Kayaking Cat Ba 2025: Amazing experience exploring Lan Ha Bay

1. Lan Ha Bay - The kayak paradise that stirs the heart

Nestled gently in the southeast of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay appears like a vivid ink wash painting with 400 large and small limestone islands. Completely different from the hustle and bustle of Ha Long Bay, this place still retains its pristine charm, which amazes tourists upon their first arrival.

Cat Ba Lan Ha Bay Kayaking Paradise (Source: Collected photos)

Each paddle stroke glides you past smooth white sandy beaches, weaving through towering cliffs like silent giants.

What makes Lan Ha Bay special are the private havens enclosed by soaring cliffs. Only compact kayaks can explore these "hidden gems," bringing the feeling as if you own an entire miniature world.

2. Top 6 Captivating Kayaking Spots in Cat Ba

2.1. Ba Trai Dao Island - Where Nature Displays Its Exquisite Beauty

About 15km from Cat Ba town, Ba Trai Dao Island welcomes visitors with the enchanting beauty of three small islands curving like ripe peaches. When kayaking to Cat Ba here, you will feel absolute tranquility amidst the jade-green waters.

Kayaking Cat Ba at Ba Trai Dao Island (Source: Collected photos)

Fine white sandy beaches like powder, pleasing to the eye under the golden sun, the seawater is so clear you can see the bottom. You can stop your boat, immerse yourself in the cool water, and feel the sea salt penetrate your skin.

2.2. Cai Beo Fishing Village - Discover the simple life of fishermen

Only 5km from Cat Ba town, Cai Beo fishing village - one of the oldest floating fishing villages in Vietnam - appears like a vivid folk painting.

Cat Ba kayaking experience around Cai Beo village (Source: Collected photos)

What warms the hearts of tourists is the friendliness of the local people. Many fishing families are willing to share stories about their lives catching seafood and invite you to enjoy fresh seafood dishes prepared by themselves.

2.3. Viet Hai Fishing Village - A peaceful place that brings tranquility to the soul

Nestled amidst the green valley of Cat Ba National Park, Viet Hai fishing village is like a peaceful oasis separated from the noisy world. The Cat Ba kayaking journey here is a series of poetic emotions, taking you across clear blue waters and fascinating limestone islands.

Viet Hai welcomes visitors with the rustic beauty of traditional wooden houses, lush vegetable gardens, and simple, heartfelt meals. Every step on the red dirt path makes one love the simple life here even more.

2.4. Ba Ham Lake - An adventure in a mysterious world

Ba Ham Lake is like a secret carefully hidden by nature in the heart of Ha Long Bay. Three saltwater lakes connected through winding limestone caves create a fairy-tale-like space that touches the heart.

Kayaking Cat Ba through the rock arch of Ba Ham Lake (Source: Collected photos)

When kayaking Cat Ba through a low, narrow cave entrance, you enter a world of absolute tranquility. Only the sound of paddles disturbing the water and sparkling light shining through the rock arch remain, creating an unbelievably magical scene.

However, to ensure safety, you should go with a local guide who understands every hidden path within the caves.

2.4. Sang Toi Cave - A journey through the time gate

Located in the southeast of Cat Ba Island, Sang Toi Cave is renowned as one of the most beautiful caves in Lan Ha Bay. What makes this place special is the magical change in light when kayaking Cat Ba from the dark interior of the cave to the bright exterior.

Inside the cave, stalactites in various strange shapes, sculpted by nature over millions of years, leave visitors in awe. The moment of transition from the dark space to the brilliant light of the bay creates a feeling as if you are exploring another dimension.

2.5. Ang Tham - A hidden gem amidst the bay

Ang Tham is likened to a precious gem hidden deep within the bay, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. To reach this place, visitors must kayak Cat Ba through a narrow rock tunnel when the tide recedes - a thrilling experience.

Inside the lagoon, the water surface is like a giant mirror reflecting the blue sky and the serene cliffs. Beneath the clear water, vibrant coral reefs and schools of small fish darting about create a mesmerizing snorkeling experience amidst a rare, pristine landscape.

2.6. Kayak Rental Costs in Cat Ba - A Worthwhile Investment for an Amazing Experience

Self-guided Kayak Rental Prices

Amidst the turquoise waters of Lan Ha Bay, kayaking Cat Ba is a journey that brings you closer to pristine nature. Rental prices here are quite flexible, suiting various budgets:

Single Kayak:

• 2 hours: 150,000 – 200,000 VND

• Full day: 300,000 – 350,000 VND

Double Kayak:

• 2 hours: 200,000 – 250,000 VND

• Full day: 400,000 – 500,000 VND

At picturesque beaches like Cat Co 1, 2, 3 or around the town center, you can easily find kayak rental spots at affordable prices. Notably, many places also offer free basic guidance, helping first-time paddlers gain confidence on the water.

Some reputable rental locations:

• Cat Ba Kayak Rental in Cat Ba town

• Lan Ha Bay Kayak Station near Beo Pier

• Rental services in the Cat Co 1, 2, 3 beach area

2.7. All-inclusive Cat Ba Kayaking Tours

Cat Ba Kayaking - A Popular Experience (Source: Collected photos)

All-inclusive Cat Ba kayaking tours are thoughtfully designed with experienced guides, complete safety equipment, and quality dining services:

Half-day tour (4–5 hours): 450,000 – 650,000 VND/person

Full-day tour (7–8 hours): 750,000 – 950,000 VND/person

Overnight cruise tour: 1,200,000 – 1,650,000 VND/person

For premium tours, the itinerary is elevated with quality meals, private transportation services, and excellent snorkeling experiences. Especially, groups of 5 or more people will receive a 15-30% discount.

3. The Golden Time to Kayak in Cat Ba

3.1. The Most Beautiful Season of the Year

Cat Ba is beautiful year-round, but the period from April to October is the most ideal season to immerse yourself in the turquoise waters of Lan Ha Bay. During this time, the weather is stable with many sunny days, calm seas, and good visibility.

Especially, May and September are favored by many nature lovers due to the mild climate around 25-30°C, creating ideal conditions for Cat Ba kayaking.

3.2. The Golden Time of the Day

Early morning (6-9 AM): The water surface is as calm as a mirror, reflecting the clear sky and the simple life of fishermen.

Late afternoon (3 PM - 5:30 PM): Sunset paints the entire bay purple, creating a picturesque and romantic scene.

Some tours also combine the magical bioluminescence phenomenon, making every paddle stroke illuminate the water - an unforgettable Cat Ba kayaking experience.

4. Preparation Tips for a Perfect Adventure

4.1. Essential Items to Bring

To make your Cat Ba kayaking trip complete and safe, prepare the following items:

Body Protection:

• Wide-brimmed hat, cap, UV-blocking sunglasses

• Sun-protective clothing or rashguard

• High SPF sunscreen

Protecting Your Belongings:

• Waterproof bag for phone and camera

• Power bank (outdoor activities consume battery quickly)

Other Utilities:

• Dry towel, sandals or water shoes

• A change of clothes for after the trip

4.2. Basic Skills to Master

Basic skills needed when kayaking Cat Ba (Source: Collected photos)

Before letting yourself go with the rhythm of the waves, equip yourself with basic skills to make your Cat Ba kayaking journey safer:

How to hold the paddle: Hands are spaced appropriately, keep your back straight, relax your shoulders. The paddle blade should be perpendicular to the water surface to create effective propulsion.

Basic paddling techniques:

• Forward: Pull the paddle from the bow towards the stern

• Backward: Push the paddle from the stern forward

• Turn: Concentrate paddling on one side to change direction

Handling emergencies: Stay calm when the kayak capsizes, hold onto the boat and call for help. If trained in the "eskimo roll" technique, you can right the kayak yourself.

4.3. Important safety notes

Safety is always the top priority when kayaking Cat Ba:

Safety equipment:

• Always wear a life jacket throughout the journey

• Check equipment condition before use

• Bring a rescue whistle

Planning:

• Inform relatives of your itinerary

• Kayak in groups of at least 2 people

• Do not go too far from the permitted area

Monitor the weather:

• Pay attention to weather and tide forecasts

• Do not kayak when there is a bad weather warning

• Quickly return to shore when you see unusual signs

5. Top 3 Cat Ba kayaking tours that captivate tourists

5.1. Kayaking tour to see bioluminescence - Dinner on Lan Ha Bay

The sunset adventure begins at 4 PM, taking you on a Cat Ba kayaking journey for 1-1.5 hours exploring every hidden corner of the tranquil bay.

As dusk falls, the entire bay glows with shimmering beauty. At night, the magical bioluminescence phenomenon causes every paddle stroke to light up the water like stars, bringing a feeling of being lost in a fairy tale world.

The journey concludes with a fresh seafood dinner on the boat, stargazing, and enjoying the tranquility of the night sea. Price: 650,000 - 850,000 VND/person.

5.2. Lan Ha Bay - Nam Cat Island Tour - 1-day kayaking

The Cat Ba kayaking tour from 8 AM to 5 PM is an ideal journey for nature lovers. The highlight is Nam Cat Island - a pristine island separate from the crowds of tourists.

Visitors will have 2-3 hours of Cat Ba kayaking weaving through small caves, limestone karsts, and beautiful calm waters. Price: 450,000 - 550,000 VND including lunch, kayak, and a professional guide.

5.3. Tour to explore Sang Toi Cave - Cai Beo Fishing Village

The tour combines Cat Ba kayaking and local cultural exploration for 4-5 hours. Starting from Cai Beo Fishing Village, visitors kayak for 45 minutes to Sang Toi Cave - one of the most beautiful caves in Lan Ha Bay.

Cat Ba Kayaking at Sang Toi Cave - Cai Beo Fishing Village (Source: Collected Photos)

After exploring the unique cave structure with strange stalactites, the journey continues to small islands for swimming and snorkeling. The final highlight is visiting Cai Beo fishing village, learning about the fishermen's lives, and enjoying fresh seafood.

Price: 350,000 - 450,000 VND/person, suitable for tourists with limited time.

Besides the exciting Cat Ba Kayaking experience, coming to Cat Ba this summer, visitors can also immerse themselves in a vibrant festival atmosphere. Don't miss the spectacular jetski show combined with fireworks, Symphony of the Green Island – Green Island Symphony, which has set 2 Guinness World Records.

The bustling Vui Fest Market with hundreds of food and souvenir stalls, and the new Cat Ba (Lady Beach) will surely be an ideal stop for a memorable summer journey.

Conclusion

Cat Ba Kayaking is not just an ordinary tourist experience but also a journey of self-discovery amidst the pristine beauty of Lan Ha Bay. From mysterious caves to peaceful fishing villages, each paddle stroke leaves a deep impression on the hearts of tourists.

Plan your trip during the best season, prepare thoroughly, and ensure safety to fully enjoy the paradise island of Cat Ba in 2025. The wonderful memories from the Cat Ba Kayaking journey will surely stay with you for a lifetime and make you long to return to this fairy-tale land.