Kayak Halong Bay & Explore Cat Ba Island – 4 Days

Overnight cruise is perfect way how to enjoy one of the most beautiful destinations of Vietnam: Halong Bay. And the calm emerald waters of the bay are best explored by kayak. Experience as a local by taking a ferry to Cat Ba Island. Spend two nights to explore Cat Ba, a chilled out place with a few small, though nice beaches, a rich history and there are some spots with a good nightlife, which are pretty cheap!

Start city: Hanoi (Vietnam)

End city: Hanoi (Vietnam)

Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights

Departure: Daily, upon your request.

Cities to visit: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Cat Ba

– Extendable with optional tours from Hanoi (Vietnam)

kayaking in Halong Bay

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Kayaking on Halong Bay
– Trekking on Cat Ba Island
– Experience local ferry from Tuan Chau to Cat Ba.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight on cruise.
Halong Bay is one of the most loved spots in Vietnam for a reason – it’s gorgeous. On this Halong Bay cruise tour, we take you away from the hectic pace of life in Hanoi and introduce you to the tranquil, beautiful Halong Bay…
Following breakfast, journey east through the rich farmland of the Red River Delta to Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnam’s most scenic impressive sights. On arrival you are welcomed onboard a traditional junk. Settle into a private comfortable cabin and unpack for a two day cruise around Halong Bay. Along the way, enjoy a huge lunch served on board and admire the picturesque scenery of islands. These limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. You will anchor for a 45 minute kayak. It is no coincidence that National Geographic Adventures magazine has voted Halong Bay is one of 25 tourist attractions for kayaking over the world. Therefore, take a kayak paddle reaching the foot of the rocky mountains discovering new emotions is one of the favorite passion of the majority of travelers coming to Halong. The remainder of day is for your own pleasure; observing the bay, lazing around the deck or simply soaking up the sunshine.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: on cruise.

Day 2: Halong – Cat Ba Island.
Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for breakfast then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of the bay as you navigate back to Halong City. Get a ferry boat to Cat Ba Island and spend the rest of the day free at leisure.
Meals: Brunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cat Ba.

Day 3: Cat Ba Tour.
Option 1: Half day trekking to Cat Ba National Park
Enjoy an early sunrise breakfast at the hotel then take a short scenic drive around the island to reach Hospital Cave. An architectural feat 3 story building inside the mountain used during the American War to hide and recover. Here you will see some stone beds, stalactites an learn about many legends. Leaving the cave and continue onwards to the National Park which is now recognized as a UNESCO protected site. Visiting an exhibition centre to learing about the flora and fauna found on Cat Ba, as well as some ancient fossils found on the island.
Walking through the forest and climb to the top of Ngu Lam mountain (215m above sea level) to enjoy breathtaking panorama views of Halong Bay. Afterwards an hour trekking through Kim Gao. Have lunch on the way back to your hotel and free to relax on the beach.

Option 2: Full day Viet Hai Village Trekking & Kayaking
After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to Cat Ba UNESCO National Park. Before trekking, visit an exhibition centre to learing about the flora and fauna found on Cat Ba, as well as some ancient fossils found on the island. Begin the long trek along an old route in the National Park, passing a large picturesque Frog lake and a sacred “Old & High tree” rain – forest.
After 2 hours of trekking, you will arrive at a small village in a remote corner of the forest, where we can witness an self sustrained eco-friendly community. Enjoy a traditional fresh lunch in a local home and learn how to grow rice, collect medicinal plants and various fishing techniques.
Departing from the Park via boat and head to Lan Ha Bay where we can spend the afternoon swimming, carving. Snorkeling and kayaking.
There are hundreds of islands to enjoy lots of beautiful white sandy beaches.
Come back to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cat Ba.

Day 4: Cat Ba – Hai Phong – Hanoi.
Have breakfast at the hotel and take a speed boat to Ben Binh in Hai Phong City where your car is waiting for you and transfer you back to your hotel in Hanoi. Tour ends.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: N/A.