Want to combine Ninh Binh’s limestone rivers with Cat Ba’s island scenery and Lan Ha Bay in one trip? This 4-day, 3-night Ninh Binh – Cat Ba tour takes you from Hanoi to Cat Ba National Park, Viet Hai Village, Lan Ha Bay overnight cruise, kayaking or swimming, Tam Coc, Hoa Lu, Mua Cave, Trang An, and back to Hanoi.
View Itinerary Book This TourThis tour combines two rising northern Vietnam destinations in one route: Cat Ba and Ninh Binh. Trek through Cat Ba National Park to Viet Hai Village, cruise through Lan Ha Bay, kayak or swim in turquoise waters, then continue to Ninh Binh for Hoa Lu, Mua Cave, Trang An, and dramatic limestone scenery.
Hike through primary forest, Frog Lake scenery, and wildlife habitat on the way to Viet Hai Village.
Stay in a local bungalow and experience a quieter village side of Cat Ba Island.
Cruise past Chan Voi, Van Boi, and Tra Bau while enjoying meals and bay scenery on board.
Choose an off-board activity around Tra Bau or Van Boi’s clear water and white sand beach.
Bike to Mua Cave and hike up for one of Ninh Binh’s most famous panoramic views.
Glide through caves, rivers, limestone towers, villages, and rice fields in a UNESCO-listed landscape.
Follow the route from Hanoi to Cat Ba, Viet Hai Village, Lan Ha overnight cruise, Ninh Binh, and back to Hanoi.
Located in northern Vietnam, Cát Bà National Park is known for its endangered inhabitants – the Cát Bà langur (white-headed langur). This langur is one of the rarest primate species in Asia and the world, with fewer than 70 langurs left! Conservation efforts are being put in place to protect the last remaining langurs.
The challenging 9km hiking trail through the park to the village of Viet Hai is best undertaken with a guide. Take proper hiking shoes, a raincoat, and a generous supply of water for the Viet Hai hike. This will not be an easy walk and is best avoided during the wet season or after rain. Visitors will have a lot of chances for bird watching, and sightseeing in the primary forest and Frog Lake.
Overnight at a local bungalow.
After breakfast at your bungalow, check out of your room and ride a bicycle from the center of the village to the Viet Hai pier.
First, you’ll visit with a local family to learn how rice wine is brewed, then you’ll catch a ride by motor boat from the pier to Beo Port. From there you’ll ride the smaller motorized “cruise tender” boat to Tuan Chau Marina where you’ll enjoy a refreshing welcome drink as you board the ship. Listen to the Cruise Manager’s orientation talk for the cruise activities & onboard safety as the boat begins its journey toward Lan Ha Bay. You’ll enjoy a delicious lunch while the cruise passes Chan Voi (Elephant Feet), Van Boi, and Tra Bau area.
In the afternoon, start your first off-board activity, choosing between kayaking or swimming to explore the turquoise waters and the white sand beach of Tra Bau or Van Boi. You’ll then return to the cruise boat for a relaxing evening featuring a special dinner in the restaurant.
Overnight on the boat.
Greet the new day on the sundeck by doing Taichi with fellow passengers. Light breakfast is served at the restaurant as the cruise extends further to Hang Sang – Hang Toi – one of the best attractions on Lan Ha Bay, known for its pristine and tranquil beauty. Guests will be offered the opportunity to explore the area on the smaller motorized tender boat.
Then you’ll check out of your cabin before enjoying a Vietnamese cuisine brunch buffet served at the restaurant. Transfer again by cruise tender boat for 20-30m to return to Tuan Chau Marina.
Next, you’ll set off on the 3.5-hour car ride to Tam Coc in Ninh Binh Province.
Overnight at a bungalow in Tam Coc.
Embark on a full-day tour of the Ninh Binh province. Explore the ancient Vietnamese capital of Hoa Lu to better understand the history of the country in the 11th century. Visit the Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh Temple to appreciate their unique architecture and delve deep into the history of the first Vietnamese government.
Then you’ll enjoy a bike ride to Mua Cave, one of the most alluring places in Ninh Binh. After visiting the cave, you can hike up Ngoa Long Mountain for the spectacular views from the top.
In the afternoon, visit Trang An. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its dramatic limestone karst towers and archeological evidence of 30,000 years of continuous human use. During the 2.5-hour bamboo boat tour you’ll glide through the majestic caves along the river, passing villages, mountains, and lush rice fields. The scenery of Trang An combines the unique beauty of deep turquoise river water flowing between mountains, caves, and a clear blue sky.
Then get in the car for your ride back to Hanoi, ending the day of adventure back at your hotel.
The itinerary is subject to change or cancellation due to weather conditions.
Review the main inclusions and exclusions before sending your request, so you can better understand what is covered in this 4-day Ninh Binh – Cat Ba tour.
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Private travel depends on good planning and local knowledge. YESD’s team helps travelers understand their options, choose a suitable route, and prepare for a smoother experience in northern Vietnam.
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Real stories from travelers who joined YESD for authentic, responsible, and locally connected travel experiences in Vietnam.
Well what can I say about my Ha Chiang loop trip I did with Yesd. They were excellent from start to finish. As a 54 year old man I did the loop solo with my driver Chinh as I wanted to avoid the happy water and karaoke aspect. Chinh understood this perfectly and took me on a fabulous trip. We took local routes when he could, avoiding some of main routes. He kept ahead of the ‘Mongolian army’ as he called the throngs of other loopers and often arrived at view points before they arrived …
It was a unique experience that allowed me to truly experience sustainable tourism. The activities took place in breathtaking landscapes and gave us the opportunity to learn firsthand about the traditions and lifestyle of the local communities. The team was very attentive and took care of every detail to ensure we enjoyed our stay to the fullest.
Realmente lo recomiendo! es una manera hermosa de descubrir Ha Giang y, al mismo tiempo, contribuir a un turismo responsable.
An amazing experience! Incredible guides! You almost feel privileged compared to other groups. The accommodation is top-notch; the house, the welcome, the meals—everything is perfect. The mountain trek is magical, the motorbike trek is insane, incredible views the whole time, and super enriching stories. Thank you again to the entire YESD Travel team; they are truly wonderful people.
Practical answers to help you understand the route, Cat Ba hike, Lan Ha Bay cruise, Ninh Binh activities, inclusions, and whether this 4-day northern Vietnam tour is the right fit for your itinerary.
This tour lasts 4 days and 3 nights, starting from Hanoi and traveling through Cat Ba, Lan Ha Bay, Ninh Binh, and back to Hanoi.
The itinerary includes Cat Ba National Park, Viet Hai Village, Lan Ha Bay, Tam Coc, Hoa Lu, Mua Cave, Trang An, and Hanoi return transfer.
Yes. The Viet Hai trail is described as a challenging 9 km hike through the park and is best done with a guide, proper hiking shoes, rain protection, and enough water.
Yes. Day 2 includes an overnight cruise on Lan Ha Bay after kayaking or swimming and dinner on board.
Yes. Kayaking is included, with an option to kayak or swim around Tra Bau or Van Boi during the Lan Ha Bay cruise section.
The Ninh Binh section includes Hoa Lu ancient capital, a bike ride to Mua Cave, a hike up Ngoa Long Mountain, and a 2.5-hour Trang An bamboo boat tour.
Yes. Bikes, kayak, sampan boat, welcome drinks, sightseeing tickets, and activities mentioned in the itinerary are listed as included.
The itinerary includes a local bungalow in Viet Hai, an overnight cruise on Lan Ha Bay, and a bungalow stay in Tam Coc.
Yes. The itinerary may change or be cancelled due to weather conditions.