DWS & Plankton Kayaking – Overnight Floating Experience

DAY 1: HANOI → CAT BA – DWS CLIMBING – KAYAKING WITH PLANKTON

07:00 - 7:15| Pick up in Hanoi
We’ll pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter (or the agreed meeting point) and start our journey to Cat Ba Island via the Hanoi–Hai Phong expressway and Cat Hai bridge.

11:30 | Arrive in Cat Ba – Light lunch & rest
Arrive on Cat Ba Island, drop your luggage at a hotel in the town center.
Have a light lunch (not included) and take a short rest before the afternoon adventure.

12:30 | Preparation at Cat Ba Climbing office
Please be at the office to try on shoes, we depart at 1pm.

13:00 – 17:00 | Deep Water Solo climbing in Lan Ha Bay

• Then the boat will cruise to the first wall called Sea Face, meanwhile the tour guides will explain and give you some tips about the jumping and landing techniques. Before each climb, they'll explain the name, grade and some hard movements you might need in the climb. At first, you'll start with a basic one (4a, 5m high) to get to know the feeling of jumping and correct your landing techniques, then based on your strength and climbing skills, our guides will recommend the next routes for you to try. There are about 15 routes on Sea Face, graded from 4a to 7a, mostly they're from 5a to 6b. There are also some traverse routes if you don't want to jump from a too high level.

Next Challenge: The Three Brothers Wall

• After conquering Sea Face, the adventure continues as we cruise to our second climbing spot — Three Brothers. This wall is more challenging and suited for climbers looking to push their limits. It features around 18 routes, graded from 5b to 7c+, offering a wide variety of lines for those seeking technical climbs, power moves, and higher jumps.
• Whether you're working on endurance, technique, or simply looking for that adrenaline rush, Three Brothers delivers the perfect combination of challenge and stunning scenery.

Featured Climbing Routes

Beginner-Friendly

LOCO MEXICANO – 4+, 5m
The easiest climb on the wall. A perfect introduction to Deep Water Soloing!

FLAKEY JAKEY – 5b, 15m
A straightforward line — climb all the way up to the plant!

DINH-GLE BERRY – 5b, 12m
Slightly overhung with good holds. Leads to a great ledge for jumping.

THREE BROTHERS TRAVERSE – 5c, 20m
A warm-up traverse. Can feel burly at low tide but eases significantly after the start.

Intermediate Routes (6a–6b)

BLURRED LINES – 6a, 15m
Start from Cadeau Noelle, traverse left and follow the crack to a small plant.

CADEAU NOELLE – 6a, 17m
Begin at a big jug, climb to the tufa bulge, and jump from the ledge or climb to the top.

BROTHA MAN – 6a, 16m
A tricky start leads to a beautiful sequence of pockets and cracks up to a slopey ledge.

STEM CELL REHEARSE – 6a, 15m
Playful climbing with stems and laybacks.

SHIZER HAPPENS – 6a+, 14m
Start on a big hueco and chimney up through a technical face to finish under the big roof.

ALSO BOOTIFOOL – 6a+, 11m
Tufas and an inside corner bring you to a ledge — perfect for a jump just to the left.

TINKERBELL – 6a+, 12m
Enjoyable moves with a solid jumping ledge. Be aware of your fall zone.

POCKET WALTZ – 6b, 14m
Starts on a gray tufa. Pockets lead to a crimpy face crux at the top.

Advanced Routes (6c+ and above)

VAIRGHY BOOTIFOOL – 6c+, 12m
Climb to the tufas and follow a stunning crack beneath the roof. Finish at the ledge and jump!

DON’T LET GO – 7a, 12m
Time your hold carefully while the boat clears your fall zone, then reach for the good crack hold and enjoy easier climbing above.

LICKITY SPLIT – 7a+, 14m
Traverse a finger crack on orange rock, then tackle a small roof. Continue up and left over a tufa to a ledge.

YOU LIKE TO PINCH? – 7a+, 5m
A short and punchy boulder problem.

YOU LIKE FINGER POCKETS? – 7b, 5m
A sharp, intense challenge — finger pockets only!

YOU LIKE SLOPERS? – 7c+, 5m
Short but incredibly demanding. Powerful slopers await.

17:00 – 18:00 | Swimming & sunset break
The boat will stop by a quiet beach where you can swim, relax, or take photos during sunset.

18:00 – 19:00 | Dinner on a floating house

Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner on a floating house – surrounded by peaceful waters and glowing lights from nearby fishing boats.

19:00 – 20:30 | Night kayaking to see bioluminescent plankton

The guide will take the kayak, and you will join our knowledgeable tour guide for an exceptional kayaking experience in the dark. Immerse yourself in one of nature's most enchanting wonders as our guides lead you to areas bathed in the mesmerizing glow of plankton bioluminescence. If you want, take a refreshing swim to witness your own sparkling silhouette on the water.

21:00 | Overnight on the floating house
Spend a peaceful night floating on the bay, under a starry sky and the gentle sound of waves.

DAY 2: FLOATING HOUSE – CAT BA – RETURN TO HANOI

07:30 – 08:30 | Breakfast on the floating house
Enjoy a calm morning on the bay with breakfast served on the floating house.

After breakfast
The boat will take you back to Cat Ba town.

12:00 | Return to Hanoi

INCLUDED

Round-trip transportation: Hanoi ↔ Cat Ba.

Professional guide for DWS & kayaking.

Boat for DWS & kayaking activities.

Climbing and kayaking equipment (shoes, chalk, life jacket, kayak).

1 dinner and 1 breakfast on the floating house.

1-night accommodation on the floating house.

Entrance fees, permits, and travel insurance.

2 drinks and fruit during the trip.

 NOT INCLUDED

Lunch on day 1 and day 2.

Tips for guide and boat crew (optional).

 IMPORTANT NOTES

• Please note that staying on the floating house is a simple, authentic experience rather than a luxury accommodation. The floating house belongs to local fishermen and offers a unique opportunity to experience their traditional way of life in Lan Ha Bay. Facilities are basic and do not provide the same level of comfort or amenities as a hotel or resort.
• The floating house does not have air conditioning and only uses electric fans. Electricity is supplied by solar power, so it depends on weather conditions. On cloudy or rainy days, electricity may be limited or temporarily unavailable. There may also be occasional short-term water shortages or interruptions, as the water supply depends on the floating house's pumping and storage system. Food and drink options are also limited, as all supplies must be transported by boat.
• We recommend keeping your expectations realistic and enjoying this unique opportunity to experience the peaceful atmosphere, stunning scenery, and local culture of Lan Ha Bay.
• The timing of Deep Water Solo (DWS) and kayaking activities may change to match the tide, ensuring the safest and best possible experience.
• If tide conditions are not suitable, the itinerary may be adjusted or activities may be swapped between the morning and afternoon.
• Bioluminescent plankton is best seen on dark, moonless nights with calm water. As this is a natural phenomenon, its visibility may vary depending on weather and environmental conditions.
• Please bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, drinking water, and a change of clothes.