Halong Bay – Cat Ba Island 3 Days 2 Nights
HIGHTLIGHTS
Travel Style: Classic Tours, Halong Bay Cruise
Trip length: 3 days
This 3-day Halong Bay & Cat Ba Island tour is the perfect blend of cruising, adventure, and relaxation. Spend your first night onboard a traditional yet comfortable cruise, drifting among the legendary limestone peaks of Lan Ha Bay, a quieter extension of Halong Bay.
Kayak through hidden lagoons and caves, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy authentic Vietnamese meals on deck. On day two, cycle into the lush Viet Hai village, set deep inside Cat Ba National Park, and stay overnight on Cat Ba Island where you’ll discover local life and stunning beaches. With highlights from kayaking to cooking classes, squid fishing to trekking, this journey is ideal for travelers looking for both discovery and downtime in Vietnam’s most iconic seascape.
- 1 night onboard a Lan Ha Bay cruise + 1 night in a Cat Ba Island hotel.
- Kayaking through Dark & Bright caves, swimming, and diving.
- Cycle into Viet Hai fishing village inside Cat Ba National Park.
- Explore Ngu Lam Peak and Trung Trang Cave.
- Enjoy fresh seafood meals and join a Vietnamese cooking class.
- Relax on the beaches of Cat Ba Island before returning to Hanoi.
ITINERARY
Day 1. Hanoi - Lan Ha Bay Cruise (L, D)
07:00-7:30: Pick-up at hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter by shuttle bus departing to Cat Ba island (via the ferry) with stopovers for refreshing en route.
12:00: Arrive Beo Harbor in Cat Ba island, transfer by tender to Sunlight Cruise, and enjoy welcome drinks, receive cruise briefing, safety instructions then check in to your cabin.
13:00: A special lunch in Vietnamese cuisine of fresh seafood and an assortment of appetizing favorites are served while sailing through these islands.
14:30: The cruise sails through Lan Ha Bay and completes its entry through the Cua Van area. The area is surrounded by extraordinary karst landscapes. Explore bay by your own kayaking through Dark & Bright caves.
16:30: Enjoy Swimming in a nearby area, you can join jumping or diving from the top of the boat into water.
18:00: Come back to cruise later to enjoy cooking class with fresh spring roll.
19:00: Dinner is served in the restaurant. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff.
After dinner you can do squid fishing or singing karaoke.
20:00-21:00: “Happy hour” – free fresh local beer drinks on Sundeck with group. Overnight on board
Day 2. Viet Hai village - Cat Ba National Park (B, L, D)
06:00: Waking up enjoying beautiful moments when a blazing sunrise breaks the clouds of the island on the bay (accept winter time have no sunrise).
07:00: Your breakfast will be ready in quite a bay.
08:00: Start riding bicycle 5 km to Viet Hai Village, Viet Hai is a small village in the midst of jungles, covered by high mountains range of the Cat Ba National Park.
09:30: Riding back to our boat have shower then before checking out.
11:00: A special lunch in Vietnamese cuisine of fresh seafood and an assortment of appetizing favorites are served while sailing through these islands
12:00: Disembark to Beo Harbor. Then drive to Cat Ba Town for check in hotel. Free time explore Catba Town.
*14:00: Our local tour guide will take you to visit Cat Ba National Park (by motorbike/car depending how big the group will be) which is a tourist attraction to millions of domestic and oversea visitors. Its chance to take nice photo on top view of Ngu Lam Peak.
Keep moving to visit Trung Trang cave which has an ecosystem in mysterious darkness, home to many species of creatures such as bats, birds, insects and reptiles. The lighting system is very limited to preserve the characteristics of the ecological environment in the cave.
*NOTE: this part of the schedule can be moved to the following day instead.
19:00: Dinner is served in the restaurant, overnight in hotel
Day 3. Cat Ba Island - Hanoi (B, L)
06:00: Waking up enjoying beautiful moments when a blazing sunrise breaks the clouds of the island on the bay (accept wintertime has no sunrise)
Free relaxing at the stunning beach of Cat Ba island.
11:00: Have Lunch in a restaurant, then check out your hotel.
12:00: Get on the bus coming back to Hanoi, say goodbye Lan ha Bay – Cat Ba Island.
16:30: Back to Hanoi. Drop you back at your hotel.
GROUP TOUR (Seat-in-Coach)
The price is USD/person, quoted for a package tour/room/tickets..| Tour Package | Price |
|---|---|
| Sunlight Cruise & 3-star hotel in Cat Ba | $180 |
| Sunlight Cruise & 4-star hotel in Cat Ba | $206 |
INQUIRY
Other information
What to Expect
- Comfortable overnight cruise & hotel stay combination.
- Varied activities: kayaking, cycling, trekking, swimming, squid fishing.
- Blend of relaxation (beach time, sunsets) and adventure (caves, national park).
- Opportunities for cultural immersion in Viet Hai village.
- Perfect for couples, families, and small groups wanting a balance of comfort and exploration.
- Activities may be swapped due to weather/sea conditions.
- Best season: March–May & September–November for clear skies and calm seas.
Tour Includes
- Shuttle bus transfer Hanoi – Cat Ba island – Hanoi
- Full furnished en-suite cabin with A/C, hot water on junk
- 1 night at bungalow/hotel in Cat Ba island (Twin shared basic)
- English speaking guide
- Welcome drink,
- Full board meals and some local wine, fresh fruit on board in the afternoon.
- Kayaking, cooking demonstration, activities on board
- Entrance and sightseeing fees
- On board insurance
Tour Excludes
- Beverages
- Personal expenses
- Tips and other personal expenses
- All services and items not mentioned specifically in the list above