Cat Ba Island 4 day tour the Ultimate Cat Ba Odyssey
4 Days – 3 Nights: Overnight on junk, Floating Village & Local homestay
Lan Ha Bay Kayaking | Cat Ba National Park | Viet Hai Village | Junk Boat | Floating Homestay
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.
This unforgettable journey takes you through three completely different worlds. Cruise aboard a junk boat through the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay, paddle sea kayaks through hidden lagoons, limestone sea caves, and secluded beaches, then venture deep into the ancient rainforest of Cat Ba National Park. Cycle through jungle trails to the remote Viet Hai Village, where time seems to stand still, before spending a memorable night at an authentic floating homestay, living alongside the fishing families who have called Lan Ha Bay home for generations.
Along the way, you’ll trek through lush tropical forests, hike to breathtaking panoramic viewpoints, discover peaceful floating fishing villages, swim in crystal-clear waters, and experience genuine Vietnamese hospitality. From fresh local seafood and traditional village life to unforgettable sunsets aboard your junk boat, every day reveals another hidden side of Cat Ba Island that few visitors ever experience.
With experienced local guides, premium sea kayaks, small group departures, and three unique overnight stays, The Ultimate Cat Ba Odyssey offers one of the most complete Lan Ha Bay kayaking and Cat Ba National Park tours available. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, hiker, or outdoor enthusiast, this expedition combines adventure, culture, wildlife, and relaxation into one extraordinary island experience.
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Cat Ba Island 4 day Tour Price
Group Tour Price:
500$ USD Per person
Group Size
• Minimum: 2 guests
• Maximum: 10 guests
Single Supplement
100$ USD Per person single room
• Private transfers from Hanoi can also be arranged.
• Flexible return times to Hanoi or Ninh Binh are available on request.
Why You’ll Love This Cat Ba Island 4 day Tour
Explore the Hidden Beauty of Lan Ha Bay
Discover secluded beaches, hidden lagoons, limestone sea caves, floating fishing villages, and crystal-clear waters as you kayak through the quieter side of the Ha Long Bay Archipelago, far from the busy tourist cruise routes.
Discover Cat Ba National Park & Viet Hai Village
Cycle and trek through the ancient rainforest of Cat Ba National Park, explore the remote Viet Hai Village, meet local families, and experience the rich biodiversity and traditional island lifestyle of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Three Unique Overnight Experiences
Spend one night aboard a junk boat, one night in a peaceful Viet Hai Village Homestay, and one unforgettable night at an authentic floating homestay, experiencing three completely different ways of life on Cat Ba Island.
The Ultimate Active Island Adventure
Enjoy the perfect combination of sea kayaking, cycling, jungle trekking, mountain hiking, swimming, local culture, fresh Vietnamese seafood, and spectacular scenery on one of the most comprehensive Cat Ba Island adventure tours available.
Cat Ba Island 4 day tour Itiniary
07:00 – 07:30 | Hotel Pick-up – Hanoi Old Quarter
Begin your adventure with a comfortable hotel pick-up from Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Travel by modern expressway through the fertile Red River Delta, passing traditional farming villages before crossing the spectacular Tan Vu–Lach Huyen Sea Bridge, the longest sea bridge in Southeast Asia.
10:30 | Arrive on Cat Ba Island
Board a high-speed ferry to Cat Ba Island before transferring to Ben Beo Harbour, the gateway to Lan Ha Bay. Meet your guide and crew before boarding your traditional wooden junk boat.
12:00 | Welcome Aboard
Settle into your private ensuite cabin and enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch while cruising through authentic floating fishing villages surrounded by the dramatic limestone islands of Lan Ha Bay.
Afternoon | Kayaking Hidden Lagoons & Sea Caves
Cruise to the peaceful Ang Van Ta area before launching your kayak. Paddle through the famous Dark Cave and Bright Cave (tide permitting), navigating natural limestone tunnels into hidden lagoons where towering cliffs, emerald waters, and complete tranquillity create an unforgettable experience.
Take time to swim, relax, and soak in the spectacular scenery before returning to the boat.
Evening | Sunset Cruise
Anchor in a secluded bay far from the busy cruise routes. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner on deck while watching the sunset over the limestone mountains before spending a peaceful night aboard your junk boat.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Private ensuite cabin aboard our junk boat
Morning | Cruise to the Remote Bays
Wake to a peaceful sunrise over Lan Ha Bay and enjoy breakfast while cruising towards Dau Be Island, one of the quietest areas of the bay.
Ho Ba Ham (Three Tunnels Lagoon)
Launch your kayak and explore the spectacular Ho Ba Ham (Three Tunnels Lagoon), a network of hidden lakes connected by natural limestone tunnels. This remote corner of Lan Ha Bay offers some of the finest kayaking in northern Vietnam and is accessible only at suitable tides.
Three Peaches Beach
Continue to the beautiful Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches Beach), famous for its powder-soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch onboard before taking time to swim and relax.
Afternoon | Viet Hai Village
Disembark at Viet Hai Harbour and cycle through tropical rainforest and limestone valleys into the remote Viet Hai Village, hidden deep within Cat Ba National Park. Surrounded by forested mountains, this peaceful community has preserved its traditional way of life for generations.
Evening | Village Hospitality
After checking into your homestay, unwind with the village’s famous natural fish massage before enjoying a delicious home-cooked Vietnamese dinner with your local hosts.
Spend the night in a comfortable private room while experiencing the peaceful atmosphere of one of Cat Ba Island’s most isolated villages.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Private room at Viet Hai Village Homestay
Morning | Explore Cat Ba National Park
After breakfast, choose how you’d like to spend the morning.
Option 1 – Hai Quan (Navy) Peak Trek
Join your guide for a rewarding trek through Cat Ba National Park to Hai Quan (Navy) Peak. This scenic hike rewards you with spectacular 360-degree panoramic views across Lan Ha Bay, Ha Long Bay, and the surrounding UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Option 2 – Village Discovery
Enjoy a leisurely walk around Viet Hai Village, meet local residents, visit traditional homes, and experience the relaxed rhythm of rural island life.
Afternoon | Floating Homestay
Cycle back to Viet Hai Harbour where a traditional boat will transfer you across Lan Ha Bay to your authentic Floating Homestay, located within a peaceful floating fishing village.
After checking into your private room, spend the afternoon kayaking through the surrounding lagoons or visit a local floating fish farm to learn about the traditional aquaculture that supports the local community.
Evening | Life on the Bay
Relax on the deck as the sun sets over Lan Ha Bay before enjoying a delicious home-cooked dinner with your hosts. Spend the evening experiencing the unique rhythm of life on the water surrounded by the calm beauty of the bay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Private room at a Floating Homestay
Morning | Cat Ba National Park Adventure
After breakfast, return to Cat Ba Island and travel into the heart of Cat Ba National Park, one of Vietnam’s most important protected forests.
Trek to Ngu Lam Peak
Enjoy a guided hike through ancient tropical rainforest to the summit of Ngu Lam Peak, one of Cat Ba Island’s highest viewpoints. From the top, admire breathtaking panoramic views over the lush forest canopy, Lan Ha Bay, and the dramatic limestone mountains that define the Cat Ba Archipelago.
Hospital Cave
Continue to the fascinating Hospital Cave (Hang Quân Y), a remarkable underground military hospital and bomb shelter built inside a limestone mountain during the Vietnam War. Explore its hidden operating rooms, living quarters, and tunnels while learning about one of Cat Ba’s most remarkable historical sites.
Farewell Lunch
Enjoy a final authentic Vietnamese lunch before preparing for your return journey.
15:30 | Return to Hanoi
Board the express bus for the comfortable journey back to Hanoi.
19:00 – 19:30 | Arrival in Hanoi
Arrive back at your hotel with unforgettable memories of Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba National Park, Viet Hai Village, floating fishing communities, and four incredible days exploring one of Vietnam’s most spectacular island destinations.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: None
Notes:
– Earlier or Later departure and return are available upon request.
-Vegetarian food is always available upon request.
– Minimum group size: 2 people.Maximum group size: 10 people. Please get in touch with us for larger group bookings; we may be able to offer a discount.
– The price does not include Private transportation to and from Hanoi but we can book private transport(Car + Hydrofoil) to and from Hanoi at a reasonable price.
Cat Ba Island 4 day tour Accommodation
Deluxe Junk – Your Floating Boutique Hotel in Lan Ha Bay
Experience the magic of Lan Ha Bay from the comfort of our beautifully appointed Deluxe Overnight Junk. Blending the charm of a traditional Vietnamese boat with modern comforts, our boutique junk is the perfect base for exploring the hidden lagoons, limestone islands, and secluded beaches of the Cat Ba Archipelago.
Your Authentic Retreat in Viet Hai Village, Cat Ba National Park
Escape to one of the most peaceful and authentic places on Cat Ba Island. Tucked away in the heart of Viet Hai Ancient Village, deep inside Cat Ba National Park, Lan Homestay offers a unique opportunity to experience the untouched beauty of the UNESCO Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve.
Experience an Authentic Floating Homestay in Lan Ha Bay
Wake up surrounded by emerald waters, towering limestone islands, and the peaceful sounds of a traditional fishing village. Our Floating Homestay in Lan Ha Bay offers one of the most authentic accommodation experiences on Cat Ba Island, giving guests the rare opportunity to stay in the heart of the UNESCO Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve rather than simply cruising through it.
What's Included on Tour
- Kayak equipment,
- Bike, Meals as listed above (4 set menu Lunch,3 set menu Dinner,3 set menu Breakfast),
- Entrance sightseeing fees,
- English speaking Tour Guide,
- Private Room at Homestay in national park,
- Private room on Floating Homestay
- Private cabin on Junk Boat,
- Day boat supported
- Bottled Drinking Water during the tour,
- Express bus ticket to and from Hanoi (or to and from Ninh Binh).
Tour Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Vietnam visa
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
- Personal expenses
- Laundry
- Tips
Make a Booking
Payment must be made in full before departure, Please make booking 24 hours in advance, we reserve the right to cancel kayak tours based on weather conditions. Please see our terms and conditions for full details.
4 Days 3 Nights Kayaking, Trekking & Biking Overnight Junk, Floating Village and Cat Ba Homestay FAQ
While geographically part of the same stunning limestone karst ecosystem, Lan Ha Bay is significantly quieter and less crowded than neighboring Ha Long Bay. Lan Ha Bay features more pristine, secluded sand beaches and hidden lagoons accessible only by kayak. Because it sees far fewer massive cruise ships, it offers a cleaner, much more authentic, and peaceful kayaking and trekking adventure.
Yes! Solo travelers are very welcome on all of our itineraries. Our tours are highly social small-group experiences, making it easy to meet fellow adventurers. For kayaking, we typically use stable tandem (double) kayaks, meaning you will pair up with a guide or another traveler. Please note there is a single supplement fee if you request a private cabin on our overnight Junk or homestay tours.
To secure your booking, we require a deposit or full payment in advance depending on the itinerary. We accept secure online card payments, PayPal, and bank transfers. Any remaining balances can be settled at our main office near Ben Beo Pier before departure using cash (VND or USD) or major credit cards. Please note that according to our policy, payment must be made in full before departure to finalize your booking manifest.
Our kayaking itineraries are designed for active exploration, typically involving 4 to 6 hours of paddling per day. We break this up into morning and afternoon sessions to ensure you have plenty of time to visit hidden lagoons, caves, and beaches without feeling rushed.
While you do not need to be an elite athlete, our tours are geared toward travelers who enjoy an active lifestyle. If you can comfortably walk for an hour and ride a bicycle, you will enjoy our kayaking, trekking, and biking activities. We offer varied paces, and our guides are happy to adjust the intensity to match the group’s ability.
We recommend packing light for the bay. Essential items include: quick-dry clothing, swimwear, comfortable footwear for trekking (sandals or light sneakers), a hat, sunglasses with a strap, and high-SPF sunscreen. Don’t forget your passport or a photo of it (required for port registration) and a waterproof bag for your electronics, We provide a Dry Bag for your personel daily items on every Kayak tour.
For our group tours, we provide complimentary pickup from hotels within the Hanoi Old Quarter. If you are staying outside of this area, we will coordinate a central meeting point for you to join the shuttle bus.
You will find 4G mobile coverage available at our Floating homestay Blue Lagoon and Lan Ha Homestay locations and in many parts of the bay near the mainland. Coverage can be limited or intermittent while we are cruising or kayaking in the deeper, secluded parts of the bay on our Junk boats, allowing for a true “off-the-grid” nature experience.
We provide all necessary safety and activity gear, including high-quality kayaks, paddles, and life jackets (PFDs). For tours involving biking or trekking, we provide well-maintained bicycles and all necessary access fees for the National Park and bay areas.
The trekking on Cat Ba Island is a highlight for adventure seekers. Depending on your chosen itinerary, you will hike through lush jungle paths, enjoying the biodiversity of Cat Ba National Park. The trails offer a rewarding experience with terrain ranging from moderate forest paths to rocky inclines leading to stunning viewpoints.
Absolutely! Many of our hiking routes, such as the trek up to Hai Quan Peak (Navy Peak), are specifically chosen because they offer breathtaking, panoramic photo opportunities over both Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay. These viewpoints are perfect for capturing the iconic limestone karst scenery.
Your safety is our priority. We strictly follow government tourism guidelines and instructions from the Management Board of the Bay. In the rare event of unsafe weather conditions (such as tropical storms), tours may be delayed or cancelled. If we must cancel due to official government directives, we will offer alternative dates or a tour of a similar standard to ensure your trip remains unforgettable.
<p>Yes, absolutely! We regularly accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and specific food allergy requests. Since our meals feature fresh, local Vietnamese seafood and ingredients prepared onboard our Junk boats or at the floating village homestay, please <strong>inform us of any dietary requirements or food allergies when making your booking</strong> so our team can prepare a custom menu for you.</p>
<p>No, expert swimming skills are not required. Lan Ha Bay is highly sheltered, resulting in calm, glassy waters with minimal waves. Furthermore, <strong>wearing a high-quality life jacket (PFD) is strictly mandatory</strong> for all guests while on the water. Our professional local guides are fully trained in water safety and will be right beside you the entire time.</p>
<p>If you are traveling from Hanoi for an overnight tour, you can bring your luggage with you. It can be safely stored in your private cabin aboard our Deluxe Junk boat or at the homestay. Alternatively, if you have oversized bags you prefer not to carry, you are welcome to <strong>securely store your main luggage at our main office near Ben Beo Pier</strong> for free while you are out exploring the bay.</p>
