Detailed program for kayaking and trekking tour in Halong Bay

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You will find this tour a great combination of kayaking and trekking. Kayaking in the wonderland of karst topography with 3,000 limestone islets and trekking through the national park with great view of Halong Bay from mountains’ summits. We will paddle amongst islets, visit hidden caves, lagoons, unspoiled beaches, floating fishing village and talk with local fish-man. On Cat Ba Island we will trek through jungle and have a chance to see the panorama of Halong Bay from one of the mountain summits we would conquer during the trek. Before heading back to Hanoi via Hai Phong we would have a half day to relax on the beach of Cat Ba.

Highlights

Amazing limestone formations
Inclusive junk for overnight
Great trek in jungle

Day 1: Cruise Halong Bay

Leave Hanoi for Halong Bay at 8.00am. On the way we will have a short break for refreshment at a handicraft centre. Upon arrival in Halong City we board a junk for a fine seafood lunch and an amazing cruise on the bay. We will visit to a cave before cruising through an amazing area of limestone islets. We will pass a floating village to reach a beautiful cove where we anchor for the night. Dinner and overnight on the junk.

Summary:
Transfer Hanoi – Halong:  3.5 hrs
Transportation:   AC vehicle, Boat
Activities:    Cruising
Meals:     Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:   Twin shared cabin

Day 2: Kayaking Halong Bay

After breakfast we kayak to Luon Cave and Trong Cave, the exploration of these cave takes us the morning. After lunch on the support boat we paddle to Van Chai Floating village, the biggest comunity of fishmen in Halong Bay. Wre will visit to the village school and local family before we continue paddling to Dark Cave. Tide permitting, we explore this amazing cave by kayak. The cave is a 200m long, dark tunnel thrusting through a limestone mountain. The tunnel is the only entry to a secluded and beautiful lagoon. Lunch on support boat in front of the cave. Cruise back to mother boat for dinner and overnight.

Summary:
Kayaking:   5 hr – moderate grade
Transportation: Boat, Kayak
Meals:    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:  Twin shared cabin

Day 3: Kayaking and transfer to Cat Ba Island

Breakfast on boat. Transferred by support boat to Ho Ba Ham, a deep grotto with three inland “lakes”. The grotto is accessible only at low tide by kayak. There are beautiful beaches around, where we could stop for swimming. Lunch in Ho Ba Ham area. In the afternoon if time and weather permits we can paddle in Lan Ha Bay and paddle to Cat Ba Island. Bus transfer from Cat Ba Dock to hotel. Check in hotel and free at leisure. Overnight on Cat Ba Island.

Summary:
Kayaking:   5 – 6 hrs – moderate grade
Transportation: Boat, Kayak, Bus
Meals:    Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation:  Hotel on Cat Ba Island (harbour view)

Day 4: Trek Cat Ba National Park

Breakfast in the hotel before taking a beautiful drive to Cat Ba National Park. Trek thru the park (4 hrs) to Viet Hai Village where you have lunch in a local house. After lunch you walk to the dock and transferred by boat back to Cat Ba town around 5 pm. Overnight on Cat Ba Island.

Summary:
Transfer Hotel – National Park:  30 mins
Trek:     4 hrs – moderate grade
Meals:      Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation:    Hotel on Cat Ba Island (harbour view)

Day 5: Cat Ba Island – Hai Phong City – Hanoi

Breakfast in the morning and free at leisure. In the afternoon, we take hydrofoil to Hai Phong City. We meet our bus in Hai Phong and transfer back to Hanoi. Trip completes.

Summary:
Hydrofoil to Hai Phong:  45 mins
Transfer Hai Phong – Hanoi: 2 hrs
Meals:     Breakfast
Special Notes
Please be kindly advised that the prices per pax applied for private tours differ from each pax meanwhile those applied for group tours are the same through paxes. With the group tours, therefore, you will get travel with other gathered companions. Please refer to “Dates, Availability & Prices” menu for more price details.

Note: we use private support boat when paddling to explore hidden and untouristy corners of Halong Bay. That makes our itinerary different from those organized by other tour operators who just use the kayaking packages offered by the overnight junks.  Our trips are for true and different kayaking experience in Halong Bay.

Note on client safety

We reserve the right to deviate from this itinerary for any reasons, including road and weather conditions, frequency of visits to a village, or for any other factor which may influence client safety.

What to bring

–          Original passport
–          Water, favorite snacks
–          Sunglasses, swimming suite and towel for a quick swim warm clothes in winter
–          Money for drinks on boat