9 Best Things to Do in Cat Ba Island: From Beaches to Hiking Trails

Cat Ba Island in the Vietnamese tourist map

Cat Ba Island is in northern Vietnam, south of Halong Bay, in Hai Phong Province. It sits approximately 25 kilometers from Ha Long, 150 kilometers from Hanoi, and around 1,600 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. As a haven for eco-tourism, the island has serene beaches, dense forests, and rugged limestone karsts. It is part of the Cat Ba Archipelago, a group of over 360 islands, and has gained popularity as a hub for eco-tourism and adventure-seeking travelers.

In 2024, Cat Ba Island welcomed 3.7 million tourists. The island and Ha Long Bay were recognized by an International Commission on Geoheritage by IUGS. In addition, The Sydney Morning Herald of Australia and CNN of the US also did not spare beautiful words of praise for this destination as "a wonderland on the water".

How to Get to Cat Ba Island

From Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island

By Speedboat: The fastest way to reach Cat Ba is by speedboat, which takes about 45 minutes. Companies like Hoang Yen, Catba Island, and Hadeco, operate regular services to Cai Vieng Pier or Ben Beo Pier on the island. The average price is $8.00-$10.00.

You should book speedboat tickets 1 week in advance during the high season and about 2 days in advance during the low season. You can book tickets online on the website, or hotline or buy directly at the ticket offices of the companies.

- Catba Island: 0989661264 - 02256617831

- Mekong Hoang Yen: 0989661264 - 0904385346 - 0868554468

Speedboat is the fastest way to reach Cat Ba

By Ferry and Bus: You can take a ferry from Dinh Vu Pier in Hai Phong to Cai Vieng Pier on Cat Ba Island. From there, buses or motorbikes can take you to Cat Ba Town in about 45 minutes, with the entire journey lasting around 2-2.5 hours. The average price is $0.4 per person, $6.00 - $11.0 per car.

By Cable Car and Bus: For a scenic journey, you can take the Cat Hai-Phu Long cable car, which offers stunning bay views. The cable car ride lasts 15 minutes, followed by a bus trip to Cat Ba Town. The average price is $2.50.

By Private Boat or Charter: For a personalized experience, consider hiring a private boat from Hai Phong. This option is ideal for groups or travelers seeking a direct and scenic route.

	Cable car	Speedboat	Ferry
Time	15 - 20 minutes	40 - 60 minutes	1.5 - 2 hours
Price	$2.50	$8.00 - $10.0	$0.4 per person; $6.00 - $11.0 per car

From Ha Long to Cat Ba Island

This shorter route of about 25 kilometers offers a chance to enjoy the scenic beauty of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Cat Ba Island. There are two options:

- Ferries take 45-50 minutes: $6

- Speedboats take about 10 to 12 minutes: $9 - $12/ person

From Hanoi to Cat Ba Island

The 150-kilometer journey can be covered in 3-4 hours via road and ferry travel. Services like Cat Ba Express offer direct connections, making the trip hassle-free.

From Ho Chi Minh City to Cat Ba Island

Travelers from Ho Chi Minh City can fly to Hanoi (a 2-hour flight) and then proceed to Cat Ba via road and ferry. Alternatively, long-haul train and ferry or bus and ferry options take 30-40 hours.

The 9 Best Things to Do in Cat Ba Island

1. Unwind on the Pristine Shores of Cat Co Beaches

Cat Ba Island is home to three main beaches:

• Cat Co 1 is the largest and most popular of the three, offering ample space for sunbathing and swimming.
• Cat Co 2 is quieter and slightly more secluded, ideal for those looking for a peaceful escape. Its smaller size and calm environment attract visitors who want to immerse themselves in nature's embrace.
• Cat Co 3 is renowned for its scenic beauty, with a more rugged coastline and spectacular views of the bay. It’s perfect for photography enthusiasts and anyone looking to unwind in a picturesque setting.

The best beaches in Cat Ba are connected by a long wooden bridge along the coast, which not only helps visitors move conveniently but also creates an extremely poetic sightseeing spot.

When coming here, you can relax under the sun, enjoy a refreshing swim, stroll along the sandy shores, and snorkel to discover the underwater world and glimpses of colorful marine life. As the day winds down, the beaches transform into a magical spot to watch the sunset. The sky painted in hues of orange and pink creates a mesmerizing scene you won’t forget.

Cat Co Beaches stands out with its crystal clear water, fresh air, and poetic scenery.

2. Join an Overnight Cruise on Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay, a quieter alternative to Halong Bay, is a must-visit for its dramatic karst landscapes, emerald waters, and secluded lagoons that define the region. This overnight cruise Cat Ba promises not just breathtaking scenery but also a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquil rhythm of the bay.

During the day on the Lan Ha Bay cruise, you can glide through the bay, passing towering limestone islets, tranquil lagoons, and vibrant floating villages. The ever-changing scenery is a feast for the eyes, especially during sunrise and sunset. As night falls, the bay transforms into a serene and magical setting. You can stargaze from the deck or join squid fishing activities offered by many cruises.

Lan Ha Bay cruise is a great option to measure the style of Cat Ba archipelago and Lan Ha Bay

3. Kayak Among the Majestic Karsts of Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay, located south of the famous Halong Bay, boasts over 300 limestone islands and islets, many of which are uninhabited and cloaked in dense vegetation. Unlike its busier neighbor, Lan Ha Bay offers a quieter setting. Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay allows you to paddle into hidden caves in Cat Ba island and lagoons inaccessible by larger boats. Popular spots include Hang Toi (Dark Cave), Hang Sang (Bright Cave), and Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches Beach).

The experience of gliding silently through the bay is both peaceful and exhilarating. As you paddle, you can marvel at the intricate formations of the karsts, some of which rise dramatically from the water like ancient sentinels. The bay is also home to diverse marine life, and if you’re lucky, you might spot colorful fish, crabs, or even jellyfish beneath the crystal-clear waters.

Tourists kayak to explore water caves in Cat Ba Island

4. Marvel at the Stunning Formations in Hang Quan Y (Hospital Cave)

Quan Y Cave dates back over 3000 years, from BC, with the name Hung Son Cave. In the 1960s (during the war against America), this cave was converted by Vietnamese soldiers into a field hospital and was named Quan Y Cave (Hospital Cave).

Its strategic location and natural protection made it an essential refuge for wounded soldiers, political leaders, and other personnel. Walking through the cave feels like stepping back into history. The dimly lit corridors, sturdy concrete walls, and echoes of footsteps create an atmosphere that vividly recalls the struggles and determination of those who sought shelter here. Guides often share stories of bravery and innovation, bringing the site’s history to life for visitors. The fusion of natural beauty and human ingenuity makes Hang Quan Y a poignant reminder of resilience in the face of adversity.

Hospital Cave is historical evidence of a field hospital in the resistance war against America

5. Encounter Playful Monkeys on Monkey Island

Monkey Island Cat Ba, is famous for its population of playful monkeys. The island itself is a tropical paradise, with two sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and dense greenery. While it’s an excellent destination for swimming and sunbathing, you will see monkeys in Cat Ba, which are the island's namesake residents.

Moreover, the island offers a range of activities to suit different interests. The beaches are ideal for relaxing under the sun or taking a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters. Adventurous visitors can explore hiking trails that lead to a panoramic viewpoint atop the island. The trek, though steep and rocky, rewards hikers with breathtaking views of Lan Ha Bay and its myriad of limestone islands.

Monkey Island features pristine landscapes and native monkey populations

6. Trek Through the Lush Trails of Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, is a treasure trove of biodiversity and natural beauty on Cat Ba Island. Spanning over 26,000 hectares, the park is home to diverse ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, mangroves, limestone karsts, and marine habitats.

Cat Ba National Park trekking offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and explore the island’s rich ecological heritage. The most popular route is the trail to Ngu Lam Peak, a moderate hike that takes about two hours round trip. This trail winds through dense forests, rocky paths, and steep inclines, rewarding trekkers with panoramic views of the park’s verdant landscapes from the summit. The vistas of rolling hills, limestone formations, and scattered villages are a sight to behold.

Trekking in Cat Ba National Park is one of the most popular tourist activities here

7. Experience Authentic Life in the Floating Fishing Village of Cai Beo

Cai Beo Village is a vibrant community of floating homes and fishing boats where locals live and work in harmony with the sea. The villagers rely on fishing and aquaculture as their primary livelihoods, cultivating fish, shrimp, and other seafood in submerged cages beneath their floating houses. This local culture Cat Ba Island, passed down through generations, has remained remarkably intact despite modern developments.

Visitors to the floating villages of Cat Ba can witness daily life unfold on the water—children paddling small boats to school, fishermen tending to their nets, and families cooking meals aboard their floating homes. The village’s serene pace of life offers a striking contrast to the hustle and bustle of urban Vietnam.

A guided boat tour is the best way to explore Cai Beo, allowing you to navigate its network of floating houses and fish farms. You’ll have the chance to interact with friendly locals, learn about their fishing techniques, and hear stories of life in this extraordinary community.

Cai Beo fishing village is an old floating village in Lan Ha Bay.

8. Indulge in Fresh Seafood and Local Delicacies

Cat Ba Island is a paradise for food enthusiasts, especially those with a love for seafood. Surrounded by the bountiful waters of Lan Ha Bay, seafood in Cat Ba Island is as fresh as it gets, often caught the same day it’s served. Local markets and seaside restaurants brim with options, from succulent clams and prawns to sweet, tender squid. Grilled oysters, steamed crabs, and stir-fried mantis shrimp are among the must-try dishes, each prepared with simple yet flavorful techniques that let the natural taste of the seafood shine.

For a more adventurous palate, local food Cat Ba Island offers unique local specialties such as horseshoe crab salad and jellyfish soup. These delicacies showcase the culinary creativity of the island’s chefs and are a testament to the deep connection between the community and the sea.

Suggested some of the best restaurants Cat Ba:

• Quang Anh Floating Restaurant: Ben Beo, Cat Ba Island | On the road to Cat Co 3, Cat Ba, Vietnam
• Green Mango: 236 Mot Thang Tu, Cat Ba town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong, Vietnam
• My Way Cafe & Restaurant: 184 Mot Thang Tu, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong, Vietnam

Cat Ba cuisine is famous for its fresh seafood and attractive flavors

9. Relax at Spa and Wellness Centers

After a day filled with exploration and adventure on Cat Ba Island, there’s no better way to unwind than indulging in the soothing embrace of a spa or wellness center.

Cat Ba’s spas are known for their incorporation of traditional Vietnamese healing techniques, which blend natural ingredients with time-honored practices. Many spas also offer herbal steam baths, which use locally sourced herbs to detoxify the skin and invigorate the senses.

In addition to traditional therapies, many wellness centers on the island provide modern treatments designed to cater to international travelers. From aromatherapy massages to deep tissue and hot stone treatments, these options ensure that every guest finds the perfect method of relaxation. Some centers even offer yoga and meditation sessions, ideal for those seeking a holistic approach to well-being. Suggested spa and wellness centers:

• Cat Ba Paradise Hotel - Spa: 231 Đường 1/4, Hai Phong, Cat Ba 05406 Vietnam
• Massage & Spa Tam Viet: 205, 1/4 Street, Hai Phong, Cat Ba 180000 Vietnam
• The May Legend Catba Beach Resort & Spa: Cat Co 1, Cat Hai Dist., Cat Ba Town Beach, Cat Ba Island, Vietnam

Essential Tips for Visiting Cat Ba Island

Traveling to Cat Ba Island can be a fantastic adventure if you're prepared. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your trip:

Plan Your Transportation

Getting to Cat Ba Island requires a combination of bus and boat, or direct services from places like Hai Phong or Hanoi. You can catch a bus from Hanoi to Hai Phong, then take a ferry to Cat Ba. Alternatively, you can book a direct boat from Halong Bay or Hai Phong to the island. Make sure to check schedules in advance, especially during peak season.

Best Time to Visit

- The ideal time to visit Cat Ba Island is from October to April when the weather is cooler and drier.

- The summer months (May to September) can be hot and rainy, which may affect your outdoor activities.

The dry season in Vietnam (October - April) is the ideal time to travel to Cat Ba Island

Book Accommodation in Advance

While Cat Ba has a range of accommodations, from hostels to luxury resorts, booking ahead is recommended, especially during the high season (October to April). Popular areas like Cat Ba Town offer more options, but for a quieter experience, you might want to stay in the remote areas near beaches or the national park.

Pack Light and Smart

Cat Ba’s rugged terrain and outdoor activities make it essential to pack comfortable clothes and shoes. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, swimwear, and a good camera for the incredible views. You should avoid single-use plastics to respect the island’s environment.

Stay Hydrated and Protected from the Sun

The island can get hot, especially in the summer months. Always carry water, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen to avoid sunburn, especially when hiking or spending time on the beach.

Conclusion

Cat Ba Island is a destination that seamlessly combines adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. From its pristine beaches, lush national park to its rich history, and vibrant local life, the island offers countless opportunities for exploration. Whether you have a single day or more, Cat Ba promises an unforgettable experience. Start planning your journey today and discover the magic of this northern Vietnamese treasure.

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