2-Day Cat Ba Island Adventure: A Journey with My Friend and Our Sons
2-Day Cat Ba Island Exploration: A Test of Endurance and Perseverance for Two Seventh Graders!
Taking advantage of the year-end holiday in 2024 (Tet break in 2025), I called my old university friend in Ha Long city to plan a thrilling Cat Ba Island Tour 2 Days for our two sons. The goal was to test their endurance and perseverance while trekking through Cat Ba National Park and exploring the island’s hidden gems to observe their strenths & weaknesses !
After our initial discussions, we ( fathers & sons) all agreed to take on the challenge and set a meeting point in Cat Ba national park for our 2 day/ 1night journey.
Rather than taking the Hanoi–Cat Ba bus, my family side decided to drive my private car directly from Hanoi to Cat Ba island via the Dong Bai ferry on January 26, 2025, to maintain flexibility in our adventure. My friend side (himself & his son) took a motorbike via Tuan Chau island’s ferry from Halong city to Gia Luan harbor (Cat Ba island) fastly reach the meeting point ( Cat Ba national park) after two hour journey
Day 1: Hanoi – Cat Ba island Adventure, Trekking to conquer Ngu Lam Summit, visit Trung Trang cave, Cannon Fort & Stolen Beach. Overnight in Cat Ba town
As our appointment, two families met at the entrance of Cat Ba National Park and started the boys’ challenge— hiking to conquer Ngu Lam Peak through Kim Giao forest. Both were thrilled to enjoy a picnic lunch in the jungle, learning about flora, mountains, and engaging in short English conversations with foreign travelers along the way. Ultimately, they successfully reached the Ngu Lam Summit, admiring the panoramic view of Cat Ba National Park & distant Lan Ha bay after nearly three hours of trekking up and down steep rock steps.
After a short drive from Cat Ba national park’s entrance, we continued the journey to explore Trung Trang Cave, one of the biggest one in Cat Ba islands. We were happy to share the boys about the cave’s geological formation, together with its numerous stalagmites & stalagtites so they could enlarge this practical knowledge.
For the best sunset moment over Lan Ha bay, we hurriedly drove into to Cat Ba town, heading directly to Cannon Fort, an old French-built fortress, where we climbed further to take in breathtaking sunset views of Lan Ha bay and Cat Ba Town—one of the lesser-known scenic spots in Cat Ba.
Descending from Cannon Fort, we encountered a group of foreign travelers using Google Maps to find “Stolen Beach“—a place I had never heard of despite my numerous visits to Cat Ba. Curiously, we joined them, trekking down rugged mountain trails blocked by fallen trees from recent Typhoon Yagi. We kept going and finally spotted Stolen Beach, though we couldn’t reach it due to landslides blocking the path. As dusk approached, we retraced our steps and returned to Cat Ba Town to find a hotel for the night—marking the end of the first challenging day of Cat Ba Island Adventure for our two boys.
Day 2: Cat Ba Island Exploration with a Coastal Walk Between Cat Co 1- Cat Co 2 Beaches & Unexpected Challenges. Overnight in Cat Ba town
On January 27, my friend had to depart early home, so I continued the exploration with the boys. We did a stunning coastal walk between Cat Co 1 and Cat Co 2 beaches, a hidden path that remains unknown to many tourists visiting Cat Ba. Despite the chilly, windy morning following an overnight rain, the breathtaking views of Lan Ha Bay made the trek worthwhile. If the weather was warm, we would definitely have a nice swim on one of those pristine beaches.
After a wonderful morning walk, we returned to the hotel at 9 AM & badly received news that the Dong Bai ferry might be suspended due to rough seas. Hoping for a change in weather conditions, we checked out and drove 18km to the ferry terminal, only to find a long queue of vehicles stranded patiently. The boys endured six hours of waiting in freezing weather, huddled in the car with empty stomachs, surviving on two boiled eggs bought at the ferry’s shops. During this time, they learned valuable lessons in patience and perseverance, listening to historical stories about Uncle Ho through videos and my own storytelling. With no ferry service, we had no choice but drove back to Cat Ba town for an extra night.Though unplanned, this allowed the boys to bond even more. Finally, on January 28, the weather cleared, ferry services resumed, and we made it home just in time to celebrate Tet.
Conclusion: A Journey of Growth & Future Adventures
This may have been a small adventure, but it laid the foundation for even greater challenges ahead. Next time, the journey will be even tougher—perhaps by bus and motorbike, with longer treks and overnight stays in remote villages, experiencing homestays with whatever food is available. Possiblly in Sapa or Hoang Su Phi with more trekking adventures !
What do you think, Dad Dam Huy Long? Ready for the next challenge?
Travel Tips to Plan Your Own Cat Ba Island Adventure?
- Best time to visit: Between October and May is ideal time with dry weather for trekking adventure & beautiful landscapes. However, check for the weather forcast in advance to avoid any weather problem like us – mentioned in the blog.
- What to pack: Comfortable trekking shoes, light clothing, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the breathtaking scenery.
- Who should go? : Nature lovers, adventure seekers, families, and travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.
- More experiences to take if you have longer time in Cat Ba island : long trek past Frog lake to Viet Hai fishing village & conquer Hai Quan Summit, 4- 8 hour cruises to explore Lan Ha bay, monkey island, floating fishing villages & beaches with kayaking & swimming, and a must-visit place of Hospital Cave – used during Vietnam war to treat wounded solders.
- You can read more about Cat Ba with Top 10 Things to do when travelling to Cat Ba island
If you’re planning a trip to Hanoi, don’t miss out on a Cat Ba Island Tour 2 Days! This adventure-packed journey offers the perfect mix of nature, trekking, and history, making it a must-visit destination in northern Vietnam.
For local travel support, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp at +84.988451530 or email info@goldenholidaytravelcom for expert advice and a customized travel plan to explore the best of Cat Ba island
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Cat Ba Island offers a perfect balance of adventure and safety for families. From exploring the gentle hiking trails of Cat Ba National Park to kayaking in the calm, turquoise waters of Lan Ha Bay, there are plenty of activities to keep children engaged. The island’s relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to stay overnight on a cruise make it a memorable educational and bonding experience for both parents and kids
A well-rounded 2-day trip typically starts with a scenic drive and ferry crossing from the mainland. On day one, explore the lush greenery of Cat Ba National Park or visit the historic Hospital Cave. Spend your second day on a boat cruise through Lan Ha Bay, where you can enjoy kayaking, swimming at secluded beaches like Ba Trai Dao, and visiting the ancient Viet Hai fishing village
The most seamless way to travel is by booking a private car service from Hanoi to Cat Ba with Golden Holiday Travel. This option provides door-to-door service, allowing you to avoid the hassle of public buses. Your driver will coordinate with the ferry or speedboat schedules at Got Harbor or Tuan Chau, ensuring a smooth transition to the island without the stress of navigating local transport
While both bays offer stunning limestone karsts, Lan Ha Bay is often preferred by those seeking a quieter, more pristine environment. It features more small, natural sandy beaches and fewer tourist boats. A cruise through Lan Ha Bay allows for a more intimate connection with nature, including visits to floating fish farms and paddling through hidden sea caves in a kayak.
Cat Ba is an adventure hub. Beyond the water, you can trek to the Ngu Lam Peak for a panoramic view of the island’s jungle-clad hills. For those interested in history and views, the Cannon Fort offers a glimpse into the past alongside a stunning sunset vista. Cycling to Viet Hai Village, located deep within the National Park, is another fantastic way to see the island’s rural landscapes
As a licensed tour operator in Vietnam, Golden Holiday Travel specializes in creating personalized itineraries that cater to groups and families. We prioritize local expertise and reliable logistics—from private transport to hand-picked cruises – ensuring your journey is safe, authentic, and tailored to your specific interests, whether you are traveling with friends, colleagues, or children
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