Kayaking Lan Ha Bay: 12km trek through Cat Ba National Park

Trek, bike, paddle and swim across Cat Ba in one day

A full-day trek through Cat Ba National Park covering 12 kilometers past May Bau Peak, Ang Phay Peak and Frog Pond, followed by a bike ride through Viet Hai Village and kayaking on Lan Ha Bay. The tour includes hotel pickup, a guide in English, lunch in the village, a foot massage by the stream, and boat transport back to your hotel by late afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Trek, explore village, boat trip

• Meet at hotel in Cat Ba town
• Trek 12km in Cat Ba National Park
• Lunch and foot massage in Viet Hai Village
• Explore Viet Hai Village by bike
• Boat trip with swimming and kayaking on Lan Ha Bay
• Return to hotel by Daiichi Bus

Stops and time spent at each 2 stops

1. Cat Ba Island 4h
2. Lan Ha Bay 2h

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transport.
• English-speaking guide for the full day.
• lunch in Viet Hai Village.
• bottled water.
• foot massage by the stream.
• bicycle use for the village exploration.
• kayak and boat access on Lan Ha Bay.
• swimming time in the bay.

Times

• Every day 08:00

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Before you book

Group Up to 45

Live guide English Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included.

Book up to Start time

Ages Adult (12 to 90 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free 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.

Good to know

Moderate physical effort Public transport nearby Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems

Operated by Daiichi Travel

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Traveler reviews

4.20 ★★★★★ Very good 5 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

Cat Ba National Park's trekking route moves through forest terrain for 12 kilometers, passing the major peaks and ponds that define the landscape. You start at 8:30 AM from your hotel pickup, and the trek itself is the morning's main event. By noon you reach Viet Hai Village, where lunch and a foot massage by the stream give your legs a break before the afternoon activities begin.

After lunch, you explore Viet Hai Village by bicycle to see how the community actually lives, then head to the water. A boat departs from the village at 2 PM for Lan Ha Bay, where you kayak among the limestone formations and swim in the bay's clear water. The boat returns to Beo Harbor by 4:45 PM, and the bus takes you back to your Cat Ba hotel by early evening. The whole day runs from 8 AM to roughly 5 PM, with water time built into the second half once the trekking is done.

Bottled water and lunch are included. You'll need a moderate level of fitness for the 12-kilometer trek. The guide speaks English and leads the group through the day's transitions. Minimum age is 12.

Top questions

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 is the 12-kilometer trek through Cat Ba National Park actually like?

The trek covers forest terrain and passes three major landmarks: May Bau Peak, Ang Phay Peak, and Frog Pond. It runs from 8:30 AM until around noon, when you reach Viet Hai Village. The route is the core of the morning and requires moderate fitness.

How much time do you actually spend kayaking on Lan Ha Bay?

Kayaking happens in the afternoon after lunch and a bike ride through Viet Hai Village. The boat departs at 2 PM and returns by 4:45 PM, giving you roughly two and a half hours on the water for kayaking and swimming among the bay's limestone formations.

Is there time to rest between the trek and the kayaking?

Yes. Lunch in Viet Hai Village starts at noon, and you also get a foot massage by the stream before a one-hour bike ride through the village. You don't head to the boat until 2 PM, so there's a solid two-hour break after the morning trek ends.

What does the bike ride through Viet Hai Village involve?

After lunch, you spend about an hour cycling through Viet Hai Village to see the local community and landscape up close. It's a way to explore the village's rustic character before moving to the water activities in the afternoon.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes hotel pickup and return, an English-speaking guide, lunch, bottled water, a foot massage, and use of a bicycle. Bring comfortable trekking shoes, swimwear, a towel, and sun protection for the water portion.