Deep Water Solo
Photos © Thomas Vialletet
Deep Water Solo (DWS) is the ultimate mix of free solo climbing and cliff jumping—climb high above the water without ropes, then take the plunge when you fall or reach the top. DWS is pure adrenaline—fun, liberating, and a return to the pure joy of movement. It’s a rare experience found in only a handful of places worldwide. And with its towering limestone cliffs, emerald waters, and endless adventure, Lan Ha Bay is one of the world’s most unique and awe-inspiring DWS playgrounds.
Our crags lie 30–40 minutes or more from the harbour, so we access them by boat—turning the journey itself into part of the adventure, with breathtaking scenery along the way. The boat also provides essential access to the rock: the steep, overhanging bases of the limestone towers can make getting onto the wall difficult, or even impossible, at lower tides. Choose between the Classics for a relaxed introduction to DWS, or go further off the beaten path with the Exotics trips.
Choose Your Adventure
Trip
Classics
Exotics
~$48
~$58
~$88
~$96
Classics + Exotics
~$88
© Thomas Vialletet
Important note: The availability and exact schedule depends on the tide each day. Contact me for details.
Group size: 03-10 pax for regular trips
DWS HALF-DAY CLASSICS
vnd 1,250,000
~$48 per person
Perfect if you’re looking for a fun, accessible introduction to DWS—or simply want to spend a few hours climbing some of Lan Ha Bay’s classic lines.
Highlights
- 02 Classic and well-established DWS crags: Three Brothers | Hawaii 5-O | Seaface | Tung Thit | Crag X
- Scenic 30-40min boat ride
- Climbing time: 3-3.5 hrs
- Grades: 4+ to 7c+, suitable for both beginners & advanced
- Best for: First DWS / mixed groups
Itinerary
07:50 – Hotel pickup (in Cat Ba town center)
08:00 – Boat departure
08:30 – Safety briefing & warm-up
08:45-12:00 – Climb, swim & relax between tries
12:00 – Finish & return
12:30 – Back at harbour & drop off at hotel
Total Duration: ~4.5-5 hrs
12:50 – Hotel pickup (in Cat Ba town center)
13:00 – Boat departure
13:30 – Safety briefing & warm-up
13:45-17:00 – Climb, swim & relax between tries
17:00 – Finish & return, enjoy sunset on the way
17:30 – Back at harbour & drop off at hotel
Total Duration: ~4.5-5 hrs
What's included in the price?
- Guide
- Boat for DWS
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (only in Cat Ba town center)
- Bay ticket
- Climbing chalk
- Water refill & fruits on board
- Travel insurance up to 500,000,000vnd
- Transport from Hanoi or other areas to Cat Ba
- Hotel pickup and drop-off outside Cat Ba town center
- Lunch
- Climbing shoe rental (available for 50,000vnd/day)
- Gratuities
Gallery
DWS HALF-DAY EXOTICS
vnd 1,500,000
~$58 per person
For climbers who seek adventure beyond the usuals. Sail deeper into hidden corners of Lan Ha Bay and explore less-frequented crags.
Highlights
- 02 Exotic crags in more remote areas: Hon Dua | Unemployment Wall | Never Never Land | Andy Cave
- Scenic 60-70min boat ride
- Climbing time: 3-3.5 hrs
- Grades: 4+ to 7c+ and beyond, suitable for both beginners & advanced
- Best for: Adventure seekers, explorers
Itinerary
07:20 – Pickup from hotel in Cat Ba town center
07:30 – Boat departure
08:30 – Safety briefing & warm-up
08:45-12:00 – Climb, swim & relax between tries
12:00 – Finish & return
13:00 – Back at harbour & drop off at hotel
Total Duration: ~5.5-6 hrs
12:20 – Pickup from hotel in Cat Ba town center
12:30 – Boat departure
13:30 – Safety briefing & warm-up
13:45-17:00 – Climb, swim & relax between tries
17:00 – Finish & return, enjoy sunset on the way
18:00 – Back at harbour & drop off at hotel
Total Duration: ~5.5-6 hrs
What's included in the price?
- Guide
- Boat for DWS
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (only in Cat Ba town center)
- Bay ticket
- Climbing chalk
- Water refill & fruits on board
- Travel insurance up to 500,000,000vnd
- Transport from Hanoi or other areas to Cat Ba
- Hotel pickup and drop-off outside Cat Ba town center
- Lunch
- Climbing shoe rental (available for 50,000vnd/day)
- Gratuities
Gallery
DWS FULL-DAY CLASSICS
vnd 2,300,000
~$88 per person
A full day dedicated to the classic DWS areas of Lan Ha Bay. With plenty of time to climb at your own pace, try different routes, improve your technique, and take breaks for swimming and relaxing.
Highlights
- 3-4 Classic and well-established DWS crags
- Scenic 30-40min boat ride
- Climbing time: 6.5-7 hrs
- Grades: 4+ to 7c+, suitable for both beginners & advanced
- Best for: Progression & lots of climbing
Itinerary
07:50 – Pickup from hotel in Cat Ba town center
08:00 – Boat departure
08:30 – Safety briefing & warm-up
08:45-12:00 – Morning climbing, swim & relax between tries
12:00 – Lunch break
13:00-16:30 – Afternoon climbing at different crags
16:30 – Swim, relax on a beach
17:00 – Return & enjoy sunset on the way
17:30 – Back at harbour & drop off at hotel
Total Duration: ~9-9.5 hrs
What's included in the price?
- Guide
- Boat for DWS
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (only in Cat Ba town center)
- Bay ticket
- Climbing shoes & chalk
- Water refill & fruits on board
- Travel insurance up to 500,000,000vnd
- Transport from Hanoi or other areas to Cat Ba
- Hotel pickup and drop-off outside Cat Ba town center
- Lunch (lunch on a floating house available on request)
- Gratuities
DWS FULL-DAY EXPLORATION
vnd 2,500,000
~$96 per person
This full-day adventure combines the best of both worlds—from iconic DWS spots to quieter, more remote corners of Lan Ha Bay. Expect more boat time, more exploration, more variety in more spectacular surroundings.
Highlights
- 02 Classic & 02 Exotic crags
- Scenic 60-70min boat ride
- Climbing time: 6.5-7 hrs
- Grades: 4+ to 7c+ and beyond, suitable for both beginners & advanced
- Best for: The full DWS adventure
Itinerary
07:50 – Pickup from hotel in Cat Ba town center
08:00 – Boat departure
08:30 – Safety briefing & warm-up
08:45-12:00 – Morning climbing at Classic locations
12:00–13:00 – Lunch break & Move to Exotic locations
13:00-16:30 – Afternoon climbing
16:30 – Swim, relax on a beach
17:00 – Return & enjoy sunset on the way
18:00 – Back at harbour & drop off at hotel
Total Duration: ~9.5-10 hrs
What's included in the price?
- Guide
- Boat for DWS
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (only in Cat Ba town center)
- Bay ticket
- Climbing shoes & chalk
- Water refill & fruits on board
- Travel insurance up to 500,000,000vnd
- Transport from Hanoi or other areas to Cat Ba
- Hotel pickup and drop-off outside Cat Ba town center
- Lunch (lunch on a floating house available on request)
- Gratuities
FULL-DAY DWS & KAYAKING
vnd 2,300,000
~$88 per person
Spend the day experiencing Lan Ha Bay from both the rock and the water. Climbing on beautiful limestone cliffs and paddle to explore hidden lagoons and secluded beaches, with plenty of time to swim, relax and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Highlights
- 3-3.5 hrs of DWS at 02 Classic crags
- 2-2.5 hrs of kayaking
- Scenic 30-40min boat ride
- Lunch and relax on a floating restaurant
- Best for: mixed activities
- No previous kayaking experience required
Itinerary
07:50 – Pickup from hotel in Cat Ba town center
08:00 – Boat departure
08:30 – Safety briefing & warm-up
08:45-12:00 – Morning climbing at Classic locations
12:00–13:30 – Lunch break & relax on floating house
13:30-16:00 – Afternoon kayaking, exploring, swimming
16:00 – Finish & Return
16:30 – Back at harbour & drop off at hotel
Total Duration: ~9 hrs
What's included in the price?
- Guide
- Boat for DWS
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (only in Cat Ba town center)
- Bay ticket
- Climbing shoes & chalk
- Kayaking equipment
- Lunch on floating restaurant
- Water refill & fruits on board
- Travel insurance up to 500,000,000vnd
- Transport from Hanoi or other areas to Cat Ba
- Hotel pickup and drop-off outside Cat Ba town center
- Gratuities
Not sure which trip is right for you?
Tell me what kind of adventure you’re looking for, your climbing experience, and how much time you have. I’ll help you find the perfect trip.