Cat Ba Heritage & Hidden Valley Trek full day

Northern Vietnam , Vietnam

Cat Ba Heritage & Hidden Valley Trek full day

Active

8h - 9h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU
- To complete this trip, it’s important that you’re both confident and competent in riding a bicycle.
- This trip covers quite a distance – you’ll be cycling forup to 45km on varied terrain, so you’ll need an
adequate level of fitness.
- If you feel like doing all the riding but with less effort, you'll have the option of hiring an electric bike.
- Visiting spots: Military Hospital Cave - Hien Hao commune - Thien Long Cave
- Riding area: a loop passing aside of Cat Ba National Park and coastal road along Lan Ha Bay
- Follow a guided “Water Path” forest trek to the scenic Butterfly Valley
- Explore Lien Minh Village and return Cat Ba centre by support vehicle after a full day of nature, history, and culture.

Available options

Cat Ba Heritage & Hidden Valley Trek full day

What's included

Tour Guide (English and Vietnamese speaking)

Ghế trẻ em

Bottled water

Entrance fee

Lunch

Snacks

Thuyền nhỏ thăm hang động

Use of bicycle

Mũ bảo hiểm và lót yên xe đạp

Detailed itinerary

08:00 – 08:30 | Preparation & Briefing
Meet your friendly local guide at our central office, 80 Nui Ngoc Street. After selecting your premium Giant or Trek bicycle, receive a safety briefing and route orientation to ensure a comfortable ride.

08:30 – 10:00 | Jungle Cycling & The Hospital Cave
Pedal out of town onto peaceful roads flanked by towering limestone peaks and lush jungle. Our first stop is the Military Hospital Cave Relic. Step inside this fascinating three-story, bombproof mountain hideout. Your guide will share incredible stories of resilience and the ingenious ways doctors and soldiers lived and worked here during the Vietnam War.

Stop 3 Pass by

10:00 – 11:30 | Village Immersion & Local Flavors
Continue your ride through the heart of the island, passing rice paddies and quiet hamlets to Hien Hao Commune. We stop at a local family’s home—a true oasis of rural life. Enjoy a cup of traditional Vietnamese tea and taste fresh local honey while learning about the customs and daily rhythm of the village.
11:30 – 13:30 | Eco-Sanctuary Lunch & Saltwater Pool
Cycle toward the Cat Ba Eco Lodge, a serene retreat tucked away from the main road.
- Lunch: Savour a delicious Vietnamese meal prepared with organic, locally sourced ingredients in a peaceful, open-air setting.
- Relaxation: After lunch, enjoy the profound quietness of the lodge. You have the optional choice to refresh yourself with a dip in the unique saltwater swimming pool, perfect for cooling down after your morning ride.

Stop 4

13:30 – 15:00 | The "Water Path" Trek to Butterfly Valley
Leave the bikes behind for a guided hike to Lien Minh (Butterfly Valley). We follow a historic "single dirt trail"—the very path local villagers used for generations to fetch fresh water back to their homes.
- The Hike: This 1.5-hour trek is easy and immersive, taking you deep into the forest.
- The View: As you reach the ridge, enjoy a breath-taking panoramic view of Butterfly Valley, famous for its dramatic cliffs and vibrant greenery.

15:00 – 16:30 | Village Visit & Scenic Return
Descend into Lien Minh Village to witness a slower pace of life where traditional gardening and livestock farming still thrive. Our support vehicle will meet you here to provide a comfortable transfer back to Cat Ba Town, allowing you to rest and reflect on a day filled with nature, history, and authentic island hospitality.

What's not included

Alcoholic Beverages

Gratuities

Private transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

VI EN

Written guide

VI EN

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Meeting point

This is our office and store where you will check in and pick up your bike

About Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam is a region rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay, this area offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers.

Top Attractions

Ha Long Bay

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands.

Nature 2-3 days for a comprehensive experience Moderate to Expensive (depending on cruise type)

Hanoi Old Quarter

The historic heart of Hanoi, known for its narrow streets, traditional architecture, and vibrant markets.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 days Free to explore, budget for shopping and dining

Sapa

A picturesque town in the mountains, known for its terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages.

Nature/Cultural 2-3 days Moderate

Ninh Binh

Known as 'Halong Bay on land' for its stunning limestone karsts and ancient temples.

Nature/Historical 1-2 days Budget to Moderate

Ha Giang Loop

A challenging and scenic motorbike route through the remote mountains of Northern Vietnam.

Adventure 3-5 days Moderate to Expensive (depending on tour type)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pho

A noodle soup with beef or chicken, served with fresh herbs and lime. It's a national dish and a must-try in Northern Vietnam.

Breakfast/Lunch Can be made vegetarian/vegan (Pho Chay)

Bun Cha

Grilled pork patties served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce. A specialty of Hanoi.

Lunch/Dinner Contains pork, can be made vegetarian (Bun Chay)

Banh Mi

A baguette sandwich filled with various ingredients such as pork, pâté, pickled vegetables, and chili sauce. A popular street food item.

Snack/Lunch Can be made vegetarian

Egg Coffee

A unique Hanoi specialty made with egg yolks, condensed milk, and strong coffee. Served hot or iced.

Drink Contains dairy and eggs

Popular Activities

Motorbike the Ha Giang Loop Trekking in Sapa Kayaking in Ha Long Bay Boat rides in Tam Coc Spa and wellness treatments in Hanoi Coffee tasting in Hanoi Explore Hanoi Old Quarter Visit temples in Ninh Binh

Best Time to Visit

March to April and September to November

These months offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and with street vendors

Northern Vietnam is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas. Be cautious with your belongings and use common sense.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious with street food and drink only bottled or filtered water
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

Noi Bai International Airport • 30 km from Hanoi city center
Cat Bi International Airport • 5 km from Hai Phong city center

By train

Hanoi Railway Station, Hai Phong Railway Station

By bus

Hanoi Giap Bat Bus Station, Hanoi My Dinh Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are affordable and cover most areas, but they can be crowded and slow due to traffic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Hanoi Old Quarter French Quarter Tay Ho

Day trips

Ha Long Bay

165 km from Hanoi • 2-3 days for a comprehensive experience

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands. A multi-day cruise is the best way to experience the bay.

Ninh Binh

90 km from Hanoi • 1-2 days

Known as 'Halong Bay on land' for its stunning limestone karsts and ancient temples. The area offers beautiful boat rides and scenic countryside.

Mai Chau

130 km from Hanoi • 2-3 days

A picturesque valley known for its rice fields, ethnic minority villages, and homestays. It's a great place to experience rural Vietnamese life.

Festivals

Tet Holiday (Lunar New Year) • January or February (varies each year) Mid-Autumn Festival • September or October (varies each year)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Hire a local guide for trekking and cultural experiences to gain a deeper understanding of the region
Try street food at busy stalls with high turnover to ensure freshness and safety
Use app-based transportation services like Grab for convenient and reliable taxis
Carry small change for markets, street vendors, and public transportation