HIGHLIGHT OF CAT BA 2D1N TOUR: PLANKTON + FLOATING HOUSE
This Cat Ba 2 Days 1 Night tour is thoughtfully designed for travelers who wish to fully immerse themselves in nature and witness the enchanting natural phenomenon of bioluminescent plankton glowing in the water at night.
The journey blends adventure and relaxation, featuring night kayaking to observe the glowing plankton, an unforgettable overnight stay on a floating house in the bay, and visits to traditional floating fishing villages. Along the way, you will cruise through the stunning landscapes of Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay, paddle a kayak through hidden caves and lagoons, and swim in secluded beaches surrounded by limestone islands.
This unique experience offers the perfect opportunity to explore the serene beauty of the bay while discovering one of nature’s most magical nighttime spectacles.
INCLUSION OF CAT BA 2D1N TOUR: PLANKTON + FLOATING HOUSE
- Round-trip transportation to Cat Ba island from Hanoi, Hai Phong, Ninh Binh
- 01 night stay on a floating house in Lan Ha Bay with a private room and sea view.
- Night kayaking and bioluminescent plankton experience in Lan Ha Bay (Day 1).
- Full-day Lan Ha Bay cruise tour exploring the bay’s most beautiful areas (Day 2).
- All meals included: 02 lunch + 01 Dinner + 01 Breakfast
- Tour activities: swimming, kayaking, plankton watching, sunset party, and boat jumping.
- Floating house activities: squid fishing, karaoke, and relaxing by the bay.
- Professional tour guides on the bus and during the cruise.
- Entrance fees to all attractions included in the itinerary.
TOUR EXCLUSION
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Drinks
- Others that not mentioned in "Inclusion"
PRICE OF CAT BA 2D1N TOUR: PLANKTON + FLOATING HOUSE
Price is in USD & per person. It fixed as it is open-group tour. If you want to take the private boat tour for only your group ( Do not share the boat with the other guests), please send us your requests to info@catbaduky.vn
ITINERARY OF CAT BA 2D1N TOUR: PLANKTON + FLOATING HOUSE
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Lunch + Dinner (Overnight on Floating house)
07:30: Guests meet at our bus offices in Hanoi (214 Tran Quang Khai Street) or Hai Phong (41 Ben Binh Street).
08:00: Cat Ba Du Ky Travel bus departs for Cat Ba Island, beginning the exciting journey of the Cat Ba 2 Days 1 Night Tour: Plankton Experience & Floating House Stay. During the trip, your tour guide will introduce the itinerary, highlight the main attractions of the tour, and share interesting information about Cat Ba Island – the largest island in the Lan Ha Bay archipelago. Guests can relax on the bus or enjoy scenic views of the Northern Vietnam countryside, with peaceful villages, rivers, and green rice fields along the way.
Dong Bai cable car to Cat Ba
10:00: Arrival at Dong Bai Ferry Terminal. Guests take a speedboat or cable car to reach Cat Ba Island.
10:30: Transfer by another vehicle to Cat Ba town center along one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Northern Vietnam.
Coastal road to Cat Ba town center
11:30 – 12:00: After approximately 3.5 – 4 hours of travel, the group arrives at the beautiful Cat Ba Island.
12:00 – 13:00: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, guests will have about 2 hours of free time to explore Cat Ba Island:
- Swimming at Cat Co Beach 1 & 2
- Visiting Cat Ba seafood market
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Cat Co Beach
15:00 – 15:30: The guide and bus pick up guests from the restaurant and transfer to Beo Pier to start the Lan Ha Bay cruise.
15:40 – 18:00: The boat begins the journey to explore Lan Ha Bay:
- Pass by Cai Beo Floating Fishing Village – one of the oldest floating villages in Northern Vietnam
- Enjoy the stunning sunset over Lan Ha Bay
- Stop in the middle of the bay for swimming and relaxing
Cai Beo floating village
18:00 – 18:30: Check in to your floating homestay in the heart of Lan Ha Bay.
18:30 – 19:30: Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner served on the floating house.
Floating house on Lan Ha bay
19:30 – 21:00: After dinner, follow the tour guide for night kayaking to see bioluminescent plankton.As your paddle gently moves through the water, thousands of tiny plankton light up, creating magical blue sparkling waves like stars beneath the sea. Every movement of your hand in the water causes glowing trails to appear — a rare and unforgettable natural phenomenon.
Night kayaking to explore Plankton
After the plankton experience, guests return to the floating house. You may also enjoy night squid fishing or karaoke before resting.
Breakfast & Lunch
07:00 – 09:00: Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise over the bay, breathe the fresh ocean air, and have a light breakfast.
09:00 – 10:30: Depart from the floating house as the cruise continues toward the southern area of Ha Long Bay. Along the way, you will see hundreds of beautiful sandy beaches and pass by Dau Be Island, a peaceful area with spectacular scenery and fewer tourists.
Dau Be island Landscape
10:30 – 11:30: Enjoy kayaking through Bat Cave and Bright Cave, exploring hidden lagoons surrounded by limestone mountains.
Dark & Bright cave
12:00 – 13:00: Savor a delicious set menu lunch on the boat.
13:30 – 16:00: Relax on the sundeck while the cruise continues exploring the highlights of Lan Ha Bay, including:
- Pen Islet
- Frog Islet
- Turtle Islet
Turtle island
The boat stops at Three Peaches Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, where guests can:
- Swim in crystal-clear water
- Snorkel and explore marine life
- Relax on the pristine beach
Three Peaches beach
Afterward, visit a local floating fish farm to learn about the traditional life of fishermen in the bay.
16:00 – 17:00: Enjoy drinks and light snacks while the boat cruises back to Beo Pier. Guests then transfer by bus back to Hanoi / Hai Phong / Ninh Binh.
20:30 – 21:00: Arrival in Hanoi / Hai Phong / Ninh Binh. End of the Cat Ba 2 Days 1 Night Tour: Floating House Stay & Bioluminescent Plankton Experience. Thank you for traveling with us and we look forward to welcoming you again!
COMPARISON BETWEEN CAT BA 2D1N TOUR: HOTEL VS FLOATING HOUSE VS OVERNIGHT CRUISE
| Criteria | Overnight at Hotel (Cat Ba Town) | Overnight on Floating House (Lan Ha Bay) | Overnight Cruise on Lan Ha Bay |
| Accommodation Location | Hotel in Cat Ba Town | Floating homestay in the middle of Lan Ha Bay | Luxury cruise sailing in Lan Ha Bay / Ha Long Bay |
| Experience Level | Standard island stay | Unique local experience | Premium cruise experience |
| Connection with Nature | Limited – stay in town | Very high – surrounded by the bay | High – cruise through scenic landscapes |
| Night Activities | Explore Cat Ba town, restaurants, bars | Kayaking at night, plankton watching, squid fishing | Sunset party, night squid fishing, cruise activities |
| Day Activities | Day cruise to Lan Ha Bay, kayaking, swimming | Kayaking, swimming, visiting fishing villages | Kayaking, cave exploration, swimming |
| Atmosphere | Lively town atmosphere | Quiet, peaceful, authentic | Elegant, relaxing, luxury vibe |
| Room Type | Hotel room with modern amenities | Simple private room with sea view | Private cabin with ensuite bathroom |
| Food Experience | Meals at restaurants or tour boat | Fresh seafood meals on floating house | Gourmet meals prepared onboard |
| Best For | Budget travelers, nightlife lovers | Nature lovers & adventure seekers | Luxury travelers and couples |
| Price Range (Approx.) | $$ | $$ – $$$ | $$$ – $$$$ |
| Highlight | Convenience and nightlife in town | Rare experience of sleeping on the bay and seeing bioluminescent plankton | Luxury cruise with premium service |
POLICY OF CAT BA 2D1N TOUR: PLANKTON + FLOATING HOUSE
Children Policy
- From 0 - 2 years old: Free
- From 3 - 5 years old: 50% adult price
- From 6 -8 years old: 75% addult price
- From 9 years old: 100% adult price
Discount Policy
- Discount 5$/person for group from 4 pax above
Cancellation Policy
By Our Side
- In case of typhoon that the boat is not allowed to go out, Cat Ba Du Ky Travel offer full refund for all the tours that have not started; Or the tour can be moved to other dates without extra charge if our boats are available and your time permits
- Partial refund of difference will be applied for the tours that are on the way
By Customer
- 10% charge if cancellation received immediately after booking
- 30% charge if cancellation received from 10 days - 15 days prior to the deparure date
- 50% charge if cancellation received from 4 days - 9 days prior to the departure date
- 100% charge if cancellation receivd less than 72 hours prior to the departure dat or No Show
FAQ - QUESTION ABOUT CAT BA 2D1N TOUR: PLANKTON + FLOATING HOUSE
1. What is the bioluminescent plankton experience in Cat Ba?
The plankton experience is a unique nighttime activity where you kayak or gently touch the seawater to witness glowing bioluminescent plankton. When the water is disturbed, these tiny organisms emit a magical blue light, creating the mesmerizing effect of thousands of sparkling stars beneath the surface.
2. When is the best time to see bioluminescent plankton in Cat Ba?
Plankton are usually most visible on dark nights with little moonlight, typically from April to September. However, the visibility of this natural phenomenon depends on environmental conditions such as tides, water temperature, and weather.
3. Is it safe to stay overnight on a floating house in Lan Ha Bay?
Yes. The floating homestays are securely anchored and equipped with life jackets and safety equipment. They are located in calm, sheltered areas of Lan Ha Bay, providing a peaceful and safe environment for guests to relax and enjoy the overnight experience.
4. Is this tour suitable for people who cannot swim?
Yes. Activities such as kayaking and swimming are supervised by experienced guides, and life jackets are provided at all times. Even guests who cannot swim can safely participate and enjoy the experience.
5. What activities are included in the Cat Ba 2D1N tour?
During this journey, guests will enjoy a variety of exciting experiences, including:
- Cruising through Lan Ha Bay – Ha Long Bay
- Night kayaking to see bioluminescent plankton
- Overnight stay at a floating homestay in the bay
- Visiting Cai Beo Floating Fishing Village
- Kayaking through caves and hidden lagoons
- Swimming at pristine beaches
- Enjoying fresh seafood meals on the bay
6. Does the tour include kayaking and bay activities?
Yes. Kayaking, bay sightseeing, swimming, and all activities listed in the itinerary are included in the tour price.
7. Can I join the tour if I am staying in Hanoi or Ninh Binh?
Yes. The tour offers one-way transportation from Hanoi or Ninh Binh by tourist bus, making it convenient for travelers to reach Cat Ba Island.
8. What should I bring for the tour?
Guests are recommended to bring:
- Swimwear and a towel
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable sandals or light shoes
- A camera or waterproof phone case
- A light jacket for the evening on the bay
9. Is this tour suitable for couples or groups of friends?
Absolutely. This is considered one of the most romantic and unique experiences in Cat Ba, especially when kayaking across the glowing water at night. It is perfect for couples, friends, and adventure lovers.
10. How can I book the Cat Ba 2D1N plankton tour?
You can book the tour directly through the website, hotline, or WhatsApp: +84 989 745 338 of Cat Ba Du Ky Travel. During peak travel seasons, it is recommended to book at least 7–14 days in advance to secure your spot.
11. Are there other Cat Ba 2 Days 1 Night tour options available?
Yes. In addition to the floating house experience, travelers can also consider:
