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 perfect combination of Lan Ha Bay kayaking and Cat Ba National Park trekking on this unforgettable 2-day Cat Ba Island adventure. Designed for travellers who want to experience the very best of the UNESCO Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, this immersive journey combines sea kayaking, rainforest hiking, hidden beaches, and authentic local hospitality. Escape the busy cruise routes and explore the untouched landscapes that make Lan Ha Bay one of Vietnam's most spectacular outdoor destinations.
Starting From

$240


CKA013
All inclusive from Hanoi, see itinerary for full details.


Discover the hidden side of Lan Ha Bay on this unforgettable 2-day kayaking adventure, created for travellers seeking an authentic alternative to the crowded cruises of Ha Long Bay. Combining traditional sailing, world-class sea kayaking, hidden sea caves, secluded beaches, and an overnight stay aboard a beautifully restored traditional junk boat, this journey explores the untouched beauty of one of Vietnam’s most spectacular coastal landscapes. If you’re looking for the ultimate Lan Ha Bay cruise and kayaking tour, this expedition delivers an unforgettable experience far beyond the standard tourist routes.
Starting From

$290


CKA012
All inclusive from Hanoi, see itinerary for full details.


Escape the crowds and experience the authentic beauty of Lan Ha Bay on this unforgettable 2-day kayaking adventure. Designed for travellers who want more than a typical cruise, this immersive journey takes you deep into the hidden corners of Lan Ha Bay, where emerald waters, towering limestone islands, secluded beaches, and traditional floating fishing villages create one of Vietnam’s most spectacular coastal landscapes. If you’re searching for the ultimate Lan Ha Bay kayaking tour or an authentic alternative to the busy cruises of Ha Long Bay, this adventure offers the perfect balance of exploration, relaxation, and local culture.
Starting From

$250


CKA003
All inclusive from Hanoi, see itinerary for full details.


Spend the night on the water in our authentic floating homestay, surrounded by the towering limestone karsts of Lan Ha Bay. Wake to the gentle sounds of fishing boats and the peaceful rhythm of life on the bay before setting off to explore more hidden corners by kayak. Paddle through sea caves and quiet lagoons where towering cliffs rise straight from emerald-green water, discover secluded beaches perfect for a swim, and keep an eye out for white-bellied sea eagles, colourful kingfishers and the playful macaque monkeys that inhabit the cliffs around the bay.

On the second day, cycle through the lush rainforest of Cat Ba National Park to the remote village of Viet Hai, a traditional farming community hidden deep within the island. Along the way you’ll ride beneath towering limestone mountains, through bamboo forests and alongside peaceful rice fields while meeting friendly local families. For those looking for a little more adventure, the optional hike to Navy Peak (Hai Quan Peak) rewards you with one of the most spectacular panoramic views in Northern Vietnam, stretching across the countless limestone islands of both Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay.

Starting From

$250


CKA002
All inclusive from Hanoi, see itinerary for full details.


Leave the crowds behind and experience the authentic side of Lan Ha Bay on this unforgettable 2-day kayaking and trekking adventure. Combining a traditional junk boat cruise, sea kayaking, cycling, rainforest trekking, and cultural encounters, this journey explores the hidden corners of Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba National Park, and the spectacular UNESCO Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve. Designed for active travellers and nature lovers, this tour offers the perfect balance of adventure, local culture, and breathtaking scenery while avoiding the busy tourist routes of Ha Long Bay.

Starting From

$290


CKA011
All inclusive from Hanoi, see itinerary for full details.

Cruise through the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay, where thousands of towering limestone karsts create a maze of secluded lagoons, hidden caves, and deserted white-sand beaches. Paddle your kayak beneath ancient sea arches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and spend the night aboard a traditional boutique junk boat anchored far from the busy tourist routes. Venture inland to explore the ancient rainforest of Cat Ba National Park, home to rare wildlife, tropical jungle trails, and the spectacular Hai Quan (Navy Peak) viewpoint, offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramas across Lan Ha Bay, Ha Long Bay, and the surrounding islands.
Starting From

$390


CKA018
All inclusive from Hanoi, see itinerary for full details.


Discover the most complete Lan Ha Bay kayaking tour 3 days and Cat Ba Island adventure with this unforgettable 3-day expedition. Designed for travellers who want to experience the very best of Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba National Park, and the hidden corners of the Ha Long Bay UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this journey combines traditional cruising, world-class sea kayaking, jungle trekking, and authentic island hospitality. Unlike crowded overnight cruises, this small-group adventure takes you beyond the tourist routes to explore secluded beaches, ancient floating fishing villages, hidden sea caves, emerald lagoons, and untouched rainforest.

Spend your first night aboard a beautifully restored traditional junk boat, anchored in a quiet bay surrounded by towering limestone karsts and spectacular sunsets. Wake to the peaceful sounds of Lan Ha Bay before paddling through the famous Ho Ba Ham (Three Tunnels Lagoon), one of the bay’s most remote and breathtaking kayaking destinations. Explore hidden caves, visit the sacred Ba Men Temple, and discover pristine beaches that can only be reached by kayak before continuing your adventure onto Cat Ba Island.

Starting From

$370


CKA014
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

$375


CKA006
All inclusive from Hanoi, see itinerary for full details.


Discover the authentic side of Cat Ba  on our floating homestay Lan Ha Bay kayak tour on this immersive 3-day Lan Ha Bay kayaking adventure, created for travellers who want to experience Vietnam beyond the typical tourist cruises. Combining world-class sea kayaking, scenic cycling, rainforest hiking, floating fishing villages, and two unforgettable nights on a traditional floating homestay, this journey takes you deep into the heart of Lan Ha Bay, one of the most beautiful and least crowded destinations in the Ha Long Bay UNESCO World Heritage region.
Starting From

$365


CKA007
All inclusive from Hanoi, see itinerary for full details.

Discover the ultimate Cat Ba Island 4 day tour, 3-night expedition, combining the very best of Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba National Park, Viet Hai Village, and the hidden corners of the UNESCO Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve. Designed for adventurous travellers who want to escape the crowds, this carefully crafted itinerary follows a unique route that stays ahead of the busy tourist boats, allowing you to experience the authentic beauty of Vietnam’s most spectacular island destination.
Starting From

$500


CKA 008
All inclusive from Hanoi, see itinerary for full details.


Discover the ultimate Lan Ha Bay 4 Day Kayaking Tour. Stay 2 nights on a junk boat and 1 night at a floating homestay. on this immersive 4-day, 3-night expedition, combining the very best of Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba National Park, and the hidden corners of the UNESCO Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve. Created for adventurous travellers who want more than a typical cruise, this journey blends world-class sea kayaking, jungle trekking, mountain hiking, authentic cultural experiences, and unique overnight stays into one unforgettable island expedition. Spend two nights aboard a traditional wooden junk boat, anchored in peaceful bays beneath towering limestone cliffs, and one unforgettable night at an authentic floating homestay, where you’ll experience the daily life, culture, and hospitality of Lan Ha Bay’s fishing communities.

Starting From

$550


CKA 004
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.

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