Best Cat Ba Tours: 5 Unique Trips for Adventure & Relaxation

Cat Ba Island, located in northern Vietnam, is a paradise for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. From emerald bays and limestone cliffs to lush national parks and authentic local culture, Cat Ba offers a wide variety of experiences. If you’re planning a visit, joining a well-designed tour is the best way to make the most of your time. In this guide, we highlight the top 5 Cat Ba tours that international travelers love the most — ranging from day cruises and trekking adventures to overnight stays.

The boat on Lan Ha Bay

1. Lan Ha - Ha Long Bay 1 day boat tour 

Highlights of Lan Ha – Ha Long Bay 1 day boat tour:

• Cruise through both Lan Ha Bay & Ha Long Bay – less crowded, stunning limestone islands.
• Kayak through hidden lagoons and caves (Dark, Bat & Bright cave).
• Swim & snorkel at secluded beaches in Ba Trai Dao area.
• Visit Cai Beo floating village – one of Vietnam’s oldest fishing villages.
• Chance to spot monkeys or rare Cat Ba langurs in the wild.
  Sunset party with tea, coffee, and fresh fruits on the boat.

Relax on Lan Ha Bay

Tour Itinerary:

• Morning: Pick-up in Cat Ba → cruise through Cai Beo & Lan Ha Bay → cross to Ha Long Bay.
• Midday: Swimming & snorkeling at Ba Trai Dao → lunch on board → kayaking at Hang Ca caves.
• Afternoon: Explore hidden parts of Ha Long Bay → last swim → sunset party → return to Cat Ba around 5:00 PM.

Tour price: from only 30$/pax

2. Bioluminescent Plankton Night Tour 

Highlights of Night Kayaking Tour with Bioluminescent Plankton:

• Unique chance to see bioluminescent plankton sparkling in the water.
• Night kayaking through quiet, scenic parts of Lan Ha Bay.
• Swim under the starry sky on secluded beaches.
• Dinner on board or floating fish farm, with a relaxing local vibe.
• Stunning sunset views over limestone islands before the adventure begins.

Experience the magic of glowing plankton

Tour Itinerary:

• Late afternoon: Pick-up in Cat Ba → cruise past Cai Beo floating village → enjoy sunset on Lan Ha Bay.
• Evening: Dinner on boat or floating farm → night kayaking to see bioluminescent plankton → optional night swim.
• Night: Return to Beo Harbour → transfer back to your hotel around 9:00 PM.

Tour price: 43$/pax

3. Trekking Cat Ba National Park 

Highlights of Cat Ba National Park – Viet Hai Village 1 Day Trekking & Boat Tour:

• Trek 3.5–4 hours through tropical forest, valleys, and hidden jungle trails.
• Experience authentic local life at Viet Hai Village, with chances to meet farmers.
• Cycling through peaceful countryside landscapes.
• Swimming & kayaking at secluded beaches on Lan Ha Bay.
• Relax with a stunning sunset cruise back to Cat Ba.

Trekking in Cat Ba National Park

Tour Itinerary:

• Morning: Pick-up → trek 3.5–4 hours through Cat Ba National Park → picnic lunch at Frog Lake.
• Afternoon: Visit Bat Cave & Viet Hai Village → cycling to Viet Hai Port.
• Late afternoon: Cruise Lan Ha Bay → kayaking & swimming → sunset on the bay → return to Cat Ba around 5:00 PM.

Tour price: 45$/pax

4. Overnight Cruise in Lan Ha Bay - Ha Long Bay

Highlights of Lan Ha Bay – Ha Long Bay 2 Days 1 Night Cruise:

• Discover the most scenic & less touristy areas of Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay.
• Kayak through hidden lagoons and natural caves (Dark, Bat & Bright caves).
• Swim & snorkel at secluded sandy beaches in Ba Trai Dao area.
• Watch a magical sunset over the bay and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay on the cruise.
• Wake up to the tranquil beauty of Ha Long Bay and continue exploring hidden lagoons like Ho Ba Ham.

Kayaking on Lan Ha Bay

Tour Itinerary:

• Day 1: Pick-up in Cat Ba → cruise past Cai Beo floating village → swim & snorkel at Ba Trai Dao Beach → kayak at Dark & Bright Cave → sunset & overnight on cruise.
• Day 2: Breakfast on board → explore Dau Be Island & kayak at Ho Ba Ham lagoons → last swim → lunch on boat → return to Cat Ba in the afternoon.

Tour price: 145$/pax

5. Cat Ba National Park – Ha Long 2D1N Trekking & Kayaking Tour

Highlights of Cat Ba National Park - Ha Long 2 Days 1 Night Trekking - Kayaking Tour:

• Trek 3–4 hours through off-the-beaten-track trails in Cat Ba National Park
• Picnic lunch at Frog Lake & fish massage in a mountain stream
• Overnight at a homestay in Viet Hai Village, experience local life
• Kayak at night to see glowing plankton (optional)
• Explore both Lan Ha Bay & Ha Long Bay: caves, hidden lagoons, secluded beaches
• Spot monkeys or the endangered Cat Ba Langur
• Sunset party with tea, coffee & tropical fruits on the boat

Rock Climbing in Cat Ba National Park

Tour Itinerary:

• Day 1: Hotel pickup → Trekking Cat Ba National Park → Picnic at Frog Lake → Relax in Viet Hai stream → Homestay check-in → Dinner → Optional night kayaking.
• Day 2: Cycle to Viet Hai Port → Boat trip Lan Ha & Ha Long Bay → Kayaking through Dark, Bat & Bright caves → Swimming at Ba Trai Dao beach → Sunset party on sundeck → Return Cat Ba Town.

Tour price: from only 90$/pax

FAQs about Cat Ba Tours

1. What is the best time to visit Cat Ba Island?

The best months are April–June and September–October, when the weather is warm and stable.

2. How do I get from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island?

You can take a bus-and-boat combo, a private car, or book a tour package that includes round-trip transport. For booking, please contact Cat Ba Du Ky Travel at +84 989 745 338.

3. Are Cat Ba tours suitable for families with children?

Yes, most day cruises and overnight tours are family-friendly, with safe activities like kayaking and swimming.

4. Do I need to book tours in advance?

It’s recommended, especially in peak season (summer and holidays), as tours can sell out quickly.

5. What should I pack for a Cat Ba tour?

Comfortable clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and good walking shoes if you plan to trek.