100 USD for two full days of activities in Cat Ba

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HAI PHONG – Cat Ba Island autumn is the ideal time to travel when the weather is cool, deserted, and reasonably priced.

Ha Vu (40 years old, Hanoi) and a group of friends who love sports activities chose Cat Ba to go to “change the wind” at the weekend. The group determined that the trip included trekking in the forest, cycling, and swimming… so they designed an activity program and moved continuously.

Move

The group traveled from Hanoi by private car, the travel time was about 2 hours. The most convenient way is to follow Hai Phong highway, through the Dinh Vu port area and Got a ferry. This season, the ferry operates from 5:30 to 18:00 (weekends), and usually closes 2 hours early. Waiting time for the ferry varies from 10 minutes to 1 hour depending on the time. If you go on the weekend you will have to wait longer than on weekdays.

Schedule

Day 1: Trekking Cat Ba National Park

Trekking Cat Ba National Park.
Trekking Cat Ba National Park.

The weather is dry, so trekking in Cat Ba National Park is an experience worth trying. Ha’s group chose a 10-km arc, and departed at 9 a.m. to go through the national park to Viet Hai village, learn about forest ecosystems and different forest types such as primary, tropical moist forest, mangrove forest, and learn more about the forest ecosystem. many kinds of precious trees… The places passing by are May Bau peak, Frog pond…

The terrain of the whole route is quite diverse, many sections are straight through the forest, there are steep climbs, mainly cliffs of medium height, and only a few short sections are steep. The whole trekking time is about 4 hours. The entrance fee to the garden is 80,000 VND (3$) per person. If you rent a package, you will not have to pay this fee. According to Ms. Ha’s share, many sections are easy to get lost, so a guide is needed.

“There are many options for trekking routes based on health, interests and time. You can choose to take a short walk of only about 2 km to Ngu Lam peak and back to the garden gate, visit Trung Trang cave, the time is only about 2 hours,” Ha said.

Eating and resting in Viet Hai village

Around 1pm, the group returned to Viet Hai ancient village, a small fishing village located deep in Cat Ba National Park. This place only has about 400 people living, but there are enough services for visitors such as accommodation, meals, foot massage with fish… to relax after trekking. Food is mainly grown by local people.

Cycling in Viet Hai village.
Cycling in Viet Hai village.

Cycling around the village is not to be missed. Because Ha’s group rented a room in the village for the night, they were given a free bicycle, which can be used at any time. If you only visit the village for a day, the rental price is 50,000 VND (2$). After resting, the group cycled in the afternoon, with a 10 km route throughout the village. “It feels very peaceful,” added Ha.

In the evening, the group eats and spends the night at the bungalow Long Phuong, with private rooms, the price ranges from 500,000 VND to 700,000 VND per room, for 2 to 4 people. In addition, there are many homestays in the village, with cheaper costs.

Second day: Visiting Lan Ha Bay, kayaking, swimming and eating seafood

Wake up in the morning, go for a light jog 5 km around the village, then have breakfast and move to the pier to visit Lan Ha Bay. Boats take people on the bay, past famous spots such as Cai Beo floating village, Turtle island, and Mot island… and stop for kayaking at Tay Keo beach for about an hour, where there is a quiet space.

After that, the group arrived at Monkey Island at about 11am, swimming freely in the white sand beach, clear blue water and calm waves. The mild autumn weather can make you cold when you first get in the water, but it only takes a while to get used to it. Rented a package tour for the day, so after bathing, the food is prepared. The group sat on the beach and grilled themselves with fresh seafood such as shrimp, oysters, squid… and ate it outside in the cool air.

“Swimming and eating grilled seafood on the sea is a perfect combination. If you miss this experience, it will be a pity”, Ms. Ha said. The group had lunch and rest, then returned to Ben Beo port at 2pm.

Grilled seafood on the beach.
Grilled seafood on the beach.

Cost

Each person costs about 2.5 million VND, including two breakfasts, two lunches and one dinner; rental fees for trekking guides in Cat Ba national park; Boat rental to visit Lan Ha Bay and accommodation for the night… In addition, there are personal expenses such as gas, highway fees Hanoi – Hai Phong, snacks…

Some note

The above schedule of Ms. Ha’s group is suitable for those who have been to Cat Ba , no strangers to this island because the whole trip did not enter the town and attractions on the main island.

In addition, the schedule is also for people who like to be active and constantly on the go. If you just want to relax, you should choose to stay in town, with some resorts such as Flamingo Cat Ba, Perle during Cat Ba-MGallery… in the Cat Co beach area or overnight on a yacht in Lan Ha Bay.

If you choose to trek, you should prepare your health and dress carefully. It is recommended to wear anti-slip shoes, bring water, snacks, glasses and a full hat… The 10 km trekking route through Cat Ba forest is not too difficult, but it can also cause people who are sedentary and not used to climbing. climbing is difficult.

Photo: Internet (vinlove.net)

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