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
Coenocyte SlimeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We did a 2-day, 1 night kayak tour with Minh and had a blast. This area is so beautiful and Minh was the best tour guide we’ve had so far, not to mention the amazing food we had prepared on the boat by the captain Mr. Te! Every meal was a new best for us. The home stay at Lan Homestay was equally great. I would recommend this for anyone traveling to Vietnam. Max DarzTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Super journée en kayak a serpenter dans la magnifique baie de Lan Ha. Nous étions 3 accompagné de notre guide Mong et quasiment seuls au monde avec les pêcheurs locaux que l'on trouve par-ci par-là. L'organisation était fluide tout du long. Mong est très pro avec un Anglais impeccable. Il s'est adapté en toute discrétion à notre rythme et nos envie de faire des km...ou pas;) Nous avons eu un déjeuner delicieux sur une petite plage sympa. Bref le tour de kayak de Cat Ba Kayak Adventure est une activité à faire absolument ! Merci Mong! Chris FitzgibbonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. With Cat Ba Kayak, the quality of our guide, the equipment, the homestay, and the overall experience were well beyond expectations. Count on this company and your to provide a professional and unforgettable trip. Tom & Cloé ArnoldTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We did a 1-day kayak tour with Minh from Cat Ba Kayak Adventures on 8 September 2025. We had a great day and highly recommend it. We paddled for just under 5 hours and covered nearly 16km. The pace was relaxed and had plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take pictures and chat. Minh is a super easy going guy with lots of interesting information about the bay and Vietnam in general. The bay was very quiet with not many tour boats around and sometimes we had the whole bay to ourselves. We have done multi-day kayak tours in Europe before and the overall service and equipment was on par with that. The kayaks are proper sea kayaks with rudder and buoyancy aids that were adjustable and comfortable. Organisation of the trip was seamless. We actually WhatsApp’d the office at 6pm on a Sunday asking for a tour the next day (due to incoming bad weather). We had a prompt reply within minutes and booked the tour. We were picked up from our accommodation on time and taken to the office to collect equipment and make payment (card accepted with 3% surcharge). A traditional freshly cooked Vietnamese lunch was provided which was all delicious and plenty for us. We ate lunch on our own empty beach. Water was also provided. Big thank you to Minh and the team for making our day enjoyable, memorable and safe! Marco MarcoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The tourguide is very professional, he took care of us very well and tell us a lot of information of vietnam, I am so sorry that I forgot to give him tips. He bring us to the area of Lan Ha Bay where are no other tourists at all, very quiet and peaceful place. Their equipment are will maintained, I always do kayaking in my home country so I know that they are professional. nrdTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our three-day, two-night kayak tour with a boat stay was an unforgettable experience! Our group of 10 (five adults and five kids) enjoyed a seamlessly organized trip, with precise logistics, exceptional service, and impressive efficiency throughout. The chef on our boat prepared incredible meals in generous portions—so much so that we felt guilty wasting food. The overnight stay added even more excitement with activities like cooking lessons and squid fishing. But the true highlight of the trip was our guide. Fluent in English, extremely polite, and endlessly patient, he handled everything with ease—even spontaneous requests from our 6- to 10-year-olds, like climbing a tree or jumping off the boat! He thoughtfully tailored each activity to our abilities, ensuring a fun and thrilling experience for both kids and adults. With such a rich experience and outstanding service, the price was more than reasonable. We can’t wait to return for an even longer adventure with Cat Ba Kayak Adventure! Abdul QuddusTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was a glorious experience ! We had a three day kayak tour with an overnight stay on a boat and a homestay. We were very impressed by the precision of the logistics, efficiency and the service. The captain of our little boat cooked absolutely delicious meals. The guide spoke very good English and was very well mannered, polite and accommodating. Given the richness of the experience and quality of the service the price was less than reasonable. Looking forward to return and do a longer trip the Cat Ba Kayak Adventures! Cecilia LopezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent kayaking trip with this agency! In 2 days we kayaked 3 times going to lagoons, caves, a bit of open sea, etc. and experienced nature in full. Our guide Hieu / Tony was very attentive to what we wanted to do/see and made efforts to get that. He was also an amazing guide overall, chatty and happy to share knowledge and stories, we enjoyed that a lot!. The kayaking equipment was great: closed kayaks with padded seats, spraykirts, etc. all in great shape. Sightseeing by small daily boat was great (we got sunny days) and cooking (seafood) by Mr. Tien was superb. Night at the cruise (Venezia Cruises) arranged by them was perfect, it felt like a luxurious cruise trip. January was too cold for swimming or lying on the sun, but overall the 2 days were not excessive as days are patched with other activities (and considering that sightseeing at some point looked all the same). A nice touch is that our guide took some photos of us with his cellphone and shared them, considering it's complicated to take photos when kayaking. Thank you! H (Alpaca)Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Es war eine wundervolle Erfahrung, Ba war ein ganz ganz toller tour guide für unsere tolle kleine Gruppe! Das Essen in seinem Familien Restaurant danach war unfassbar lecker, eine absolute Herzens Empfehlung für jeden auf cat baVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
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.
2 Days 1 NightKayaking Lan Ha Bay Insight overnight on junk
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.
2 Days -1 NightKayaking – Overnight in Floating Village Homestay
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.
3 Days – 2 Nights:Kayaking – Biking – Hiking – Cruising and overnight on Deluxe Junk
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.
3 Days – 2 Nights:Kayak Tour - Overnight on Deluxe Junk and Homestay
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.
3 Days 2 NightsKayaking overnight floating village and Junk
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.
3 Days 2 NightsKayaking, Biking & Trekking 2 nights at the floating village
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.
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.
4 Days – 3 Nights: Kayaking, Trekking, Biking: 2 Night on Junk and 1 Night at Viet Hai Village
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.
4 Days – 3 Nights: Kayaking, Biking and Trekking - 2 nights aboard Junk 1 Night at Eco Lodge
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.
Kayak Adventure tours
EXCELLENT Based on 102 reviews Posted on Tripadvisor Jordan MVerified The most unforgettable way to see Ha Long Bay To any and all confident kayakers: This will be the highlight of your Vietnam trip. This experience is an ecofriendly way to explore Ha Long Bay away from tourist crowds. It is not a tour but an independent way to kayak outside of Cat Ba and enjoy the limestone karsts. A guide explains the boundaries which stretch for a few miles. However, you must be a strong kayaker familiar with open sea kayaking, OR make sure to travel in a self-organised group, as the weather can be unpredictable and other day trip cruises frequent the area. This was the most AMAZING experience, and worth every dollar. I can't recommend it enough.Posted on Tripadvisor éric PVerified Des souvenirs superbes dans ces paysages si particuliers Nous avons apprécié ces 3 jours 2 nuits avec Cat Ba kayak Adventures qui propose des séjours originaux en faisant travailler des entreprises locales. Séjours qui proposent des pas de cotés hors du flot touristique dans ces paysages grandioses.Posted on Tripadvisor Sara GVerified Wonderful time with Cat Bay Kayak Adventures We recently did the 3D/2N tour with Cat Ba Kayak Adventures. We stayed one night at the homestay and one night on the Junk Boat. Between the two, our favorite was the night on the homestay as we stayed in a peaceful cove away from other tourists. The accommodations were spartan but clean. If you want to do lots of kayaking away from the throngs of tourists in Ha Long Bay, this tour is for you!!! Our guide, Hieu was an encouraging guide and very personable. On the third day, we hiked to Navy Peak Tower and were rewarded with stunning views. The company was well organized and we would book with them again if we find ourselves in Cat Ba.Posted on Tripadvisor Tuhina RVerified Fabulous outfit They all expressed satisfaction and immense pleasure with the trip. The specific comments from my family: Mr Ming was really great . We loved his flexibility with our itinerary, catering to our needs and all the information he gave us. Floating homestay was cozy and beautiful . One of the bathroom doors needs to be repaired . Food was absolutely amazing . The location was lovely and we will be backPosted on Tripadvisor John PVerified Cat Ba Kayak Adventures delivers a high quality experience for the adventurous minded traveler. Cat Ba Kayak Adventures is everything as advertised. We purchased a 3 day, 2 night tour that included a floating homestay, 2 days of kayaking and 1 day of biking and hiking. Mong was an excellent guide that catered to our every need and who was very personable, with great English skills and a lifetime of local knowledge. The food and accommodations at the homestay exceeded our expectations with family style meals that were delicious, local and in overly generous portions. The rooms were clean with comfortable, firm beds and private bathrooms. Exploring the area by kayak was definitely the best way to see this geologically unique ecosystem, although the amount of plastic pollution was disappointing but well beyond the control of any one business to deal with. Biking into the nearby village of Viet Hai was a delight, and although the hike up to Navy peak was challenging, it offered some absolutely stupendous views of the surrounding area. I would highly recommend Cat Ba Kayak Adventures and will definitely use them again when I return to the area.Posted on Tripadvisor JLP20142014Verified Awesome sea kayaking around Lan Ha Bay We did a two day one night sea kayaking trip in Lan ha Bay. Everything about it exceeded expectations. The scenery was beautiful, our guide Ming was excellent and they overnight stay in LAN home stay was beautiful. The food was amazing throughout as wellPosted on Tripadvisor I am the SidVerified A really excellent trip to the less busy areas around Cat Ba We had an excellent trip booked with these guys and I can thoroughly recommend them. The organisation is excellent, the equipment is top quality - much better kayaks than the "sit on" type which means you can go further on your trip. Our trip was 4 days/3 nights and the first two full days we kayaked in 4 different locations - most trips concentrate on a smaller, very busy area. The scenery is really stunning and our excellent guide Ming knew the best places to go Days 3 and 4 were cycling and trekking to viewpoints on Catba and were well worth doing First night was on a floating homestay, second on a junk and third at the Blue Lagoon homestay in Cat Ba. Accommodation and food were excellent at all of them. I must mention Ming again - he was awesome - he knows a lot of interesting stuff and the best paces to visit, his English is great and he took great care of us throughout.Posted on Tripadvisor Simone JVerified A wonderful day out kayaking in Lan Ha Bay with a professional and friendly crew. Ming, the guide for the day, was very helpful. He was friendly and happy to answer any questions about the local area and adapt the trip to suit your needs and wants. He even taught me some Vietnamese words as we were paddling around. The lunch was delicious and very generous and I would definitely choose these guys again for a genuinely local, less touristy experience. The bay itself was beautiful, calm and paddling here was a magical experience.Posted on Tripadvisor Sharon WVerified Best Kayak Teip in Lan Ha Bay! Booked last minute as let down by another tour company. Collected promptly from our hotel, taken to the boat that picked up the kayaks and took us out. Easy 3 hour kayak paddle around the Lan Ha archipelago with our expert guide, Minh, who was excellent company. He was so informative about his beloved Lan Ha area and generally great company; he is fluent in English! We were lucky enough to spot a family of 3 Cat Ba langur (critically endangered species) crouching in the rocks, made our day! My husband then enjoyed a swim off the boat. Returned back to our hotel by car. Cannot rate this trip highly enough, do it, you will not be disappointed!Posted on Tripadvisor Nancy CVerified Well worth it but spend some time picking up trash is a horrendous problem for this beautiful place This is a great trip. We enjoyed the kayaking but be aware the water is heavily polluted with plastic trash. We spent our time kayaking and collecting trash. We did a nice hike and enjoyed where we stayed. Henry also realized that charging an extra 3% on credit card payments is nonsense.
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.




























































