Cat Ba Island: Vietnam’s Pristine Coastal Wilderness

Cat Ba Island, located in the Gulf of Tonkin, is a top destination for both foreign and local tourists. Known as the largest island in Halong Bay, Cat Ba boasts a rugged landscape filled with lush jungles and dramatic limestone peaks.

Despite its growing popularity, much of the island remains wild and untouched, offering visitors a chance to explore its natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, or just soaking up the views, Cat Ba Island is a must-see on any Vietnam travel itinerary.

Cat Ba Island is known for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant local culture.

Cat Ba Island Overview

Cat Ba Island is off the northeastern coast of Vietnam. It's approximately 25 km from Ha Long Bay and about 30 km from Hai Phong City.

The island is the largest in the Cat Ba Archipelago, which consists of 366 islands. Cat Ba Island serves as a gateway to the world-famous Ha Long Bay.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Cat Ba Island is from September to October or March to April. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, with less humidity and milder temperatures. However, be prepared for unpredictable weather, as conditions can change quickly due to the island's location.

How to get to and around Cat Ba?

From major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, etc., travelers can get to Hai Phong or Ha Long (Quang Ninh Province) by plane, train, car, or bus. From there, travelers can continue to Cat Ba Island by ferry, cable car, or high-speed boat.

Hai Phong to Cat Ba

• High-speed boat: From Hai Phong city, travelers can take a high-speed boat from Binh Wharf to Cat Ba Island. The trip takes about 60 minutes, with ferries running several times daily. Tickets cost around $10 per person.
• Ferry: From Hai Phong city, travelers can drive across the Tan Vu–Lach Huyen Bridge to reach Cat Hai island. They take a ferry from Dong Bai Ferry Terminal to Cai Vieng on Cat Ba Island. The travel time ranges from 25 to 60 minutes. Ticket prices can vary from USD 0.5 to over USD 7.60 if including a car.
• Cable car: The Cat Ba cable car station is about 1.4 km from Dong Bai Ferry Terminal. The cable car ride is quite quick, taking around 10–15 minutes. The ticket price from Hai Phong to Cat Ba by cable car is approximately USD 2.30.

Cat Ba Island from Hanoi

Hanoi is about 130 km from Hai Phong. Travelers can get to Hai Phong city or Cat Hai Island by train, bus, or car.

• By Train: Take a train from Hanoi to Hai Phong (2.5-3 hours).
• By Bus: Direct buses from Hanoi to Cat Ba are available and take about 3-3.5 hours.
• By Car: Driving from Hanoi to Cat Ba takes about 2.5-3.5 hours via the Hanoi-Hai Phong highway.
• By Motorbike: The ride from Hanoi takes 4-6 hours, depending on traffic.

From there, they can continue to Cat Ba Island by ferry, cable car, or high-speed boat.

Cat Ba Island from Ha Long Bay (40km)

• By Ferry: Regular ferries run between Tuan Chau Island in Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island, taking around 1.5-2 hours.
• By Speedboat: Speedboats offer a faster journey from Ha Long Bay to Cat Ba, taking about 45-60 minutes.
• By Cruise: Cruises from Ha Long Bay to Cat Ba offer a scenic multi-day experience.

Getting around Cat Ba

• Motorbikes/bicycles (rentals available) - explore the island at your own pace (motorbikes 50,000-150,000vnd/day)
• Taxis/electric buggies - convenient for short distances or shared rides
• Public buses - connect Cat Ba Town with ports and National Park HQ (check with tourist info for schedules)
• Boats - explore the coastline and outlying islands (tours from Ben Beo Port)

What to do on Cat Ba island?

Looking for things to do in Cat Ba Island? This beautiful destination has it all, from stunning landscapes and beaches to exciting outdoor activities. Discover the best experiences Cat Ba has to offer below.

1. Trekking Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park has 32 species of mammals, including around 78 golden-headed langurs, one of the world's most endangered primates. Other common mammals here include macaques, deer, civets, and various squirrels like the giant black squirrel.

You can spot 70 bird species, such as hawks, hornbills, and cuckoos. The park's headquarters is 14km north of Cat Ba Town, so you'll need a motorbike or taxi to get there. The short but steep trekking routes Cat Ba, hiking Ngu Lam Peak, which takes about 90 minutes and offers views of the jungle.

The 9km trail to Viet Hai Village is challenging and best done with a guide. From Viet Hai, you can walk, rent a bike, or take an electric vehicle to the pier, where taxi boats return to Ben Beo Harbour. Wear proper shoes, bring a raincoat, and carry plenty of water.

Trekking through Cat Ba National Park offers breathtaking views and a chance to see unique wildlife.

2. Discovering Cat Ba Island on a motorcycle or bike

Cat Ba Island has great roads for exploring on a motorbike or bicycle. You can rent a motorbike from most hotels and agencies for $3-$6 per day. Ride carefully, as roads may have blind corners and gravel.

Two main roads for motorbike tour and bike tour Cat Ba are scenic, offering beautiful views and many stops for photos and sightseeing. Duong Xuyen Dao Cat Ba runs from south to north, connecting Cat Ba Town and Gia Luan Port (14 miles). Duong DT356 runs along the west coast, linking Cat Ba Town and Cai Vieng Port (15 miles).

Bike tours Cat Ba are also available and provide a pleasant way to explore, though the roads can be tough, especially in the heat.

Exploring Cat Ba Island on a motorcycle or bike allows you to experience its beautiful scenery and hidden gems at your own pace.

3. Visit Hospital cave and Trung Trang Cave

Hospital Cave Cat Ba, located 10km north of Cat Ba Town, was built between 1963 and 1965. It served as a secret hospital and hideout during the American War. The cave has 17 rooms, including an operating theatre with mannequins and a large cavern used as a cinema with a small swimming pool.

Accessed by steep stairs, it combines a concrete bunker with natural cave features. The air inside is cool and damp, a refreshing change from the heat outside. Entrance is $1.70.

A short drive further, Trung Trang Cave Cat Ba offers a quick exploration. This cave, located 2km north within Cat Ba National Park, features a winding path through tight caverns and stalactites. The walk takes about 10-15 minutes. The entrance is $3.40. Refreshments are available at Trung Trang Resort nearby.

A visit to Hospital Cave and Trung Trang Cave reveals fascinating historical stories and impressive geological formations.

4. Sightseeing on Cannon Fort

For a stunning sunset, travelers can visit Cannon Fort Cat Ba. From here, enjoy breathtaking views of the island’s green hills, the harbor, and the sea with its limestone formations.

The fort is located on a steep road behind Cat Ba Town. It’s a 10-minute walk up from town to the entrance, followed by a 20-minute climb to the fort. Cannon Fort was built in 1942 for naval defense and offers the best views of Lan Ha Bay.

A marked path takes you 177 meters up to a lookout point, with fantastic viewpoint Cannon Fort, limestone cliffs, and Lan Ha Bay. Along the way, you’ll see old bunkers and helicopter landing sites.

Sightseeing at Cannon Fort provides panoramic views of the surroundings.

5. Cruising and kayaking in Lan Ha Bay

Many hotels on Cat Ba Island offer Lan Ha Bay cruises. Prices start at about $25 for a day tour and $80 for an overnight tour. These trips include swimming and visiting islands. A two-day tour lets you explore remote islands and hidden beaches in northern Lan Ha Bay.

Kayaking from Cat Ba Island among the karsts is a highlight, and most cruises include an hour of paddling through limestone grottoes or to a floating village. Travelers can’t kayak directly from Ben Beo Harbour anymore, so kayak rentals or tours usually include a water-taxi ride. Strong currents make it safer to explore with a guide, especially if you’re not an experienced kayaker.

Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay is a perfect way to enjoy its tranquil waters and stunning limestone karsts.

6. Visit Monkey Island

Monkey Island is just 1 km from Cat Ba Town. To visit Monkey Island, travelers can take a 10-minute boat ride from Beo Harbor. The island features sandy beaches formed over millions of years from sand, rocks, corals, and shells.

Monkey Island Cat Ba has two beaches: Cat Dua 1 and Cat Dua 2. Cat Dua 1 is longer with clear, blue water, ideal for relaxing and enjoying beach activities. Cat Dua 2, located behind a tiger-shaped cliff, has a garden with various trees and birds.

The island is home to over 20 monkeys. Monkeys on Cat Ba Island are friendly and often interact with visitors. For adventure seekers, there’s a mountain climb offering stunning views of Lan Ha Bay.

7. Swim and sunbathing Cat Ba Beaches

Cat Ba Island offers several pleasant beaches for swimming and sunbathing. The three Cat Co Cove beaches, just a 10-minute walk southeast from Cat Ba Town, are popular spots.

Cat Co 3 is the closest and features a small, busy stretch of sand. A trail with great sea views leads from Cat Co 3 to Cat Co 1, which is next to a resort, and then to Cat Co 2, known for its lovely white sand.

On the other side of town, Tung Thu Beach is a scenic spot with a wide yellow sand area between limestone cliffs. It is popular with backpackers and offers activities like kayaking and a giant inflatable obstacle course.

For the best swimming, consider visiting the small outlying islands to the east of Cat Ba, accessible by boat from Ben Beo Port.

Swimming and sunbathing at Cat Ba's beaches provide a relaxing escape in a beautiful setting.

8. Rock climbing on Cat Ba island

Cat Ba Island is an excellent destination for rock climbing. The island’s limestone karsts are part of an ancient coral reef, similar to those in Guilin, China, and Krabi, Thailand.

Rock climbing Cat Ba offers half-day and full-day tours, suitable for all skill levels. The limestone here is beginner-friendly and has natural overhangs, so climbing is often possible, rain or shine.

Climbing routes are available both inland and in scenic Lan Ha Bay. Langur’s Adventures is a top choice for high-quality climbing experiences and safety standards. Contact them before your visit to check their offerings. They will provide equipment, instruction, and guidance on top-rope climbing techniques.

Beginners can enjoy climbs at Hai Pai and Moody Beach. Advanced climbers might try deep-water soloing in Halong and Lan Ha Bays. This involves climbing without ropes, using the ocean for safety, and ending with a controlled fall into the sea.

Rock climbing on Cat Ba Island attracts adventure seekers with its challenging routes and breathtaking views.

What to eat and drink?

When visiting Cat Ba island, you must try its local food, which showcases fresh seafood and unique regional flavors. The island’s dishes offer a delightful taste of local culinary traditions:

• Bánh cuốn: Another popular local dish is Bánh Cuốn, steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms. They are topped with crispy shallots and fresh herbs. You can also find this tasty and budget-friendly option at the local market, making it a great choice for breakfast or a snack.
• Bánh đa cua: Hai Phong’s signature dish, Bánh Đa Cua, is a delicious crab noodle soup served with fresh herbs and vegetables. Enjoy this flavorful meal at the local market for just $1-2, offering great value for money. For affordable Bánh Đa Cua, visit the local market on ¼ Street or Tung Dinh Street.
• Seafood: For a genuine seafood experience, visit the second floor of the wet market. You'll discover a wide selection of fresh seafood at great prices, bypassing restaurant markups. Just be ready for limited English and make sure to confirm prices before purchasing.
• Shrimp vermicelli noodle: Try Bún Tôm in Cat Ba for a true local taste. This dish features flavorful noodles in aromatic broth with fresh shrimp and fish cake. Visit Cat Ba Vu Duong Seafood Restaurant at No 45 Tung Dinh or Yummy 2 Restaurant at No 102 Nui Ngoc for a delicious experience.
• Song fish: This catfish is known for its bold flavor, crispy skin, and tender white meat. It’s both delicious and healthy, offering benefits like improved digestion and heart health. Enjoy dishes like Song fish porridge, hot pot, or steamed with beer at top spots such as Cat Ba Oasis Bar & Restaurant, Green Mango Cat Ba, and Hai Yen Restaurant.

For a unique culinary experience, try "banh da cua" while exploring accommodation options on Cat Ba Island.

Where to stay on Cat Ba Island?

Cat Ba Town offers a wide range of Cat Ba Island accommodation to suit different budgets. For budget travelers, options like Secret Garden Hostel (USD 7 - 10) and Mr Zoom Hostel (USD 5 - 10) provide affordable stays with basic amenities.

Affordable choices include Quang Tung Hotel (USD 25 - 50) with harbor views and Cat Ba Central Hotel 2 (USD 20 - 30) with a lakeside location. For a bit more luxurious hotels Cat Ba, consider Hai Long Hotel (USD 25 - 40) or Cat Ba Island Resort (USD 65 - 100) with additional amenities and sea views. Many best hotels and resorts on Cat Ba Island are conveniently located near the harbor or offer scenic views.

For a quieter stay near Cat Ba Town, consider Ha Sen for its peaceful atmosphere, scenic views, and better value. If you prefer staying in town, opt for a sea view room. Recommended areas include Xuan Dam Hamlet, Tran Chau & Lien Minh Hamlets, and the National Park, Viet Hai, & Gia Luan Hamlets. Accommodation prices start around USD 5 - 30 per night.

What next after Cat Ba Island?

After exploring Cat Ba Island, you can continue your adventure in Northern Vietnam. Return to Hanoi to enjoy the vibrant city life and savor local dishes like Pho.

From Hanoi, consider heading to Halong Bay for its stunning seascapes or to Ninh Binh for picturesque landscapes and historical sites.

For a more rugged experience, visit Phong Nha for its impressive caves or plan a trek in Sapa. If you prefer a scenic motorbike trip, the Ha Giang Loop and Ba Be National Park offer breathtaking routes and natural beauty.