Nestled amidst the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island emerges as a hidden gem waiting to be explored. With its dramatic limestone cliffs, secluded beaches, and vibrant fishing villages, this enchanting island off the coast of northern Vietnam offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and a quieter alternative to Halong Bay.
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What is Cat Ba Island?
Cat Ba Island sits right in the heart of the stunning Halong Bay in Vietnam. As the biggest island in the bay, Cat Ba is the perfect combo of nature’s awesomeness and local charm, boasting lush green jungles, crazy cliffs, and traditional floating villages.
And the vibe? Totally laid-back. The island hosts a diverse local population engaged in traditional activities, offering visitors the opportunity to sample fresh and exquisite seafood delicacies.
Plus, if you’re into outdoor stuff, Cat Ba’s got you covered with hiking, kayaking, and even rock climbing. It’s basically paradise for anyone who wants to kick back or get their adventure on in the epic scenery of Lan Ha Bay.
Planning to visit Vietnam? Start here:
History of Cat Ba Island
Originally inhabited by indigenous communities dating back thousands of years, the island has witnessed the ebb and flow of civilizations, from early settlers to periods of Chinese and French colonial influence.
During the Vietnam War, Cat Ba served as a strategic military outpost, witnessing significant conflict and enduring hardships.
You can see reminders of Cat Ba Island’s tough history all over the place, like at the Cannon Fort and the Hospital Cave. These spots show how the island dealt with hard times and bounced back.
How to Get to Cat Ba Island?
To reach Cat Ba Island from other cities in Vietnam, you have a few options. If you’re coming from Hanoi, the most common route is to take a bus or shuttle van from Hanoi to Hai Phong City, and then catch a ferry from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island.
The most convenient way to do so is to take a bus directly from Hanoi (or other major cities) to Cat Ba Island, which includes a ferry crossing as part of the journey. Such buses can be found both online or through your accommodation.
Here are some of the most common routes, with related travel times and prices:
| ROUTE BUS | DURATION | PRICE | BUS TYPE | NOTE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | 3.5 hours | 270k ($11) – 450k ($18) | Seating | Limousine | Non-direct | Direct |
| Ninh Binh | 4.5 hours | 300k ($12) | Seating | Direct |
| Ha Giang | 11.30 hours | 550k ($22) | Sleeping Bus | Direct |
| Sapa | 11 hours | 600k ($24) | Sleeping Bus | Direct |
If you’re coming from further cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang, you’ll likely need to take a flight to Hanoi or Hai Phong first, and then follow one of the routes mentioned above to reach Cat Ba Island.
Best Things to Do in Cat Ba Island
The island of Cat Ba offers a variety of activities that can suit everyone. In this chapter you’ll find the best things to do on the island, but don’t limit yourself to this list.
1) Lan Ha Bay Boat Tour
A Lan Ha Bay boat tour offers a panoramic exploration of one of Vietnam’s most stunning natural landscapes.
Lan Ha Bay is a quieter alternative to the popular and crowded Halong Bay. In Cat Ba, you can board a traditional wooden junk or a modern cruise vessel and wander through emerald waters flanked by towering limestone karsts.
As the boat navigates through the maze of karsts, you can marvel at the intricate network of caves and grottoes that punctuate the coastline, each with its own unique features and legends.
On a typical Lan Ha Bay tour, you’ll be exploring hidden beaches, kayaking through picturesque lagoons, and visiting charming fishing villages. The price for a one-day tour is around $25-30 USD, depending on the company.
Read also: Why is Lan Ha Bay a better alternative than Halong Bay
2) Cai Beo Fishing Village
Cai Beo Fishing Village provides a glimpse into the traditional maritime lifestyle of Vietnam’s coastal communities.
Nestled along the shores of Cat Ba Island, this ancient settlement is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited fishing villages in the country.
The village can be visited as part of a Lan Ha Bay tour, or independently from Cai Beo ferry terminal.
As you wander through the maze of wooden stilt houses, you can observe local fishermen engaged in their daily routines, repairing nets, mending boats, or sorting their day’s catch.
A visit to Cai Beo Fishing Village offers a fascinating insight into the enduring connection between the people of Cat Ba Island and the bountiful waters that sustain them.
3) Hike Cat Ba National Park (Đỉnh Ngự Lâm)
Hiking Cat Ba National Park (Đỉnh Ngự Lâm) offers an immersive journey into the heart of Vietnam’s natural beauty.
Nestled on Cat Ba Island, this national park provides a tranquil escape from the bustling streets. As you trek through lush forests and rugged terrain, you might encounter a diverse array of flora and fauna. If you’re lucky, you might even spot rare species like the Cat Ba langur.
The trail leading to Đỉnh Ngự Lâm is short but steep, and panoramic views await atop its summit. The peak offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape of Cat Ba.
The hike is about 1.4km long (0.9 miles) one way, with an elevation difference of 150m (500ft). The fee to access the hikes from the park’s headquarters is 80,000 VND ($3.25 USD), which also covers admission to Trung Trang Cave.
4) Trung Trang Cave
Trung Trang Cave is located in close proximity to the Cat Ba National Park headquarters, where the Đỉnh Ngự Lâm hike begins.
Carved over centuries by natural forces, the cave boasts intricate formations, stalactites, and stalagmites that create a mesmerizing underground world. As you venture through its chambers, you are greeted by awe-inspiring sights and hidden nooks, each revealing a glimpse into the geological history of the region.
Trung Trang Cave offers you an unforgettable journey into the depths of Cat Ba Island, and it only takes about 30 minutes to be visited. The entrance fee is included in the Cat Ba National Park ticket, which costs 80.000 VND ($3.25 USD).
5) Trekking to Viet Hai Village
For those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, consider trekking or cycling to Viet Hai Village, a secluded community nestled in the heart of Cat Ba National Park.
Accessible only by foot or bicycle after reaching Bến tàu Việt Hải ferry terminal, Viet Hai Village offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. As you traverse the scenic trails that wind through lush forests and rugged terrain, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Wander through the narrow pathways lined with traditional houses, visit the local school and community center, or simply relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
6) Hospital Cave
Hospital Cave is a natural cave located in the center of Cat Ba, which was transformed into a secret hospital during the Vietnam War. Back then, illnesses like malaria were killing more people than bombs, and there was an extreme need for a safe hospital that couldn’t be bombed.
Built entirely out of thick concrete walls, the hospital sneaks deep into the limestone cliffs, and it included living quarters, treatment areas, and even a makeshift operating theater.
As you wander through its dimly lit passages, you’ll gain insight into the resilience and resourcefulness of those who sought refuge within its walls.
Today, Hospital Cave stands as a testament to the island’s tumultuous past, offering a poignant reminder of the human spirit’s ability to endure even in the most challenging of circumstances.
The entrance fee for the Hospital Cave is 40.000 VND ($1.6 USD), and tickets can be bought on site. Expect to spend 30-45 minutes here.
7) Rock Trail (Sunrise Resort)
The Rock Trail stands out as one of Vietnam’s most exquisite coastal walking routes. This trail winds its way through lush forests, jagged limestone formations, and panoramic viewpoints, providing hikers with breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
The Rock Trail at Sunrise Resort in Cat Ba spans approximately 2.5 kilometers in length. As you ascend along the trail, you’ll encounter diverse flora and fauna unique to Cat Ba Island, adding to the richness of the experience.
This pathway links two pristine beaches, Cat Co 2 and Cat Co 3, affording sweeping vistas of the magnificent Lan Ha Bay. The sunrise is particularly enchanting, casting a golden hue over the landscape and creating stunning reflections.
8) Cannon Fort
Perched atop a rugged hill on Cat Ba Island, Cannon Fort offers a captivating glimpse into the island’s military history and panoramic views of its stunning surroundings. Built by the Japanese during World War II and later fortified by the French, this strategic stronghold provides visitors with an immersive experience in wartime relics and breathtaking vistas.
As you ascend the winding pathway to the fort, you’ll encounter remnants of artillery batteries and bunkers, serving as silent witnesses to the island’s tumultuous past. Once atop the fortifications, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Town, and the lush greenery of the island’s interior.
As echoed by many online reviews, it’s advisable to avoid venturing to the Google Maps location for Cannon Fort beyond any gates. Instead, opt for the dirt or slightly paved path located on the left side of the road adjacent to a small scooter parking lot. Ascending this path poses no issue or requires no fees, allowing you to relish a breathtaking sunset experience atop the fortification.
9) Visit the Cat Ba Fish Market (Cho Cat Ba)
The Cat Ba Fish Market (locally known as Cho Cat Ba) offers an authentic glimpse into the island’s fishing industry and local culture. The market is located on a side alley near the waterfront, and it’s a bustling hub where fishermen sell fresh catches daily.
Visitors can browse a variety of seafood, including fish, crabs, and prawns, while observing the daily activities of the marketplace.
Many nearby restaurants source their ingredients here, ensuring fresh seafood dishes for visitors to enjoy.
10) Visit Gia Luan
Gia Luan, located in the northern part of Cat Ba Island, Vietnam, is a serene village renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Nestled amidst lush greenery and towering limestone cliffs, this town offers a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking respite from urban life.
One of the highlights of Gia Luan is its traditional wooden bridge, which connects Cat Ba Island with a nearby islet, creating a charming pathway. As you stroll across the bridge, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views of the surrounding bay, including verdant forests, crystal-clear waters, and majestic limestone formations.
Beyond the wooden bridge, Gia Luan offers opportunities for outdoor adventures, such as hiking, swimming, and boating. Visitors can embark on boat tours to nearby islands to discover hidden coves or relax on secluded beaches.
11) Enjoy the beach
Despite its size, Cat Ba Island boasts relatively few beaches, owing to its rugged coastline.
The island is home to three main beaches: Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, and Cat Co 3, situated adjacent to each other on the southernmost tip. Several resorts are situated right next to these beaches, so you might not feel as if you have much privacy.
Additional beaches like Bãi biển Chút Chít dot the island’s perimeter, while Lan Ha Bay hosts some of the most stunning ones. Among them are Dao Khi and a collection of unnamed secluded beaches tucked away in the bay.
How to Get Around Cat Ba
Renting a motorbike is the most convenient mode of transportation on Cat Ba Island, and it’s incredibly easy to do. Right by the Cat Ba Pier, for example, you’ll find several bikes available for rent literally on the street.
While there aren’t formal rental shops and staff present, simply ask locals nearby for assistance, and they’ll readily provide you with contact information for the bike owner. We rented a bike for just 100,000 VND ($4 USD) per day, and no identification was required.
For travelers who prefer not to ride motorbikes, mototaxis are plentiful in touristy areas. It’s advisable to hire them for the day or half-day for trips, as they aren’t available everywhere on the island.
Best time to visit Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island experiences a tropical climate, characterized by two distinct seasons: a hot and humid summer, and a cooler and drier winter.
During the summer months, from May to September, temperatures typically range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), with high humidity levels. This period also sees frequent rainfall, especially in July and August, which can contribute to occasional typhoons.
In contrast, the winter season, spanning from November to March, brings cooler temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). While rainfall is less frequent during this time, visitors may still encounter occasional showers, particularly in December and January.
October and April fall between the two main seasons and can exhibit transitional weather patterns.
Where to Stay in Cat Ba Island?
There’s no shortage of accommodation in Cat Ba Island, ranging from budget options to fancy resorts. Here’s our top picks for every pocket:
ON A BUDGET: Cat Ba Pod Hostel (central location, rooftop bar and restaurant) | Catba Buffalo Hostel (the biggest hostel in Cat Ba, good for socializing) | SECRET GARDEN CAT BA (lovely hostel with a pool and great common areas) | Catba Backpackers Hostel & Pool Bar (nice common areas and mid-range options available)
MID-RANGE: JoyStay (unique looking bungalows) | Bao Phuc Hotel (one of the best value for money hotels) | CAT BA ECO HOTEL (great value for money)
LUXURY: Roza Palace (stunning architecture) | LePont Cat Ba Bungalow (suites and bungalow options) | Hôtel Perle d’Orient Cat Ba – MGallery (one of the most exclusive resorts on the island)
Looking for a unique experience? Check out Lan Ha Floating Homestay, a floating accommodation nestled in the stunning Lan Ha Bay.
