Experience the rugged jungle beauty and emerald waters of Vietnam's most adventurous island destination
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Hand-picked experiences loved by thousands of travelers
Trek through UNESCO jungles and explore local life in Viet Hai Village on this full-day adventure.
Experience luxury on Lan Ha Bay with a cruise featuring kayaking, swimming, and a delicious lunch.
Enjoy a fast, high-quality bus and speedboat transfer from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island in just 3.5 hours.
Join an intimate getaway with a small group of 12 to explore authentic, non-touristy areas.
Fast and safe transfer featuring a speed boat and hotel pickup in Hanoi Old Quarter.
Explore Lan Ha Bay on a 2-day adventure with kayaking, swimming, and an overnight hotel stay.
Escape the crowds on a quiet day trip through Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays with kayaking and lunch.
Challenge yourself with a half-day rock climbing session on the craggy cliffs of Cat Ba.
Discover four iconic island spots with a local guide on this affordable highlights tour.
Two days of peak trekking, village homestays, and boat trips through Lan Ha Bay.
All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place
Escape the crowds of Ha Long Bay and discover the rugged charm of Cat Ba Island, the largest island in the archipelago. This UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve offers a perfect blend of adrenaline and relaxation. From trekking through the dense primeval jungles of Cat Ba National Park to kayaking through the crystal-clear, quiet waters of Lan Ha Bay, the experiences here are authentic and raw. Unlike its busier neighbor, Cat Ba retains a laid-back atmosphere where you can explore hidden lagoons, climb world-class limestone cliffs, or simply cycle through sleepy villages like Viet Hai. Whether you're seeking a luxury cruise or a gritty jungle adventure, Cat Ba serves as the ultimate gateway to the less-traveled side of the Gulf of Tonkin.
We partner with established operators like Cat Ba Express and local specialists to ensure safety and quality standards
Make informed decisions based on thousands of authentic reviews from travelers who have actually taken the tours
Get the best rates for tours and transfers, from budget-friendly bus tickets to luxury overnight cruises
Secure your spot immediately for popular activities like rock climbing and day cruises, even during peak season
We carefully select diverse options ranging from hardcore trekking to leisurely sunset cruises to suit every travel style
Many of our listed tours directly support local communities in Viet Hai village and floating fishing families
Spring (Mar-Apr)|Autumn (Oct-Nov)
Breathable hiking clothes|Swimwear|Light jacket for evenings|Sturdy walking shoes
Played strategic role in wars; Hospital Cave was a secret bunker
Most day tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
Share your experience: #CatBaIsland #LanHaBay #VietnamTravel #IslandLife
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2h 30min
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Real experiences from real travelers
The day trip to Lan Ha Bay was incredible. Much quieter than Ha Long, and the kayaking through the caves was magical. The lunch on the boat was fresh and delicious.
We did the full day trek to Viet Hai village. It was challenging but the views from the top were worth every drop of sweat. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the jungle flora.
Booked the bus from Hanoi. Very efficient, comfortable seats, and the speedboat transfer was seamless. Dropped us right at our hotel.
The sunset cruise was breathtaking. The staff were so friendly and the bay is just stunning. Highly recommend this over the crowded tourist boats.
The half-day climbing tour was professional and safe. The limestone quality is excellent and the views from the wall are unbeatable.
We took the highlights tour. Cannon Fort was closed for renovation but the guide took us to another great viewpoint. Good value for money.
The luxury day cruise was fantastic. Small group, great food, and a very clean boat. The swimming spot was perfect.
Everything you need to know for your journey
Lan Ha Bay is geographically the same limestone karst extension as Ha Long Bay but is located south of it. It is significantly less crowded, cleaner, and allows for swimming and kayaking in more areas. Most Cat Ba tours explore Lan Ha Bay.
The most popular way is a combined bus and speedboat ticket which takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. The bus takes you to the ferry terminal in Hai Phong, you take a short speedboat ride, and then another bus to Cat Ba town.
There are different levels. The hike to Ngu Lam Peak is moderate and takes 1-2 hours. The trek to Viet Hai Village is difficult, taking 4-5 hours through dense jungle and steep terrain, recommended for fit travelers.
October to April is the best time for trekking and outdoor activities with dry, cool weather. May to August is summer—hot and humid, great for swimming but prone to afternoon storms.
Yes, especially during the peak domestic season (June-August) and holidays. Popular cruises and the direct bus from Hanoi can sell out quickly.
Yes, there are many family-friendly activities like easy boat cruises, visiting Monkey Island, and exploring Hospital Cave. Trekking routes vary in difficulty so choose accordingly.
Bring comfortable hiking shoes, insect repellent, swimwear, sun protection, and a light rain jacket. If you visit in winter (Dec-Feb), bring warm layers as it can get chilly on the water.
Yes, there are ATMs in Cat Ba Town, but they can be unreliable or run out of cash. It is highly recommended to bring sufficient cash (VND) from the mainland.
Yes, motorbike rentals are widely available. However, ensure you have a valid international driving permit and always wear a helmet. The roads can be steep and winding.
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