If you’re looking for a tropical paradise with stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and endless adventure, look no further than Cat Ba Island in Vietnam. Nestled within an archipelago, Cat Ba Island is a haven for nature lovers, offering mangroves, limestone karsts, green forests, white sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay, things to do, where to eat, and a suggested itinerary for your ultimate Cat Ba Island experience.
Overview
Cat Ba Island, a part of a designated National Park, is committed to preserving its incredible biodiversity. As a visitor, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a diverse natural landscape. Rent a motorbike to explore the island and discover its hidden gems. Don’t miss the chance to trek around the National Park and hike up Ngu Lam mountain for breathtaking views. The island boasts three main beaches – Cat Ba 1, Cat Ba 2, and Cat Ba 3 – where you can relax, sunbathe, and enjoy a refreshing swim. For the more adventurous, rock climbing, kayaking, and snorkeling are popular activities.
Cat Ba Island has become a sought-after destination, which means it offers a well-developed tourist infrastructure. You’ll find a range of hotels and hostels to suit your budget, good roads for convenient transportation, and a ferry terminal for easy access to the island.
When To Go
The best time to visit Cat Ba Island depends on your preferences. If you love tropical summers and enjoy the heat, June to August is the perfect time to go. On the other hand, if milder weather is your preference, October to March is ideal. It’s important to note that Cat Ba Island experiences both a rainy and dry season. The rainy season lasts from May to September, while the dry season occurs from November to March. March, April, September, and October are generally considered the best months to visit Cat Ba Island. To make the most of your trip, check the latest weather guide for Cat Ba Island.
Cat Ba in June: average temperature 27° (Photo: Shutterstock)
How To Get There
From Hanoi (124 km)
To reach Cat Ba Island from Hanoi, you can take a Hanoi-Haiphong highway bus. The journey takes approximately 3-5 hours, with 4 hours being the average travel time. Several operators provide this service, including Cat Ba Express and Good Morning Cat Ba. These operators offer reasonable prices and excellent service.
From Halong Bay (22.7 km)
If you’re already at Halong Bay, the best way to get to Cat Ba Island is by ferry. Three ferries operate daily, taking you to the northern side of the island in about an hour. The ferry fare is 80,000 VND, or 100,000 VND if you’re traveling with a motorbike. From there, it’s a 40-minute drive to Cat Ba town. You can take a bus for around 30,000 VND, but be cautious of taxi scams and inflated prices. For detailed information on getting from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island, refer to our guide.
From Hai Phong (33 km)
There are multiple transportation options to reach Cat Ba Island from Hai Phong. You can take a speedboat with Mekong Hoang Yen, departing from Ben Binh and arriving at Cat Ba pier in just 45 minutes. Another option is to travel by bus with Good Morning Cat Ba, leaving from Tan Vu Lach Huyen Bridge and arriving at Cat Ba in 1 hour and 40 minutes. If you prefer a taxi service, Mai Linh Hai Phong provides door-to-door transportation. Please note that these timetables are accurate as of January 2021.
Cat Ba Express Bus: Departing daily from Hanoi (Catbaexpress.com)
Where To Stay
Cat Ba Island offers a wide range of hotels and hostels to suit every traveler’s needs. Most accommodations are located on the waterfront, with some newer hotels situated slightly inland. For a room with a sea view, expect to pay a bit more. If mobility is a concern, ensure you book a hotel with an elevator, as many hotels on the island do not have one. For a luxurious experience, consider staying at “Blue Lagoon Cat Ba,” located to the left of the welcome gate.
Recommended Hotels and Resorts in Cat Ba:
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Cat Ba View Hotel: Located at No 38, Lô 2, Phố, Núi Ngọc, TT. Cát Bà, Cát Hải, Hải Phòng (1km from the center). Contact: 098 699 99 76. Price: 820,000 VND (Booking.com).
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Huong Cang Sea View Hotel: Located at 202 Road 1/4, Cat Ba Island, Hải Phòng (0.9 km from the center). Contact: 097 546 48 98. Price: 400,000 VND (Booking.com).
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Lan Homestay: Located at Viet Hai Village, Hải Phòng 187300 (7.5 km from the center). Contact: 091 489 90 27. Price: 790,000 VND (Booking.com).
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Blue Lagoon Cat Ba: Located at 352 Hà Sen, TT. Cát Bà, Cát Hải, Hải Phòng. Contact: 098 683 68 38. Price: 600,000 VND (Booking.com).
Note: This list was last updated on January 2, 2023. Hotel addresses and phone numbers are verified.
Xinh Floating House – A very “unusual” stay experience near Cat Ba Island.
Things To Do
In addition to the classic island activities like beach visits, cave exploration, and cruises, Cat Ba Island offers a range of unique experiences.
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Visit Monkey Island: Take a trip to Monkey Island, where you’ll encounter long-tailed macaques roaming freely. Although these monkeys are not native to the island, their presence adds to the charm.
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Cannon Fort: Just over a mile north of town, you’ll find Cannon Fort, built in 1942 as a defense installation. It’s a popular spot to admire the sunset and enjoy breathtaking views.
Aerial view at Monkey Island in Cat Ba.
For yoga enthusiasts and nature lovers, a visit to Viet Hai village is recommended. Immerse yourself in lush green forests and explore the village’s serene surroundings.
Where To Eat
Being an island, Cat Ba is renowned for its delectable seafood. You’ll find an array of restaurants offering fresh catches from the sea. Some recommended options include Phuong Nhung Restaurant, Lang Chai Sea-food Restaurant, Phương Phương Restaurant, and for vegetarians, the Buddha Belly Restaurant is highly recommended.
Recommended Restaurants in Cat Ba:
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Quiri Pub Cocktail & Restaurant: Located at 135 Tùng Dinh, TT. Cát Bà, Cát Hải, Hải Phòng. Contact: +84 981 623 096.
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Anh Nguyet Restaurant: Located at Road 1/4 TT Cat Ba, Cát Bà, Hải Phòng. Contact: 097 858 95 30.
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Mona Restaurant: Located at 180, 1/4 Road, Cát Hải, Hải Phòng. Contact: 093 467 48 99.
Cocktail at Quiri Pub – One of the top-rated restaurants and bars in Cat Ba.
Suggested Itinerary
Cat Ba Island offers so much to see and do that most travelers spend around three days exploring. Here’s a suggested three-day itinerary to help you make the most of your time on the island.
Day 1:
- Spend the day at the beach. Cat Ba Island has several beautiful beaches, with Cat Ba 2 being highly recommended for its breathtaking beauty. Relax under the sun, go for a swim, or indulge in some snorkeling. Note that it’s advisable to leave the water before 6:30 p.m. due to changing tides and currents.
- In the evening, visit Cannon Fort to witness a mesmerizing sunset. Afterward, treat yourself to a delicious dinner and enjoy the vibrant restaurant and bar scene in Cat Ba.
Day 2:
- Take a trip to Lan Ha Bay, known for its stunning scenery. Explore the picturesque landscape by kayak, discovering hidden corners that are inaccessible by boat. Don’t miss the chance to visit Monkey Island for some monkey sightings, snorkeling, or a refreshing swim.
- In the evening, savor a fresh seafood dish called “Tu Hai.” Although less known than oysters or shrimp, it is highly nutritious and incredibly delicious.
Day 3:
- Embark on a journey to Cai Beo, one of the oldest fishing villages in Vietnam. Immerse yourself in the village’s captivating sights and hear intriguing stories about its fishing heritage. Interact with the locals and witness firsthand how they catch and prepare fish.
- Alternatively, visit Cat Ba National Park, renowned for its biodiversity and commitment to eco-tourism. You can even combine a visit to the fishing village and the national park on the same day.
Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island from above!
Note: At night, indulge in some delicious seafood with regional specialties like Blue Crab or Squid, highly recommended!
Conclusion
Cat Ba Island, with its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, is a destination that will leave you in awe. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on the beach, thrilling adventures, or a taste of local cuisine, Cat Ba Island has it all. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your ultimate getaway to Cat Ba Island, Vietnam. Make sure to bookmark this page for future reference and to stay updated on the latest information. Bon voyage!