2-Day Scenic Cat Ba Island Tour : Lan Ha Bay Cruise & National Park Trek
Overview
Trip Highlights
Overview of 2-Day Hanoi – Cat Ba Island Tour. Overnight in Cat Ba town.
Escape the busy tourist trails and discover the natural beauty of Cat Ba Island, the largest island in Halong Bay and one of Northern Vietnam’s most captivating destinations. This 2 day Cat Ba Island Tour from Hanoi combines the stunning seascapes of Lan Ha Bay with the lush tropical landscapes of Cat Ba National Park, offering the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and authentic local experiences.
Unlike traditional overnight cruises, this Cat Ba tour allows travelers to stay comfortably in Cat Ba town while still enjoying a memorable Lan Ha Bay day cruise filled with exciting activities. Cruise through emerald waters surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts, kayak into hidden lagoons, swim at peaceful beaches, and soak in the untouched beauty of Lan Ha Bay – often considered a quieter and more pristine alternative to Halong Bay.
The journey also includes an easy yet rewarding Cat Ba National Park hiking experience through the Kim Giao forest to Ngu Lam Peak, where panoramic views over the island’s lush mountains await. Combined with delicious local seafood, scenic coastal landscapes, and diverse outdoor activities, this 2 day Cat Ba Island tour is an ideal getaway for nature lovers and active travelers seeking a more authentic side of Halong Bay.

Scenic Lan Ha bay
Special Highlights of 2 Day Cat Ba Island Trip.
- Escape the crowds and retreat to the serene Cat Ba Island, the largest and less touristic island in Halong Bay.
- Immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty and breathtaking landscapes of Lan Ha Bay, renowned for its striking limestone islands rising from the emerald waters.
- Enjoy thrilling activities like kayaking around the islands, exploring hidden caves, or swimming at secluded beaches.
- Take part in an easy trek through the Kim Giao rainforest and conquer Ngu Lam Peak, located in the heart of Cat Ba National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
- Stay overnight in Cat Ba town and enjoy its charming coastal atmosphere, seafood restaurants, and lively waterfront.
- Savor fresh local seafood and authentic Vietnamese cuisine throughout your Cat Ba Island tour.
Itinerary
07:30 AM – 8:00 AM : pick up at your hotel & transfer to Cat Ba island.You will fast reach Got pier after 1,5 hour on a new highway of Hanoi – Hai Phong city.
11:30 AM, arrive in Cat Ba island, have a lunch, then check-in the hotel room.
In the afternoon, transfer to Cat Ba national park , which was recognised as the world’s biosphere reserve.You will have two – hour trek in Cat Ba tropical forest & conquer Ngu Lam peak for a great panoramic view of Cat Ba island & its bay.

17:00 PM , back to Cat Ba town and spend the rest of your day relaxing in hotel or exploring Cat Ba town.
Dinner on your own account and overnight in hotel.
7:30 AM, after breakfast at the hotel, you check out the room and be ready for the pick-up and transfer to Beo harbour for a day cruise to explore Lan Ha bay.
8:00 AM, check-in boat and start cruising through Cai Beo fishing village– the largest and the most traditional fishing village in Cat Ba island, passing Monkey Island (we do not stop at Monkey Island). Then the boat reaches the heart of Lan Ha Bay with thousands of unique shaped karst towels and emerald water.

Lan Ha bay
9.30 AM, stop at Di San Floating House to visit the family fish farm to see the local’s life, take a photo of the huge “Happy fish”.Afterward, the boat continues cruising to the magnificent landscapes before parking at Dau Be Island. Then, discovering the bay on your own way with a double-sharing kayak at Ba Ham Lake, you will explore the beauty of nature in the hidden lagoon with lots of stalactites hanging down from the cave’s ceiling, which creates strange shapes and sizes. This option depends on the tide level of the bay (just in case, the tide is too high we will do the 2nd option: cruising through Cua Van Floating Village, passing Rang Dua Island, Frog Island,…then go kayaking through Dark Cave, Bright Cave)
12.30 PM , lunch with seafood and traditional Vietnamese food will be served while the boat keeps cruising. After lunch, our captain will choose the best area to anchor. You will have time to relax then take part in interesting activities: jumping from the top of the boat or swimming in Ba Trai Dao Beach.
14.30 PM: Start cruising back to Cai Beo harbor
15.45 PM. Disembark the cruise & say good bye to our crews.
16:00 PM : The van pick us up and transfer to the meeting point where we get the shuttle bus back to Hanoi by bus & speedboat
19:30 PM, our bus drop you at our office at your hotel around Hanoi Old Quarter.The end of 2 day Cat Ba island tour when you are at the doorsteps of your hotel.
The Trip’s Inclusions :
- Shuttle bus transfer & speed boat transportation Hanoi- Catba island- Hanoi.
- Professional & experienced tourguide following the travel program.
- Entrance sightseeing fees to the places mentioned in the itinerary.
- Cruise to visit Lan Ha bay with kayaking,
- Hotel room in twin/double shared on basis,
- Meals as stated in the travel itinerary (B- breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)
The Trip’s Exclusions :
- Tips to any good services.
- Drinks & personal expences.
- Online payment fees.
- Single room.
- Hotel room in Hanoi.
Frequently Asked Questions
This comprehensive 2-day tour includes all essential logistics for a hassle-free trip: round-trip shuttle bus and speedboat transfers between Hanoi and Cat Ba Island, an English-speaking tour guide, a hotel room in Cat Ba town, entrance and sightseeing fees, specified meals (2 lunches, 1 breakfast), a guided trek in Cat Ba National Park, and a full Lan Ha Bay day cruise featuring double-sharing kayaking and swimming.
The trek to Ngu Lam Peak is a rewarding, moderate 2-hour hike through the protected Kim Giao tropical rainforest. While it requires a basic level of physical fitness due to some steep forested steps and uneven terrain, it is widely considered an accessible and family-friendly eco-adventure. Conquering the summit offers an unrivaled panoramic view over the island’s dramatic limestone karst topography.
The Lan Ha Bay day cruise focuses on active exploration and scenic landscapes. Key activities include cruising past the historic Cai Beo Floating Fishing Village, double-sharing kayaking through hidden lagoons and cave ceilings (such as Ba Ham Lake or the Dark and Bright Caves depending on tide levels), swimming or jumping from the boat deck at the pristine Ba Trai Dao beaches, and savoring a traditional Vietnamese seafood lunch onboard.
Lan Ha Bay is geographically an extension of Halong Bay but remains significantly less crowded and more pristine. It boasts thousands of spectacular limestone karst towers rising directly out of exceptionally clean, emerald-green waters. Choosing a Cat Ba island-based tour allows you to mix dense rainforest trekking with a calmer, less commercialized bay cruise while enjoying the vibrant coastal town nightlife.
Travelers enjoy an efficient, multi-modal transport system. The journey begins with a comfortable 1.5-hour shuttle bus ride from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels via the modern Hanoi – Hai Phong highway to Got Pier. From there, a fast speedboat transfers you to Cat Ba Island, followed by a short local van ride straight to your hotel in Cat Ba town—minimizing waiting times and avoiding long ferry queues.
Because this tour blends dense rainforest hiking with marine water sports, you should pack:
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Footwear: Sturdy running or hiking shoes with good grip for the Ngu Lam Peak trek, plus flip-flops/sandals for the boat.
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Clothing: Quick-dry athletic wear for the jungle hike and swimwear/a change of clothes for kayaking.
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Sun & Insect Protection: Biodegradable sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, and high-strength insect repellent for the national park.
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Documents: A passport valid for at least 6 months to comply with local hotel and boat registration regulations.
Good to Know
Before travelling to Vietnam, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has at least two blank pages for immigration stamps and visa purposes.
Citizens from several countries, including France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, can currently enter Vietnam visa-free for stays of up to 45 days. Visa policies may change from time to time depending on nationality and travel regulations.
If you intend to stay longer than the visa exemption period, or if your nationality is not included in the visa-free list, you can apply for an e-visa online.You are also welcome to contact our team for updated visa information and travel assistance before your trip to Vietnam.
Travel insurance is not included in our tour package; however, valid travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining the tour. Your policy should provide adequate coverage for:
- Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Trip cancellation, delays, or interruptions
- All activities included in your itinerary, including outdoor and adventure excursions
We also recommend checking whether your credit card offers travel insurance coverage and purchasing additional protection if needed to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout your journey.
The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While some hotels and tourist-oriented businesses may accept US dollars or euros, payments are generally preferred in local currency.
Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and larger establishments, especially in major cities and tourist destinations. However, cash is still widely used for local markets, small shops, and rural areas.
ATMs are easy to find throughout Vietnam, particularly in cities and popular travel destinations. Currency exchange services are available at international airports, banks, hotels, and licensed exchange counters.
Also, please make sure your banknotes are clean and undamaged, as torn, heavily worn, or marked foreign bills may not be accepted for exchange or payment in Vietnam.
Vietnam is a year-round destination, offering diverse weather patterns across its different regions. In general, spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are considered the most comfortable times to visit, thanks to pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and less rainfall.
As Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, the climate can vary greatly depending on where you travel:
- Northern Vietnam: Experiences four distinct seasons, with cool and sometimes chilly winters (December to February) and hot, humid summers (May to August).
- Central Vietnam: Usually enjoys warm weather, though the rainy season typically occurs between September and November.
- Southern Vietnam: Has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year, alongside occasional tropical showers during the rainy season from May to October.
We recommend packing light, comfortable clothing as well as seasonal items suited to the regions included in your itinerary.
International flights are not included in our tour prices, giving you the flexibility to choose the airline and flight schedule that best suit your travel plans and budget. If needed, our travel consultants are happy to assist you in finding the most convenient and competitive flight options.
For international departures, we highly recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight to allow enough time for check-in, immigration procedures, and any unexpected delays or issues that may arise.
If your itinerary includes domestic flights within Vietnam, all flight schedules, airline information, and booking details will be included in your final travel documents before departure.
For a smooth journey, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your flight. Please make sure to carry your passport along with your e-ticket or booking reference.
Baggage Allowance: Checked baggage allowance typically ranges from 20kg to 23kg depending on the airline and ticket class, while cabin baggage is generally limited to 7kg per passenger.
Important Notice: Extra baggage fees may apply for your overweight or oversized luggage. We strongly recommend reviewing the baggage policies of your airline in advance, such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, or Bamboo Airways.
Please note that domestic flight schedules may occasionally change due to airline operations or weather conditions. Should there be any updates, our team will inform you as soon as possible.
If your journey includes a connecting domestic flight within Vietnam, please keep the following information in mind upon arrival:
- Collect your checked luggage after landing.
- Complete immigration and customs procedures.
- Proceed to the domestic terminal for your onward flight. At some airports, this may involve a short walk or shuttle transfer between terminals.
- Airport staff are usually available to assist passengers, so feel free to ask for directions or support if needed.
Recommended connection time: at least 2 hours 30 minutes
This allows enough time for immigration clearance, baggage collection, customs procedures, terminal transfers, and possible flight delays.
Practical Tip: At major airports such as Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, international and domestic terminals may be located in separate buildings. Please follow airport signage carefully and allow sufficient transfer time.

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2-Day Scenic Cat Ba Island Tour : Lan Ha Bay Cruise & National Park Trek