TRIP OVERVIEW
Trip Dates
13 Apr - 19 Apr |
Finished
|
20 Apr - 26 Apr |
Started
|
05 Oct - 11 Oct |
Full
|
12 Oct - 18 Oct |
Full
|
19 Oct - 25 Oct |
Full
|
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Tour Highlights
Swim among over 300 otherworldly limestone islets and karst islands which jut up dramatically from emerald waters.
Discover world-renowned Vietnamese culture and cuisine as you delve deep into this fascinating part of the world.
Enjoy an unmissable walk up to Hospital Cave, located in the National Park, which was built as a bomb proof hideout as well as a hospital for Vietnam soldiers.
Relax at the end of each day at the new Cat Ba Paradise Hotel – a beautiful modern addition to this prehistoric landscape.
Discover the natural beauty of Lan Ha Bay on this truly unique swimming holiday in one of Vietnam’s most picturesque locations. Situated adjacent to Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay is a much quieter location, which covers an area of more than 7,000 hectares – most of which is covered by emerald water and scattered with 300 towering limestone islets and karst islands.
Often referred to as ‘Ha Long Bay’s Twin,’ Lan Ha Bay is ideal for open water swimming as it has much less boat traffic. The largest island in Lan Ha Bay, and our base for the duration of our trip, is the rugged, jungle-filled Cat Ba Island. The island is famous for its history during the Vietnam War and boasts a large array of flora and fauna which is protected by its status as a National Park.
Due to the runoff from the lush, green islands which make up this beautiful corner of the world, water clarity is sometimes lower than in other open ocean locations, however, it is still suitable for swimming.
Our accommodation for the week is the stunning Cat Ba Paradise Hotel, situated on the water’s edge in the heart of Cat Ba Town. The hotel includes a spa, restaurant, rooftop plunge pool and bar, which offers panoramic views of Cat Ba Town and the ocean bay in front of us.
Who is this trip for?
This trip is designed for those who want to combine spectacular swimming among the karst islands and limestone outcrops of Lan Ha Bay with optional hikes around the area’s dramatic landscapes and a taste of Vietnamese culture. Swims include a mix of coastal exploration and point-to-point crossings. The geography of the bay means it is usually possible to find sheltered waters to avoid any choppiness.
Swimmers should have a basic understanding of open water swimming and be capable of completing the average swim distance and average daily swim distance (over the course of two swims) prior to the start of the trip.
The average swim distance is around 2.5km. The average daily swim distance is around 4km.
We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.
What's included?
- Fully guided swimming holiday (swimmers only)
- Professional swim guides and full safety escort on all swims (swimmers only)
- Six nights' accommodation
- All breakfasts
- All lunches (swimmers only)
- Full ABTOT Financial Protection
- Transfer from Hanoi Opera House to our accommodation on Cat Ba Island on Day 1
- Transfer from Cat Ba Island to Hanoi Opera House on Day 7
What's not included?
- Travel to and from the start of the trip
- Evening meals
- Drinks and additional activities
Sample Trip Itinerary
Please note that the below daily itineraries are an example of the swims that may take place during your trip, however, actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions. Your SwimTrek guides and local boat pilots will determine the most suitable swim locations each day and will communicate the plan with all guests as soon as possible.
Trip Schedule
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Map
Location Summaries
Trip Grading
Trip Information
Getting There
Accommodation
Travel Advice
Related Trips
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Once again, SwimTrek have delivered a really well-designed and professionally-led swimming tour. Already looking forward to my next one.
Charles G, UK - 2023 -
Fantastic SwimTrek number 2….. number 3 is already booked!!!!!
Michelle M, Australia - 2023 -
An absolutely most enjoyable experience of a lifetime
Maureen M, South Africa - 2023 -
This was my ninth Swimtrek and another winner! Wonderful swims in a stunning and exotic location with great company, excellent guides and delicious food. Thank you, Swimtrek, I'm certainly up for a tenth trip with you!
Sally T, UK - 2022 -
Swimtrek Vietnam was the most amazing once in a lifetime experience. The guides and boat were top notch, as were the locations and lunches. It could not have been any better!
Abi M, UK - 2022 -
Can't say enough about this fantastic adventure/active vacation! We just completed the Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam, SwimTrek as a private group and had a phenomenal time. Highlights include: swimming amongst the stunning and surreal limestone pillars or karsts; the warm water (78F/26C); the delicious fresh lunches onboard; the boat itself - so spacious with a covered inside and partially covered upper deck; and above all, the guides and boat crew who were so kind and witty, careful and patient with all of us. The best part was that the local boat crew shared their beautiful culture with us through stories of folklore, stories of war, and stories of life in a fishing culture/community. If you are a swimmer up for a very unique adventure, this trip is for you!
Kelly O, USA - 2022
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