4.9 / 5

Cat Ba Island
📍 Cat Ba Island, VietnamView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:April to November, during dry season

⏰ Open Hours:N/A

🧗‍♂️ Things To Do:Trekking, Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Visit Cat Ba National Park, Explore Lan Ha Bay

💰 Budget:Entry fees to National Park: 40,000 VND, Activities: Vary from 100,000 to 600,000 VND

🧳 Traveller Types:Adventure seekers, Nature Lovers, Wildlife Enthusiasts

🔖 Known For:Biodiversity, Endemic Species like the Cat Ba Langur, Beautiful Beaches, Karst Landscapes

🚉 Distances:From Hanoi: 160 km (Bus + Ferry), From Haiphong: 25 km (Ferry)

🍽️ Local Cuisine:Seafood (especially clams and oysters), Cat Ba Rice Noodles

🌳 Unique Flora and Fauna:Home to 32 types of mammals and 70 bird species, including the endangered Cat Ba Langur

🏨 Accommodation:Options range from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts

🎒 Tips:Bring mosquito repellent, sunscreen. Respect wildlife and follow park rules

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Cat Ba Island: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Are you looking for a perfect getaway to enjoy the beauty and the adventure of Halong Bay, but also the charm and the culture of a Vietnamese island? If yes, then Cat Ba Island is the destination for you. Cat Ba Island is the largest and most popular island in Halong Bay, Vietnam. It offers a stunning combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure activities. Whether you want to relax on the sandy beaches, explore the lush national park, cruise the emerald waters, or enjoy the local cuisine and nightlife, Cat Ba Island has something for everyone. In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about Cat Ba Island, including its history, weather, best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay, what to see and do, and more.

Photo of Cat Ba Island 1/2 by
(C) Google

History of Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island has a long and rich history that dates back to thousands of years ago. The name Cat Ba means "Women's Island" in Vietnamese, and it comes from a legend that tells the story of three women who sacrificed their lives to protect the island from invaders. Archaeological evidence shows that Cat Ba Island was inhabited by humans since the prehistoric times, and it was also a strategic location for military and naval operations during the wars with China and France. Today, Cat Ba Island is a popular tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors every year.

Weather and Climate of Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island has a tropical monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The average temperature ranges from 15°C to 28°C, and the average rainfall is about 2000 mm per year. The hottest months are June, July, and August, when the temperature can reach up to 35°C, and the humidity is high. The coldest months are December, January, and February, when the temperature can drop to 10°C, and the wind is strong. The wettest months are July, August, and September, when the rainfall is heavy and frequent. The driest months are December, January, and February, when the rainfall is low and rare.

Best Time to Visit Cat Ba Island

The best time to visit Cat Ba Island depends on your preferences and activities. Generally, the most ideal time is from March to May, and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant, the sea is calm, the sky is clear, and the crowds are moderate. These are also the best months for hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and cycling on the island. However, if you want to enjoy the beach and the sun, you can also visit Cat Ba Island from June to August, when the weather is hot, the sea is warm, the sky is blue, and the crowds are high. These are also the best months for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and cruising on the bay. However, you should avoid visiting Cat Ba Island from December to February, when the weather is cold, the sea is rough, the sky is cloudy, and the crowds are low. These are also the worst months for outdoor activities on the island.

How to Get to Cat Ba Island

There are several ways to get to Cat Ba Island from different cities in Vietnam, such as Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Halong. The most common and convenient way is to take a bus from Hanoi to Hai Phong, and then take a speedboat or a ferry from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island. The bus ride takes about 2 hours, and the speedboat or ferry ride takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The total cost is about 250,000 VND to 350,000 VND per person. You can book your tickets online or through your hotel or travel agency. Another option is to take a bus from Hanoi to Halong, and then take a cruise or a cable car from Halong to Cat Ba Island. The bus ride takes about 4 hours, and the cruise or cable car ride takes about 1 hour to 2 hours. The total cost is about 400,000 VND to 600,000 VND per person. You can also book your tickets online or through your hotel or travel agency.

Where to Stay on Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island has a wide range of accommodation options for different budgets and tastes, from luxury resorts to budget hostels, and from seaside hotels to mountain homestays. Here are some of the best places to stay on Cat Ba Island, according to their category, location, price, and rating:

- Luxury: Cat Ba Sunrise Resort, Cat Ba Island Resort and Spa, Cat Ba Eco Lodge

- If you want to splurge on a luxurious and comfortable stay on Cat Ba Island, you can choose from these three resorts, which offer spacious and elegant rooms, private balconies, swimming pools, spas, restaurants, bars, and other amenities. You can also enjoy the stunning views of the bay, the beach, or the forest from your resort, and relax in the serene and tranquil atmosphere. The price ranges from 2,000,000 VND to 4,000,000 VND per night, depending on the season and the room type.

- Mid-range: Cat Ba Dream Hotel, Cat Ba Sandy Beach Resort, Cat Ba Central Hotel

- If you want to have a comfortable and affordable stay on Cat Ba Island, you can choose from these three hotels, which offer cozy and clean rooms, air conditioning, wifi, hot water, breakfast, and other services. You can also enjoy the convenient location of these hotels, which are close to the town center, the harbor, or the beach, and have easy access to the attractions and activities on the island. The price ranges from 500,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND per night, depending on the season and the room type.

- Budget: Cat Ba Hostel, Cat Ba Backpackers, Cat Ba Oasis Bungalows

- If you want to save money and meet other travelers on Cat Ba Island, you can choose from these three hostels, which offer dorms and private rooms, shared bathrooms, wifi, lockers, laundry, and other facilities. You can also enjoy the friendly and social atmosphere of these hostels, which have common areas, bars, games, and events. The price ranges from 100,000 VND to 300,000 VND per night, depending on the season and the room type.

- Homestay: Cat Ba Green House, Cat Ba Mountain View, Cat Ba Langur Homestay

- If you want to experience the local culture and nature on Cat Ba Island, you can choose from these three homestays, which offer simple and authentic rooms, shared bathrooms, wifi, meals, and other amenities. You can also enjoy the rural and peaceful setting of these homestays, which are located in the national park, the mountain, or the village, and have stunning views of the forest, the valley, or the bay. You can also interact with the hospitable and helpful hosts, and learn about their lifestyle and traditions. The price ranges from 200,000 VND to 500,000 VND per night, depending on the season and the room type.

What to See and Do on Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, with a variety of attractions and activities to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to see and do on Cat Ba Island, according to their popularity, beauty, and fun:

- Cat Ba National Park: Cat Ba National Park is the highlight of Cat Ba Island, covering an area of 152 square kilometers, and home to a diverse flora and fauna, including the endangered Cat Ba langur, the world's rarest primate. You can hike, bike, or motorbike through the park, and explore its trails, forests, hills, waterfalls, and caves. You can also visit the park's visitor center, museum, and botanical garden, and learn more about the park's history, ecology, and conservation. The entrance fee is 80,000 VND per person, and the park is open from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm daily.

- One of the most popular and rewarding hikes in the park is the one to the Ngu Lam Peak, which takes about 2 hours round trip, and offers a panoramic view of the island and the bay from the top. Another one is the one to the Frog Lake, which takes about 3 hours round trip, and leads to a beautiful and secluded lake in the middle of the forest. You can also hire a guide or join a tour to explore the park more thoroughly and safely, and see some of the hidden gems and wildlife of the park.

- Lan Ha Bay: Lan Ha Bay is a part of Halong Bay, but less crowded and more pristine. It consists of hundreds of limestone karsts, islands, and islets, rising from the turquoise water, and creating a spectacular scenery. You can cruise, kayak, or sail through the bay, and admire its natural beauty, and visit its hidden coves, beaches, and fishing villages. You can also snorkel, dive - or swim in the clear and calm water, and see the colorful coral reefs and marine life. You can book a day or overnight tour to Lan Ha Bay from Cat Ba Island, or rent a boat or a kayak from the harbor. The price varies depending on the type and duration of the tour, but it usually ranges from 300,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND per person.

- One of the most popular and enjoyable tours in the bay is the one that combines cruising, kayaking, and camping on a private island, which takes about 2 days and 1 night, and includes meals, drinks, equipment, and guides. You can experience the beauty and the adventure of the bay, and also have a relaxing and romantic night on the beach, with a bonfire, a barbecue, and a tent. You can find more details and reviews about this tour on [Tripadvisor.com].

- Cat Co Beach: Cat Co Beach is the most popular and accessible beach on Cat Ba Island, located about 2 kilometers from the town center. It is actually a complex of three beaches, named Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, and Cat Co 3, connected by a coastal road and a wooden bridge. The beaches are clean and sandy, with clear and shallow water, and surrounded by green hills and rocks. You can relax, sunbathe, or read a book on the beach, or rent a sunbed or a parasol for a small fee. You can also swim, snorkel, or play water sports on the beach, or rent a kayak or a paddle board for a reasonable price. You can also enjoy the view of the sunset or the sunrise from the beach, or have a drink or a snack at the nearby cafes and bars. The entrance fee is 10,000 VND per person, and the beach is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.

- One of the best things to do on the beach is to take a walk along the coastal road, which offers a scenic and refreshing view of the sea, the sky, and the islands. You can also stop by the Cat Co 3 Beach, which is quieter and more secluded than the other two, and has a small lagoon and a rock pool. You can also visit the Cannon Fort, which is located on a hill above the beach, and see the historical relics and the panoramic view of the bay.

- Viet Hai Village: Viet Hai Village is a remote and peaceful village, located in the heart of Cat Ba National Park, and accessible by boat or by bike. It is a typical example of a traditional Vietnamese village, with wooden houses, rice fields, vegetable gardens, and fruit trees. You can visit the village and experience its simple and authentic lifestyle, and learn about its culture and history. You can also interact with the friendly and hospitable locals, and try their delicious and organic food. You can also stay overnight at the village's homestay, and enjoy the tranquility and the nature. You can book a tour to Viet Hai Village from Cat Ba Island, or rent a boat or a bike from the harbor. The price depends on the type and duration of the tour, but it usually ranges from 200,000 VND to 500,000 VND per person.

- One of the best things to do in the village is to take a bike ride around the village, and see the daily life and the scenery of the rural area. You can also visit the ancient house, the school, the temple, and the museum, and learn more about the history and the customs of the village. You can also join the locals in their activities, such as farming, fishing, cooking, or weaving, and learn some skills and tips from them. You can also enjoy the fresh and tasty food that the locals prepare for you, such as rice, fish, vegetables, fruits, and herbs.

- Monkey Island: Monkey Island is a small and charming island, located about 3 kilometers from Cat Ba Island, and reachable by boat. It is named after the dozens of monkeys that live on the island, and often come to the beach to play and interact with the visitors. You can visit the island and see the monkeys, but be careful not to feed them or touch them, as they can be aggressive and unpredictable. You can also hike to the top of the island, and enjoy the panoramic view of the bay and the surrounding islands. You can also swim, snorkel, or relax on the beach, which is clean and sandy, and has clear and blue water. You can book a tour to Monkey Island from Cat Ba Island, or rent a boat from the harbor. The price depends on the type and duration of the tour, but it usually ranges from 100,000 VND to 300,000 VND per person.

- One of the best things to do on the island is to take a photo with the monkeys, but be respectful and cautious, and do not provoke or disturb them. You can also feed them some fruits or nuts, but only from a distance, and not from your hand. You can also watch them play and jump on the trees, and see their funny and cute expressions. You can also enjoy the peaceful and natural atmosphere of the island, and listen to the sounds of the waves, the wind, and the birds.

- Cat Ba Caves: Cat Ba Island has several caves that are worth exploring, such as Trung Trang Cave, Hospital Cave, and Thien Long Cave. These caves are natural wonders, with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and chambers of different shapes and sizes. You can visit the caves and admire their beauty, and learn about their history and legends. Some of the caves were used as shelters, hospitals, or military bases during the wars, and some of them have ancient paintings and inscriptions on the walls. You can book a tour to the caves from Cat Ba Island, or rent a motorbike or a bike from the town. The entrance fee is 40,000 VND per person, and the caves are open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.

- One of the best things to do in the caves is to see the light and the shadow effects that create different shapes and colors on the walls and the ceilings. You can also use your imagination and see if you can recognize any animals, plants, or objects that the formations resemble. You can also hear the stories and the myths that the guides or the locals tell you about the caves, and see if you can find any evidence or clues that support them. You can also feel the cool and fresh air that the caves provide, and escape the heat and the noise of the outside world.

- Cat Ba Seafood: Cat Ba Island is famous for its fresh and delicious seafood, such as crabs, shrimps, clams, oysters, squids, and fish. You can enjoy the seafood at the local markets, restaurants, or street stalls, and try some of the special dishes, such as seafood hotpot, seafood noodles, seafood spring rolls, and seafood pizza. You can also buy the seafood directly from the fishermen, and cook it yourself at your accommodation or on the beach. The price of the seafood varies depending on the season and the quality, but it is usually cheaper than in other places in Vietnam.

- One of the best things to do with the seafood is to taste the different flavors and sauces that the locals use to prepare them, such as ginger, garlic, chili, lemon, salt, pepper, sugar, vinegar, and fish sauce. You can also see the variety and the freshness of the seafood that the locals catch and sell every day, and learn about their names and their characteristics. You can also enjoy the atmosphere and the culture of the seafood market, restaurant, or stall, and chat with the owners, the chefs, or the customers, and share your opinions and experiences.

- Cat Ba Nightlife: Cat Ba Island has a lively and fun nightlife, especially during the peak season. You can find many bars, pubs, clubs, and karaoke places on the main street of the town, and enjoy the music, drinks, and entertainment. You can also join the beach parties, bonfires, and fire shows on the Cat Co Beach, and dance and mingle with other travelers and locals. You can also watch the night sky and the stars from the beach, or take a night cruise on the bay, and see the bioluminescent plankton. The nightlife on Cat Ba Island is usually safe and friendly, but you should be careful of your belongings and your drinks, and avoid any trouble or conflict.

- One of the best things to do at night is to have a cocktail or a beer at one of the rooftop bars, such as the Good Bar, the Oasis Bar, or the Flightless Bird Bar, and enjoy the view of the town and the bay at night, and listen to the live music or the DJ. You can also have a karaoke session at one of the karaoke places, such as the Cat Ba Karaoke, the Happy Karaoke, or the Star Karaoke, and sing your favorite songs or challenge your friends. You can also have a relaxing and romantic night at one of the beach bars, such as the Sunset Bar, the Sunrise Bar, or the Moonlight Bar, and watch the fire - shows on the beach, and cuddle with your partner or your friends.

Photo of Cat Ba Island 2/2 by
(C) Google

Tips and Advice for Visiting Cat Ba Island

Here are some tips and advice for visiting Cat Ba Island, to make your trip more enjoyable and hassle-free:

- Book your accommodation and transport in advance, especially during the peak season, to avoid disappointment and overcharging.

- Respect the environment and the wildlife, and do not litter, feed, or disturb the animals, or damage the plants or the rocks.

- Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, and drink plenty of water, to protect yourself from the sun and the heat.

- Bring insect repellent, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit, to prevent and treat any bites, stings, or injuries.

- Bargain politely and firmly, and compare prices, to get the best deals and avoid scams.

- Learn some basic Vietnamese words and phrases, and use them with a smile, to communicate and interact with the locals.

Conclusion

Cat Ba Island is a wonderful destination for travelers who want to experience the beauty and the adventure of Halong Bay, but also the charm and the culture of a Vietnamese island. Cat Ba Island has something for everyone, from nature lovers to thrill seekers, from backpackers to families, from solo travelers to groups.

Cat Ba Island is a place where you can relax, explore, learn, and have fun, and create unforgettable memories. Cat Ba Island is waiting for you, so don't hesitate to visit it soon.

Cat Ba Island Reviews

Cat Ba Island There are times when a whole experience can be expressed in just one word, a sudden trip to Cat Ba Island- the largest Island in Ha long bay. Cat Ba is one of the major weekend getaway for the locals and is often overlooked by the tourists who plan to go on a day trip to Ha long Bay. Another reason could be the exuberant high rates of the tour operators which range anywhere from USD 200-400, believe me you can do a 2 night 3 day trip to this beautiful island in under USD 60. The day I arrived at Hanoi I had 7 days to go with absolutely no plan, a number of backpackers I met till now suggested going to Sapa and Ha long bay one can easily spend 2 nights at both these places. After 2 days exploring the city me and two other backpackers (who I met in Phong Nha) decided to go to Cat Ba Island; on our own. And it sure was worth a visit. Reaching the Island: Reaching Cat Ba requires changing the modes of transport a couple of times and there are 2 major routes by which one can reach Cat Ba from Hanoi- via Ha long city, via Haiphong - but you have to be very sure of the timings of all the modes of transport that you would require because the last thing you would want to do on a vacation is wait until the next day to get on the connecting transport. Hence, the easiest and the most convenient way is to simply purchase a ticket (220000 VND) from Luong Yen bus station (Hanoi) this include a bus ride till Haiphong city (approx. 3 hours) another transfer till the port (approx. 1 hour) ferry till the island (45 minutes) and the final bus till the harbour (45 minutes) Where to stay: The largely untouched scenery of the island was swarmed by a number hotels in the recent past, leaving you with lots of options to choose from. After arriving at the harbour we sat down at a café (with WiFi) to look for a place to stay, the whole stretch of the harbour is covered with hotels apart from the many hotels on the island otherwise. They are easy to locate on any of the hotel booking platforms otherwise you can simply walk around and pick your stay. A budget room for a night on double occupancy can cost you anywhere between USD 6 – USD 10, we stayed at the Cat Ba Backpackers Hostel – 3 people in a room for USD 3/person. For a mid-ranged stay you can find options between USD 15- USD 40, if you have no budget constraints then you can choose from a beach resort in USD 50 to a private junk in about USD 400. There are cheaper junks too, but be ready to have some unwanted guests (read rodents and bugs) along with you and bad services.
Hạ Long Bay is the center of a larger zone which includes Bai Tu Long bay to the northeast, and Cat Ba islands to the southwest. This junk took us to the unexplored and exquisite Bai Tu Long Bay. We couldn’t stop gawking at the drop dead gorgeous landscapes. Limestone karsts emerging from emerald green waters made a very mystic landscape and photos actually do not do much justice to the actual beauty of this place. The food on board was the best we have ever had with the most fresh ingredients and evidently a lot of effort put into it by the Chef and team. Every dish was 5-star quality and every meal had 8-9 courses. The staff on board was very warm and friendly entertaining us with their jokes and magic tricks. The itinerary of the cruise is well designed to include activities as well as leisure time. First day we went for Kayaking amidst the most gorgeous scenery. The cloudy weather added to the mystic charm of the place! At night, the ship docked near an island and the feeling when you see those beautiful islands from your window while lying in your bed is priceless. We started the second day by doing Tai chi on the sun deck early morning at 6:00 a.m (totally worth waking up early morning!) and after breakfast we hiked on one of the 2000+ islands on the Bay to see the Thien Canh Son cave. The cave was beautiful with its rocks and stone formations and views from the cave were stunning. After checking out the cave we sat on the beach for a while on the lounge chairs just to admire the surroundings and feel lucky to be there! After lunch, we were dropped to the rustic and beautiful Yen duc village which is mid-way between Hanoi and Halong Bay. This was also arranged for us by Indochina junk. I would recommend anyone going to Halong Bay to stop at the village for at least one night for the authentic Vietnamese village life experience. The village has poetic scenery replete with mountains, charming rice fields, pretty houses and streams.
This was the most exciting part of our trip...because we were in North vietnam.. We reached cat ba island by bus from Hanoi. As I alway say..there are some perks of staying with locals...this is local food provided by our host with fresh fish, mussels, some tofu,baked beans and potato... We couldn't eat mussels though...but I just tasted one... . . Many say..HLAONG BAY is must in Vietnam...but we chose CAT BA island... why we chose cat ba island over halong bay ??? . . People visit halong bay to witness beautiful limestone cliffs and emerald waters...but it is expensive and touristy...here are our reasons to chose cat ba over halong bay.. . . * Lan ha bay is similar to halong bay which is near to cat ba island and has almost 400 limestone cliffs *Calm and serene emerald waters *It is less touristy and more authentic *Hell lot of activities to do *We did kayaking, visited floating villages, saw pearl cultivation process and did trekking in cat ba national park... *Most importantly ..it's cheap... *Has beautiful small beaches... . . We booked 1N 2D tour from Hanoi...we took a combined bus ticket which includes bus ticket to haiphong and boat on cat ba island and again bus to cat ba village..this is the cheapest and best option... We had junk boat for ourselves and had 3 hr cruise to lan ha bay...this we booked after reaching cat ba island... . . For this 2 days trip it costed 5000/- Rs per person including everything...(accomodation,food, trekking,kayaking, transportation) ...it's best deal....
Before we took off from Hanoi we went on our bikes to Cat Ba Island (Ha Long Bay Area) and to a Vietnam village 250 km away to attend a wedding. This way we got more familiar with the Vietnam roads and traffic and had more confidence in our bikes. This was around 800 km in total. On The Road: We hit the road and on our first day we did 8 km. Yes you read it right only 8 km. It was a rainy day, we left at 3:30 pm and after 8 km I realised that I have not collected our passports from the hotel so I had to go back to get my passports. On average we did (like to do 100-150 km), around 3-4 hours of riding. It took 26 days because we stayed for more than few days in Phong Nha, Hue, Hoi An and Dalat. One can easily do this in 2 weeks. Here are some of the key advantages in Vietnam. + Mechanics everywhere – Apart from few remote routes there are mechanics and people who can fix the bike everywhere. + Good AC hotel rooms for $10 USD, yes less than £7 for 2 people, sometime including breakfast. + Petrol is just under 18000VND or 55p per litre. My Honda Win runs 100km on a 1.5 litre of petrol. + Food, water and beer is available everywhere, if nothing you can still get Phở everywhere (beef noodle soup), for vegetarians it can be slightly challenging.
Took a bus from Hanoi to Cat ba Island and from there we did a day long boat cruise trip across Halong Bay. First time I had the experience of Kayaking in between the beautiful limestone rock pillars and green emerald water. The next thing was jumping from boat cruise and swim to one of the island. I already asked my fellow travellers to save me if I drown. Yeah I am not very good at swimming but the adrenaline inside me was at highest level. So I jumped from the boat cruise and made it to the nearby island. But while coming back to cruise I started loosing breath and strength so I called my friend David who instantly came and took me to the boat cruise. Yes he saved my life that day. When I thanked him then he said that’s what friends are for. So we were a group of six and all of us were solo travellers and we decided to rent motorbike next day to explore the Cat ba island. But the two girls Erin and Dasha were trying motobike for the first time and only thing came in my mind God save us. But by the evening it was all cool. There is an hour long hiking trail to the highest point on the Island inside Cat ba National Park from where one can witness breathtaking views of the whole Island.
Photos of Cat Ba Island
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