Kayaking and deep water soloing in Lan Ha Bay

Climb limestone cliffs, then paddle back through the bay on your own terms.

Half-day kayaking and deep water soloing activity in Lan Ha Bay near Cat Ba, where you climb graded routes on limestone cliffs in the morning or afternoon (depending on tide), then kayak through the bay's islands and past a floating fishing village. An English-speaking local guide meets you at the boat, teaches you the climbing techniques, and helps you find routes suited to your level. You bring moderate fitness and at least age 8.

The experience

The day starts with a boat cruise around Lan Ha Bay, stopping at Hòn Tay Kéo, where your guide introduces you to the jumping and landing techniques you'll need. The limestone here holds more than ten routes graded from 5a to 7c, and you begin on easier ones to get used to the height before moving to harder climbs as your skills show. After Hòn Tay Kéo, you move to Three Brothers, a location with over 15 routes across all levels. Your guide watches how you climb and suggests which routes match your ability, so you're not guessing at the grade.

When the tide is low, you kayak around the bay to explore the limestone islands and the floating fishing village, or rest in the water if you've had enough climbing. The timing of climbing and paddling shifts with the tide schedule. Your guide handles that part. If time remains after climbing, kayaking fills the gap. The return to Cat Ba town takes a different route so you see more of the bay's scenery on the way back.

You'll need moderate fitness to climb and kayak for four hours. The guide provides climbing shoes and 1.5 liters of water. Start times are 8am or 1pm depending on the tide level that day, so confirm which works when you book.

What’s included

• Boat transport around Lan Ha Bay.
• English-speaking local guide.
• climbing shoes.
• 1.5 liters of water per person.

Options for this experience

2 options

Half-day kayaking deep water soloing in Cat BaGuide in English · 08:00 and 13:00Lasts 4 hours, running either 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

One person: pay an extra $50 at the officeGuide in English · 08:00 and 13:00Solo travellers can book this tour even when no other guests join; if you take it alone, you pay an additional $50 at our office

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 13:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 10 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

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 24 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 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Cat Ba Ventures

Is this one for you?You need moderate fitness and comfort with heights to climb limestone cliffs for several hours, so this suits climbers who've done rock routes before or are ready to try them with a guide's coaching. The tide schedule means you confirm your start time (8am or 1pm) when you book, so plan the rest of your Cat Ba day around whichever slot works.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (8 to 10 years). Children under 8 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.

What climbing grades are on offer in Lan Ha Bay?

Routes range from 5a to 7c across both locations. Hòn Tay Kéo has more than ten routes and Three Brothers has over 15, so your guide can match the grade to your level whether you're starting out or climbing advanced pitches.

How does the tide schedule affect what I do during the day?

You climb when the tide is high and kayak when it's low, so the guide chooses your start time (8am or 1pm) based on the tide that day. This timing lets you climb safely and then paddle through the bay without fighting the water.

Will I kayak if I'm tired after climbing?

Kayaking is built into the day when the tide is low, but if you're tired after climbing, you can rest and swim in the bay instead. The guide adapts the plan to how you're feeling.

What's included in the half-day activity?

The boat transport around Lan Ha Bay, climbing shoes, 1.5 liters of water, and the English-speaking guide are included. Breakfast and drinks are not.

Is there a minimum age or fitness level?

Children are welcome from age 8. You should have at least moderate fitness to climb and kayak for four hours. The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy.