Cat Ba Island is a haven for cyclists. With rugged terrain, lush forests, and shimmering waters, it offers a landscape that’s best explored on two wheels. Whether you’re after a full day of activities like kayaking and swimming or a scenic ride through historical sites, there’s a tour suited for you. I especially like the full-day Lan Ha Bay trip because it combines biking with kayaking and includes a fish massage—an authentic local treat. Plus, the opportunity to explore Cat Ba National Park on foot or bike makes this island a perfect mix of nature, culture, and adventure. And if you’re short on time but still want a taste of the island’s wild beauty, the Bike Expedition offers a compact yet comprehensive experience.
For those who want a more immersive experience, the 2-Day Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba Cruise pairs kayaking and biking with overnight comfort, making it ideal for travelers craving both activity and relaxation. Want a relaxed, scenic ride? The Scenic Cycling Loop takes you through villages, beaches, and historical sites at a gentle pace. No matter what your style, Cat Ba’s bike tours let you see the island from a local’s perspective.
1. Cat Ba: Lan Ha, HaLong bay full day- biking, kayaking, lunch
At the top of our list is the full-day Lan Ha and Ha Long Bay tour, rated 4.8 out of 5 based on over 600 reviews. This 9-hour adventure takes you from southern Lan Ha Bay, away from the tourist crowds, to experience some of the most scenic waters around Cat Ba. The tour includes kayaking, swimming, and exploring a fishing village, along with a bike ride through Cat Ba National Park.
What makes this tour stand out is its balance of active pursuits and relaxation. You’ll have the chance to fish massage, a local therapy that’s surprisingly soothing after a day of paddling and cycling. The lunch on the boat is well-reviewed, with guests appreciating the fresh seafood and vegetarian options. The itinerary also includes a scenic photo stop in Lan Ha Bay and time for sunset tea. The convenience of a round-trip bus makes logistics easier, and the variety of activities packed into one day offers excellent value—especially at just $22 per person.
Based on reviews, people love the kayaking and swimming, calling the experience “beautiful” and “relaxing,” with many mentioning how well-organized the tour is. It’s perfect for active travelers who want a full day of exploring both the water and land.
Bottom line: This tour offers a great mix of water, land, and cultural experiences in a single day, perfect for those wanting a comprehensive look at Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba.
2. Cat Ba: National Park Day Trip with Cycling and Kayaking
For a more nature-focused experience, the National Park Day Trip is highly rated (4.8/5 from 35 reviews) and offers a full day of trekking, cycling, kayaking, and swimming. This trip is ideal for those who want to explore the UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, delving into its flora, fauna, and local villages.
The day begins with a 45-minute bus transfer to the park, where you’ll hike through dense jungle trails, then cycle to Viet Hai village. The cycling route is manageable but includes some scrambling, so a reasonable level of fitness helps. Afterward, you’ll cruise around Lan Ha Bay, enjoying kayaking and swimming in the clear waters. The local guide shares insights about the area’s marine life and local culture, making the trip educational as well as active.
Guests rave about the guide Van, who explains the local plants and history, and about the beautiful scenery seen from both the land and boat. The combination of hiking, biking, and water activities offers a well-rounded day without feeling rushed. The price point of $66 reflects the extensive activities and transportation included, making it a good investment for nature lovers.
Bottom line: This trip is perfect if you want a full immersion in Cat Ba’s natural environment, combining trekking, biking, and water adventures with cultural insights.
3. Cat Ba National Park Day Tour – Hiking, Cycling, Kayaking
Slightly more straightforward is the National Park Day Tour rated 5/5 with just one review. This tour emphasizes trekking through Cat Ba National Park, biking to Viet Hai village, and cruising Lan Ha Bay with kayaking and swimming.
While brief, it covers all the key highlights—hiking through jungle trails, exploring local villages, and enjoying water-based activities. It’s ideal for travelers who want a condensed version of the nature experience without the longer commitment. The inclusion of boat trips and plenty of opportunities for wildlife observation makes it a compelling choice for those who want a taste of everything.
The simplicity of this tour suits travelers with limited time or those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Although details about price and duration are limited, the focus on diverse activities in one day makes this a flexible and engaging option.
Bottom line: If you’re seeking a quick but immersive glimpse into Cat Ba’s jungle and waters, this tour delivers a well-rounded experience.
$45 per person
4. 2-Day Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba Cruise w/ Kayaking, Biking & More
For travelers with extra time, the 2-Day Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba Cruise offers a blend of adventure and relaxation. Rated 3.8 out of 5 from 13 reviews, this tour includes kayaking, biking, a cooking class, and overnight stays.
The itinerary features kayaking between islands, a bamboo boat trip through caves like Trung Trang, and a sunset party with sweets and drinks. Guests can also participate in a morning tai chi lesson and night fishing, making it a more involved experience that extends beyond just biking and kayaking. The included cooking class, where you learn to make Vietnamese spring rolls, offers a cultural touch.
While the reviews are more mixed—some mention the varied group sizes and pacing—the experience appeals to those wanting a multifaceted adventure, combining physical activity with culture. The added overnight element allows for more downtime and scenic evenings under the stars.
Bottom line: This tour suits travelers craving a multi-day, active experience that includes both water and land adventures plus cultural activities.
5. Scenic Cycling Loop Of Enchanting Cat Ba Island full day
The Scenic Cycling Loop is a wonderful choice for those who prefer a gentle, picturesque ride. With no reviews listed, but priced at $61 per person, it offers a full-day guided tour around Cat Ba Island.
You’ll cycle through scenic landscapes, visit the Military Hospital Cave, enjoy a tea break with a local family, and relax on Cat Co Beach. This tour emphasizes culture and history, blending sightseeing with leisure stops. The route covers both inland and coastal areas, giving a well-rounded look at the island’s natural beauty and local life.
Suitable for travelers who want a leisurely pace with plenty of photo opportunities and cultural insights, this tour is less about intense activity and more about appreciating the surroundings. The combination of history, local interaction, and scenic stops makes it a balanced choice for casual cyclists.
Bottom line: This cycling loop is ideal if you prefer a relaxed, scenic ride with cultural highlights along the way.
$61 per person
6. Cat Ba Island Bike Expedition Full-day
For those who want a structured, full-day biking adventure, the Bike Expedition is a great option. Rated with no reviews yet, it offers a 5-hour guided tour that covers hospital caves, Thien Long Cave, and a visit to a local family.
Starting at the 80 Núi Ngọc meeting point, the tour includes visiting historic sites, boat trips to caves, and sampling traditional tea. The itinerary balances cultural exploration with physical activity, making it suitable for travelers comfortable on a bicycle. The trip’s shorter duration makes it a good choice if you’re limited on time but still want a meaningful ride through Cat Ba’s varied landscapes.
The tour promises a small group experience and an opportunity to learn about local life while cycling through scenic areas. It’s a good pick for travelers interested in history, culture, and active exploration without the longer commitment of multi-day cruises.
Bottom line: This tour offers a compact but engaging biking experience, combining history and scenery in a manageable half-day.
$109 per person
How to Choose the Right Bike Tour in Cat Ba Island
When selecting a bike tour, consider your fitness level, interests, and how much activity you want in a day. If you’re after a full-day adventure with kayaking and cultural stops, the Lan Ha Bay tour is hard to beat. For a nature-focused trip with hiking, biking, and wildlife, the National Park Day Trip is ideal. If you prefer a relaxed, scenic ride with local interactions, the Scenic Cycling Loop fits well.
Budget is also a factor—while some tours like the Bike Expedition are more affordable and shorter, others like the 2-Day Cruise include overnight stays and extra activities. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your spot in these popular experiences.
For a detailed look at kayaking, biking, and exploring Lan Ha Bay in one full day, check out the full-day Lan Ha Bay tour. If you want a more immersive experience with trekking and village visits, the National Park Day Trip is a fantastic choice.
To sum it up, Cat Ba Island offers a fantastic array of bike tours that suit every interest—whether it’s adventure, culture, or leisurely sightseeing. The best option depends on your time availability, fitness level, and what specific experiences excite you most. For active travelers, the full-day Lan Ha Bay adventure provides unbeatable value and variety, but if you prefer a gentle, scenic ride with cultural highlights, the Cycling Loop is perfect.
Whatever you choose, booking early and preparing for some physical activity will ensure you get the most out of your time on this beautiful island. Happy cycling!