Cat Ba Island
1/2 day
AH-HP07
4/10
CUSTOMIZE TOUR Book Now
DESCRIBE

Chase the sunset. Witness the magic. Experience the enchanting transition of Lan Ha Bay from dusk till dark. Start your late afternoon with a relaxing Kayak or SUP paddle through the tranquil Van Boi area, surrounded by majestic limestone karsts bathed in golden sunset hues. After a local dinner on a floating house, embark on a magical journey into the darkness. Paddle through quiet, unlit waters to witness the mesmerizing "Bioluminescent Plankton" – a natural phenomenon where every stroke of your paddle makes the water glow with a fairy-tale blue light, resembling a starry night sky beneath the ocean.

Highlights

  • Experience sunset SUP/Kayaking in the stunning Van Boi area.

  • Kayak at night to witness the magical bioluminescent plankton in the ocean. 

  • Enjoy a unique and authentic dinner on a local floating house.

SUMMARY

  • Departure Point: Cat Ba Island

  • Duration: 1/2 day

  • Destination: Cat Ba Island

  • Activities: Kayaking

  • Min : 6 people

  • Best time: Apr - Sep

  • Max : 20 people

  • Difficulty level: 4/10

ITINERARY
Cat Ba Town – Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Town

15:30 Meet at the pickup point and transfer to the starting point. Board the boat and head to Van Boi Beach in the heart of Lan Ha Bay. The Van Boi area is also used by local tour operators as a sunset paddling and plankton-viewing spot.

17:00 Receive your kayak at a floating house and begin kayaking around the Van Boi area in the beautiful sunset setting. Enjoy swimming and relaxing at Van Boi Beach.

18:30 Return to the floating house for dinner. Some Lan Ha Bay evening tours also pair sunset activities with dinner before the night paddle.

19:00 After dark, continue kayaking from the floating house to a quiet area away from artificial light to admire the bioluminescent plankton in the water. This is a magical experience, as each paddle stroke stirs up glowing blue light on the surface. Tiny sparkling organisms shimmer like a galaxy, turning the hidden bays and small islands of Lan Ha Bay into an enchanting world after dark. Night kayaking to see glowing plankton is a well-established Lan Ha Bay experience described similarly by local operators and travel listings.

20:30 Finish the journey, board the boat, and return to Cat Ba Town. End of the tour. A 20:30 return is also consistent with comparable Lan Ha Bay sunset-and-plankton evening tours.

Kayaking time: 3 hours

*Meal included: Dinner.

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

Inclusion:

Exclusion:

  • Kayak and life jacket
  • Personal expenses
  • Dinner
  • Transportation fee before and after the trip
  • Tour guides
  • Beverages during meal
  • Lan Ha Bay entrance ticket
  • Other kinds of beverage unlist in the tour program
  • Travel insurance

 

THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

Equipment provided by VAH:

What to bring:

Also recommended:

  • First-aid kit
  • Backpack (10L)
  • Reusable bottle
  • Kayak sit – on- top and accessories
  • Life jacket
  • Water shoes / water sandals
  • Backpack (10L–30L)
  • Clothing: long-sleeved swimwear (rash guard) or T-shirt and shorts
  • Personal medications
  • Electronics (Mobile phone, camera, power bank...), appropriate waterproof cases
  • ID or passport
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Spare clothing
  • Waterproof phone pouch
TOUR EQUIPMENT
IMPORTANT NOTES

1.  Kayaking Notes

  • Distance: The paddling route is approximately 3 to 4 km
  • Terrain: We will paddle across a stunning bay with clear, cool blue waters, dotted with small islands rising randomly from the sea. The experience of witnessing bioluminescence plankton at night in Lan Ha Bay is truly magical. With each paddle stroke stirring the water, bursts of mysterious, shimmering blue light come alive.
  • Suitability: This route is ideal for most fitness levels, including beginners. Families are welcome, children from 6 to 10 years old are eligible to participate.
  • Before starting the kayaking activity, the guide will provide instructions on paddling techniques, safety precautions, and the route. All participants are required to wear life jackets.
  • While paddling in the bay, you should watch out for obstacles such as submerged rocks and boats. Avoid paddling too close to cliff faces when there are waves, as they can push you into sharp rock surfaces.

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