Hanoi/Catba: 2-Day Adventure Cat Ba National Park,Lan Ha Bay

Hanoi/Catba: 2-Day Adventure in Cat Ba National Park and Lan Ha Bay
Price: $148 per person
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Supplier: Authentic Travel DA NANG

A quick overview of this 2-day adventure takes you from Hanoi to the unspoiled landscapes of Cat Ba Island, where you’ll explore Lan Ha Bay’s stunning limestone formations and lush jungle. The trip is packed with activities like kayaking, biking, swimming, and even a night paddle among glowing plankton. For around $148, this experience offers a fantastic way to step off the beaten path, away from the crowds, and into some of Vietnam’s most beautiful natural scenery.

What we love most about this tour is its focus on authentic, less-touristy spots—like the serene Viet Hai Village and remote Ba Trai Dao Beach—plus the unique chance to see bioluminescent plankton dancing in the dark sea. The balance of active pursuits (cycling, kayaking) and relaxing moments (beach time, village walks) makes it ideal for travelers looking for both adventure and tranquility.

A possible consideration: The tour involves a fair amount of travel time, with early departures and long boat rides, which might be tiring for some. Also, the night kayaking depends on weather conditions, so the glowing plankton may vary in visibility.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate unspoiled landscapes, are comfortable with some physical activity, and want to embrace local life beyond the typical tourist spots. It’s perfect if you’re looking for an immersive nature trip with memorable moments like starry swims and village homestays.

Key Points

• Authentic exploration: Small, lesser-known spots like Viet Hai Village and secluded beaches.
• Active adventures: Kayaking, biking, swimming, and hiking included.
• Stunning scenery: Limestone karsts, lush forests, and peaceful bays.
• Local culture: Visit a floating fishing village and stay in a jungle bungalow.
• Unique experiences: Night kayaking among bioluminescent plankton.
• Value for money: All meals, activities, and entrance fees included, making the $148 price quite reasonable for the full package.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: From Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay and Viet Hai Village

The journey starts at 7:00 AM, when your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Cat Ba. Expect a short drive with some stops for rest, so the early start is worth it for the day ahead. Once you arrive in Hai Phong, you’ll hop onto a ferry crossing to Cat Ba Island, which itself is a scenic highlight—an island surrounded by emerald waters and towering limestone formations.

By 11:15 AM, you’ll arrive at Ben Beo Pier and board your boat, setting sail into Lan Ha Bay. Here’s where the scenery truly shines. Limestone karsts rise vertically from the sea, creating a landscape that’s almost surreal. We loved the way the boat glided past Cai Beo Floating Village, one of northern Vietnam’s oldest floating communities, giving a glimpse of local life that’s been afloat for generations.

Lunch is served onboard around noon—expect fresh Vietnamese dishes prepared by the crew, with vegetarian options available. The food is simple but flavorful, a reflection of local cuisine. After eating, the highlight for many is kayaking through Dark and Bright Caves, natural tunnels carved over millennia. The silence of paddling through these tunnels, surrounded by towering limestone, is both peaceful and awe-inspiring.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll stop at Ba Trai Dao Beach—a quiet, untouched spot perfect for swimming, jumping from the boat, or just soaking up the sun. Its remoteness means you’ll avoid touristy crowds, an important benefit for those seeking authentic tranquility.

Next, you’ll visit a floating fish farm to learn about local fishing life, which adds a human element to the sea-bound scenery. The tour then gets interactive with a cooking class onboard, where you can try your hand at preparing traditional Vietnamese dishes—an enjoyable way to connect with the local culture.

As the evening approaches, the boat takes you to Viet Hai Village, about 10 km from the main town. Located amid lush jungle, this village offers a homestay experience in a jungle bungalow, giving you a chance to witness simple village life far from modern comforts. It’s a peaceful spot where the sounds of nature replace city noise, perfect for unwinding.

Day 2: From Village Exploring to Monkey Island and Return

The next morning begins with a hearty breakfast. Then, it’s time for biking around Viet Hai Village—a fun, scenic ride through mountain trails and forested paths. We loved the chance to feel the cool mountain air and see local villagers tending their gardens or fishing in streams.

After checking out from the bungalow, you sail back toward Monkey Island, where you can relax, swim on the sandy beach, or enjoy some playful time with the island’s monkeys. For a panoramic view, a short trek up to the viewpoint offers a sweeping vista of Lan Ha Bay.

By 11:30 AM, lunch is served onboard as the boat makes its way back to the harbor. The final stops include a return to Cai Beo Harbor and a bus ride back to Hanoi or Cat Ba Town, arriving around 4:30 PM. On weekends, the bus drops you off at the Old Quarter, making logistics straightforward.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Stunning Scenery and Unique Activities
The sights along Lan Ha Bay are genuinely breathtaking—towering limestone formations, calm emerald waters, and peaceful lagoons. The kayaking through natural tunnels is a highlight, giving you a close-up view of the bay’s geological formations. The night kayaking to see bioluminescent plankton is a rare, magical experience—glowing lights flickering beneath your paddle, turning the dark water into a starry sky.

Cultural and Community Insights
Visiting the floating fishing village and staying overnight in Viet Hai Village offers a glimpse into local life that’s often absent from more commercial tours. It’s an opportunity to see how residents live in harmony with their environment, and the homestay experience adds an authentic flavor to the trip.

Balance of Relaxation and Activity
Whether paddling through caves, biking through mountain trails, or simply lounging on quiet beaches, the tour balances active pursuits with moments of calm. The inclusion of all meals and activities makes it a fuss-free way to enjoy the area without constantly reaching for your wallet.

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Practical Considerations and Tips

Transport and Timing
The early start means you’ll get a full day of exploring, but it also requires some stamina. The boat rides are long but scenic, with opportunities to relax or take photos. The trip is suitable for active travelers who don’t mind a bit of physical activity and variable weather conditions.

Weather and Conditions
Night kayaking and cave exploration depend on weather conditions. While the bioluminescent plankton can sometimes be elusive, many find the experience captivating even if the glow isn’t as bright as hoped. The trail in Viet Hai Village is roughly an hour round-trip and may be muddy if it rained, so good shoes and insect repellent are recommended.

Who Is This Tour Best For?
This experience is ideal for those who want to get off the tourist trail and explore Vietnam’s natural beauty authentically. It’s perfect if you enjoy outdoor activities, scenic boat rides, and small community visits. If you’re looking for luxury or a very relaxed, non-active trip, this may not be the best fit.

The Sum Up

For travelers seeking a combination of stunning scenery, local culture, and outdoor adventure, this 2-day tour hits the mark. It offers a well-rounded experience—cruising past limestone towers, paddling through caves, discovering quiet villages, and even swimming under starry skies. The inclusion of all meals and activities for a fair price makes it a strong value, especially for those keen on authentic, active exploration.

However, it’s not suitable for travelers with mobility issues, pregnant women, or those who prefer a more leisurely, less physically demanding experience. But if you’re eager to see a less commercial side of Vietnam, with plenty of memorable moments along the way, this tour deserves serious consideration.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, your pickup and drop-off from Hanoi Old Quarter or Cat Ba Town are included if you select that option, making logistics straightforward.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, swimwear, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, and suitable clothing for outdoor activities.

How active is the tour?
Expect to bike around Viet Hai Village, kayak through caves, and do some light trekking. The trail is about an hour round-trip and can be muddy.

Can I join the night kayaking if the weather is bad?
Night kayaking depends on weather conditions; if it’s too rainy or windy, the experience might be canceled or less spectacular, but your guide will advise on the night of the activity.

Is staying overnight in Viet Hai Village comfortable?
The accommodation is in a jungle bungalow, providing a rustic but authentic experience in a peaceful setting. It’s not luxury, but it’s cozy and surrounded by nature.

What about meals?
All meals are included—local Vietnamese dishes prepared onboard and at the homestay, with vegetarian options available.

Is this tour suitable for families?
It’s suitable for active families with older children comfortable with outdoor activities. It’s best to check with the provider if you have very young children or specific needs.

How long are the boat rides?
Boat rides are long enough to enjoy the scenery and activities, with some passing through caves and visiting various spots. Expect a few hours in total across the two days.

What’s the best time to do this tour?
While the tour runs year-round, the bioluminescent kayaking is most spectacular during moonless, humid nights. The weather is generally warm, but check the forecast for rain.

This 2-day adventure offers a memorable mix of Vietnam’s natural beauty and local life, perfect for travelers eager to see beyond the typical tourist trails. With stunning vistas, active pursuits, and genuine cultural insights, it’s an experience that’s likely to leave a lasting impression—and perhaps a few photos of glowing waters to tell your friends about.

You can check availability for your dates here: