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.
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.
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.
