2 Days 1 Night on Cat Ba Island with Plankton Tour

From Hanoi to Cat Ba: kayak among glowing plankton, see Cai Beo floating village and Monkey Island at sunset, then ride a free motorbike and hike Cat Ba National Park at your own pace.
Escape the city for a 2-day, 1-night adventure to Cat Ba Island, where a magical evening on Lan Ha Bay is followed by a day of freedom on your own motorbike. Start from Hanoi Old Quarter, settle into your hotel in Cat Ba town, then head out on the water for sunset, monkeys and glowing plankton. Wake up the next morning with a motorbike and a national park ticket, ready to explore the island at your own pace.

DAY 1: HANOI, CAT BA AND THE SUNSET & PLANKTON KAYAK CRUISE

Your trip begins with a pickup in Hanoi Old Quarter and a bus ride to Cat Ba Island. On arrival, check in to your hotel in Cat Ba town and take some time to rest before the afternoon tour.

In the afternoon, your guide collects you from the hotel and takes you to Beo Harbour, where you board a motorboat for the evening cruise.

Cai Beo Floating Village: Cruise through one of the bay’s traditional floating villages, where life carries on above the water, and admire the Turtle, Toad and Candle Islets along the way.

Monkey Island: Step ashore to explore the island, relax and watch the sun sink over the bay, with golden light spreading across the limestone karsts.

Kayaking and glowing plankton: As darkness falls, paddle a kayak or take a swim in the quiet water, then discover the glowing plankton that lights up with every movement of your paddle. This experience depends on natural conditions, so the glow can vary from night to night.

Dinner in a floating fishing village: Enjoy a fresh meal on the water. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

After dinner, a transfer takes you back to your hotel in Cat Ba town, where you stay overnight. Life jackets, a towel and a dry bag are provided for the cruise, and an English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout.

DAY 2: YOUR OWN PACE IN CAT BA NATIONAL PARK

On the second morning, you are free to plan your own day. A motorbike is included for you to use during your stay, along with a ticket to Cat Ba National Park. Ride through the island’s scenic roads and head to the park, where forest trails and viewpoints are yours to explore at your own speed. Hike to a summit, stop for photos, or simply enjoy the quiet of the rainforest.

Whether you prefer a long, challenging trek or a relaxed walk followed by a coffee in town, this free day lets you shape the adventure around your own energy and interests.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.