Cat Ba Seaview Hotel

I was doubtful before booking with Cát Bà Local, but I'm so glad I went with them. The other tours we saw looked crowded and less appealing. This one felt personal, genuine, and well organized, and I'd recommend it to friends, family, or anyone after a memorable, authentic day on Cát Bà. Our guide, Ryan, knew so much about the area, its culture, and the environment. He patiently answered all my questions, and his English was excellent. People from other tours even started listening in because he was so engaging. The group was small, and there was plenty of room on the boat, so the day felt comfortable and unhurried. We saw a few other groups near the kayaking and fishing farm areas, but mostly had room to do our own thing. It was much less touristy than I'd expected. You could chat with the others or just take in the scenery quietly.

Ryan arranged a lovely day trip for us, picking us up from our hotel and bringing us back. We went on a private tour through the south of halong Bay and Lan Ha, visiting a floating village and a fish farm research center. His English was fluent, we had a lovely meal, and we learned so much. The scenery and the whole journey will stay in our memory. Even our kids got to learn a little about fishing. We warmly recommend it. We're a family of four from Belgium, Europe.

We made a good choice booking a local trip on Lan Ha bay. Don't expect luxury, but the crew brought warmth and an authentic feel to the day. Tyler was a lovely guide who shared lots of information, and the captain and chef were just as nice. Five stars, what a day!

This is the best trip I've taken so far in Vietnam. Ryan showed us hidden places and how to find a clam beneath the sand, while telling us about local life in the floating village and sharing his homeland with us. Lunch on the boat was really good. I'm so glad we didn't choose a big boat crowded with people. Thanks to Ryan and the crew for making it such a great trip!