Cat Ba Island, Vietnam - an unforgettable holiday

Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong, is one of the most stunning in the North of Vietnam, widely framed by its natural, magnificent sceneries and unforgettable experiences.

Overview of Cat Ba Island, Vietnam

Cat Ba, Vietnam, caters to all types of travelers, whether you enjoy beaches, cruises, the bay, forests, or prefer a more active or relaxed pace.

This article will share the travel experience on Cat Ba Island and provide helpful information about accommodations, the best restaurants, and must-try food.

Where is Cat Ba Island?

With 367 large and small islands, the Cat Ba archipelago is situated south of Ha Long Bay, in the waters of Cat Hai District, Hai Phong Province, bordering Quang Ninh Province.

It is 30 km away from the center of Hai Phong City and 25 km from Ha Long, and it is also known locally as “Pearl Island".

The archipelago comprises 6 communes: Hien Hao, Phuc Long, Xuan Dam, Tran Chau, Gia Luan, and Viet Hai. The island's population is around 8,400, most of whom are of the Kinh ethnicity.

Book a tour:

1. Lan Ha Bay one-day tour
2. Lan Ha Bay full-day tour from Hanoi
3. Cat Ba 2 days 1-night tour
4. Cat Ba 3 days 2 nights tour
5. Cat Ba National Park Tours

Cat Ba National Park

When is the best time to go to Cat Ba Island?

With year-round beauty, Cat Ba Island always attracts tourists no matter the time. However, please note what I share below.

The weather from April to October is the best for indulging yourself in nature.

At that time of the year, in big cities, especially those in the North, the heat is killing everyone (the temperature jacks up to 39°C more often).

Hence, riding a bus to Cat Ba Island and surrounding yourself with cool water, lush green trees, and delectable dishes of fresh seafood feels better than anything else in this world.

That’s why Vietnamese people choose to visit the Island this time of the year but not the rest.​

From November to March, visitors can fully immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture, as this time includes major festivals like the Lunar New Year and spring celebrations.

Well, you know how long spring is. An old Vietnamese saying that goes “Tháng giêng là tháng ăn chơi, tháng hai cờ bạc, tháng ba rượu chè” (January is for relaxing, February is for gambling, March is for drinking).

Vietnamese people nowadays, however, don’t do the last two things anymore.

They are much more chilling than the rest of the year, as they spend more time with their families in their hometowns and celebrate with their communities.

Many travelers to Vietnam during the Lunar New Year, or "Tet," are surprised to find Hanoi a deserted and subdued city as people return to their hometowns.

It is exciting initially, but you might soon get bored and discouraged because of gloomy doors and losing contact with local people. More experienced travelers and better planners will opt for the countryside instead.

Beach lovers flock here to enjoy the vibrant preparations for the Lunar New Year in the coastal countryside and spend the night in the bay.

How to get to Cat Ba Island, Vietnam?

​Need help?

1. Come to Cat Ba Express Office No. 214 Tran Quan Khai Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
2. Call our hotline: +84 84 824 4999
3. Send your request to info@catbaexpress.com

1. From Hai Phong

Since you may not be familiar with the mentioned locations, here are three key parts of the journey and their associated spots before we discuss the island, port, ferry terminal, flyover, etc:

• (1) We have a very important spot in Hai Phong City (mainland): Binh ferry terminal.
• (2) Then we have the transit island called Cat Hai Island. On this island, please remember the Dong Bai Ferry terminal.
• (3) Our final destination is Cat Ba Island, Vietnam. There are two key locations to note: Cai Vieng Ferry Terminal and Phu Long Port.

Now, it’s time to choose the route that fits you the best.

Option 1: Take a speedboat from Binh ferry terminal and go directly to Cat Ba Island, Vietnam (~250,000 VND – 60 mins). It’s fast but expensive.

Speedboat to Cat Ba

Option 2: Go to the Tan Vu – Lach Huyen flyover, which connects the mainland to Cat Hai Island.

Tan Vu Ponte

There’s a parking lot at the Dong Bai Ferry terminal where you can park your motorbike/car, or bring it and pay an extra fee.

At Dong Bai Ferry on Cat Hai Island, take a ferry (10,000 VND, 30 min, every 30 min from 5 AM to 6 PM) or a speedboat (80,000 VND, 8 min) to Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.

Depending on your choice, you will arrive at different locations in Cat Ba, Vietnam. Upon arrival, you will take the bus to the center of Cat Ba Town.

Ferry price

Hadeco speedboat

Previously, access to Cat Hai Island was challenging due to limited ferry services. Now, tourism companies provide speedboats and cable cars, and a new bridge enhances access.

Therefore, getting there is far less tiring in comparison to the past.

Read more → How to get to Cat Ba from Hai Phong

2. From Hanoi

If you go by motorbike, go down to the highway 5 (Quốc Lộ 5) to get to Hai Phong city (105 km – 3 hours.) You can park your bike in the lot or bring it from Hai Phong mainland, as suggested.

It will take around 5 hours to get to the center of Cat Ba Town.

If you're near Long Bien Bridge, purchase your bus tickets at Gia Lam station; if you're in the Ha Dong, Thanh Xuan, My Dinh, or Cau Giay areas, go to Yen Nghia station.

Gia Lam station has Oho and Hai Au Buses, while Hoang Long, Anh Huy, and Dat Cang Buses serve Ha Dong, Thanh Xuan, My Dinh, and Cau Giay.

Upon arriving in Hai Phong, you can take a cab or motor taxi (15-30 mins) to the Binh or Dong Bai Ferry terminal to reach Cat Ba Island.

Note that the last boat departs from the Binh Ferry terminal at 4 PM and the Dong Bai Ferry terminal at 6 PM.

Get to Cat Ba from Hanoi

The good point of taking the bus is that the speedboat is included in the ticket, and the entire journey is taken care of by one company.

In addition, it usually takes just 3 hours, 30 minutes, or 4 hours to get to the center of Cat Ba Town.

Cat Ba Town

You can travel with Cat Ba Express to ensure your comfort for the whole journey with just 14 USD. There are buses from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island 3 times daily: 6:00, 7:30, 10:45, and 14:00.

Book a bus to Cat Ba Island

1. Bus Hanoi to Cat Ba
2. Bus Cat Ba to Hanoi
3. Bus Hanoi to Cat Ba round-trip

Cat Ba Express bus

Read more → How to get to Cat Ba from Hanoi

3. From Ninh Binh

Travel to Cat Hai Island on Highway 10, then take a speedboat or ferry to Cat Ba Island, Vietnam. A bus from Ninh Binh costs approximately 300,000 VND and takes 5 hours.

Bus from Hanoi to Cat Ba

Read more → How to get to Cat Ba from Ninh Binh

4. From Ha Long

The shortest way to get from Ha Long Bay to Cat Ba Island is by ferry, as no road leads directly to the island. You have to go to Tuan Chau ferry terminal to take the ferry.

Tuan Chau port

You will reach Cat Ba Island, Vietnam, at the Gia Luan ferry terminal. There are various options for you to choose from when traveling to the Island.

1. By 7-to-12 seat canoe: 120 - 150 USD / way.
2. By ferry from Tuan Chau Island to Gia Luan port: 80,000 VND / ticket.

Tuan Chau Ferry

Summer schedule (30/04 - 30/09)

• Tuan Chau – Gia Luan: 7:30, 9:00, 11:30, 13:30, 15:00
• Gia Luan – Tuan Chau: 9:00, 11:30, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00

Winter schedule (01/10 - 29/04)

• Tuan Chau – Gia Luan: 08:00, 11:30, 15:00
• Gia Luan – Tuan Chau: 9:00, 13:00, 16:00

Read more → How to get to Cat Ba from Halong Bay

You can easily reach Cat Ba Island, Vietnam, from Hai Phong City, Ha Long, Hanoi, and Ninh Binh. Read How to get to Cat Ba Island for more details.

Where to stay in Cat Ba Island, Vietnam?

Hotels in Cat Ba Town now offer improved quality and pricing, catering to a range of budgets, from backpackers to families and luxury travelers.

Booking for larger groups is more cost-effective than booking for individuals. Additionally, booking tours and hotels closer to your travel date incurs higher charges.

Especially on weekends, tours and hotels will be charged 30% to 50% higher than on weekdays.

Most hotels are near the beach (1 Thang 4 Street). Some are a bit far from the beach, but you can walk to the beach or hop on an electric bus with just 10,000 VND/person.

Book hotels: - Whatsapp +84976951999

Suggestions for hotels near the beach with reasonable prices and high quality.

Hôtel Perle d'Orient Cat Ba - MGallery - 5 Star

Mgallery Hotels Cat Ba is located on Cat Co 3 beach, one of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches on Cat Ba Island.

On one side is the beautiful and romantic Sunrise Resort campus; MGallery Hotels Cat Ba dominates the landscape and service value.

Hôtel Perle D'Orient Cat Ba - MGallery offers sophisticated and elegant accommodations, featuring private balconies with stunning views of the sea and mountains in all rooms.

Mgallery Hotel and Highlights:

1. Mgalley Hotel Cat Ba is the first 5-star hotel in Cat Ba Island with international standards of the Accor Group.
2. View the beautiful Lan Ha Bay from the top floor of the hotel.
3. Asian style design, bold Vietnam.
4. Extremely luxurious facilities include service areas such as healthcare centers, restaurants, and bars.
5. It's great when organizing events and weddings here with a large space and a perfect sound system.
6. Total number of rooms: 121.
7. Meeting room: 02 with a capacity of 190 guests / 1 room.
8. 2 Great Restaurants
9. 3 Bars
10. 2 Swimming Pools.
11. 1 Spa on the terrace.

Flamingo Cat Ba - 5 Star

Flamingo Cat Ba is situated on Cat Ba Island, renowned as "the pearl of the Gulf of Tonkin," famous for its stunning mountains, crystal-clear sea, and exceptional feng shui, evoking a sense of "flowing toward the water."

On Cat Co 1 beach, the Forest On The Sea tower embodies a luxurious lifestyle, featuring delicate and sustainable green spaces and spectacular views of Lan Ha Bay.

On Cat Co 2B beach, the Forest On The Sand tower is ideal for both visitors and homeowners, offering a smooth, white-sand stretch to embrace the clear blue sea.

On Cat Co 2A beach, the Forest in the Sun tower is like a shining jewel under the bright sun.

Catba Island Resort & Spa - 4 Star

Address: Cat Co 1, Cat Ba, Cat Hai District.

Price: from 50 USD.

Cat Ba Island Resort & Spa is a 4-star hotel that blends French design with Vietnamese traditions, ideal for guests seeking stunning views and high-quality service.

Quang Tung Hotel - 3 Star

Quang Tung Hotel is centrally located in Cat Ba, conveniently near amusement parks and Cat Co beaches 1, 2, and 3, making it ideal for access to and from Cat Ba Island.

Quang Tung Hotel

Address: No. 250 1/4 Cat Ba town, Cat Hai district, Hai Phong.

Room rate: 1.70.000 VND / night - 1,900,000 VND / night.

Cat Ba Paradise Hotel - 3 Star

Paradise Hotel Cat Ba is located at 234 1/4 Street, Cat Ba Town, with 90 rooms and a capacity of 300 guests per day; it was put into use in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Paradise Cat Ba Hotel is the top choice in Cat Ba town, and its customer satisfaction makes it a great vacation spot.

This hotel offers luxurious rooms, a dining area accommodating up to 200 guests, a bar, and a rooftop pool with stunning views of Lan Ha Bay.

Some pictures of Paradise Cat Ba hotel

Read more → Top Hotels in Cat Ba

What to see in Cat Ba Island, Vietnam?

Cat Ba Island, Vietnam, offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring wildlife to visiting charming villages and cruising on serene bays.

1. First of all, of course, beaches

The best ones include Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, Cat Co 3, and Tung Thu Beach, as they are beautiful and conveniently located near the town center.

The one I enjoy the most is Cat Co 2 – where the water is crystal clear, and the white sand is just as comfortable as a sofa, a dramatic view in general.

You can take the electricity bus or motorbike taxi with just 10,000 VND. If you forget your swimsuits, there are several places along the beach where you can get swimsuits.

You should go swimming before 18:30 because the strong tide becomes particularly dangerous after that.

Read more → Cat Ba Island Beaches

Cat Co Beach

2. Secondly, Cai Beo ancient fishing village

It was a quiet storybook hamlet, totally opposite to the hustle and bustle in the center of Cat Ba Town.

Cats can take you around the floating fishing village and indulge in the area's peace, surrounded by lush turquoise water. If you travel in a group, you can rent the entire boat to travel together.

The helmsman will take you around the village in their boats, sharing local legends and fascinating stories of life on the water. You can also stay with a fisher family and see their lives in such a special condition.

Read more → Cai Beo Fishing Village

Cai Beo village

3. Lan Ha Bay

Adventurous travelers often include snorkeling last on their list, as it offers a refreshing escape to beautiful coral reefs after exploring historical sites and markets.

Lan Ha Bay is located in the east of Cat Ba Island, Vietnam, looking over Cua Van, adjacent to Ha Long Bay.

It is a world of its own, with over 400 isles in various shapes and sizes.

Lan Ha Bay stands out with its yellow sand beaches and rocky, green peaks. Serene islands like Sen, Cu, and Monkey have rich coral reefs to discover.

Read more → Day tour into Lan Ha - Ha Long Bay - with Serenity Premium Cruise.

Lan Ha Bay

4. Monkey Island

Monkey Island is 1 km by a crow’s flight. To get there, you can take the boat from Beo port, then go past Cai Beo Village, many isles, and reach Monkey Island.

It takes around 10 minutes. Monkey Island used to be called Cat Dua Island (Pineapples Island) because there were a lot of wild pineapples on the island.

The fruit is not edible, but local people usually use the plant as an ingredient to make tea or dry it to make medicine for diabetes.

The island was later named Monkey Island when people saw many monkeys coming down to the beach and playing with tourists.

They enjoy fruits, cakes, and candies from tourists. The friendly monkeys on the island love being near people, making it a highlight.

Read more → Monkey Island

And Monkey Island by Liv Sandwell

5. Then National treasure: Cat Ba National Park

You should not skip the national park if you are a forest person who loves to get a grand sense of remoteness when the trail breaks out of the woods.

Or satisfy your curiosity by getting on any tiny trail you see and going further into the woods.

Forests in Cat Ba National Park are safe in general. My group and I once parked our motorbikes at an abandoned house on the way and went into the woods.

An enchanting experience with beautiful plants awaits! After 20 minutes down, sunlight filtering through the leaves presents a magical sight. It's worth it for adventurous travelers.

Read more → Cat Ba National Park.

Cat Ba National Park

6. Not tired yet? Go to Trung Trang cave

Trung Trang, found in 1938 by Vietnamese and French archaeologists, became popular for its 300-meter passage through a mountain.

The air inside the cave is so cool and fresh that people don’t want to get out anymore once they get in.

Trung Trang cave

7. Hospital cave

The cave is employed as a healing cave in war. That’d be better if you went with a tour guide to make sense of what you see and experience.

Read more → Hospital cave Cat Ba

Quan Y cave

8. Can't-miss the sunset at Canon Fort

A 117-meter-high site features large forts and a tunnel network from the 1940s, utilized in the struggle against French and American colonists.

There are 2 impressive forts weighing tons, offering stunning island views. The sunset from Cannon Fort in Cat Ba is magnificent.

Read more → Canon Fort

Cannon Fort

Things to do in Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island, a key highlight of Vietnam's tourism, offers rapid infrastructure development and high-quality services, making it a must-visit destination.

1. Bathe in the sea

Nothing is more satisfying than being immersed in the cold emerald water and white sand under the sunshine of a hot summer.

Cat Ba town consists of Cat Co 1, 2, and 3 beaches, which are the most beautiful but often crowded with tourists.

You can opt for other pristine, deserted beaches with clear waters like Monkey Island and Tung Thu Beach, or untouched ones in Lan Ha Bay.

2. Enjoy the seafood

Considered the best seafood to try in the North of Vietnam, the seafood here is raised and caught directly in the far bay.

3. Kayak and Snorkel

Kayaking is one of the most impressive experiences in Lan Ha Bay.

In addition, you can also try snorkeling to watch the colorful coral reefs with masks or oxygen tanks (more expensive, at 1-1.5 million VND/person/turn).

4. Enjoy the sunset

Sunset on the sea is always romantic, especially the sunset in Lan Ha Bay, with the mesmerizing beauty of hundreds of rocky mountains in the sea.

The most suitable place to enjoy the sunset is the Cannon Fort, where you can see the whole town from above.

Cannon Fort

Enjoy the thrilling beauty of sunset in the bay with Serenity Premium Cruise or Serenity Explorer Cruise, an experience you will never forget.

Sunset with Serenity Premium Cruise

Book the sunset Lan Ha Bay tour → here.

5. Catch the bright dawn

In addition to the sunset, the sunrise at "Pearl Island" is a specialty you should not miss.

The coastal road connecting the two beaches of Cat Co 1 and Cat Co 3 is an ideal spot to view the beautiful sunrise of Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.

6. Trekking

If you're a young traveler, consider exploring the natural scenery of Cat Ba National Park. Here's why it's an attractive site to visit.

1. Beautiful natural landscape.
2. After many challenges to conquer the top, you will be surprised by the wild nature.
3. The Rocky Mountains and forests intertwine, creating a strong sense of discovery.

Read more → National Park Tour

7. Squid Fishing at Night

Night squid fishing on Lan Ha Bay is exciting entertainment but quite pricey. A short fishing trip costs about 500,000 VND.

You can ask the hotel or contact the rafters and ferrymen at the harbor in the town center.

8. Cycling

The most stunning cycling route is the road encircling Viet Hai fishing village, leading you into a dreamy realm adorned with a century-old shaded forest.

9. Riding a motorbike around the island

Setting foot on the island, you will see a coastal road stretching from Cai Vieng ferry to the center of Cat Ba town.

The second route is through the National Park, running from the town to the Gia Luan ferry with forest edges covering both sides.

These are two motorbike routes for 2 entirely different experiences you should try when coming to Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.

In addition, you can also ride a motorbike to Cannon Fort to watch the sunset.

10. Jumping in the Bay

You can jump into the water from the ship/cruise in Lan Ha Bay, while this activity is banned in Ha Long Bay & Bai Tu Long Bay.

Swim freely in Lan Ha Bay (preferably with local guidance), but not in Bai Tu Long and Ha Long Bay; only swim in designated spots.

11. Rock climbing

Cat Ba has an international Rock climbing center, and you can book a half or full-day rock climbing trip at the Monkey Island Resort booking office.

Rock climbing in Lan Ha Bay

Restaurant

Restaurants on Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong, have also evolved in line with the island's tourism development trend. Currently, many new restaurants are built with high quality and ample space to meet customers' dining needs.

Besides, there are also many small shops or mid-range restaurants with affordable prices that provide 24/24 service. All the restaurants here are easy to find as most are in the town center.

In addition, big hotels all have their restaurants, so you can also use the accommodation package at the same place for convenience.

Marigold Restaurant

With many years of experience in seafood cuisine, MariGold always chooses the freshest seafood. With a capacity of up to 600 guests, the most luxurious and classy space will surely satisfy the fastidious customers.

Restaurants with more than 300 delicious dishes from Asia and Europe, seafood from traditional to modern, popular to luxurious, are waiting for you to enjoy with a set menu from only 150k.

Address: 173-174 Street 1/4

Vien Duong Restaurant

If you love fresh seafood from Lan Ha Bay, Vien Duong Restaurant is a great choice. This well-known spot on "Pearl Island" attracts visitors with its delicious dishes.

Many dishes are made from available seafood, such as fish, shrimp, and squid, caught directly in Lan Ha Bay.

Address: No. 12 - 23 Nui Ngoc.

Fishing Village Hotel & Restaurant

Try the signature dishes at Lang Chai Hotel & Restaurant, including no-escape chicken and five-color hot pot.

Numerous enticing seafood dishes include steamed crab with lemongrass, grilled geoduck with onion, grilled sea shrimp, and grilled sea bass.

Address: No. 256, Street 1/4.

What to eat in Cat Ba Island?

Life is too short to have time for a diet. If anyone lectures you about your weight, eat them too. If you are big enough, eat all the seafood on the island.

That place is awesome because the perfect blending between seawater and freshwater brings a great source of fresh and delicious seafood.

If you cannot eat all, or your wallet is screaming, here are my suggestions.

(Trying to learn seafood jargon is pointless since local vendors won't understand your order. Save a picture of the Vietnamese dish names to show at the restaurants.)

Cat Ba Island self-sufficient travel experience

A self-sufficient travel experience in Cat Ba has been a topic of great interest to young people recently. If you want to go to Cat Ba, you must know some basic things.

Some tips and updates

• Entrance tickets for all tourist attractions now cost the same price: 80,000 VND.
• Lug your swimwear and basic meds, but skip the leather shoes – they won't fare well with sand and sea on Cat Ba Island.
• Always inquire about the price before eating. While the locals are friendly and honest, the restaurant owners may come from uncertain backgrounds.
• The electricity bus ticket for a town tour is 10,000 VND.
• The price for renting a ship varies from 1 million VND to 4 million VND at the Beo ferry terminal.
• Nui Ngoc Street is the paradise of food and recreational activities.

1-day self-sufficient experience of traveling to Cat Ba Island

Traveling to Cat Ba for a day alone can be challenging if you're far from the island, as getting there is easier now, but the travel time remains lengthy.

However, traveling to Cat Ba Island for a day is not impossible; you will visit fewer points.

Usually, when you reach Cat Ba town, it is already noon, and we will have to find a restaurant to eat and rest after a long trip.

Next, you can choose one of the following tourist attractions to experience:

1. 3-hour visit to the National Forest
2. Visit and experience the ancient Cai Beo fishing village, and spend 3 hours swimming at Monkey Island in Lan Ha Bay.
3. See the romantic Lan Ha Bay from the 177m peak of Than Cong fortress, swim at Cat Co 1, 2, 3 beaches, or the untouched Tung Thu beach.

Arriving on the island before 8 am? Consider spending the day at Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba's most stunning tourist destination.

Renting a private boat to explore beyond the bay is costly and requires a full day to appreciate all the beauty.

Serenity Premium Cruise

Cat Ba Island self-sufficient travel experience 2 days 1 night

Two days, one night, is an adequate time to experience the main attractions, enjoy fresh seafood dishes, and have fun in Cat Ba.

The points you should visit when traveling for two days:

On day 1, you should arrive in the town by noon.

Next, we visit the National Park; in the afternoon, you can bathe at the beaches or watch the sunset of Lan Ha Bay from the Cannon Fort.

In the evening, you can experience the atmosphere at night: sip a cup of coffee and enjoy the night view or go to bars to immerse yourself in fun music.

On day 2, you should visit Lan Ha Bay for one day or half a day to visit Monkey Island and the fishing village.

If you want to reach many beautiful places on the bay with longer trips, you definitely want to join our 1-day trip. After the tour, you can get on the bus back to Hanoi.

Cat Ba Island self-sufficient travel experience 3 days 2 nights

Three days and two nights in Cat Ba are sufficient to explore its attractions, savor local cuisine, and enjoy the entertainment options at Cat Ba Island Resort.

This package's program can be similar to the ones of the 2-day, 1-night program above.

On Day 3, visit the Viet Hai fishing village to explore the ancient Si forest, featuring thousands of nearly century-old Si trees, and cycle around the village.

Viet Hai pier

Pin it for the next journey!