Cat Ba – Venturing into the archipelago’s wildlife
Nestled within the UNESCO Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve lies the magnificent Cat Ba National Park, boasting breathtaking natural beauty that rivals the Ha Long Bay Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This hidden gem of nature is a unique treasure in the North Eastern Sea of Vietnam, home to many rare and precious plant and animal species, as well as unique landscapes and seascapes. Embark on a journey of discovery and immerse yourself in the park’s wildlife, while also learning about the local way of life. This trip is a chance to unwind and connect with nature, with the flexibility to cater to your interests and travel pace.
Highlight
- Half-day enjoying the splendid Lan Ha Bay by kayaking and swimming on lovely beaches
- Full-day trekking and hiking through Cat Ba National Park;
- Exploring Cat Ba fish market with a local
- Staying in charming homestays;
- Loads of encounters with local people.
| Destination |
Cat Ba Archipelago, Vietnam |
| Included |
- Two ways bus ticket Hanoi – Cat Ba – Hanoi;
- The service of an English-speaking tour guide from Hanoi;
- The service of a local tour guide one trekking day;
- Transfer with an appropriate car in Cat Ba;
- Transfer with an electric shuttle bus in Viet Hai village;
- One-night accommodation at Ladu Cottage, a private house;
- One-night accommodation at Viet Hai Ancient House, a private house;
- Meals, as mentioned in the program;
- Kayak & boat, as mentioned in the program;
- Cat Ba National Park & Lan Ha Bay entrance tickets and authorized fees.
|
| Excluded |
- Hotel in Hanoi
- Beverages, gratuities and personal expenses
- Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, etc…)
- Trekking gears (backpack, shoes, etc …)
- Individual Insurance
- VAT and other taxes
|
 Travel by car & boat |
What to bring
- Swimming suit
- Sun & rain gear (including sunscreen and brimmed hat)
- Insect repellent
- Walking shoes/sandals
- Original passport
Price per person based on a private tour for
| Group of |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
| Tour package |
VND 11,922,500
($ US 483.57) |
VND 7,130,000
($ US 289.19) |
VND 5,916,000
($ US 239.98) |
VND 5,180,000
($ US 210.13) |
| Single supplement in the hotel in Cat Ba town: + 600,000/person ($ US 24.34) |
*Viet Hai Ancient House offers three types of accommodations: a small house for two people, a medium house for 3-5 people, and a big house for 6-8 people. The package price mentioned above is based on shared rooms for 2 people. However, as the availability is quite limited, we will inform you of the house type and the final price of the package at the time of booking.
Discount for larger group is available; please contact our travel consultants at:
lam@dcttravel.vn or send us inquiry through the contact form
Details
You will depart from 96 Nguyen Huu Huan at 8 am and travel to Cat Ba by bus, as responsible travelers. The journey will take you through the scenic route of the 5B expressway, where you will enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Red River Delta's verdant rice fields and small towns by the roadside.
Once you arrive on the island at around 11.30 am, you will enjoy a lunch of Cat Ba specialties prepared by a local restaurant on the border of Lan Ha Bay.
The Pearl Island - Cat Ba
In the afternoon, you will meet Mrs. Thời, a cheerful boatwoman who is an expert on the best spots for kayaking and swimming on Lan Ha Bay. Depending on the sea level each day, she will take you to some of the most beautiful and secluded locations.
After enjoying activities on the bay, you will continue your journey to Viet Hai Harbor, where you will hop on an electric shuttle bus to the village.
Ancient House Viet Hai
You will be welcomed at Ancient House Viet Hai with a delicious dinner and a cozy room featuring distinctive rustic decor with traditional Vietnamese architecture.
Enjoy a serene breakfast amidst the valley of Ancient House Viet Hai. Post breakfast, you will be accompanied by a local guide on a 14-km trek through the National Park. This day will be the most thrilling and active, enabling you to explore different forest ecosystems and their rare wildlife resources, such as tropical everlasting green primitive forest, limestone vegetation types, Kim Giao precious wood forest, and more.
Trekking through the Cat Ba National Park
Depending on your physical condition and pace, the local guide will suggest either:
- The short routes (1-2 hours walking and hiking) consisting of Kim Giao Forest - Ngu Lam Peak; Environmental Education Trail; Trung Trang Cave
- The long routes ( 4-7 hours trekking) such as Frog Pond - Viet Hai; May Bau - Army Hospital Cave; Me Go - May Bau, Trung Trang - Lien Minh Suoi Goi
You will enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the forest, and in the middle of the afternoon, you will reach the National Park Center, where your driver will be waiting for you to transfer you to your accommodation.
Cat Ba National Park
If you desire, you may halt at Trung Trang cave on the way and witness this charming natural cave (about 300 meters long) that was formed millions of years ago by the erosion of water and limestone. The interior of the cave is a system of stalactites with varied shapes, creating a magnificent landscape.
You will spend the night at Ladu Cottage, a charming homestay located in a quiet quarter of the town center.
Start your day with a relaxed morning surrounded by Ladu's lush garden before heading to a local eatery for breakfast. Then, meet Mrs. Thoa, a Cat Ba resident, who will take you to the fish market. Here, you'll witness the morning catch being brought in by fishing boats and get a firsthand look at the island's thriving fishing industry.
Immerse yourself in the life of fishermen in Cat Ba - Lan Ha
From octopus to shrimp, clams to crabs, and various types of fish, the market offers a wide variety of fresh seafood. Thoa will introduce you to the market's functions, show you traditional fishing techniques, and give you insight into the fishermen's way of life.
Fishing at Cat Ba, Vietnam
But the fun doesn't end there! You'll then buy fresh ingredients to take back to Thoa's house to prepare a delicious lunch. If you like, you can assist Thoa in the kitchen and learn some easy but delicious Cat Ba dishes. Alternatively, you can relax on the beach and swim while waiting for lunch (if your schedule permits).
After your meal, bid farewell to Thoa family and Cat Ba island and return to Hanoi.
