Uniquely Thien Long Cave, Otter Valley, Mangrove Forests, Ducks Massage and Catba Island in less traveled Areas

Cat Ba, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is famous for its diverse ecosystem. Among its treasures, the mangrove forests in Phu Long Commune and Ao Coi village is likened to a real hidden gem, home to many rare aquatic species. The Phu Long mangrove forest exploration tour promises visitors a unique and immersive experience in stunning nature.
Highlights of tour program:
Explore Phù Long Mangrove Forests - an exciting journey for nature enthusiasts.
Enjoy the 
Uniqueness of ducks therapy and massage
Discover the biodiversity and the wildlife of Ramsar
Navigate through lush green mangroves by boat or kayak, enjoying the fresh air.

Try your hand at clam digging in the mud for a challenging and enjoyable experience.
Experience fishing like a local fisherman with netting techniques ( If the tide permits )
Paddle through the channels on a SUP board, testing your skill and balance.
Immerse yourself in the cool water and enjoy a relaxing experience.
Enjoy a fresh and lovely lunch at the Mangrove restaurant

 
Detailed Itinerary:
07:30: Our driver and guide will pick you up from the center of Cat Ba town and take you to the entrance of the mangrove forest in Ao Coi village, Phu Long Commune.
08:00: Our local guide will welcome and lead you as you begin your exploration of the mangrove forests.
08:30: The first activity is clam digging in the marshland.
To catch the clams hiding beneath the mud, you need to be gentle and skillful. Move your feet slowly through the mud, feeling for any movement, and quickly grab the clams when you sense them.
Be careful, as stepping too hard can cause the clams to burrow deeper into the mud, making them difficult to find.
The clams you catch will be steamed with lemongrass and aromatic leafon-site for you to enjoy.
09:30: Board a small traditional boat and venture deeper into the heart of the pristine Cat Ba mangrove forest.
On both sides, you'll see lush green mangrove trees reaching up, creating a stunning natural landscape.
The fresh, cool air combined with the peaceful surroundings will bring you a sense of relaxation and a deep connection with nature.
10:30: Arrive at our hut to rest, change clothes, and participate in activities such as fishing with local fishermen, catching oysters, and visiting the healing bridges and the love bridge for beautiful photo opportunities.
11:30: Enjoy a seafood hotpot lunch featuring fresh, locally caught ingredients like shrimp and oysters at the Mangrove restaurant. You'll also get to taste seafood you've caught yourself, such as clams, snails, and fish.
13:00: Rest and relax at our restaurant, preparing for the afternoon activities.
14:00: Feel free to join activities like SUP boarding to explore the forest, swimming, and capturing stunning photos of the unspoiled scenery.
15:00: Enjoy a boat trip along Phulong river to reach the most beautiful cave of Thien Long ( known as Dragon Cave ) located in the depth of the Otter valley. 
 With complex terrain, the cave was once an ideal hiding place for pirates and local villagers during the war times, and is the inspiration for many fascinating and engaging stories. These stories make the journey to Thien Long Cave more interesting and unique, attracting tourists to explore and enjoy the pristine atmosphere of this land.
Tour includes:
+ Return xpress bus or private car from Cat Ba town center
+ Mangrove forest and Thien Long cave entrance fees
+ Boat transfers within the tour area
+ SUP boarding, check-in at scenic bridges
+ Clam and crab digging experiences
+ Fishing experience (depending on tide levels)
+ Seafood hotpot lunch and steamed clams at the Mangrove restaurant
+ Local english speaking guide
Tour excludes:
- Value Added Tax and Gratuities (VAT)
- Other personal expenses not mentioned above
- Drinks during the tour, such as soft drinks and beer
 

The mysterious beauty of Dragon Cave

The mysterious beauty of Dragon Cave is an unexpected attraction for any tourist who steps foot in this place. Right behind the small gate, they will be fascinated by the endless space, like a heavenly maze with adjacent rooms. The graceful domed stone ceiling, with circular holes 1.5 to 2.1 meters deep, creates an exhibition space of pristine beauty and attractive natural landscape.

The Dragon Cave is divided into three clear parts, each part is unique with millions of years of forming stalactites and stalagmites, like drops of cool, clear water. The first part offers a stone roof structure, with 1.5 meter high stone columns, creating an image of mystical transformation. The stalactites hang like trees, and the sound they make when touched provides a unique experience, but visitors should avoid using too much force.

The second part of the cave opens with a wide arch, creating multiple entrances with curved and hanging stalactite arches. Stalactite stairs have formed over many years, creating a scene like in a fairy tale. This is a world of giant animal blocks sculpted by stalactites, welcoming visitors with friendliness.

To get to the third part, visitors must pass a large rock shaped like a turtle. This place reveals another world, decorated with many unique stones. The third part is divided into two areas: the Divine Palace on the left and the Buddhist temple on the right, with a golden shrine, dragon throne and divine statues. All are created from stalactites, stimulating the imagination of visitors, creating a wonderful and unique space.
Local Contact: Blue Swimmer Outdoors
WhatsApp: + 84 912 555 208 / 915 063 737 / 913 641 098
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Tripadvisor reviews

"Amazing Experience"

Two days kayaking in Lan Ha bay. Spectacular. Kevin offered all the info and advice needed to plan the trip and make accommodations. They offer so many more options than what is listed on the website…kayak, bike, camp, bungalows; day trips or multi-day adventures. The equipment is decent. Kayaks are efficient and in good condition, but with finicky rudders and no spray skirt (although you might sweat to death with a closed deck, so I didn’t mind too much). Chinh is a fantastic guide who has spent a lifetime working the nooks and crannies of Lan Ha. The base camp bungalows are situated on a private island in the bay. Basic but quite comfortable and extremely quiet and private. This is not Outward Bound, Linbad, or Sobek…it’s VN. Don’t expect EPIRBS and extensive first aid kits or doting, fluent English speaking guides. DO expect guides with loads of local knowledge and a safety network of every family and fishing vessel in the area; a comfortable pace; a few mildly challenging open water crossings; wonderful fresh food. Bring an extra SD card, extra battery, and something waterproof for your camera. I came back with 1200 images from three days and I’m not usually that snap happy.

Dave D D (Bozeman, Montana)
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