Cat Ba Island, a gem in Vietnam’s Halong Bay, offers stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant biodiversity. Explore caves, kayak through emerald waters, and trek in the national park—just a glimpse of the exciting things to do on Cat Ba. We also recommend coming here to enjoy Ha Long bay without crowds!
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How to get to Cat Ba
Ferry to Cat Ba
There are two ports that offer ferries to Cat Ba island. The first one is Hai Phong pier and the other ferry departs from Tuan Chau port near Halong. We recommend you to check this article with current prices and schedules.
Shuttle service
All tourist destinations in Vietnam are full of booking offices that offer easy hassle free trip to your next destination. Cat Ba won’t be an exemption. Whether you are coming from Sapa, Hanoi, Hoi An or Ninh Binh… You can book your bus ticket in town or ask at your accommodation. It is the easiest and most reliable way of getting to Cat Ba.
Traveling from Hanoi
We came to Cat Ba from Hanoi with Good morning Cat Ba. The company organised hotel pick up in Hanoi, bus to the pier, ferry to the island and a minivan to drop us off at our hotel. We paid 350 000 VND (14€) per person. Perfect way to travel to Cat Ba from Hanoi without worrying about anything. There is also a local way – local bus to pier from Hanoi and local ferry to Cat Ba. The ferries don’t run too often and bus takes too long. There is not a big difference in price. Remember you would also need a taxi in Hanoi to get to bus station and on Cat Ba to get from pier to your hotel. It will not be much cheaper.
Best time to visit Cat Ba
Cat Ba has four distinct seasons. Best and most popular time to visit Cat Ba is in autumn between October and December. The weather is very pleasant with a lot of sun. It might not be so hot and sunny though. During winter months (December – January) it can be very cloud with a lot of mist in Ha Long Bay area. February till May is another good time for a visit with a lot of sunny days. The summer months are good option for budget travellers. It is a rainy season here so prices are lower. But keep in mind that the baot trips might not be operational during this time. If you plan to visit other destinations, you can find a summary of best time to travel around Vietnam here.
How to get around Cat Ba
- Motorbike – the bike rental starts from only 150 000 VND per day. There is many rentals around the town. It is the best way to explore the island.
- Taxi – there are taxis available but they might be overpriced for tourists
8 Things to do in Cat Ba
If you book any of the tours below, we will earn a small comission. You still pay the same.
1. Go on a boat tour to Ha Long bay and Lan Ha bay
Price: around 30€ with lunch
Boat trip around Ha Long bay might be the main reason why you are here. Taking a tour from Cat Ba allows you to avoid many crowds coming from Halong. It is the best way to explore Ha Long bay. The tour will take you around mind-blowing landscapes full of limestone rocks. You will explore hidden lagoons and snorkel around. If you feel brave enough you can enjoy jumping from the boat. You also get a chance to kayak around the bay and through some crazy caves.
2. Explore the beaches
There are three public beaches near Cat Ba town. You can get there by bike or even walk from the town. The beaches are numbered from 1 to 3. We only visited number 1 and 3. The beach number 3 is right in front of a huge resort. It’s in a little bay. The water is rather calm with a few smaller waves. There is a bar and you can rent chairs for 100 000VND. The beach no. 1 is also near a resort but the building is on the side. There is a bar as well as chair rental. The food options are a bit limited here so bring your snacks.
IMPORTANT: We visited Cat Ba at the end of March. The water was a bit harsh with many waves. It was not clear at all. Actually the water at the beaches was brown. We are not sure if it’s normal during this time or what caused it. Don’t worry Ha Long and Lan Ha bays had clear waters.
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3. Hospital cave
Price: 20 000 VND
Opening hours: 07:30 – 17:00
Time to visit: 20 minutes
Visiting the Hospital Cave on Cat Ba Island is an unusual blend of history and natural beauty. Once an underground military hospital during the Vietnam War, the cave now stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people. The vast chambers, once bustling with medical staff and patients, now hold remnants of the past—a makeshift operating theater, rooms filled with old medical equipment and multiple figurines representing the former staff. On the other hand you can marvel at the beauty of stalagmites and stalactites in the cave. It is a strange place that left us with mixed feelings.
5. Trung Trang cave
Price: 80 000 VND (includes Cat Ba national park entry)
Opening hours: 07:00 – 17:00
Time to visit: 45 minutes
Visiting Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island is an amazing experience. The cave is stunning with its beautiful rock formations. Walking through it you will cross very narrow passages followed by huge and spacious chambers. The cool and damp atmosphere add to the adventure. Great thing is that the entrance ticket includes the entry to Cat Ba national park which you shouldn’t miss.
6. Cat Ba national park
Price: 80 000 VND (includes Trun Trang cave) + 10 000 VND parking
Opening hours: 07:00 – 17:00
Time to visit: depends on trail you want to take
As long as the weather is good you should not skip the Cat Ba national park. There are a few trails to choose from. If you are up for some adventure there is a long trek that takes you through the jungle, local village all the way to a beach. If you prefer something short and rewarding we recommend this viewpoint (map). The surrounding landscape is simply incredible. There is a little restaurant at the start of the trail.
7. Canon fort for sunset
Price: 40 000 VND
Cat Ba Cannon Fort offers a moderate walk with stunning bay views. You can also come here by a scooter. There is a 50,000 VND entrance fee. The fort needs better maintenance and has facilities. However, it is highly recommended for its panoramic scenery. Look for the stairs near the entrance for a great 360° view from the telephone tower. Wear good shoes as the trail is steep.
8. Take a walk along the promenade
The promenade in Cat Ba is an amazing place for relax. Admire the beauty of cliffs far in the sea and learn more about Vietnamese culture. The promenade is a place where many locals come to dance in a group or for various other activities. It is beautifully lit up in the evening. You can also find a simple outdoor workout park here.
Where to stay
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Where to eat in Cat Ba
- The Bigman – delicious Pho and smoothie bowls, party nights
- Little leaf – tasty western food
- My Way – lovely Vietnamese food and good pizza
- Oasis bar – good place for cocktails
