Cat Ba Kayak Tours & Lan Ha Bay Adventure Tours

Our guided kayak and trekking tours offer another easy-to-learn, low-impact, yet active way to explore the calm water of Lan Ha and Ha Long Bay.

Cat Ba Kayak Adventures is a locally owned adventure tour company specialising in small-group kayaking, trekking and cycling tours through the spectacular Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba National Park. Since 2018 we’ve helped thousands of travellers explore hidden lagoons, floating fishing villages and secluded beaches far away from the busy cruise routes.

Why Choose Cat Ba Kayak Adventures?

Experience the real Lan Ha Bay with our locally owned adventure company. We specialise in small-group kayaking, trekking, cycling, and boat tours that explore hidden lagoons, secluded beaches, floating fishing villages, and Cat Ba National Park—far from the crowded tourist routes. With experienced local guides and over a decade of exploring these waters, we offer authentic adventures that few visitors ever experience.

About Cat Ba Island & Lan Ha Bay

Located on the edge of the Halong Bay World Heritage region, Cat Ba Island is Vietnam’s premier destination for outdoor adventure and nature lovers. Home to the Cat Ba Archipelago UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the island offers a unique combination of limestone karsts, secluded beaches, tropical rainforest, and traditional floating fishing villages. Just offshore, Lan Ha Bay is renowned for its emerald waters, hidden lagoons, sea caves, and over 300 limestone islands, providing a quieter and more authentic alternative to the busy cruise routes of Halong Bay. Whether you’re kayaking, trekking through Cat Ba National Park, cycling to Viet Hai Village, or relaxing on a secluded beach, Cat Ba Island offers one of the most unforgettable adventure experiences in Vietnam.

Cat Ba Kayak Adventures

Reviews from actual travelers, exploring the bay since 2018

Find Your Perfect Cat Ba Adventure

Whether you’re looking for a quick overnight escape or a multi-day adventure, we offer a range of Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay tours to suit every traveller. Choose from our carefully designed 2 Day, 3 Day, and 4 Day kayaking, trekking, cycling, and cruising adventures, each exploring hidden beaches, secluded lagoons, floating fishing villages, and the spectacular landscapes of Cat Ba National Park. Browse our tours below and find the adventure that’s right for you.

Discover the best of Cat Ba Island on this 2 Day 1 Night Kayak, Cycling & Trekking Tour through the peaceful waters of Lan Ha Bay, far from the busy tourist routes. Paddle to hidden beaches, lagoons, caves, and floating fishing villages, then cycle through the island's scenic countryside before trekking in Cat Ba National Park to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the bay. This active adventure is perfect for travellers seeking authentic experiences, breathtaking scenery, and the natural beauty of Cat Ba.
Starting From

$205


CB001
All inclusive from Hanoi, see itinerary for full details.


Experience Halong Bay from a different perspective on this 2 Day 1 Night Cat Ba Kayak Tour through the peaceful waters of Lan Ha Bay. Escape the crowded tourist routes as you kayak among hidden islands, secluded beaches, and floating fishing villages before spending the night aboard a traditional private junk boat with a comfortable deluxe cabin. Combining kayaking, relaxation, and authentic local scenery, this tour is perfect for adventurous travellers looking to discover the quieter side of Halong Bay.
Starting From

$230


CB002
All inclusive from Hanoi, see itinerary for full details.


Discover the quieter side of Halong Bay on our 2 Day 1 Night Cat Ba Kayak Tour through the spectacular Lan Ha Bay. Explore hidden lagoons, secluded beaches, floating fishing villages, and dramatic limestone islands by kayak, enjoying the freedom to paddle at your own pace. Spend the night in a comfortable beachfront bungalow on a private island and experience one of the most peaceful and authentic adventures in Cat Ba Island.
Starting From

$185


CB020
All inclusive from Hanoi, see itinerary for full details.

This Cat Ba Island & Lan Ha Bay Adventure Tour takes you deep into the stunning Cat Ba Archipelago UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, exploring the quieter side of the Halong Bay region away from the main tourist routes. Discover hidden lagoons, secluded beaches, limestone islands, and traditional floating fishing communities as you kayak through the pristine waters of Lan Ha Bay. Spend the night in a private deluxe cabin aboard our traditional junk boat, then explore the diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity of Cat Ba Island by kayak, bicycle, and on foot, creating the perfect blend of adventure, nature, and authentic local culture.
Starting From

$340


CB007
All inclusive from Hanoi, see itinerary for full details.


Escape the hustle and bustle of Hanoi on this 3 Day Cat Ba Island & Lan Ha Bay Adventure Tour, combining the very best of kayaking, cycling, and trekking through the spectacular landscapes of Cat Ba National Park and Lan Ha Bay. Paddle through hidden lagoons and towering limestone islands, cycle scenic island roads, and trek to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the bay. Spend one night in a private cabin aboard a traditional junk boat and another in a private beachfront bungalow on a secluded island, creating the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and authentic local experiences in the Halong Bay World Heritage region.
Starting From

$330


CB003
All inclusive from Hanoi, see itinerary for full details.


This 3 Day Cat Ba Island & Lan Ha Bay Adventure Tour from Hanoi showcases the very best of the Halong Bayregion. Explore the peaceful waters of Lan Ha Bay by kayak, paddle through hidden lagoons and limestone islands, and trek through the lush forests of Cat Ba National Park to spectacular viewpoints overlooking the bay. Designed for travellers who love nature, adventure, and authentic experiences, this tour is the perfect way to discover the quieter and more unspoiled side of Halong Bay.
Starting From

$330


CB018
All inclusive from Hanoi, see itinerary for full details.


Experience the best of Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay on this unforgettable 3 Day Kayak & Trekking Tour from Hanoi. Explore the quieter, less crowded side of the famous Halong Bay region as you paddle through hidden lagoons, secluded beaches, and dramatic limestone karsts on guided kayaking adventures in beautiful Lan Ha Bay.
Starting From

$290


CB019
All inclusive from Hanoi, see itinerary for full details.

Join our Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba Island Adventure Tour and discover the hidden beauty of the Halong Bay World Heritage region. This unforgettable journey takes you beyond the crowded tourist routes to explore the peaceful waters of Lan Ha Bay by kayak, paddle through secluded lagoons and dramatic limestone islands, spend the night aboard a traditional junk boat and in an authentic floating village homestay, and trek through the lush rainforest of Cat Ba National Park to Viet Hai Village. Combining kayaking, trekking, local culture, and breathtaking scenery, this tour offers one of the most authentic and rewarding ways to experience the natural beauty and adventure of Cat Ba Island.
Starting From

$460


CB021
All inclusive from Hanoi, see itinerary for full details.


Our 4 Day 3 Night Cat Ba Adventure Tour showcases the very best of Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba National Park, combining sea kayaking, trekking, cycling, and authentic local experiences. Explore the tranquil waters of Lan Ha Bay with its secluded beaches, hidden lagoons, limestone islands, and sea caves, then discover the rich landscapes and diverse ecosystems of Cat Ba Island. Spend the night aboard a traditional junk boat and enjoy the warm hospitality of a Viet Hai Village homestay, creating the perfect blend of adventure, nature, and local culture in the heart of the Halong Bay World Heritage region.
Starting From

$460


CB016
All inclusive from Hanoi, see itinerary for full details.


Our 4 Day 3 Night Cat Ba Adventure Tour explores the spectacular Cat Ba Island and the peaceful waters of Lan Ha Bay, away from the main tourist routes. Discover hidden beaches, limestone caves, secluded lagoons, and dramatic rock formations by kayak while experiencing the daily life of local fishing communities. Explore the rich biodiversity and diverse landscapes of Cat Ba National Park, then relax with two nights aboard a traditional junk boat and one night at Cat Ba Eco Lodge, creating the perfect combination of adventure, nature, and authentic local culture in the Halong Bay World Heritage region.
Starting From

$470


CB015
All inclusive from Hanoi, see itinerary for full details.

 

Lan Ha Bay vs Ha Long Bay – Which Is Better for Your Trip?

Both Lan Ha Bay
and Ha Long Bay
are part of one of Vietnam’s most spectacular limestone seascapes. The wider
Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago UNESCO World Heritage Site
is famous for emerald waters, limestone islands, caves, beaches and floating villages.
For travellers who want a quieter, more active adventure, Lan Ha Bay is often the better choice.

Feature Lan Ha Bay Ha Long Bay
Best For Kayaking, swimming, trekking, cycling and quiet adventure tours Classic sightseeing cruises and famous limestone scenery
Crowds Quieter, with fewer large cruise boats More popular and often busier with cruise traffic
Kayaking Excellent for hidden lagoons, beaches, caves and floating villages Good, but often limited to busier cruise areas
Scenery Limestone islands, calm waters, beaches and lush green landscapes Iconic limestone karsts, caves and large open bay views
Adventure Activities Kayaking, trekking in Cat Ba National Park, mountain biking and swimming Mainly cruising, cave visits and sightseeing
National Park Access Easy access to Cat Ba National Park and Viet Hai Village Limited national park trekking options
Local Culture Floating villages, fishing communities and quieter local routes More developed tourism infrastructure
Overall Experience Best for travellers wanting a peaceful, active and authentic Cat Ba adventure Best for travellers wanting a classic Ha Long Bay cruise experience

Our recommendation: Choose Ha Long Bay if you want a traditional cruise through Vietnam’s most famous seascape.
Choose Lan Ha Bay if you want to kayak through quiet lagoons, visit secluded beaches, explore floating villages,
trek in Cat Ba Archipelago UNESCO Biosphere Reserve,
and experience the less crowded side of the Ha Long Bay region.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Ba Island & Lan Ha Bay

Planning a trip to Cat Ba Island? Below are answers to the most common questions about Lan Ha Bay, Halong Bay, kayaking, trekking, mountain biking, and our guided adventure tours.

Lan Ha Bay offers the same spectacular limestone islands and emerald waters as Halong Bay but with far fewer tourist boats. With hundreds of secluded beaches, hidden lagoons, sea caves, and floating fishing villages, it’s one of the best places in Vietnam for kayaking and exploring at your own pace. Many visitors choose Lan Ha Bay for its quieter, more authentic atmosphere while still enjoying the beauty of the Halong Bay World Heritage region.

Absolutely. Cat Ba Island is Vietnam’s largest island in the Halong Bay region and is famous for its beautiful coastline, Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba National Park, and the Cat Ba Archipelago UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It offers the perfect combination of adventure, nature, wildlife, local culture, and outdoor activities, making it one of Vietnam’s top destinations for active travellers.

Halong Bay is the most famous part of the region and attracts large cruise ships and many visitors. Lan Ha Bay lies just to the south of Halong Bay and features the same dramatic limestone scenery but with fewer boats and a greater focus on kayaking, swimming, and exploring hidden coves. Our tours operate primarily in Lan Ha Bay to give you a more peaceful and authentic experience.

Yes. Most of our kayaking tours are suitable for beginners and require no previous experience. Before every trip, our experienced local guides provide a full safety briefing and paddling instruction. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you’re an experienced paddler, our tours are designed to be safe, enjoyable, and rewarding.

Yes. Safety is our highest priority. We provide quality kayaks, certified life jackets, dry bags, and experienced local guides who know the bay and monitor weather conditions throughout the trip. We choose sheltered kayaking routes suitable for the conditions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Most of our tours are suitable for anyone with average fitness. Depending on the itinerary, you’ll enjoy a combination of kayaking, trekking, cycling, and swimming at a relaxed pace. We offer a variety of 2-day, 3-day, and 4-day adventures, allowing you to choose the tour that best matches your fitness level and interests.

Cat Ba National Park covers over half of Cat Ba Island and protects one of Vietnam’s richest ecosystems. Trek through tropical rainforest, limestone valleys, and mountain trails to spectacular viewpoints overlooking Lan Ha Bay. Along the way, you may see monkeys, colourful butterflies, tropical birds, reptiles, and a wide variety of native plants within this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Mountain biking is one of the best ways to explore the peaceful countryside of Cat Ba Island. Our cycling routes take you through lush valleys, traditional villages, rice fields, and the beautiful Viet Hai Valley, where you’ll experience local life far from the busy tourist areas while enjoying some of the island’s most scenic landscapes.

We recommend lightweight clothing, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. A waterproof bag is useful for your camera or phone. We’ll provide all kayaking equipment, safety gear, accommodation, meals, and everything else needed for your adventure.

Most of our tours include return transport from Hanoi, experienced English-speaking guides, kayaks and safety equipment, accommodation, meals, entrance fees, boat transport, and all activities listed in the itinerary. Individual tour inclusions may vary slightly, so please check each tour page for full details.

Cat Ba Kayak Adventures is a locally owned adventure company specialising in small-group kayaking, trekking, cycling, and multi-day tours around Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay. Our experienced local guides take you beyond the busy cruise routes to hidden lagoons, secluded beaches, floating fishing villages, and spectacular viewpoints, offering authentic adventures that showcase the very best of this remarkable part of Vietnam.