A Memorable Trip to Cat Ba: Trekking in the National Park, Swimming in the Bay, and Staying at a Homestay

Discover a memorable trip to Cát Bà with trekking in the national park, swimming in Lan Hạ Bay, and relaxing at a cozy homestay. Explore hidden gems, experience nature, and enjoy the best of Cát Bà Island. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers!

A Memorable Trip to Cát Bà: Trekking in the National Park, Swimming in the Bay, and Staying at a Homestay

If you're looking for a getaway near Hanoi where you can immerse yourself in nature and explore unspoiled beauty, traveling to Cát Bà is an experience you shouldn't miss. During our recent 3-day-2-night trip, we had an unforgettable journey trekking through the national park, swimming in pristine bays, and staying in a cozy homestay. Let me share the full experience with you!

Day 1: Getting There & Checking In at a Nature-Inspired Homestay

From Hanoi, we took a limousine bus to Gót Ferry Terminal (in Hải Phòng), then continued by boat to Cát Bà Island. The total travel time was about 4–5 hours – quite manageable if you start early in the morning.

We stayed at a homestay near the national park – peaceful and surrounded by nature. The design was rustic and cozy, with a mountain view. On the first afternoon, we simply relaxed, rode bicycles around the village, and watched the sunset at Cát Cò 3 Beach – one of the most beautiful spots when traveling to Cát Bà.

Day 2: Trekking in Cát Bà National Park – Sweaty but So Worth It

The highlight of the trip was definitely our trekking adventure in Cát Bà National Park, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. We took the trail from the main park entrance to Ngu Lam Peak (about 9 km), where we encountered a diverse ecosystem, lush tropical forests, and even rare wildlife.

Tips: Wear proper hiking shoes, bring enough water, and carry some snacks. Some parts of the trail are steep, but once you reach the peak, the panoramic view of mountains and bays makes all the effort worthwhile.

Honestly, traveling to Cát Bà without trekking in the national park would be a big miss!

Day 3: Exploring Lan Hạ Bay – Swimming, Kayaking, and Living the Island Life

On our last day, we booked a half-day boat tour to explore Lan Hạ Bay – a hidden gem that’s less touristy than Hạ Long Bay but just as stunning, if not more peaceful.

We got to experience:

Swimming at Ba Trái Đào Island – with crystal-clear water and powdery white sand.

Kayaking through limestone caves and around towering cliffs.

Island dining & photo ops at a floating seafood farm – where we had lunch while soaking in the ocean breeze.

By the end of the tour, we truly felt that traveling to Cát Bà offers not only beaches but also so many unique and enriching activities that leave a lasting impression.

This trip to Cát Bà was truly unforgettable – not just because of the beautiful scenery and delicious seafood, but because of the sense of peace, adventure, and connection with nature we experienced. Trekking through the jungle, pushing our limits, and then relaxing in a quiet homestay made the whole journey deeply meaningful.

If you’re planning to travel to Cát Bà, don’t hesitate to try off-the-beaten-path experiences like we did. Trust me – you won’t regret it!