Cat Ba Island: Trek, Cycle & Kayak to Viet Hai Village

Forest trails, village rhythms & Lan Ha Bay by kayak on Cat Ba

You’ll trek through Cat Ba’s wild forests spotting rare wildlife, rest by Frog Pond under unique trees, share a local lunch in peaceful Viet Hai Village (with a fish foot massage!), then cycle and kayak across Lan Ha Bay’s calm waters before returning by boat: leaving you with muddy shoes and a head full of new stories.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Cat Ba Island4h · entry included
2. Lan Ha Bay1h · entry included

Trek, village visit, cycling, and kayaking

• Arrive at National Park entrance
• Pay entrance fee and start trek
• Explore tropical forest and wildlife
• Climb three mountains: Ang Vắt, Mây Bầu, Ang Phay
• Reach Frog Pond and rest 30 minutes
• Ascend Doc Dài mountain to Viet Hai village
• Enjoy fish spa foot massage
• Have lunch at local restaurant
• Cycle to Viet Hai harbor
• Board boat for Lan Ha Bay cruise
• Stop at floating home for kayaking
• Return boat to Cai Beo Wharf
• Visit Cai Beo Fishing Village

The experience

Someone’s handing me a bottle of water before I’ve even finished tying my laces: turns out our guide Minh has already spotted the sweat on my forehead. The forest at Cat Ba Island is louder than I thought: birds calling overhead, something rustling in the leaves (Minh says it’s probably a squirrel but I’m not so sure). We start climbing Ang Vắt, which is steeper than it looks from below. My legs are burning by the time we reach the top, but then Minh points out a yellow-headed langur far off in the branches. He grins like he’s found treasure. I can still smell the damp earth from that climb.

After about two hours (and three mountains, I lost count honestly), we stop at Frog Pond. It’s quiet here except for frogs plopping into the water and those weird Va Nuoc trees sticking straight up like antennae. Minh tells us they only grow here. My shoes are muddy and my shirt’s stuck to my back but sitting there with everyone just listening to the pond felt... grounding? Not sure how else to say it. Lunch comes later at Viet Hai Village: rice, fish, something green and spicy that made Li laugh when I tried to say it in Vietnamese (I absolutely butchered it). The foot massage with tiny fish nibbling my toes was both hilarious and ticklish. Never thought I'd try that.

Cycling from Viet Hai down toward the harbor is easier than trekking but my legs are jelly anyway. The road cuts through rice fields where old women wave as we wobble past: one of them shouts something encouraging (I think) and Minh just laughs. The air smells like wet grass after rain. At Lan Ha Bay, we swap bikes for kayaks and paddle between floating houses and limestone cliffs. There’s this moment where everything goes quiet except for our paddles dipping in the water: no engines, no city noise, just wind and salt air. On the way back by boat, Minh points out Cai Beo Fishing Village and tells us stories about people moving from forest to sea life generations ago. I’m tired but kind of wish it wasn’t over yet.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Cat Ba National Park, a guided trek across three mountains with stops like Frog Pond, cycling through Viet Hai Village with all bike use covered, a local lunch (vegetarian options available if you ask), a quirky fish spa foot massage experience, kayaking gear for Lan Ha Bay exploration, bottled water throughout, and ends with your return by boat via Cai Beo Fishing Village.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Child (7 to 14 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Aroma Viet Nam Travel

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years); Child (7 to 14 years). Children under 7 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 24 h before the start.

How long is the trek on Cat Ba Island?

The trek covers about 6 kilometers and takes around 2.5 hours through Cat Ba National Park.

Is lunch included during the day trip?

Yes, lunch featuring local dishes is included at Viet Hai Village restaurant.

What activities are included besides trekking?

You’ll also get to cycle around Viet Hai Village, enjoy a fish spa foot massage, kayak in Lan Ha Bay, swim if you want, and visit Cai Beo Fishing Village.

Are there any physical requirements for this tour?

You should have at least moderate fitness. It isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

Yes, just let them know ahead of time so they can prepare vegetarian food for you.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned. You meet at the National Park entrance to start your day trip.

Do I need to bring my own bike or kayak?

No, bicycles and kayaks are provided as part of your tour inclusions.