If you’ve ever dreamed of kayaking through dramatic limestone cliffs, far from the crowds, without being herded around like some tourist cow, Cát Bà delivers- if you know where to go.

Turns out that you don’t need an expensive tour or a group of people in matching oversized life jackets.

In simple terms, what I’m suggesting you do is head down to the port, point vaguely at the water, and wait for someone to toss you on their boat. Then sit pretty as they zip you out to sea and abandon you with a kayak and a grin.

It’s delightfully unregulated, mildly sketchy, and absolutely the best thing to do in Cát Bà.

Let’s maybe give you a few more details.

How to get to the port

For those of you not yet in the area, Cát Bà is an island near the exceptionally popular Ha Long Bay.

Many tourists often have to decide between Ha Long and Cát Bà, which has the equally beautiful Lan Ha Bay off its coast.

Cát Bà and Lan Ha Bay are quieter, more wild, and more geared towards the adventurous spirit. So you’re already on the right track.

The main town- where almost everyone stays- on Cát Bà is located on the eastern end of the island. From here, it’s a very short trip to the port you’ll need to go to for the boat ride and kayak rental.

Simply plug the spot above into Google Maps. It shouldn’t take longer than five minutes by scooter, or 30 by walk.

You’ll arrive at a strip of road full of shops advertising all sorts of tours out into Lan Ha Bay.

The point I plugged in is for “Blue Swimmer Outdoors”, but don’t mistake that for me telling you that you must get the boat and kayak from there. I’ll walk you through exactly how to do that in the next section.

Getting a ride out to sea

As I mentioned, there are a lot of stores here offering boat rides and kayaks.

You’re already in good shape once you’ve made it by the port. The prices here are considerably lower than the prices for tours in Cát Bà center.

That being said, the prices offered between shops near the port can still range substantially.

I recommend you go into each shop advertising kayak rentals and ask them how much they charge.

It’s important to come with a group of at least three, and preferably more. This will improve your ability to bargain and radically lower costs.

If you have a group of three, a good price from one of these stores would be around 750k Dong ($30 USD), or 250k ($10 USD) per person. Of course, prices would be lower with a larger group.

But you have another option.

If you feel comfortable with it, there are usually solo boat owners waiting right at the end of the road by the pier who will gladly take you aboard for a lower price. They’re usually by where all the scooters are parked.

The price you’ll get will likely depend on your bargaining ability, but it will almost certainly be less than the stores.

Once you’ve paid, you’ll be boated out to sea. The ride should last around 20 minutes.

Kayaking the cliffs of Cát Bà

Eventually, you’ll arrive at a small dock set up deep in Lan Ha Bay.

You’ll get off the boat and be taken to a kayak. Make sure to communicate with the boat driver what time you’ll be meeting to return back to Cát Bà.

You can either take a kayak for yourself or share with a friend. Price should be the same, I’m pretty sure.

Once you’ve done that, it’s time to explore.

It’s pretty other-worldly out there. There’s almost no one in sight and hundreds of cliffs, islands, and small beaches that are just for you to discover.

And I’m sure it looks even more beautiful on a clear day.

I’d recommend you spend a minimum of three hours kayaking, and preferably more. It sounds like a lot, but you can take breaks on little beaches and coves you find and the time will pass quickly.

You don’t want to tell the boat driver to meet you early and then have to regretfully rush back.

Bonus tips

Bargain for the best price

I’ve already sort of mentioned this, but it’s worth mentioning again.

Vietnam isn’t the most orderly of countries. Bargaining here isn’t just encouraged- it’s practically a national sport.

Prices are often set with the assumption that you’ll push back, so don’t think paying full price is noble- it’s just bizarre.

Don’t worry, the vendors won’t be offended. In fact, they’ll probably respect you more if you engage in the ancient ritual of haggling over $1 like your life depends on it.

Bring food and water

Unfortunately, there aren’t (currently) any 7-Elevens floating in Lan Hạ Bay.

So if you’re planning a full day of kayaking, you’ll need to come prepared.

Bring plenty of water — more than you think you’ll need — because the sun reflects hard off the water and dehydration creeps up fast. And while we’re on the topic, don’t forget sunscreen and a hat.

Pack snacks or a full lunch if you’ll be out for hours. You’ll be working hard and will need the energy.

Bring snorkeling gear

There also isn’t a dive shop floating in the bay.

So rent some snorkel gear in town before you head out. A basic mask and snorkel will do, and will make all the difference when you stumble across a secluded cove with clear water and coral.

It’s possible that the shops by the port from earlier have snorkel gear. I wouldn’t know- I didn’t even think about it until I was deep in Lan Ha Bay. But I’m sure they do. You can add it into the bargaining.

Or don’t get the gear. Then you’ll spend your time looking down at the sea wondering if that was a fish or just your reflection who now officially thinks you’re an idiot.