Jump in the transfer bus at 9am of day one and head to Hai Phong, just over an hour from Hanoi. Take a smooth 45-minute express boat journey to Cat Ba, Lan Ha Bay’s largest island and a national park. Check in to Cat Ba Ecolodge and explore the island, including the fascinating Hospital Cave used during the wars and the spectacular views from the colonial era Cannon Fort. Enjoy a swim and a beer by the beach before returning to the lodge for dinner.