DESCRIPTION
Join us for a late start with a relaxing cruise into Lan Ha Bay and a Vietnamese lunch cooked fresh by our crew on our traditional junk boat. After lunch we’ll land on secluded and uninhabited Mit Beach, where the sea borders two shorelines beneath a massive limestone cliff. Our guides will give a brief introduction, set up climbs and outfit you with climbing harnesses, shoes, and helmets. Then, we'll coach you as you climb safely high above Lan Ha Bay’s emerald waters and jungle beaches on beginning and intermediate routes. In the late afternoon, we’ll re-embark the Indochine Junk boat to cruise to a floating restaurant as the sun sets over the islands surrounding us.

Feast on a traditional Vietnamese dinner before playing games and conversing through the evening. Relax on the sailboat  with karst islands silhouetted in the distance as the sea calms for the night. Don’t forget to stir up the water and watch plankton light up around you!

Wake up to glassy waters as basket boats come to life, signaling a new day’s work amongst Lan Ha Bay’s fishing community. After breakfast, we’ll cruise through a maze of karst towers before collecting kayaks from a floating fish farm and dropping anchor in a tranquil cluster of islands. Our guides will navigate into hidden lagoons, explore deserted beaches, paddle through arches and take you to walls where wildlife can sometimes be spotted.

Paddling will no doubt leave you hungry for lunch! A freshly cooked meal will fuel you for a discovery more of Lan Ha Bay’s culture and geology. Cruise back to Cat Ba Island under the setting sun to mark the end of your adventure at sea at moon.

*Please note that our boat’s overnight accommodations are rustic basic. Our boat crew will set up an area to sleep in the cabin or, weather permitting, on the top deck in the fresh air. The boat has flush toilets and water to clean up.

Although accommodations are standard, it's an amazing way to experience the Cat Ba way of life! About three quarters of Cat Ba's population live in floating villages. Many fishermen spend their nights on junk boats similar to ours. Get a feel for life at sea while enjoying some modest comforts provided by our friendly staff and the bay’s natural beauty.    

Primary Activities: Rock climbing, overnight, kayaking, and cruising the stunning bay.
Other Activities: Swimming, and sunbathing
Designed For: Anyone (Ages: 6-150+) - no experience in rock climbing necessary
Helpful to Bring: Sunscreen, insect repellent, swimsuit, camera, towel, overnight necessities/ toiletries, rain jacket, and snacks
Included on Trip: Transportation, access fees and tickets, guides fluent in English, junk boat with captain and crew, two lunches, dinner, breakfast, kayaks, PFDs, UIAA Certified climbing equipment, mattresses, sheets, blankets, and pillows
Days Offered: Everyday. Please note that on rare occasions rock climbing may be re-located to our Cat Ba Island location for no extra charge and the same high quality climbing experience – this allows for route maintenance or weather considerations. Itineraries change according to season, but all activities are still included

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
For kayaking on cold days: We suggest either swimsuit and shorts or waterproof pants, with a long-sleeved shirt or jacket. If you bring a jacket with metal pieces in the zipper, be sure to rinse it with fresh water when you get back to the island!
For kayaking on warm days: Swimsuit, shorts, t-shirt and hat!
For climbing: Clothing that is comfortable to move in. Long pants may help inexperienced climbers avoid small scrapes from the rock.

*We ask that you bring a clean set of clothes to climb in on your second day. This will be more comfortable for you and helps us minimize exposing our climbing gear to salt water, keeping it in operational shape for longer.

WILL I GET WET KAYAKING?
Almost definitely. Even if you decide not to swim, you can expect some splashing from your paddle and from occasional small waves.

DO YOU HAVE DRY BAGS?
Yes. We provide enough dry bags for one per boat, large enough to hold a camera, snacks or extra sunscreen.

WHAT IF I CAN'T SWIM?
We provide PFDs for every person!

CAN I KAYAK WITHOUT A GUIDE?
No. Lan Ha Bay is an island maze, where changing tides close passages and thick mist can develop without warning. Even with a compass, it can be extremely difficult to navigate among islands. For this reason, all of our kayak trips are guided.

CAN I BELAY DURING THE CLIMBING SESSION?
No. Due to safety standards and liability concerns, only guides are allowed to belay during top-rope sessions, including the climbing session on Mit Beach..To learn more, please write us at [email protected]