Sailing

Take a traditional Chinese fishing junk around the Cat Ba area to experience the beauty and tranquillity of the ocean sights surrounding the island and Ha Long Bay area. These junks, built in Pak Hoi in the picturesque fishing port of Apowan on Cat Ba Island, operate throughout the Bay of Along, on the waves of Fai Tsi Long, off the Norway Islands, or on the shoals of Bach Long Vi Islet in the middle of the Tonkin Gulf.

During the American War, these junks were used as mine sweepers in the area due to their extremely flat bottom and versatile steering. Today, you can take a trip back in time without the disturbing sound of motor engines to places where local old-timers still boast about their grand fathers’ time when the main town of CatBa was dotted with casinos, opium lounges and Tuong Opera-like theatre for off-shore Chinese sailors.

Naturally, the area is perfect for open sea sailing from September through April, while day or short overnight trips can be organised throughout summer from May through August.

Catamaran Hitia 17ft

James Wharram design.
Great for a four-person day sail.
Skippered/Crewed day charter rate:

• Half day: $30.
(9am-12pm or 1pm-4pm).
Includes beaches such as: Hai Pies, Cat Dua, Cat co 1,2,3 or Nam Cat
• Full day: $50.
  (9am-4pm).
  To Dau Be point

Fully skippered 43ft Traditional sailing junk, auxiliary Isuzu 44hp inboard engine.

• Great for up to 12 people for day sail, basecamp overnight trip or camping expedition.
• Excellent live-aboard for up to 4 people (02 in twin cabin and 02 on deck under canvas roof).
• Experienced local skipper and an English speaking crew aboard.
• Head/shower: 01.
• Galley (kitchen): 01.

Skippered charter rates:

• Half day: $66.
  (9am-12pm or 1pm-4pm).
  Up and down Lan Ha bay.
• Full day: $121.
  (9am-4pm).
  Extend your range toward east to Dau Be point. Longer trip with sometimes choppy seas.
• 1 night $165.
  (1pm-12pm next day)
  Long Chau Lighthouse or Vong Vieng lagoon village.
• 2 days 1 night: $297.
  (9am-4pm next day).

Sailing pictures

Sailing junk pictures

Long Chau light house pictures

Suggestions on what to bring with you:

• Polypro underwear is best with a warm fleece top. Long-sleeved shirts are a good idea for summer when the sun is very strong.
• Hat, Sunscreen & Sunglasses.
• Insect Repellent.
• Rain coat.
• Towel.
• Light walking shoes/ sandals.
• Water bottle.
• Warm clothes to change into at night time, including: trousers, long sleeve top and fleece top, socks

Other things for over night camping based trips:

• Toiletries and any personnel medication.
• First aid kit, flashlight.
• Toilet paper.
• Water Bottle.
• Sleeping bag / Sleeping Mat.
• Tent (unless in a hut).