Where Are Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island Adventure?
It is located to the southeast of Halong Bay and has an area of more than 7,000 hectares and has more than 400 karst islets. Part of Hai Phong province, it extends along the eastern shore of Cat Ba Island, the biggest island in Northern Vietnamese waters.
In contrast to Halong Bay, with its thousands of visitors each day, Lan Ha Bay is quieter and more untouched. The bay belongs to the Cat Ba Archipelago, with plenty of small, jungle-covered islets and blue waters ideal for kayaking and swimming.
In the immediate hinterland is Cat Ba Island, with its mountainous terrain, fishing communities, and extensive Cat Ba National Park, where rare fauna such as the Cat Ba langur inhabit. The mix of marine and forest ecosystems is what makes it distinct.
For those familiar with Phu Quoc Island Travel, this is Northern Vietnam’s reply delivering nature, culture, and adventure in perfect proportion. What sets the Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island Adventure apart is its combination of seclusion, biodiversity, and real island life, all only 3.5 hours from Hanoi.
Full Itinerary: Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island Adventure (2 Days / 3 Days)
Day 1: Hanoi – Cat Ba Island – Beach Time & Local Life
07:30 – 11:30 | Departure from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island
We pick you up from the hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter in our cozy minivan. We take the Hanoi–Hai Phong Expressway, cross the magnificent Tan Vu – Lach Huyen Bridge, the longest seacrossing bridge in Vietnam, and then take a speedboat or ferry to Cat Ba Island.
12:00 | Lunch at a local seafood restaurant
We arrive in Cat Ba Town and have a good, filling lunch in a known island eatery that serves fresh seafood such as steaming clams, squid fry, and grilled fish.
13:30 | Hotel check-in – Relax & refresh
You will check in at Cat Ba Paradise Hotel & Spa, a 4-star property located by the sea. Unpack and prepare yourself for the rest of the afternoon.
15:00 – 17:30 | Free time at the beach
Spend a relaxed afternoon on one of Cat Ba’s finest beaches, Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, or Tung Thu. Swim, lie in the sun, or cool off under the shade with coconut water; this is your moment to soak up the island vibe.
18:30 | Dinner & explore Cat Ba by night
Freshen up and take a short walk along the Cat Ba Night Market. Opt for a seafood BBQ or eat at restaurants serving a fusion of local and Western foods. Enjoy the night and do as you choose, perhaps visit a pub on the beach or wind down at the hotel.
Cat Ba Island (Sours: asianwaytravel)
Day 2: Cruise On Lan Ha Bay – Kayaking – Viet Hai Village
07:00 | Breakfast at the hotel
Refuel with a tropical fruit buffet, scrambled eggs, toast, and Vietnamese coffee.
08:00 | Depart to Cai Beo Pier – Begin cruise
We depart for Cai Beo Pier, one of the oldest seaports in Vietnam, and from where your Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay Adventure continues on a relaxing day cruise.
09:00 – 10:30 | Cruising through Lan Ha Bay
Float across the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay with its imposing karsts looming above. Unlike Halong Bay, this is peaceful and intimatem ideal for photography and sightseeing.
10:30 – 11:30 | Kayaking at Hang Luon- Tay Keo
Pull in at a serene lagoon to go kayaking. Explore beneath rock arches, paddle through caves, and be immersed in nature.
12:00 | Seafood lunch on the boat
Indulge in a delectable freshly prepared seafood set menu onboard. Options range from steamed shrimp, grilled fish, sauteed squid, along with seasonal veggies, all enjoyed while sailing by floating villages.
13:30 – 15:00 | Explore Viet Hai Village
Disembark to take an electric buggy ride through Cat Ba National Park to Viet Hai Village. Savor life in the local village, enjoy homemade rice wine, and have a natural fish massage in a refreshing stream, an island secret!
16:00 | Return to Cat Ba Town – Free time
Back from cruising to Cai Beo Pier, return to the hotel to rest or venture out on your own. Tonight’s dinner is optional, venture to that new place or return to your old favorite restaurant.
Cruise On Lan Ha Bay (Sours: lanhabaycruises)
Day 3 (Optional): Cat Ba National Park – Return To Hanoi
07:00 – 08:00 | Breakfast & morning options
Following breakfast, you may either rest on the beach or participate in an optional eco-tour to Cat Ba National Park (there is an additional fee). This involves:
- Walk through the verdant forest of Trung Trang Valley
- Find Hang Quan Y, the wartime hospital cave
- Ascend to Ngu Lam Peak to enjoy sweeping views
11:00 | Check-out & lunch
Head back to the hotel, pack your luggage, and have a final farewell lunch.
12:30 – 17:00 | Transfer back to Hanoi
Our vehicle returns you to Hanoi with a short stop en route. Estimated arrival: between 17:00–17:30.
Ngu Lam Peak (Sours: catbafreedom)
Tour Includes & Excludes
Tour Includes
- Air-conditioned tourist bus round-trip transfer from Hanoi
- High-speed ferry or boat ticket to and from Cat Ba Island
- Two nights in a twin or double room in a 4-star hotel (Cat Ba Paradise Hotel & Spa)
- Meals as specified in the itinerary:
• 2 breakfasts
• 3 lunches (including seafood lunch on cruise)
• 1 dinner
- Full day Cruise in Lan Ha Bay with kayaking, entrance fees, and guided activities
- Tour to Viet Hai Village with an electric car
- An English-speaking local guide during the tour
- All entrance fees and environment/sightseeing fees
- Travel insurance while on tour
- Bottled drinking water (one bottle per day)
Tour Excludes
- Beverages and miscellaneous expenses
- Half-day visit to Cat Ba National Park (around 290,000 VND per individual) (optional)
- Advice to the driver and guide (optional)
- Single supplement fees for unaccompanied visitors
- VAT invoice (can be requested)
Practical Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island Adventure
Pack Smart for Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island Adventure
For the successful Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island Adventure, your packing list is crucial! Include swimwear, lightweight clothing, hiking shoes with good grip for forest paths, and a light rain jacket if visiting in spring. Include insect repellent and reef-friendly sunscreen, you’ll need those regardless of whether hiking or kayaking.
Book Your Cruise 5–7 Days in Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island Adventure
The highlight of your Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay Adventure is the cruise. To reserve your highly-rated boat with excellent food, guided kayaking, and clean accommodations, book ahead; 5 to 7 days is perfect. On weekends or in the summer, popular cruises book up in advance!
Lan Ha Bay Adventure (Sours: vivuhalong)
Avoid Last-Minute Tour Offers at the Pier in Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island Adventure
Numerous tourists are tempted by low-cost deals from operators close to Cai Beo Pier. Many of these are not insured or professionally run. Pay extra and ensure licensed operators such as Impress Travel are used, who are committed to security and genuine experiences.
Travel in Groups to Maximize Value
As with most beach resorts, such as Phu Quoc Island Travel tours of Lan Ha Bay are even more satisfactory in groups. Group tours enable shared boat rentals, reduced costs per individual, and more excitement with families or friend groups.
Conclusion
Ready to break free with a serene, scenic, and locals-only escape? The Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island Adventure in Halong Tours is your ideal 2 or 3-day escape from Hanoi, filled with tranquil cruises, green forests, and island living at its fullest. For nature-filled break enthusiasts who adore holiday stops like Phu Quoc Island holiday packages, this northern adventure is not to be missed. Book with Impress Travel today to ensure a seamless, secure, and memorable experience.