Cat Ba Island
1 day
AH-HP02
6/10
$71 USD
CUSTOMIZE TOUR Book Now
DESCRIBE

This full-day adventure is ideal for travelers who want to discover Cat Ba through a mix of trekking, village life, and time on the water. It combines a rewarding 4–5 hour trek through the national park to Viet Hai Village, a hidden valley settlement known for its remote setting, with a scenic bike ride to the pier and a relaxing SUP or kayak experience in Lan Ha Bay, an area famous for its quiet beaches and limestone islands. The result is a well-balanced journey of trekking, cycling, and paddling that lets visitors discover Cat Ba from the forest, the village, and the bay in one memorable adventure.

Highlights

  • Trekking through Cat Ba National Park
  • Kayaking on Lan Ha Bay

 

SUMMARY

  • Departure Point: Cat Ba Island

  • Duration: 1 day

  • Destination: Cat Ba Island

  • Activities: Trekking

  • Min : 5 people

  • Best time: Year-round

  • Max : 15 people

  • Difficulty level: 6/10

ITINERARY
Cat Ba Town – Cat Ba National Park – Viet Hai Village – Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Town

08:00  The guide will pick you up at the hotel. We will drive to Cat Ba National Park, where the trekking route begins, taking us through the park and onto Viet Hai Village. The trekking duration is about 4 hours, with breaks for water, snacks, or taking photos at scenic spots with views over Lan Ha Bay. This is not an “easy” trek, but the exciting outdoor experiences gained from this route are truly unforgettable for anyone. After about 4 hours of hiking, we will reach Viet Hai, a fishing village nestled in a valley, surrounded by high mountain ranges. Besides the challenging trekking route, we could also reach Viet Hai by sea via Lan Ha Bay and then walk, bike, or take a golf cart into the village.

We will have lunch in the village, then bike to Viet Hai Wharf. From there, we will take a boat back to Cat Ba, with a stop along the way for swimming or kayaking before arriving at Ben Beo Wharf. Finally, we’ll drive back to the hotel, with the program ending at 18:30.

Trekking time: 4hr - 5hr  

Kayaking time: 1hr  

* Meals included: Lunch

 

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

Inclusion:

  • Kayak & gear
  • Trekking pole & glove 
  • Meals as the schedule on the itinerary
  • Tour guides 
  • Daily drinking water 
  • Fee for entrance tickets 
  • Travel insurance 

Exclusion:

  • Other kinds of beverage unlist in the tour program
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation fee before and after the trip
  • Beverages during meals 
  
THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

Equipment provided by VAH:

  • Insect repellent
  • First-aid kit
  • Backpack (10L)
  • Reusable bottle
  •  SUP board or Kayak sit – on- top and accessories
  • Life jacket
  • Trekking pole
  • Gloves

      What to bring: 

  • Hikking shoes / walking sandals
  • Backpack (10L–30L)
  • Reusable bottle
  • Trekking clothing: Summer: quick-dry clothing, wide-brim hat; Winter: waterproof windbreaker, fleece or sweatshirt, thermal base layers, trekking pants or quick-dry pants, thermal pants
  • SUP 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 passport

     Also recommended:

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Spare clothing
  • Waterproof phone pouch
  • Multi-tool
TOUR EQUIPMENT
IMPORTANT NOTES

1. SUP paddling/ Kayak and Trekking Notes

  • Distance: The trekking route is approximately 7-8 km and 4 km for paddling route.
  • Terrain: We will trek through an old-growth forest along dense, overgrown trails. Most of the route consists of narrow paths, with many steep sections and rugged rocky outcrops. At times, we may even need to use both our hands and feet to climb, as there are no clearly defined trails.
  • Suitability: This route is ideal for most fitness levels, including beginners. Families arewelcome, 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.