Cat Ba 2 Days 1 Night Tour from Hanoi: Trek & Plankton Glow

If you’re looking for a refreshing getaway, the Cat Ba 2 Days 1 Night Tour from Hanoi is the perfect mix of nature, adventure, and cultural discovery. In just one weekend, you can trek to mountain peaks, kayak through glowing plankton, and cruise among breathtaking limestone karsts – all within a convenient 3.5-hour journey from Hanoi.

Here’s a quick look at what this itinerary covers:

Quick Overview: Why This Hanoi to Cat Ba Travel Itinerary Works

The Cat Ba 2 Days 1 Night Tour from Hanoi is designed for travellers who want maximum adventure in minimum time. Thanks to the new Highway 5B, the journey from Hanoi to Cat Ba takes just 3.5 hours, making it ideal for a weekend escape without exhausting travel.

This itinerary shines because it balances three essentials:

• Adventure – trekking through Cat Ba National Park, climbing to Ngu Lam Peak.
• Nature – kayaking in Lan Ha Bay, surrounded by emerald waters and towering limestone cliffs.
• Culture – staying overnight in Cat Ba town, sampling local food, and experiencing island nightlife.

On Day  1offers a different kind of magic. A boat journey into Lan Ha Bay reveals hidden coves and pristine beaches. Here you can kayak, swim, or simply relax as the karsts reflect golden sunlight. By late afternoon, you’re already heading back to Hanoi, refreshed yet full of new memories. 

Day 2, you set off early, breathing fresh forest air as you trek through lush trails. The reward is the sweeping panorama from Ngu Lam Peak, where the forest canopy stretches endlessly beneath you. By the afternoon, you check into your Cat Ba hotel and prepare for a tranquil evening by the bay.

Why This Trip Works So Well

In short, if you’ve been searching for the best things to do in Cat Ba in 2 days, this itinerary delivers. It lets you hike, kayak, and cruise without rushing, and still gives you time to rest. That’s why it’s become one of the most popular short trips from Hanoi.

Getting There: Transport from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island

Reaching Cat Ba has never been easier, and it’s one of the reasons why the Cat Ba 2 Days 1 Night Tour from Hanoi works so perfectly for weekend travellers. With the new expressway and efficient boat transfers, you can leave the bustling Old Quarter in the morning and be breathing in fresh sea air by lunchtime.

Best Options for Travellers

• Airport Shuttle + Quang Thang Cat Ba Combo
  The most seamless choice is the Quang Thang Cat Ba bus, which runs daily from Hanoi Old Quarter. This service combines a highway bus ride, a quick speedboat from Dong Bai Pier to Phu Long Pier, and a final bus connection into Cat Ba town. It’s fast, smooth, and tourist-friendly.
  
• Expressway + Ferry or Cable Car
  For those who prefer flexibility, you can take a public or private bus via Highway 5B to the Got ferry terminal on Cat Hai Island. From here, a short ferry or a scenic cable car ride brings you across to Cat Ba Island.
  
• Private Transfer
  If comfort is your priority, a private car or limousine transfer offers a door-to-door option. This is the priciest choice but gives you maximum flexibility, especially if you’re travelling with family or arriving on a late flight.
  

Duration, Costs, and Tips

• Duration: Around 3.5 hours from Hanoi to Cat Ba town with the Quang Thang Cat Ba Bus service, including the speedboat crossing.
  
• Cost: Tickets typically range from 12–17 USD one way, depending on bus class. Return tickets are around 24–34 USD.
  
• Departure: Early buses leave from 6:00 or 7:30 AM, giving you more time to explore the island on arrival.
  

Pro Tip: Book at least 24 hours in advance, especially in high season, and choose an early departure to avoid heavy traffic and midday crowds. Most services include hotel pick-up in Hanoi Old Quarter and drop-off in Cat Ba town, making the journey effortless.

This smooth connection via Highway 5B means you can dive straight into the heart of the island and begin your adventure without wasting precious time. It’s part of what makes this short getaway so appealing to both first-time visitors and repeat travellers.

Cat Ba 2 Days 1 Night Tour from Hanoi: Sunrise Trek & Plankton Glow

Day 1: From Hanoi to Cat Ba – Sunrise Trek & Magical Evening

• 07:30 – 10:30 | Transfer from Hanoi to Cat Ba
  Pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. Travel via the new Highway 5B with a short comfort break, then cross to Cat Ba by speedboat. Arrive at Cat Ba town by late morning.

• 11:00 – 11:30 | Check-in at Cat Ba Hotel
  Drop your bags at a centrally located hotel. Take a short rest or stroll around the lively Cat Ba town.
  

• 12:00 – 14:30 | Check-in hotel
  Check-in at hotel in Cat Ba or homestay.
• 15:30 – 16:00 | Transfer to Beo Harbour
  Board your boat and set out into the calm waters of Lan Ha Bay.
  
• 16:30 – 19:00 | Sunset Cruise & Dinner
  Glide past limestone karsts, hidden coves, and floating villages. Enjoy a seafood dinner onboard, or opt for a BBQ at Van Boi Beach (extra fee). Watch the sunset turn the bay into shades of gold.
  

• 19:00 – 20:00 | Night Kayaking with Bioluminescent Plankton
  Take an optional kayak into the quiet bay. Each paddle stroke lights up the water with glowing plankton – an enchanting, otherworldly experience.
  
• 20:00 – 21:00 | Return to Cat Ba Town
  Relax at your hotel or explore Cat Ba’s vibrant nightlife with cosy bars and cafés.
  

Day 2: Explore Cat Ba’s Natural Wonders & Return to Hanoi

• 08:00 – 08:30 | Drive to Cat Ba National Park Entrance
  Depart from town by minibus for another adventure.
  
• 08:30 – 10:00 | Trek to Trung Trang Cave & Military Hospital Cave
  Walk through dense forest trails, discover Trung Trang Cave with its stalactites and stalagmites, and visit the historic wartime Hospital Cave, a fascinating mix of natural geology and history.
  

• 10:30 – 11:45 | Return to Cat Ba Town
  Head back for a light refresh before departure.
  
• 12:30 – 15:30 | Transfer Back to Hanoi
  Board your bus and speedboat, retracing the route via Highway 5B. Arrive in Hanoi Old Quarter by mid-afternoon.
  

Optional Extension: Lan Ha Bay & Ha Long Bay Cruise

If you prefer to extend your morning into early afternoon, you can:

• 10:30 – 11:00 | Kayak through Dark & Bright Cave
  

• 11:00 – 12:00 | Visit Ba Trai Dao Beach – swim or snorkel in crystal waters.
  

• 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch onboard – fresh seafood feast.
  
• 13:30 – 15:30 | Cruise past Dau Be Island, Pen Islet, and Frog Islet – a quieter corner of Ha Long Bay.
  
• 15:30 – 17:00 | Sunset Party & Return to Beo Pier
  
• 17:00 – 20:30 | Transfer to Hanoi – arrive back in the Old Quarter by evening.
  

Why This Itinerary Works

• Short transfer time (3.5h from Hanoi).
  
• Combines adventure (trekking, kayaking), relaxation (cruise, sunset), and culture (local villages, caves).
  
• Flexible for weekend travellers – ideal things to do in Cat Ba in 2 days.

Planning Tips: What to Pack, Costs & Best Time to Visit

Travelling on the Cat Ba 2 Days 1 Night Tour from Hanoi is all about making the most of your short escape. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring you’re comfortable, well-equipped, and ready for adventure.

What to Pack

When trekking through Cat Ba’s national park trails and kayaking across Lan Ha Bay, the right gear makes all the difference:

• Clothing: Lightweight, quick-dry shirts, trekking pants, and sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes. A long-sleeve top is handy for both sun and insect protection.
• Essentials: Sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a rain poncho, and at least a 2-litre reusable water bottle.
• Extras: Camera for stunning views, a small backpack, and a fleece or light jacket for cooler mornings in the dry season.

Sample Cost Breakdown (Per Person, 2 Days)

Total estimate: $50 – $120 depending on comfort level.

Best Time to Visit

The island can be visited year-round, but timing your trip ensures the best experience:

• December to March: Cool, dry weather – perfect for trekking and kayaking.
• October to November: Fewer crowds and pleasant conditions, though light rain is possible.
• May to September (monsoon): Hot, humid, and prone to heavy showers or typhoons – not ideal for outdoor plans.

For most travellers, the dry months align beautifully with Vietnam’s wider itineraries, making Cat Ba a refreshing stop between Hanoi and Lan Ha Bay.

Why This 2D1N Cat Ba Tour Stands Out

The Cat Ba 2 Days 1 Night Tour from Hanoi is not just another short getaway – it is a journey that blends adventure, wonder, and authentic local life in a way few itineraries can. What sets it apart is the rare pairing of two unforgettable experiences: a sunrise trek to Ngu Lam Peak and a magical night kayaking trip through glowing plankton in Lan Ha Bay.

These highlights are thoughtfully spread across two days, so you never feel rushed. Each moment has space to breathe – the exhilaration of climbing through lush forest trails in the morning, the tranquillity of watching the sun melt into the bay at dusk, and the thrill of seeing the sea sparkle under your paddle at night.

Unlike tours that simply check off sightseeing spots, this itinerary encourages immersion. You taste fresh seafood, stroll the lively streets of Cat Ba town, and step into the island’s history inside caves once used as wartime shelters. Every activity connects you to the landscape and the stories of the people who call this island home.

For travellers who love both nature and culture, this 2D1N experience is truly unmissable. It captures the essence of Cat Ba – wild, beautiful, and deeply human – transforming a short trip into a memory that lingers long after you return to Hanoi.

FAQs – Cat Ba 2 Days 1 Night Tour from Hanoi

Q1: What’s included in a typical Cat Ba 2 Days 1 Night tour from Hanoi?
A typical Cat Ba 2 Days 1 Night Tour from Hanoi includes round-trip transport (bus + speedboat via Highway 5B), one night’s accommodation in Cat Ba town, guided trekking in Cat Ba National Park, a Lan Ha Bay cruise with kayaking, and selected meals. Entrance fees and local guide services are often part of the package, making it stress-free for travellers.

Q2: How do I plan my 2 day 1 night Cat Ba Island tour myself vs with a package?
If you plan it yourself, you’ll need to book separate bus or ferry tickets, arrange a hotel, and organise activities like kayaking on-site. It’s flexible and budget-friendly, but requires more effort. A package bundles everything – transport, accommodation, meals, and guided tours – saving time and offering expert local knowledge.

Q3: Is this a suitable weekend trip to Cat Ba from Hanoi for families or solo travellers?
Yes. The weekend trip to Cat Ba from Hanoi works well for both families and solo travellers. Gentle treks, safe boat tours, and kayaking can suit all ages, while the short 3.5-hour journey makes it convenient even for a quick family escape or a solo adventure.

Q4: Can I do the Cat Ba Island overnight trip on a budget? What are budget hotels or homestays?
Absolutely. Budget-friendly hostels and homestays in Cat Ba town cost from $6–$17 per night. Popular choices include Cat Ba Central Hostel or Papillon Garden homestay. By booking early, you can keep your Cat Ba Island overnight trip affordable even during peak season.

Q5: What are the best things to do in Cat Ba in 2 days including trekking and kayaking?
Top activities include trekking to Ngu Lam Peak for sweeping views, exploring Trung Trang and Hospital caves, cruising and kayaking in Lan Ha Bay, visiting floating villages, and relaxing on Cat Co beaches. These highlights combine adventure with authentic island experiences.

Q6: How long is the travel segment in the Hanoi to Cat Ba travel itinerary?
The journey from Hanoi to Cat Ba town typically takes around 3.5 hours using the Cat Ba Express bus and speedboat combo. This efficient route maximises your time on the island so you can focus on exploring instead of travelling.

The Cat Ba 2 Days 1 Night Tour from Hanoi is the perfect way to escape the busy streets of the capital and immerse yourself in a world of sunrise treks, glowing plankton, and unforgettable island scenery. With its balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation, this itinerary offers everything you need for a short but meaningful journey.

Book Cat Ba 2-day 1-night tour here.

If you’re ready to experience the best of Cat Ba with trusted local expertise, book your trip today with Quang Thắng Cát Bà – your reliable partner for authentic and seamless travel experiences.