Cat Ba
2 Days / 1 Night
Trekking, paddle boarding
7/10
5 (0 Customer rating)
5.350.000 VNĐ
Tour overview

This adventure offers an exciting way to experience the diverse natural landscapes of Cat Ba Island. Trek through the ancient forest of Cat Ba National Park, spend a night in the peaceful Viet Hai Village, and explore the spectacular seascape of Lan Ha Bay by SUP or kayak. The trekking route is moderately challenging, with just enough adventure to make the journey rewarding. One of its most memorable moments comes as you emerge from the dense forest and catch your first glimpse of the peaceful rooftops of Viet Hai Village nestled in the valley below. After a rewarding trek through the forest, the adventure continues on the water. Paddle from Viet Hai Wharf towards Ba Trai Dao, passing limestone islands, secluded coves and the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay. In summer, there will be plenty of opportunities to stop for a swim, cool off and simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Combining forest trekking, village life and sea kayaking or paddleboarding, this journey reveals three very different sides of Cat Ba in one immersive adventure.

Highlights

  • Trekking across Cat Ba National Park
  • Overnight homestay in Viet Hai Village
  • Exploring Lan Ha Bay by Stand Up Paddleboard
  • Cycling through Viet Hai Village and its scenic valley
  • Scenic cable car ride across the sea

 

Summary
  • Departure from: Hanoi

  • Min: 5 people

  • Destination: Cat Ba

  • Max: 15 people

  • Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night

  • Best season: Year-round

  • Activities: Trekking, paddle boarding

  • Level: 7/10

Images & Videos
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi – Cat Ba National Park – Viet Hai village

06:30 Departing for Cat Ba. Upon arriving at Cat Hai, we will take a ferry to Cat Ba Island, then keep going by car to Cat Ba National Park. After preparing the necessary gear, we begin our trek through the forest to Viet Hai Village, an ancient village isolated in a large valley, accessible only by trekking through the forest or by boat from Lan Ha Bay. 

After about 2 hours of walking, we will stop for lunch at Frog pond, a small swamp and a paradise for frogs, situated at 100 meters above sea level. Our lunch will be a picnic lunch provided to each person before the trek. After having lunch at Frog pond, we keep hiking  to Viet Hai Village. Along the way, we will make several stops for resting  and taking photos. 

After about 4 hours of trekking, we will arrive at Viet Hai Village. Checking in, taking a shower, and having a rest. Before having dinner, we will have time to take a walk around Viet Hai Village or enjoy a relaxing foot soak in the stream running through the ecolodge. Dinner will be served at the ecolodge, followed by relaxing time around the campfire until bedtime.

* Accommodation in Viet Hai Village: Whisper Nature Ecolodge. The ecolodge offers rooms for 2, 3, or 4 people. Depending on group size or room availability, Umove Adventure will arrange suitable accommodations for the group.

* Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

* Trekking time: 4-5hrs

 

Day 2: Viet Hai village – Lan Ha Bay – Ba Trai Dao Bay – Cat Ba Town – Hanoi

07:00 Breakfast at the ecolodge. After breakfast, hop on your bikes and cycle to Viet Hai Wharf. This stretch is incredibly beautiful: a small road winding through the forest, flanked by dramatic towering cliffs.

08:30 Arrive at the pier and board the boat to Lan Ha Bay. Once there, we'll gear up with SUP boards and begin exploring the bay, which features plenty of quiet, pristine beaches.

12:00 After visiting a few beaches, enjoy lunch onboard the boat. Post-lunch, the boat heads back toward Cat Ba.

13:00 Disembark at Beo Wharf, then transfer by vehicle to the cable car station to cross to Cat Hai Island. From Cat Hai, a shuttle vehicle will take you back to Hanoi, with arrival expected around 19:00. Tour concludes.

* Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

* Cycling distance: 10km / Kayaking time: 2 hrs  

* Kayaking is available as an alternative to SUP, subject to availability.

 

Inclusion & Exclusion

 

Inclusion:

  • Support boat
  • Round-trip bus: Ha Noi – Cat Ba – Ha Noi
  • Cable car ticket
  • SUP & accessories
  • Trekking gear
  • Homestay at Viet Hai village
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Tour guide
  • Daily drinking water
  • Entrance fees
  • Domestic travel insurance

Exclusion:

  • Personal expenses
  • Beverages during meals
  • Transportation fee before and after the trip

​ 

Departure schedule
Departure day Finish day   Tour cost
Difficulty of the activity

Difficulty Level (7/10): Good physical skills are a requirement, as well as experience in outdoor activities. This level is not for children. The duration of each trip is from 2  - 4 days with a basic of eating, and sleeping condition. Accommodation is camping. Trekking time might take 5 – 6 hours/day to do the trek with the difficult terrain, slopes, and high elevation. The kayaking and SUP tours might take from 6 – 7 hours/day of paddling. 

Suggested physical training: Practice running or kayaking/SUP 2 weeks in advance. Run 2 - 3 times a week, each session 5km. Or paddling from 2- 3 times, each time is 5 - 7 km.

Equipment

Equipment provided by UA:

  • SUP & accessories
  • Dry bag
  • Trekking pole, gloves
  • First-aid kit

Essential stuff you need to bring:

  • Water shoes (for wading in water, paddling, and wet landings)
  • Trekking shoes 
  • Reusable water bottle (approximately 1L capacity)
  • Daypack (10–20L) 
  • Flashlight or headlamp 
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Phone, camera, power bank
  • ID or passport

Optional items to bring:

  • Pocket knife or Multi-tool
  • Personal medication
  • Toitletries
  • Hand santiniser
Essential info

1. Travel Insurance

  • Umove Adventure provides travel insurance through Bao Viet Insurance, with maximum coverage of VND 100 million per person per incident.
  • Please refer to the Bao Viet Insurance Policy for further details.

2. Tour Postponement and Cancellation Policy

3. Liability Waiver

  • Guests joining an Umove Adventure tour acknowledge that adventure travel involves physical challenges and inherent risks. All guests are therefore required to carefully read and sign the Liability Waiver before departure. Please review the form carefully before booking the tour.

                  Release Of Liability Form.     

4. Notes on the SUP Paddling and Trekking Routes

  • The forest trekking route is not too difficult, with 2/3 of the path being easy-to-walk trails. The remaining 1/3 of the route, just before reaching Viet Hai, is more challenging, with some sections requiring hand-climbing.
  • The length of our paddling route will be determined by the guide based on the weather, time, and the health of the group members. The final destination is Ba Trai Dao Bay, the farthest point of Lan Ha Bay. Inside Lan Ha Bay, the water is quite calm, but as we approach Ba Trai Dao, we will pass through a wide, wavy sea area. The guide will provide instructions to ensure we paddle safely.
  • Before starting, the guide will teach paddling techniques and provide safety guidelines and route information. You must wear life jackets and attach the leash to your SUP board properly. For first-time paddlers, it is recommended not to stand on the SUP immediately at the start. After about 1-2 km, if you feel more comfortable and confident with the water, you can begin standing to paddle.
  • While paddling in the bay, be mindful of obstacles like reefs and boats. Avoid paddling too close to rock walls if there are waves, as the waves can push you into the sharp barnacles on the rocks.
  • We will have the boat that supports us throughout the paddling session. If you want to stop paddling and get on the boat, just inform the guide.
  • Please note, if you are an experienced paddler and a strong swimmer, you may remove your life jacket and secure it to your SUP, but never remove the leash.

5. Food and Drinks

  • Meals served during the tour are varied and feature local specialities. Vegetarian or special dietary meals may be arranged upon request. Please inform Umove Adventure in advance of any dietary requirements so that suitable meals can be prepared. If we are unable to accommodate specific requirements for medical, health or religious reasons, we recommend bringing your own suitable food.
  • Drinking water is provided in the vehicle and during the paddling activity. To reduce the use of single-use plastic, guests should bring a reusable water bottle of approximately one litre, which can be refilled from the larger water containers provided by Umove Adventure.
  • Alcohol must not be consumed during SUP, kayaking or trekking activities. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are not included with meals.

6. Environmental Responsibility

  • Umove Adventure follows Leave No Trace principles throughout its tours and outdoor activities. We also encourage our guests and partners to apply these principles whenever travelling in natural environments. Learn more about Leave No Trace.
  • To reduce the use of single-use plastic, each guest should bring a reusable one-litre water bottle for daily refilling.
  • Guests must follow all environmental protection instructions and regulations at each destination.

7. Health and Medical Considerations

  • If you have a cardiovascular condition or problems affecting your bones or joints—including your knees, ankles or shoulders—you should consult your doctor before joining the tour.
  • The tour guide carries a basic first-aid kit. If you have a medical condition that requires medication, please bring an adequate supply of your prescribed medication.
Q&A
What is the best time to go on this program?

Summer is the ideal time to visit Cat Ba.
From April to October is the most suitable period for water-based activities like kayaking, swimming, and exploring the bays.
From November to March, the island is much quieter and less crowded, making it the perfect time for nature exploration, peaceful trekking, and relaxing getaways.
However, July and August are typically the peak of the stormy season (with rough seas and potential typhoons), so visitors should check the weather forecast 3–5 days in advance to ensure there are no incoming rainstorms or bad weather.

 

What is the minimum age for children to join this tour?

This tour is suitable for children aged 12 and older, who must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult at all times. 

I've never tried SUP before—can I still join this tour?

This tour is rated 6/10 in difficulty, so even complete beginners who have never tried SUP before can join comfortably. Before getting on the water, the guide will provide the whole group with a clear briefing on basic paddling techniques and essential safety skills for SUP. You'll also have plenty of time to practice and get familiar with the board before starting the actual paddle.

Can I join this tour if I’m going alone?

Yes, definitely! This join-in adventure is perfectly suitable for solo travelers. Many of our guests join individually and end up making new friends around the campfire, during paddling, or on the hike. You'll be paired with others for shared tents (same-gender unless otherwise requested) or can upgrade to a single tent for an additional fee (subject to availability—please inquire when booking). Our professional guide and team ensure everyone feels included, safe, and supported throughout the trip—no prior companions needed. 

How much do I need to deposit when registering? When is the remaining amount due?

Deposit requirement to secure your booking, a 50% deposit of the total tour price is required at the time of registration.

Payment Methods:

  • Bank transfer
  • Credit/debit card via OnePay (secure online payment gateway)

Final Payment: The remaining 50% balance must be paid no later than 1 day before the departure date, using the same payment methods (bank transfer or OnePay).

Important note: Umove Adventure will only confirm your booking once the deposit has been received. You will receive a confirmation email with full details shortly after payment.

We recommend completing payment early to guarantee your spot, especially during peak seasons!

If I am vegetarian (or have a dietary restriction), can the tour accommodate this?

Please inform Umove Adventure of any vegetarian preferences or other dietary restrictions before booking the tour. We will verify whether the tour destination and meal providers can accommodate your needs and get back to you promptly. In most cases, vegetarian options are available, though this may vary depending on the specific tour location and local suppliers.

 

While paddling SUP, if I get really tired and can't paddle anymore, is it okay to stop?

If you become too tired to keep paddling during the activity, promptly let the guide or support boat know so you can receive help. The majority of Umove Adventure tours include a following motorboat for support. If you're fatigued and can't paddle anymore, you can hop on the motorboat to rejoin the group for the remaining part of the tour.

Is it possible to join the tour if I don't know how to swim?

Non-swimmers can still join, provided you absolutely follow the guide's safety instructions at all times. Anyone paddling SUP and wanting to swim or get in the water must wear a life jacket — no exceptions.

Down load PDF file

Rate our service
5

Theo 0 đánh giá

  • 5
    0
  • 4
    0
  • 3
    0
  • 2
    0
  • 1
    0