Cat Ba Island Tour from Hanoi: Small Group, Local Guide

Two days on Cat Ba with a guide who takes you past the main tourist trail

A two-day guided tour of Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay departing from Hanoi, with a maximum of 12 travelers and an English-speaking local guide. The itinerary skips the crowded stops and instead moves through Cat Ba National Park to Butterfly Valley, a traditional village trek, and a boat day on Lan Ha Bay. Includes all park entry, meals, shuttle transport from Hanoi, and an overnight stay at a lodge on the island.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi to Cat Ba Island via Hai Phong

• Pick up from Hanoi hotel
• Travel to Hai Phong city by bus
• Board speed boat to Cat Ba Island
• Trek through Cat Ba National Park to Butterfly Valley
• Enjoy tea with local family
• Return to lodge and have dinner

Day 2: Lan Ha Bay and Return to Hanoi

• Start day with coffee and views of Lan Ha Bay
• Outdoor adventure in Lan Ha Bay
• Return to Cat Ba Island
• Bus transfer back to Hanoi

The experience

The tour picks you up from your Hanoi hotel at 7am and drives north on the N05 freeway toward Hai Phong, the largest harbor in the Red River Delta. The route passes rice fields and local villages before you board a speedboat for the 20-minute crossing to Cat Ba Island. That afternoon, you trek through Cat Ba National Park to Butterfly Valley on a trail that moves through forest and past traditional villages, stopping for tea with a local family before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Day two starts early with coffee as you head out on the water. You spend the morning on Lan Ha Bay (the itinerary notes panoramic views of both Lan Ha and Ha Long Bays), and visit a fish farm. By 3:30pm you're back on Cat Ba Island, then the bus and speedboat carry you back to Hanoi, arriving around 7pm. The guide is English-speaking and stays with the group throughout, and because the tour caps at 12 people, there's room for actual conversation instead of a lecture.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, as are all entrance fees to the national park and the attractions along the route. The shuttle from Hanoi covers the bus ride out, the speedboat crossing, and the return journey. You sleep one night in a private room at the lodge on Cat Ba.

What’s included

• All park entrance fees.
• English-speaking local guide.
• breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• shuttle transport from Hanoi by bus and speedboat.
• one night in a private room at the lodge.
• visit to a fish farm on Lan Ha Bay.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (12 to 60 years) · Child (5 to 9 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 72 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Vietnam Insider Travel

Is this one for you?Small groups under 12 people suit this tour best. The size is what makes it possible to move through villages and stop for tea with local families instead of following a fixed schedule past the main attractions. If you want to avoid the crowded tour-boat experience and spend time with a guide who actually knows the island, this itinerary is built for that.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 9 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 72 h before the start.

What is Butterfly Valley and what do you do there?

Butterfly Valley is a scenic trail through Cat Ba National Park that passes through lush forest and traditional villages. You trek the route on foot and stop for tea with a local family along the way.

Does the tour include getting from my Hanoi hotel to the starting point?

Yes, the shuttle transfer from Hanoi is included. A bus picks you up from your hotel at 7am on day one and drops you back around 7pm on day two. The operator notes that if you need a different pickup arrangement, that can be arranged in advance for an extra cost.

How many people travel together on this tour?

The group stays under 12 people maximum, which means you get more time to talk with the guide and smaller stops at villages and attractions.

What happens on Lan Ha Bay and how long do you spend there?

Day two is built around Lan Ha Bay, where you spend the morning on the water viewing the bay and Ha Long Bay from the boat, and you visit a fish farm. You head back to Cat Ba Island by mid-afternoon.

What meals and drinks are covered?

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included across the two days. Drinks are not included and can be purchased separately.