Cat Ba Expedition

Cat Ba National Park Exploration - Discover Lan Ha Bay, Viet Hai Village

Overview

Exclusive journey only available at Vietnam Expeditions – Cat Ba Pathfinders branch : explore Hang Vem lake, a saltwater lake hidden deep in the National Forest , which has never been explored, learn about the ancient village of Viet Hai and admire Lan Ha Bay.

Tour Details

Trekking : Thrilling on rugged and winding roads , marveling at the vibrant flora and fauna of the tropical rainforest on limestone mountains , listening to the " war of words " of the rich fauna under the canopy of the old forest ; observing the interesting transformation of flora and fauna from the ground to the water surface .

Abseiling :Is an activity of moving along a rope from the top of a mountain to the edge of a cliff , through the use of safety equipment . Standing on the top of Golden Monkey , experience the feeling of monkeys hanging on the cliff , enjoying the panoramic view with the calm water surface and the towering mountains ! Safety belts , helmets and technicians will always ensure your safety .

Kayaking : It is a large lake with many nooks and crannies surrounded by majestic limestone mountains ! Paddle your paddle and kayak through the clear waters - where schools of fish swim leisurely in the sun , the mountainside is covered with plump oysters , and the seaweed clumps are an ideal place for crabs to live . The world under the water is a vibrant life with an endless rhythm .

Cave exploration : The limestone terrain creates secret caves cleverly hidden on the dangerous mountains . This deep lake has long been associated with many mysterious legends , those ancient stories may be waiting for you to decode .

Swimming : Dive into the cool , clear water of your private lake , enjoy splashing around and recovering your energy after a long journey in the mountains and under the sea .

Itinerary

9:30: Gather at VNEs – Cat Ba Pathfinders branch office to be briefed on the itinerary and safety rules.

10:00: Follow the farms along the freshwater lake, follow the trails of the “Forest Eaters”, cross the steep cliffs, try to be a geologist or botanist: learn about the diverse ecosystem in Cat Ba.

11:00: Golden Monkey Peak:

o The dense forest and jagged rocks cannot stop your conquest! After overcoming the dangerous cliff, you will finally reach the Golden Monkey Peak, where a large group of monkeys used to frequent.

o As the highest point of the West Hang Vem area, when you “reach the top”, the view of the entire lake with sparkling green water like jade, surrounded by high mountains and clouds will come into view. The greatness and ingenuity of nature will make you amazed.

11:30: Abseiling is a battle with yourself! Challenge yourself by moving along the rope from the top of the mountain to the cliff, hanging at a height of 60m, capturing the earth-sky-clouds-water in one moment! A delicious lunch is waiting for you at the lunch break.

12:30: Enjoy a light lunch with peaceful scenery; fresh, clear air of the Forest and Sea, let your mind and body relax and rest.

13:30: Abseiling 2:

Gear up! Let the adrenaline rush continue as you Abseiling from your lunch break to your floating raft: reach the surface to begin your next adventure.

14:30: Kayak Exploration:

o Passionate about conquering the water: Kayaking on the deep blue and calm lake, you will be amazed by the wonders created by the erosion of storms, the weathering of sun and wind; and the magical flora and fauna under the water that changes with the tides.

o The erosion of rain and sun has created caves in unexpected places. Let’s explore the caves hidden on the cliffs, observing geology will help you understand more about Cat Ba!

o What are you waiting for? Take a dip in the cool, clear water! Create and capture memorable moments with your companions.

16:00:

o Time to return to the floating raft to rest, enjoy fruits and cakes, quench your thirst with fresh drinks. Watch the sunset gradually fall behind the mountains and forests.

o Rearrange personal belongings and equipment, trek back to starting point.

17:30:

o Get ready to get back on the bus to your accommodation. Don’t forget to hand over your gear to Cat Ba Pathfinders. Share your photos with each other on Google Drive.

o Cat Ba Pathfinders hopes to bring you a day full of interesting experiences and unforgettable memories. Take these memories and experiences with you everywhere you go!

18:00: Return to hotel to rest.

19:30: Dinner (Tour guide suggests the restaurant that can meet your taste).

21:30: Free time (Tour guide suggests some places to have fun at night in Cat Ba, guests will be free to move around). Don’t forget to rest early to get ready for the next day’s journey.

6:30: Breakfast: enjoy breakfast amidst the early morning life of Cat Ba. A light breakfast will start a productive day.

7:30: Gather at the hotel lobby, there will be a car to pick you up to Trung Trang Cave – a cave through a mountain. You can see each stalactite formed over thousands of years, the aquatic creatures (crabs, snails…) living here and notice the temperature difference with the outside. Use all your senses to explore this place!

8:30: Move to Cat Ba National Park, start the trekking journey through the forest. With a distance of nearly 9km and not too many difficult slopes, you will have time to admire the primeval ecosystem including lush vegetation along both sides of the trail, especially there will be many precious trees dating back to tens, hundreds of years and the biological population at Ao Ech.

12:00: Lunch at Viet Hai fishing village after a long trekking trip, recharge your batteries for the afternoon activities.

13:00: Travel to Viet Hai wharf by electric car. The 4km route will take you to Viet Hai wharf. The peaceful route reflects the pace of life here.

13:30: Board a private boat to visit Lan Ha Bay. The tour guide will introduce the history and tell many interesting stories. Swimming in the clear blue water, letting your body drift with the gentle waves is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in nature.

15:00: Arrive at Beo wharf, the car is waiting at the wharf

15:30: Gather at the office, share beautiful photos as well as memorable memories during the past journey.

16:00: End of the trip, get on the bus back to Hanoi. Bring these unforgettable memories back to your daily life, remember Cat Ba!