Unveil the Magic: The Glowing Plankton Tour in Lan Ha Bay with Local Experts
Hello, adventurers! Are you wondering that there are tones of things to do during the day in Cat Ba, but what can I do during the evening there when the night life here is quite… quiet? Good news here, you do not have to worry about the quietness of the place because tranquility has it own perks! Let’s discover one of the most magical experiences Cat Ba Island has to offer: the Glowing Plankton Tour.

Why You Should Experience the Glowing Plankton Tour?
Imagine paddling through the serene waters of Lan Ha Bay under a canopy of stars, and with each stroke of your paddle, the water lights up with an ethereal blue glow. This is the magic of bioluminescent plankton, tiny marine organisms that emit light when disturbed, creating a natural light show that’s nothing short of mesmerizing.
Lan Ha Bay is an ideal location for this spectacle. Bioluminescent plankton thrive in warm, enclosed bodies of water, such as bays or gulfs. The bay’s location, surrounded by the lush greenery of a national park, ensures minimal light pollution, providing the perfect conditions for this natural phenomenon to shine in all its glory.
The Science Behind the Magic: Understanding Bioluminescence
Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by living organisms. This captivating glow is primarily a survival mechanism. For many marine creatures, such as plankton, bioluminescence helps in deterring predators, attracting mates, or luring prey. The chemical reaction involves a light-emitting molecule called luciferin and an enzyme called luciferase. When these interact with oxygen, light is produced.
In Lan Ha Bay, the combination of warm temperatures and nutrient-rich waters creates an environment where these plankton can thrive. The lack of light pollution allows their glow to be more visible and striking.
The Tour Experience: A Night of Wonder
Your adventure begins in the late afternoon, around 4:30 PM. We set sail from Cat Ba Island, cruising through the picturesque Lan Ha Bay. As we glide through the emerald waters, you’ll be treated to the sight of the last remaining floating village in Northern Vietnam. Here, you’ll get a glimpse of the unique lifestyle of the local fishermen, who live and work entirely on the water.
As we continue our journey, I’ll share personal stories of my own childhood spent on these waters. Growing up in this floating village, swimming and socializing with friends from around the world, and enjoying cold beers while watching the sunset has shaped my deep connection to this place.
Sunset, Swimming, and Stories
As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, we’ll anchor at a secluded spot. This is the perfect time for a refreshing swim in the warm sea. The water here is incredibly inviting, and you’ll feel like you’re swimming in a vast natural pool.

After our swim, we’ll gather back on the boat for a delightful dinner. Our meals are a highlight of the tour, featuring local flavors and fresh ingredients. Many of our guests have said that the dinner on this tour is better than anything they’ve had in a restaurant, often describing it as one of the best meals of their trip.

The Grand Finale: Glowing Plankton
Once darkness envelops the bay, it’s time for the main event. We’ll head to the best spots to witness the glowing plankton. With my local expertise, you can rest assured that you’ll have the best possible experience. I’ll guide you to the areas where the plankton are most active, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of this magical display.
As we paddle through the dark waters, every movement will be illuminated by the soft, blue glow of the plankton. It’s a surreal experience, like paddling through a sea of stars. This tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature in a way that’s both awe-inspiring and humbling.
Testimonials from Our Guests
Don’t just take my word for it. Here’s what some of our guests have said about their experience:
- “The glowing plankton tour was the highlight of our trip to Vietnam. The dinner was incredible, and the sight of the plankton lighting up the water was something we’ll never forget.” – Sarah & John, USA
- “Swimming in the bay as the sun set was magical, but seeing the plankton glow was like being in a fairy tale. Luffy’s stories and guidance made it even more special.” – Emma, UK
- “We’ve traveled extensively, but this tour was unique. The combination of local culture, beautiful scenery, and the bioluminescence was extraordinary.” – Lars & Annika, Germany


Join Us for an Unforgettable Adventure
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience during your visit to Cat Ba Island, the Glowing Plankton Tour is a must. Join us at Catba Local, and let me, Luffy Hoang Nguyen, guide you through the enchanting waters of Lan Ha Bay. Together, we’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.
Book your tour now and embark on an adventure that blends natural wonder with local culture. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
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Ready to adventure and enjoy natural
Meet Our Team
Tùng Phạm
Lâm Điệp
Tiến Đạt (Drake)
Tú Quỳnh (Judy)
Hà Bùi (Hana)
Huy Hòang (Ryan)
Hoàng Nguyễn(Luffy)
Ngô Toàn (Tony)
Việt Hưng (Rio)
Mr Quang
Exotic Day Tours & Things to Do in Cat Ba
Experience the Magic: Sunset & Night Kayaking with Glowing Plankton
What our travelers say about us
EXCELLENT Based on 835 reviews Posted on HedVerified Very good day !! We had a very good time on the boat will Luu who was kind and fun ! Very beautiful day with kayaking and swimming ! We were really happy that we choose this cruise:)Posted on Léa DVerified Perfect. It was really well organized. We were picked up and dropped off at our hotel. It was a very pleasant day, Ryan is very nice and explained a lot to us. I recommend with my eyes closed!Posted on Chris SVerified Recommended tour Ride was perfectly organized. Luu gave us comprehensive information about the coves, wildlife and life of the people there. He has answered any questions. Captain and cook also top. The tour was a lot of fun and we would book it again anytime. Thank you very muchPosted on Barry RVerified Unfortunate situation handled beautifully Our tour was disrupted by the weather conditions that tragically hit the Philippines just the day before. The tour operators immediately offered us a full refund, an exchange or a rescheduling to the following evening. We chose to go the following night but unfortunately again, the government didn’t allow tour boats after 18:30 or late night kayaking, but didn’t inform the tour operators until after our departure. This meant that we couldn’t continue with the kayaking as planned or see the plankton, but the operator still took us on a tour of the majestic Lan Ha bay and the floating village, AND refunded us for the whole thing. Completely out of their hands, but they handled it beautifully. Such is the gamble when touring the natural world.Communication with Cat Ba Local was quick and easy, transport from our hotel was seamless and they really tried their best to make sure we got the most out of our tour.Can’t fault Cat Ba Local one bit for unfortunately weather - just one more reason for us to come back to the wonderful Cat Ba!!Posted on Keely VVerified Cát Bà Full day cruise & Kayak I had such a great experience on this tour and would absolutely recommend it to anyone visiting Cát Bà Island. It was much less touristy than I expected — while we did see a few other groups around the kayaking and fishing farm areas, we mostly had the freedom to do our own thing, which made it feel very relaxed and authentic.The group size was small and intimate, which I really appreciated. You could easily chat and get to know the others or just enjoy the scenery quietly on your own. There was also plenty of space on the boat, which made the whole day feel comfortable and unhurried.Our guide, Ryan, was exceptional. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the area, the culture, and the environment, and he patiently answered all of my many questions. His passion and depth of knowledge were so impressive that even people from other tours started listening in to what he was saying! His English was excellent as well.I’ll admit I was skeptical before booking, but I’m so glad I chose Cát Bà Local — many of the other tours we saw looked crowded and less enjoyable. This one felt genuine, well-organized, and personal. I’d recommend it without hesitation to friends, family, or anyone looking for an authentic and memorable experience on Cát Bà.Posted on Carla DVerified Super 1 - day tour in particularly beautiful places at an unbeatable price A great tour! Luu really managed to lead us to lonely places throughout, away from the crowds! Besides, he didn't tell much about life in Vietnam. He has also found particularly beautiful places for kayaking and swimming. A completely successful tour! At this low price a tour that was in no way inferior to the "big", significantly more expensive tours! - Thank you!sPosted on Emilie HVerified Cat Ba full day/night tour Our experience in the island and at the Bay was incredible from the start to end, and thanks to Cat Ba Local. The organisation, the communication and the services are excellent. The local guides share their experience with you and we had a great time with them. We had a very complete, park/bay, day/night tour. Much recommended! Thank you to the whole tea, it was a pleasure!Posted on davide bVerified Day cruise Lan Ha Beautiful tour away from the chaos of large boats and large groups of tourists.Great food, great guide, recommend it!!Posted on thi an nVerified cruise Halong Bay we took the day cruise on Lan Ha Bay/Halong Bay. Everything was perfect thanks to our guide Luu who was exceptionally kind and who lost his time to find us an itinerary off the tourist trails, thanks to him we will keep this day as a magnificent memory!
Most frequent asked questions
By choosing Cat Ba Local, you are not just booking a tour; you are investing in an authentic, hassle-free, and enriching travel experience led by locals who are passionate about sharing the beauty and culture of their homeland. Here are the key reasons:
1. Authentic experience
Our tour guides possess a unique understanding of indigenous cultures and the local history. Their deep knowledge and passion for the region ensure that you get an authentic and immersive experience. By booking with Cat Ba Local, you gain access to hidden gems and local secrets that typical tours might miss. Our guides are locals themselves, offering the warm of a family and and sincerity that make you feel at home while discover new perspectives of life.
2. A seamless experience
We keep our high standard for all of your touchpoints. We partner with the best service possible for any need of yours, from transportation, accommodations , and best restaurant for all destinaions. This guarantees a reliable and seamless experience for you.
3. Convenience and Time Saving
We handle all the arrangements, from flights and hotels to transfers and activities. This saves you significant time and effort, allowing you to relax and enjoy your vacation without the stress of planning. With everything pre-arranged, you can avoid the hassle of contacting multiple service providers. Our streamlined process ensures a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
4. Socialize Opportunities
Our tours are designed to foster social interaction, allowing you to meet and connect with people who share your interests. Whether you prefer family-friendly tours or adult-only experiences, we have options that cater to your social preferences.
5. Best Price Guarantees
By having an excellent logistic chain, we deliver you the best experience in a price that
We offer competitive pricing due to our ability to bulk buy package deals, passing the savings onto you. This allows you to enjoy a cost-effective travel experience without compromising on quality. Our packages often include all meals and trips, reducing uncertainty about additional costs. This helps you budget accurately for your trip, avoiding any unexpected expenses.
Travel with Local Experts” it is about the authentic local experience that make us different.
Our tour guides are natives with an intimate knowledge of the local culture, history, and landscapes. This local insight ensures that you experience the true essence of Cat Ba, beyond the typical tourist spots.
They also share unique perspectives; personal stories and cultural nuances that you won’t find in guidebooks, offering a deeper understanding of the region. One more thing, you will have a playful local friend after the trip.
Yes, we always trike towards to give you the best possible exprience contact us to design your vacation together for free
Yes, our tours are designed to be suitable for both children and older adults. We have several special offers for children as follows:
– Infants (under 2 years old): Free
– Kids (From 2 to 4 years old): just must to pay 25% tour value
– Child (From 5 to 9 years old): just must to pay 50% tour value
– Teenagers (From 10 to 13 years old): just must to pay 75% tour value
We are ready to provide special diets that suit your needs if you inform us when booking your tour. Most of our meals include seafood and local cuisine, so if you are vegetarian or have any allergies, please let us know in advance. This way, we can ensure your dietary requirements are met throughout your journey.
You have 2 options to pay: Online & Offline
For your convenience, we offer multiple payment options. You can pay in cash or by credit card (with a 3% service charge). Alternatively, you can use applications like PayPal or WISE, and we will cover the service fees for these apps – less fees transfer.
Please let us know your preferred payment method. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out.
In the event of weather-related issues, such as storms or heavy rain preventing boats from setting sail, we have the following policies:
– If the tour needs to be rescheduled due to adverse weather conditions and you’re still on Cat Ba Island during the rescheduled period, we will postpone the tour to the following day. If you’re no longer on Cat Ba Island during the rescheduled period, we will provide a full refund of the tour cost if you’ve already made payment.
– In the case of unexpected events originating from guests: If you cancel before 7 days prior to the tour, you are eligible for a refund. If you cancel 5 days before the tour, we will refund 80% of the deposit; if you cancel within 3 days, a 50% refund will be provided. Cancellations made after this period will result in forfeiture of the deposit.
In other special cases, our customer service department will provide individualized support to guests.
No, accommodations are not included in the experiential tours. However, our sales staff will assist you in booking accommodations if you provide them with clear descriptions of your room preferences, budget, and other requirements. Additionally, you will receive a discount voucher for accommodations when booking our experiential tours.
No, international flights are not part of the experiential tour package. However, our sales team will aid you in arranging international flights upon receiving clear descriptions from you.
