SUP & Trekking – Conquering Cat Ba Old Forest and Lan Ha Bay

This is the most fascinating itinerary to fully explore the natural world of Cat Ba Island. Trekking through the primeval forest, overnighting in the peaceful village of Viet Hai, and kayaking or SUP-ing on Lan Ha Bay will bring you unforgettable experiences. The trek through the forest is challenging enough to make you exhilarated when you emerge and see the serene homes in the Viet Hai valley. If trekking in the forest is an exciting challenge that makes you sweat, then an afternoon of kayaking or SUP-ing from Viet Hai to Ba Trai Dao Bay will be particularly enticing, especially in summer, with many stops for swimming and relaxing in the clear waters of Lan Ha Bay

Discovery level tours (6/10): Most people can participate, and children from around 6 years old can join with their parents. Light physical preparation will enhance the comfort and ease of outdoor activities during the tour. The tour duration is typically 2 days. For trekking at this level, trekking time is around 2-3 hours per day on relatively easy terrain. Kayaking or SUP tours at this level involve paddling for 2-3 hours per day on large water surfaces or flowing streams, with ample time for photography stops and rest breaks.

Experience/Skill Requirement: Low
Physical Fitness Requirement: Moderate
Tour Duration: 2-3 days
Outdoor Activity Duration: 4-6 hours/day
Children: From 12 years old can participate

Recommended Physical Preparation: Train by running or kayaking/SUP 1-2 weeks prior. Run 2 sessions per week, each 3-5km, or kayak/SUP 2-3 sessions per week, each 5km.

Umove provides the following equipment:

– SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) and accessories.
– Trekking poles.
– Gloves.
– First aid kit for the entire group.

Personal essentials to prepare:

– Water shoes or waterproof sandals.
– Trekking shoes.
– Water bottle (approximately 1 liter capacity).
– Daypack (10 – 20L capacity).
– Flashlight.
– Winter: Warm clothing, windbreaker, thermal wear, wetsuit.
– Summer: Quick-dry clothing, long-sleeve rashguard, hat, sunglasses, gloves, sunscreen.
– Mobile phone, camera, power bank, suitable waterproof protection.
– Personal identification documents.

Additional suggested equipment:

– Spare clothing.
– Personal medication.
– Towel, hand sanitizer.
– Waterproof phone pouch.

 1. Travel Insurance:
Umove Adventure utilizes the services of Bao Viet Insurance with a maximum insurance coverage of 100 million VND per person per incident. For details, please refer to Bao Viet’s insurance policy here: [Bao Viet Insurance Policy](link to be provided).

2. Cancellation Policy:
Please refer to the tour postponement and cancellation policies in the Regulations and Guidelines section.

3. Liability Waiver:
Customers purchasing Umove Adventure’s adventurous tours are fully aware of the “adventurous” nature, physical challenges, and inherent risks in the tour. Therefore, customers are required to read and sign a Liability Waiver before departure. Please read the contents of the Liability Waiver below carefully before registering to participate.

4 . Notes on SUP and trekking routes:

The trekking route through the forest is not overly difficult, with 2/3 of the distance being on easy trails. The remaining 1/3 of the route, before reaching Viet Hai, becomes more challenging with some sections requiring hand-assisted climbing.

Our canoe route, whether long or short, will be determined by the guide based on weather conditions, timing, and the group’s fitness level. The final destination is Ba Trai Dao Bay, the farthest point in Lan Ha Bay. Within Lan Ha Bay, the water surface is generally calm, but as we approach Ba Trai Dao, we will encounter a broad area with waves. The guide will provide instructions for safe canoeing.

Before starting, the guide will instruct on paddling techniques, safety precautions, and the itinerary. Participants must wear life jackets and attach the ankle leash. For those new to SUP, it’s recommended not to stand on the board immediately from the starting point. After about 1-2km and feeling more comfortable and confident with the water flow, participants can begin to stand and paddle.

During the canoeing in the bay, it’s important to avoid obstacles such as submerged rocks and boats. Avoid paddling too close to rocky cliffs during wave impacts, as waves can push you into sharp and steep cliffs.

Throughout the canoeing, we will have accompanying support boats. If you wish to stop paddling and switch to a boat, please inform the guide.

Note, if you are a confident swimmer with experience in paddling, you may choose to remove your life jacket and secure it on the SUP, but never detach the ankle leash.

5. Food & Beverages:

Except for the packed picnic lunch in the forest, which includes sandwiches, fruits, desserts, all other meals are complete and served hot.

For trekking, each person should carry their own drinking water (about 1L). To minimize single-use plastic bottles, we encourage everyone to bring a refillable water bottle to fill from the larger bottle provided on the vehicle.

6. Environmental Protection:

Umove Adventure supports and applies Leave No Trace principles in its outdoor tours and activities. We also encourage customers and partners to adhere to Leave No Trace principles when traveling in outdoor environments. Learn more about Leave No Trace principles here.

To reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles, Umove Adventure recommends each traveler prepare a 1L water bottle for daily water refills. During the tour, travelers must follow instructions and regulations regarding environmental protection at the destination.

7. Safety & Health Advisory:

If you have heart disease or joint issues (knees, ankles, shoulders, etc.), consult a doctor before deciding to join the trip. Guides will carry basic first aid kits. If you have specific health concerns requiring medication, please bring your own medications.

In all cases, if you enter the water for swimming, you must wear a life jacket.