Cat Ba is the largest island in the Ha Long Bay archipelago and offers a more rugged, adventurous alternative to the main Ha Long Bay tourist trail. Covering over 300 square kilometers, nearly half of the island constitutes the Cat Ba National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Unlike the mostly uninhabited limestone karsts of Ha Long, Cat Ba is a living island with dense jungles, hidden valleys, fishing villages, and a bustling main town. It is the perfect destination for travelers who want to combine bay cruises with hiking, motorbiking, and beach relaxation.
Island Overview & Transport
Getting There
Cat Ba is easily accessible from Hanoi or Hai Phong. The most popular method is the “Bus + Ferry + Bus” combo.
- From Hanoi: Buses leave from the Old Quarter. The journey takes about 3.5 - 4 hours. The bus takes you to the ferry terminal, crosses to the island, and drives you to Cat Ba Town.
- From Hai Phong: Take a hydrofoil from Binh Wharf (Ben Binh) directly to Cat Ba Town center (approx. 45-60 minutes).
Getting Around
Motorbike Rental: The best way to explore. The coastal roads and the path through the National Park are spectacular. Rentals cost around 100,000 - 150,000 VND/day.
Electric Tram: In Cat Ba Town, yellow electric carts shuttle visitors between the center and the beaches for a small fee (10,000 VND).
Lan Ha Bay: The Jewel
While everyone knows Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay wraps around the eastern side of Cat Ba Island and is arguably more beautiful—and certainly less crowded.
Why Lan Ha Bay?
Lan Ha Bay shares the same geology as Ha Long Bay (limestone karsts rising from emerald waters) but features white sandy beaches at the base of many karsts, which Ha Long lacks.
Cruising Options
- Day Cruises: Depart from Beo Harbor (Ben Beo). A standard route includes visiting the Cai Beo Floating Village (one of the oldest in Vietnam), swimming at Ba Trai Dao beaches, and kayaking through Dark & Bright Cave.
- Overnight Cruises: For a luxury experience, book a 2-day/1-night cruise. Many newer luxury boats now choose the Lan Ha Bay route to avoid the congestion of Ha Long.
Best Beaches
Cat Ba Town features three main beaches connected by a scenic cliffside walkway, plus a hidden gem further out.
Cat Co 1, 2, and 3
Located just a 10-minute walk (or shorter electric cart ride) from the town center.
- Cat Co 1: The largest and busiest, with a wide stretch of sand and mountain views.
- Cat Co 2: Often considered the most beautiful, nestled in a cove with a nice resort vibe.
- Cat Co 3: Smaller and more modern, connected to the Sunrise Resort.
The Rock Trail: Do not miss the stone pathway that winds along the cliff edge connecting Cat Co 1 and Cat Co 3. It offers stunning panoramic ocean views, especially at sunset.
Tung Thu Beach
A newer beach located about 2km from town. It is quieter, more secluded, and calmer waters, making it great for swimming away from the crowds.
National Park Trekking
Entrance Fee: 80,000 VND | Distance from Town: ~15km
Cat Ba National Park is home to the critically endangered Cat Ba Langur (golden-headed langur). While spotting them is rare, the hiking here is world-class.
Ngu Lam Peak
This is the most popular hike. It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the summit.
- The Trail: Stepped path through dense rainforest, becoming steeper near the top with jagged rocks.
- The View: From the Ngu Lam peak, you get a 360-degree view of the jagged limestone mountains rolling like green waves as far as the eye can see. It is one of the best viewpoints in Vietnam.
Viet Hai Village Trek
For hardcore trekkers, you can hike 9km through the jungle to reach Viet Hai, an isolated village in a valley. From there, you can cycle to the harbor and take a boat back to town (requires planning).
Historical Caves
Hospital Cave (Hang Quan Y)
Entry: 40,000 VND | Location: On the main road to the National Park.
This is a fascinating piece of history. During the American War (Vietnam War), this natural cave was converted into a secret, bomb-proof hospital and safe house for North Vietnamese leaders.
What to see: Built between 1963 and 1965, it spans three stories inside the mountain. You can see the operating theater, recovery rooms, cinema, and meeting rooms, all constructed with reinforced concrete inside the limestone.
Trung Trang Cave
Located near the National Park entrance. This represents Cat Ba’s natural geology. It’s a 300m long tunnel through the mountain featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Note: You will need to bend down low in some sections!
Adventure Activities
Rock Climbing
Cat Ba is the rock climbing capital of Vietnam. The limestone karsts provide unique challenges.
- Langur’s Rest & Butterfly Valley: Popular inland climbing spots accessible by motorbike.
- Deep Water Soloing: Climbing the cliffs in Lan Ha Bay without ropes and falling into the ocean. Tours are available for various skill levels.
Kayaking
Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay is superior to Ha Long because you can paddle through low caves (like Dark & Bright Cave) to access hidden lagoons enclosed by cliffs on all sides. The water is generally calm and emerald green.
Cannon Fort (Phao Dai Than Cong)
Status Check: Often closed for renovations, ask locally.
A historical site located atop a hill overlooking the town. It offers trenches, tunnels, and massive artillery guns from the war era. Even if the history doesn’t interest you, the view of Lan Ha Bay from the cafe at the top is unbeatable at sunset.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
- September - November: Ideal. Cool breeze, clear water, and fewer domestic tourists.
- June - August: Peak season for Vietnamese tourists. Very crowded on weekends, hot and humid. Great for swimming but expect noise.
- December - February: Winter. Can be foggy and cold (10-15°C). Good for hiking, but swimming might be too cold.
Food Guide
Cat Ba is famous for fresh seafood. The promenade is lined with large seafood restaurants.
- Geoduck (Tu Hai): A local specialty clam with a distinct shape, usually grilled or steamed.
- Mantis Shrimp (Be Be): Large shrimp that are salt-roasted.
- Local Market: For a budget meal, visit the local market for Banh Mi or Pho.
