served on the boat, and if the weather and time permit, we may have lunch on the beach. The BBQ dinner will consist of grilled seafood, while breakfast will be instant noodles and bread.
  • At the camping site, tea and hot coffee will be available in the morning. 
  • Drinks during the evening BBQ will include one bottle of red wine for every four people and two cold cans of beer per person. Other meals do not include alcoholic beverages. 
  • Drinking water will be provided daily at a standard of 3L per person per day.

4. Protecting the environment together

  • We supports and practices Leave No Trace principles in each program and outdoor activities itself. We also encourage our customers and partners to apply to Leave No Trace principles when traveling in the outdoor environment. See details about the Leave No Trace tại đây
  • In order to limit the use of single-use plastic, we encourages each of us to prepare for ourselves a bottle of water with a 1L capacity for daily water refilling.
  • On the tour, tourists comply with the instructions and regulations on environmental protection at the destination. 

5. Medical assistance

  • If you have cardiovascular disease or bone and joint diseases (knees, ankles, shoulder joints, etc.), you should consult your doctor before deciding to join the trip. 
  • In any case, if you go into the water to swim, you must wear a life jacket.