3-Day Private Junk Cruise: Cat Ba Island & Lan Ha Bay Adventure
Spend three days exploring Lan Ha Bay from a private wooden junk—kayak through hidden lagoons, cycle into Viet Hai village, and sleep on-deck beneath limestone towers. Practical, authentic and paced for slow discovery.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring sea-sickness remedies
Calm seas can change; take pills or bands before boarding if you’re prone to motion sickness.
Pack a dry bag
A small dry bag will keep electronics and documents safe during kayaking and transfer trips.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Protect skin and coral—choose a biodegradable sunscreen and reapply frequently.
Carry small cash (VND)
Vendors and tips are often cash-only on islands and floating villages.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Paddle into Tra Bau’s narrow lagoons to find quiet limestone alcoves
- •Cycle the dirt tracks of Viet Hai village for shaded mangrove paths and local homestays
Wildlife
- •Cat Ba langur (very rare, sighting uncommon)
- •Sea eagles and estuarine herons around fishing nets
Conservation Note
Cat Ba and Lan Ha face pressures from tourism and development; follow leave-no-trace practices, avoid single-use plastics and support operators that manage waste responsibly.
The karst islands are part of the greater Ha Long geological region; local fishing communities have lived off these waters for generations and maintain floating village traditions.
What to Bring
Dry bag (10–20L)Essential
Protects phone, camera and clothing during kayak and shore transfers.
Reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Shorelines are shallow and exposure is high; protects you and the marine environment.
Light rain jacketEssential
Sudden tropical showers are common—stay dry during transfers and shore excursions.
Sturdy sandals or water shoesEssential
Useful for wet landings, rocky beaches and short village walks.
Common Questions
Do I need prior kayaking experience?
No—basic paddling is enough; guides give a short briefing and stick close to sheltered lagoons for most excursions.
Are meals included?
Yes—breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board are included, featuring Vietnamese dishes; let the operator know dietary needs in advance.
What about Wi‑Fi and power?
Wi‑Fi is limited; cabins usually have power for charging but bring a power bank for extended trips.
Can I join from Hanoi?
Yes—there’s an optional shuttle between Hanoi and Cat Ba; check pickup options when booking and allow 3.5–4 hours each way.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3 days (multi-day)
Location
Cat Ba, Hai Phong
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness—able to paddle for short periods, walk village paths, and board small boats.
Ready to Explore Cat Ba?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
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