The Real Jungle with Rio - Is there an option for 6 stars? The extra star would be for Mario (Rio). He made this trek the most enjoyable experience my daughter and I had in Vietnam. He is friendly, kind, and his English is impeccable. He was looking out for us the entire trek, carrying our water (literally) without asking, pointing out the little critters along the way, and giving us a hand up when the ground was especially slippery. He took photos and videos the entire time, and sent them to me within hours of ending our trek. He did all of this in flip flops/slides! Much respect for his kind humanity and his fitness! Now the trek. My goodness it was awesome! If you’re looking for REAL jungle, this is it. You start by picking up a trekking stick of bamboo or hard wood at the start of the trail. The path was clear but not carved out and made easy. The mud is thick in spots, threatening but never actually sucking the shoes off our feet. There is natural vines and trees to provide some stability on the big steps, and an electrical cable running up the trail in spots when natural options are not available. The sights are stunning and wild, and the sounds are deafening with bird songs and critters. The hike up the mountain is a tough, leg blasting experience, but this (almost) 50 year old man in reasonable but not great shape had no problem getting to the top. Once there, the views are absolutely worth the sweat and effort. You look out over Ha Long Bay and the craggy mountains carving the sky. A quick rest (or longer if you like), and then it’s down again. Mario leads the way down, just in case you slip. Like all treks, going up is physically difficult, and coming down is easier but technically more difficult. Before you hit the jungle, there is a short cycle ride through some villages and rural landscapes. You end the ride at a restaurant where you have a rest, a drink, and a fish massage. This is where you put your feet in a huge fish tank filled with hundreds (thousands) of fish (10 cm or so) who nibble (no teeth) on your feet and lower legs. This is quite the experience, and very ticklish! My daughter and I were laughing uncontrollably until we got used to it. It also made your feet feel fantastic afterwards. This same spot is where you end up after the big hike, for a great meal, drinks, and socializing with your group and others. If you’re a dog lover there are little pups to pet and (secretly) give scraps to. Cute little buggers. After the meal, it’s off again for another, much shorter hike to a cave that appears untouched and not ‘civilized’ like most other caves you see on tours in Vietnam. In fact, it was Mario’s first time to this particular cave. This trek is shorter, but parts are actually more intense than the first, with some climbing as some of the ‘steps’ are too tall to just step up. Still not an issue, and the rock with its natural holes and crevices giving you multiple options. Once you’re done with the cave, you loop back to the little restaurant for another beverage break, and then it’s back on the bike for the ride back to the port where you catch the boat. The boat itself is decent, the crew is great (Ryan leads this part, and is just as personable as Rio, and his English is also fantastic). Dinner onboard was excellent, beer and other bevvies cheap and cold, and we kayaked, swam, and even jumped from the top deck of the boat for a much needed cool off/rinse. If you are looking for a good, reasonably tough but achievable trek through the jungle, with a confidant and personable guide, do not hesitate, book this immediately. I’ve never given a review like this before, but Mario and the tour deserve it and much more. Thank you Rio for giving my daughter and I the best experience we had in Vietnam. This will be a lifelong, cherished memory for both of us. 🙏🏼

Best experience - We had an amazing experience with Cat Ba Local! The consultation and support by Judy was excellent and helped us find the best hike and kayak option for our needs. Highly recommend this trekking!

Best agency in cat ba - Kat ba local agency are The greatest agency in Cat Ba!!! They are really professional, kind, have exellent location and their english is perfect.

Be warned! dangerous and intense trekking! - Be Warned! This is a extremely dangerous trip especially when slippery! The guide did take care and look out for us but I would definitely recommend only doing this if you are happy to climb straight up sharp rock faces and walk through dense jungle, no paths. Feel like this was not stressed enough before booking.