Cat Ba, Lan Ha Bay & Monkey Island Boat Trip: A Candid Review

So, you are perhaps thinking about ditching the usual Halong Bay tour and checking out Cat Ba, Lan Ha Bay, and Monkey Island instead, are you? Is that so? Good on you. Maybe you heard it is, in a way, a less crowded option. That is a definite bonus in Vietnam, isn’t it? Now, having actually experienced this day boat trip, I figured I would give you, like, the lowdown. A real talk kinda review so that you kind of know what to anticipate.

Why Pick this Particular Boat Trip Over Halong Bay?

Okay, why would one choose this particular boat trip, basically? I suppose, there is Halong Bay, which is extremely well-known. Very, very famous, to be exact. Perhaps a little *too* much, at times. That’s where Lan Ha Bay kicks in. They’re next to one another. So you get those limestone karsts. So there is beautiful scenery too, just fewer tourists. Plus, the Cat Ba and Monkey Island combo is definitely its own special draw, is it not? It provides a variety of activities.

The water’s typically, usually calmer in Lan Ha Bay as well. Very good if, arguably, you get seasick quite easily. A great idea, that is, for folks who maybe want some of the famous natural beauty, and none of the headache that can come with fighting tons of people for a look.

What’s Usually Included? Expectations and Reality

Most of these full-day boat tours will, arguably, advertise almost the same things, in fact. Stuff like a fairly fresh seafood lunch, kayaking through a lagoon or near those towering limestone structures, swimming in designated spots, and then, obviously, a visit to Monkey Island to see the primates plus have an even better vantage point over the bay.

Now, my actual experience was something that needs to be pointed out: First, the boat itself might seem a bit more “rustic” than what you picture in your head. Not something terrible, understand, yet still, do not go planning on a five-star cruise ship. Seafood lunch happened, though the choices probably weren’t fancy. Think fairly tasty, classic Vietnamese dishes. Kayaking was really something that you will find wonderful, very close up, you get to see a bunch of rock formations, and the swimming was surely fun.

Then, there is Monkey Island. So, be cautious. So these monkeys are, actually, pretty bold. You shouldn’t keep food or shiny objects out because they will grab them. The view, nonetheless, really makes the trip well worth the effort. It is just amazing! I found it particularly cool to watch it all during sunset. I’d recommend it for that, so I would.

Kayaking Through the Limestone Karsts: A Personal Highlight

If you ask me, now, the kayaking part was actually my best-loved aspect. Getting close and, maybe, personal with the limestone karsts gives one a far better feel, more or less, for just how impressive they could be. So paddling slowly into lagoons. Finding hidden little inlets felt kind of exploratory. That alone made, arguably, the tour fee feel completely well worth it. Be equipped to potentially work up just a little sweat, that said. Okay? In the sunshine it all can turn pretty warm rather rapidly.

Monkey Island: What to Expect and How to Handle the Monkeys

Let’s talk Monkey Island a bit, alright? It’s extremely true what the guides let you know: The monkeys have got, like, zero chill, more or less. You will have those monkeys jump on you to try to snag stuff directly out of your hands, potentially. To reiterate, stow the food. Keep your sunglasses stored somewhere safely. Maybe, arguably, those selfies aren’t worth the hassle unless you want your phone hijacked. Jokes aside, a bunch of these monkeys really can bite. I was forewarned about it. Maybe respect their area a bit and keep your distance so you can prevent an issue.

The hike to the top viewpoint may get somewhat intense, specifically, during hotter times of the day, actually. Ensure you bring sufficient drinking water and use good footwear. The panoramic sight you get at the highest point makes it entirely worthy of the effort involved. Really. I, by far, advocate trying to get up there and enjoy it! Maybe spend some time in order to appreciate the sight!

What Should You Pack for the Boat Trip?

So here is the deal. Pack smart for your boat trip. It might seem extremely obvious, alright, but definitely, you want sunscreen. The sun could be pretty intense. You can reapply regularly, right? A hat or even some kind of cap might even save your head, arguably. Bring your swimming costume and, moreover, a towel. I probably did not need to mention that, still it’s worth noting. I wish I had some water shoes, given the rocky coastlines, that said. Finally, as pointed out above, have snacks hidden from simian sticky fingers should you want any to snack on. Also, it is useful to take some seasickness medicine ahead of time. If it’s something you worry about, that is.

Is it worth the cash? My final word

Do I consider this specific Cat Ba/Lan Ha Bay/Monkey Island excursion good? Yes, that’s definitely what I would say, I’m sure. Sure, you may want to keep the expectations adjusted as to the fanciness of the boat plus the meal. Okay? And the monkeys really can test your own patience, right? Even so, kayaking through spectacular landscape as well as getting the spectacular views is probably more than worthwhile. Plus, it’s genuinely an incredible way to see one of the best pieces of Vietnam sans those insane Halong Bay crowds. Very well suggested! That is, if you are asking me!