Cat Ba Island
1 day
AH-HP01
6/10
$71 USD
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WHY THIS TOUR?

For travelers looking to experience the absolute best of Cat Ba, this full-day multi-activity journey seamlessly blends dense jungle trekking, local heritage, and premium time on the water. Your adventure begins with a rewarding 4-to-5-hour trek through the core of Cat Ba National Park to reach Viet Hai Village, a hidden valley settlement celebrated for its remote, traditional charm. After exploring the village, enjoy a relaxing golf cart ride down to the pier. From there, you will transition to the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay for an immersive Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) experience, gliding past quiet, secluded beaches and towering limestone islands.

By combining trekking and paddleboarding into one seamless itinerary, this trip offers a perfectly balanced journey that lets you discover Cat Ba from the forest, the village, and the bay in a single, unforgettable day.

Highlights

  • Conquer a rewarding 4–5 hour trek through the wild core of Cat Ba National Park, ending in a remote, historic valley settlement.
  • Transition to the water for a premium Stand-Up Paddleboarding experience, gliding past towering limestone karsts at your own pace.
  • Cool down after your adventure by swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the bay's most pristine, pocket-sized beaches.

 

SUMMARY

  • Start / Finish Point: Cat Ba Island

  • Duration: 1 day

  • Destination: Cat Ba Island

  • Group Size : 5

  • Best Season: Year-round

  • Difficulty level: 6/10

  • Activities: Hiking / Trekking, Paddle Boarding (SUP)

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

08:00 Your tour guide will pick you up at your hotel. We will drive directly to Cat Ba National Park, where your trekking adventure begins.

08:30 – 12:30 Embark on a rewarding 4-to-5-hour trek through the wild core of the National Park. Along the way, we will take short breaks for water, snacks, and to capture photos at scenic viewpoints overlooking Lan Ha Bay. This is a moderately challenging trek, but the breathtaking outdoor experience is truly unforgettable. Around midday, we will arrive at Viet Hai Village, a remote, historic settlement beautifully nestled in a valley and completely surrounded by towering mountain ranges.

12:30 Enjoy a authentic, freshly prepared lunch right inside the village, immersed in the peaceful atmosphere of this secluded community.

13:30 Give your legs a well-deserved break. Board a comfortable golf cart for a scenic, relaxing ride through the lush valley from the village down to Viet Hai Wharf.

14:00 Board our boat and cruise out into the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay. We will anchor in a pristine area for an immersive Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) experience. Glide past towering limestone karsts at your own pace and enjoy swimming to your heart's content in the bay's crystal-clear waters.

17:30 Relax on deck as the boat cruises back to Beo Wharf, taking in the final views of the spectacular sea-and-limestone scenery.

18:30 Our driver will transfer you back to your hotel.

* Approx. Duration: Trekking 4-5hrs / Paddle boarding 1hr / Lunch break 1hr

* Meals included: Lunch 

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

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Inclusion:

  • Tranfer vehicle: Cat Ba Town – Cat Ba NP & Beo Wharf - Cat Ba Town
  • English speakig tourguide & local guide
  • Inflatble SUP and equipment
  • Trekking poles 
  • Support boat when paddling 
  • Lunch
  • Drinking water & snack 
  • Entrance fees & tickets
  • Domestic travel insurance 

Exclusion:

  • Additional food and beverages not stated in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation fee before and after the trip
  • Tips
THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

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Equipment provided by VAH:

  • Trekking poles
  • Inflatable SUP
  • Life jacket
  • Dry bag
  • First-aid kit. 

What to bring: 

  • Water shoes 
  • Trekking shoes or booths
  • Lightweight, quick-dry clothing
  • Rash guard for kayaking & swimming
  • Lightweight rain jacket.
  • Electronics: Mobile phone, camera, power bank, ...
  • Personal medications
  • Reusable water bottle
  • ID or Passport

Also recommended:

  • Sunscreen
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Pocket knife or multi-tool
TOUR EQUIPMENT
IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Trekking Notes

  • Distance: 7 to 8 km.
  • Terrain: Immersive route through a dense, old-growth primary forest along overgrown jungle trails. Features narrow paths, rugged rocky outcrops, and multiple steep, challenging sections.
  • Suitability: Due to the steep incline and technical terrain, this route is best suited for travelers with a moderate fitness level and above. It is not recommended for complete beginners. Children from 12 years old are eligible to participate, provided they are active and used to outdoor activities.

2. Kayaking Notes

  • Distance: Approximately 4 km in total.
  • Terrain & Scenery: Paddlers will cross a stunning bay with clear, cool blue waters, dotted with dramatic limestone karsts and pristine white sandy beaches perfect for resting, relaxing, and swimming. The route covers the scenic Van Boi or Nam Cat beaches.
  • Suitability: The water is generally calm and the distance is highly manageable, making it accessible even for those with little or no prior kayaking experience. However, for safety reasons on the open water, this activity is strictly not suitable for children under 12 years old.

3. Food & Water

  • Meal: The lunch showcase authentic, hearty local cuisine designed to replenish your energy after active outdoor sessions. 
  • Water & Energy: Clean, safe drinking water and energy-boosting snacks (such as fresh fruits or local treats) are supplied daily during the tour. 

4. 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 bottle (minimum 1L capacity). You can refill it throughout the day from our large water jugs.
  • Local Regulations: We kindly ask all guests to comply with the specific environmental regulations and instructions provided by our guides at the destination.

5. 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: Please maintain a regular walking routine of approximately 5–7 km per day in the weeks leading up to the tour to ensure you are adequately prepared for the trek.
  • 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.