Cat Ba: National Park Trek, Viet Hai Village & Kayak Tour

This day tour from Cat Ba Town offers adventure, stunning scenery, and a taste of local life — perfect for travelers seeking a balance of nature and culture. While the price of $67 per person seems reasonable, it includes not just transportation and guides but also immersive activities like cycling through ancient villages and kayaking in Lan Ha Bay.

What we love about this experience is the variety it offers: hiking through lush forests, cycling in a peaceful village, and exploring the waterways — all in one day. Plus, the opportunity to enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch and see Vietnam’s oldest floating village adds authentic charm. One thing to consider is that the tour is quite packed, so if you prefer slow-paced days, this might feel a bit intense.

This tour is ideal for active travelers, nature lovers, and those eager to experience both the land and water of northern Vietnam. It’s perfect if you want a comprehensive day that combines adventure with cultural insights, all without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Diverse Activities: Combines trekking, cycling, kayaking, and cultural visits for a full day of exploration.
• Authentic Experiences: Meet local villagers, try fish massages, and enjoy homemade Vietnamese food.
• Stunning Scenery: Expect breathtaking views from peaks, peaceful lakes, and colorful floating villages.
• Value for Money: At $67, it includes transportation, guiding, entrance fees, and activities, making it a well-rounded option.
• Active Schedule: The itinerary is busy, so be prepared for a physically engaging day.
• Family-Friendly Aspects: Not suitable for very young children, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Morning Pickup and Initial Trekking

Your day begins early, with a pickup from your hotel in Cat Ba Town. The bus and guide will whisk you off towards Cat Ba National Park. The journey itself is scenic, giving you a glimpse of island life before plunging into the forested wilderness. Expect to arrive around 9:00 am, where the real adventure begins with a hike through primary forest.

The route takes you past three peaks — Ang Vat, May Bau, and Ang Phay — offering multiple vantage points for photos and bird-watching. We loved how the guide explained the significance of each spot, making the landscape feel alive with stories. The 2.5-hour trek through lush greenery and dense forest helps you appreciate the island’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

Frog Pond and the Largest Freshwater Lake

At around 11:30 am, you arrive at Frog Pond, the largest freshwater lake on the island. Here, hundreds of Va Nuoc trees grow directly on the water — a rare sight, exclusive to Cat Ba. The lake’s extensive network of about 400 islands and 130 beaches makes for a spectacular view, perfect for photography or just soaking in the scenery.

A short break here allows you to relax and take in the peaceful environment. Many visitors note that Frog Pond’s calm waters and floating trees create an almost surreal atmosphere, ideal for unwinding after the trek.

Cycle to Viet Hai Village

Post-lake, it’s a 4 km cycle ride to Viet Hai Village. The path is mostly downhill or flat, making it accessible even if you’re not a seasoned cyclist. The village, home to nearly 100 houses, offers a glimpse into rural life within the national park.

Once there, you’ll enjoy a home-cooked lunch in a local family’s house. The food is described as hearty, authentic Vietnamese fare, providing a real taste of local cuisine. After eating, you can explore the village on a bicycle or even try a fish massage in a cool stream — a quirky local tradition and a relaxing way to cool off.

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Exploring Lan Ha Bay by Kayak

In the early afternoon, the tour heads to Viet Hai harbor for a scenic 5 km cycle along a beautiful road, which many describe as one of the most picturesque parts of the trip. The highlight is arriving at the floating house where you’ll hop onto a kayak.

Paddling in Lan Ha Bay offers stunning views of limestone karsts rising from the water, with countless small islands and beaches dotting the landscape. Reviewers often mention how peaceful and scenic this part of the tour is, with some describing kayaking as the “best part” of the experience. You might see vibrant coral patches or spot local fishermen at work.

Visiting Cai Beo Floating Village

On the way back, the boat stops at Cai Beo Floating Village, Vietnam’s oldest floating village. This part of the tour gives you a glimpse into a unique way of life, with hundreds of houses floating on water. The scene is vibrant, lively, and offers excellent photo opportunities. The guide provides insights into the history and daily routines of residents, making it a meaningful visit.

Return to Cat Ba Town

The day wraps up with the boat returning to Cat Ba Town around 4:30 pm. En route, you’ll revisit Lan Ha Bay’s scenic beauty and reflect on a day packed with adventure and discovery. A final stop at the floating village seals the experience with a memorable glimpse of Vietnam’s water-bound communities.

Transport, Group Size, and Practicalities

Transportation is seamless, with hotel pickups included, so you won’t have to worry about logistics. The large bus ensures plenty of space, and the guide (who speaks fluent English) is friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive to safety. The tour’s duration is approximately 8 hours, making it an all-day affair but packed with diverse activities.

Group sizes tend to be moderate, which keeps the experience intimate yet lively. The inclusion of activities like cycling and kayaking means you’ll want to wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for outdoor activities. Many reviewers recommend bringing sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and a camera to capture the stunning vistas.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s price of $67 covers entrance fees, water, lunch, transportation, guide, and activities like the boat and cycling. Extras like beverages, personal souvenirs, or additional snacks are not included, so bring your own or plan to purchase during the day.

Authenticity and Value

What sets this tour apart is how it balances adventure and culture. Not only do you get to trek through untouched forests and paddle across scenic waters, but you also meet local villagers and learn about their way of life. The inclusion of a home-cooked lunch adds a genuine touch, often highlighted as a highlight by past travelers.

Reviewers mention that the fishing and fish massage experiences are memorable and fun, adding a splash of local tradition to the day. The overall value is high, especially because most activities are included, and the experience feels well curated for those wanting a comprehensive day in nature and culture.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for active travelers who enjoy outdoor pursuits like hiking, cycling, and kayaking. It’s ideal for those who want to see both natural beauty and local life without spending a fortune, thanks to its reasonable price point. However, it isn’t suitable for very young children, pregnant women, or travelers with mobility issues, given the physical activities involved.

Final Thoughts

This Cat Ba tour offers a perfect mix of adventure, scenery, and cultural insights. The varied activities—from trekking and cycling to kayaking and visiting floating villages—ensure you’ll experience the island in ways that few other tours offer. The stunning views of Frog Pond, Lan Ha Bay, and the surrounding landscapes make this a memorable day for nature lovers.

The price point is reasonable considering the inclusions, and the local guides bring genuine warmth and knowledge that enhance the experience. If you’re after an active, authentic, and scenic outing in northern Vietnam, this tour hits most marks.

For those who prioritize immersive experiences and breathtaking landscapes, this day out on Cat Ba is well worth considering.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from your hotel in Cat Ba Town and transportation to the national park are included, ensuring a hassle-free start to your day.

What should I wear for this tour?
Comfortable shoes suitable for hiking and cycling are recommended. Lightweight, breathable clothes, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent are also advisable.

Can children participate in this tour?
It’s not suitable for children under 10 years old, mainly due to the physical activities involved like hiking and kayaking.

Is food provided?
Yes, a hearty, home-cooked lunch is included, giving you a taste of local Vietnamese cuisine in Viet Hai Village.

What are the main highlights?
Expect stunning views from mountain peaks, tranquil Frog Pond, cycling through the village, kayaking in Lan Ha Bay, and visiting the oldest floating village.

Are there any restrictions?
Pregnant women, people with mobility issues, non-swimmers, and individuals with heart problems should consider their suitability, as activities can be physically demanding.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

This tour offers an excellent way to experience the diverse beauty of Cat Ba Island — combining adventure, culture, and natural splendor in one affordable package. Whether you’re seeking active pursuits or simply want to enjoy some of Vietnam’s most scenic spots, this day tour makes it happen.

You can check availability for your dates here: