Embark on this 3-day tour of Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay, beginning with a scenic journey from Hanoi and a trek through Cat Ba National Park to the remote village of Viet Hai. Hike to Marine Hill for panoramic bay views, then cycle to the dock for a cruise through Lan Ha Bay, with opportunities for kayaking, swimming and visiting floating villages. Explore the historic Hospital Cave and trek to Ngu Lam Peak for sweeping island views before returning back to Hanoi.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Hanoi to Cat Ba Island & Trek to Viet Hai Village
Hanoi - Hai Phong - Cat Ba island - Cat Ba National Park - Viet Hai Village. Arrive in Hanoi before 7 AM on day 1 or arrive in Hanoi the day prior to the start of the tour. You will have the option of being collected from your hotel or within Hanoi’s Old Quarter at 08:00. We will then start the drive to Dinh Vu Port in Hai Phong City. From here, we take a short 10-minute speedboat ride to Cat Ba Island, the largest island in Lan Ha Bay. On arrival, we continue to Cat Ba town for lunch.
In the afternoon, we trek through Cat Ba National Park on our way to Viet Hai village. The route offers excellent birdwatching and scenic views, winding through dense forest and past Frog Lake. Along the way, you may spot wildlife and, with luck, catch a glimpse of the rare Cat Ba langur or butterflies drifting through the trees.
We arrive in Viet Hai by late afternoon and check in at our local homestay or eco-lodge. Dinner is served on site, followed by an overnight stay in the village.
Trekking distance: 8-10 KM
Please note: We strongly recommend you arrive in Hanoi the day before your tour starts. You will be collected early on day 1. Pick up can be arranged from any hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter, and you must inform us in advance of your tour where you wish to be collected from. Packing essentials include your passport, light comfortable clothing, walking shoes, a small day pack, insect repellent, sun cream, a raincoat and a sun hat.
Overnight: Viet Hai Village | Lunch, Dinner
Cruise, Kayak and Seashore Stay
Viet Hai Village - Lan Ha Bay - Ben Beo Village - Cat Ba Island. After breakfast at 07:30, we will start our hike to the top of Marine Hill, where we will enjoy sweeping views over Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.
We then cycle from Viet Hai village to the dock, where we board our boat for a 4-5 hour cruise exploration of Lan Ha Bay. This adventure includes scenic cruising, kayaking through hidden lagoons and sea caves, swimming in secluded spots, and enjoying a freshly prepared lunch on board.
In the afternoon, we cruise towards Ben Beo, a floating fishing village where hundreds of households live on the water. After exploring the area, we transfer to our seashore hotel, where we will enjoy dinner and spend the night. Alternatively, you can opt to enjoy a longer overnight cruise on Lan Ha Bay, returning on day 3, with the chance to kayak through calm emerald waters surrounded by the bay’s tranquil beauty.
Hiking distance & Kayaking duration: 3-5 KM & 1 hour kayaking
Overnight: Cat Ba Island | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Exploring Cat Ba Island & Return to Hanoi
Cat Ba Island - Hai Phong City - Hanoi. After our final breakfast at the hotel, we visit the historic Hospital Cave, a secret three-storey facility used during the American War, offering a glimpse into the island’s wartime history. We then trek to Ngu Lam Peak for panoramic views over the island’s rugged terrain and lush forest. Alternatively, you can take a scenic drive along Cat Ba’s coastal roads, passing quiet fishing villages and limestone landscapes.
Around midday, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before beginning our journey back to Hanoi by bus, arriving in the evening, where our tour will conclude. Depending on your departure flight time, you may have time to further explore, enjoy some last-minute shopping or relaxation before making your way to the airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast, Lunch
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Whisper Nature Bungalow, Viet Hai Village
Nestled in the tranquil Viet Hai Village at the foot of Cat Ba National Park, this peaceful retreat features a cosy Vietnamese restaurant and a 24-hour reception. Surrounded by lush mountains, it offers simple yet comfortable rooms with tea and coffee-making facilities and a hairdryer. Guests can hire bicycles to explore the nearby Viet Hai Forest and Cat Ba National Park, or enjoy a scenic 5 km walk to the sea for swimming and fishing. The on-site restaurant serves delicious local dishes, prepared with fresh vegetables picked from the hotel’s own garden.
Sea Pearl Cat Ba Hotel, Cat Ba Island
The Sea Pearl Cat Ba Hotel is conveniently located on Cat Ba's main road, overlooking the emerald waters of Cat Ba Bay and just a five minute walk from Cat Co Beach and the Cat Ba Market. The comfortable guestrooms offer modern amenities such as air conditioning, WiFi, minibar and cable TV and hotel has a great range of facilities. Head to the rooftop swimming pool and bar where you can take in the wonderful panoramic views of the bay, relax and pamper yourself at the Feeling Spa and sing your heart out in the Karaoke room! When hunger strikes enjoy a variety of local dishes and European cuisine at the hotel's restaurant and cafe.
At a Glance
