Explore our comprehensive Cat Ba Island travel guide, featuring top attractions, outdoor adventures, local cuisine, and essential tips for an unforgettable experience on Vietnam's stunning second-largest island.
Located off Vietnam's northeastern coast, Cat Ba Island lies about 25 km from Ha Long Bay and 30 km from Hai Phong City. As the largest of the 366 islands in the Cat Ba Archipelago, it also serves as a popular gateway to the renowned Ha Long Bay.
The ideal time to explore Cat Ba Island is from September to October or March to April when the weather is pleasant with lower humidity and comfortable temperatures. However, the island's coastal location means the weather can be unpredictable, so it's wise to be prepared for sudden changes.
Cat Ba Island offers a perfect mix of breathtaking landscapes, beautiful beaches, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're an avid nature lover or seeking a relaxing escape, here are some top activities to enjoy.
Cat Ba National Park is home to 32 species of mammals, including around 78 golden-headed langurs, one of the world's most endangered primates. You'll also encounter macaques, deer, civets, and various squirrels, such as the giant black squirrel. Birdwatchers can spot around 70 species, including hawks, hornbills, and cuckoos.
The park is located 14 km north of Cat Ba Town, accessible by motorbike or taxi. A 90-minute hike to Ngu Lam Peak offers stunning lush jungle views. For a more challenging experience, the 9 km trail to Viet Hai Village is best explored with a guide. Once at Viet Hai, you can walk, rent a bike, or take an electric vehicle to the pier, where taxi boats return to Ben Beo Harbour. Wear sturdy shoes, pack a raincoat, and bring plenty of water.
Cat Ba Island's well-maintained roads make it an ideal place to explore by motorbike or bicycle. You can rent a motorbike from most hotels or agencies for $3-$6 per day. Be cautious while riding, as some roads have sharp turns and loose gravel.
Two scenic routes stand out: Duong Xuyen Dao Cat Ba runs 14 miles from Cat Ba Town to Gia Luan Port, while Duong DT356 follows the island's west coast for 15 miles, connecting Cat Ba Town with Cai Vieng Port. Both offer stunning views and plenty of photo opportunities.
Bicycles are also available for rent, providing a slower-paced but rewarding way to see the island. Keep in mind that the hilly terrain and heat can make cycling challenging.
Hospital Cave, located 10 km north of Cat Ba Town, was constructed between 1963 and 1965. It functioned as a secret hospital and hideout during the American War. The cave includes 17 rooms, such as an operating theater with mannequins and a cavern that served as a cinema, complete with a small swimming pool. Accessed via steep stairs, the cave combines concrete bunkers with natural formations, and its cool, damp air provides a refreshing break from the heat outside. Entry costs $1.70.
Just a short drive further, Trung Trang Cave is situated 2 km north in Cat Ba National Park. This cave features a winding path through narrow passages filled with stalactites, and the walk takes about 10-15 minutes. Entry is $3.40, and refreshments are available at the nearby Trung Trang Resort.
For the best sunset views on Cat Ba Island, head to Cannon Fort. From this vantage point, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the island's green hills, the harbor, and the sea dotted with limestone formations.
The fort is located on a steep road behind Cat Ba Town. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from town to the entrance, followed by a 20-minute climb to the top. Built-in 1942 for naval defense, Cannon Fort provides unparalleled views of Lan Ha Bay.
A marked path leads 177 meters up to a lookout point, offering stunning panoramas of Cat Ba Island, limestone cliffs, and Lan Ha Bay. Along the way, you'll pass old bunkers and helicopter landing pads, adding a historical touch to the scenic hike.
Many hotels on Cat Ba Island organize boat tours around Lan Ha Bay, with day trips starting at around $25 and overnight tours at about $80. These tours typically include stops for swimming and visiting nearby islands, and a two-day tour allows you to discover secluded islands and hidden beaches in northern Lan Ha Bay.
Kayaking through the karst formations is a highlight of these trips. Most cruises offer about an hour of kayaking, either through limestone grottoes or to a floating village. Direct kayak rentals from Ben Beo Harbour are no longer available, so tours usually include a water taxi to the kayaking spots. If you’re not an experienced kayaker, it’s recommended to go with a guide, as the currents can be strong.
Monkey Island is located just 1 km from Cat Ba Town and can be reached with a 10-minute boat ride from Beo Harbor. The island's sandy beaches were formed over millions of years from a mix of sand, rocks, corals, and shells.
There are two main beaches on Monkey Island: Cat Dua 1 and Cat Dua 2. Cat Dua 1 is the largest of the two, with clear blue waters perfect for relaxing and enjoying beach activities. Cat Dua 2, tucked behind a tiger-shaped cliff, features a garden filled with various trees and birds.
The island is home to over 20 monkeys, known for their friendly interactions with visitors. For a bit of adventure, you can climb the island’s small mountain for breathtaking views of Lan Ha Bay.
Cat Ba Island has several lovely beaches for swimming and sunbathing. The three Cat Co Cove beaches are a quick 10-minute walk southeast of Cat Ba Town and are popular among visitors.
Cat Co 3 is the closest and is a busy beach with a small but lively stretch of sand. From here, you can take a scenic path to Cat Co 1, located next to a resort, and continue to Cat Co 2, known for its pristine white sand.
On the opposite side of town, Tung Thu Beach offers a wide stretch of yellow sand nestled between limestone cliffs. A favorite among backpackers, it features activities like kayaking and a giant inflatable obstacle course.
For the best swimming experience, consider visiting some of the smaller islands to the east of Cat Ba, accessible by boat from Ben Beo Port.
Cat Ba Island is a fantastic spot for rock climbing, with its towering limestone karsts that are part of an ancient coral reef, similar to those found in Guilin, China, and Krabi, Thailand.
Cat Ba Climbing offers both half-day and full-day tours, catering to climbers of all skill levels. The island’s limestone cliffs are beginner-friendly, featuring natural overhangs that make climbing possible even in rainy conditions.
There are climbing routes both inland and in the picturesque Lan Ha Bay. Langur’s Adventures is a highly recommended company known for its excellent safety standards and high-quality climbing experiences. Be sure to contact them ahead of your visit to learn about their available tours. They provide all necessary equipment, instruction, and guidance for top-rope climbing.
For beginners, the climbing spots at Hai Pai and Moody Beach offer rewarding experiences. For advanced climbers, deep-water soloing in Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays is a thrilling option. This involves climbing without ropes and safely plunging into the ocean after reaching a certain height.
When visiting Cat Ba Island, be sure to indulge in the local cuisine, which highlights fresh seafood and unique regional flavors. Here are some essential dishes to savor during your trip:
A beloved local dish, Bánh Cuốn features steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms, topped with crispy shallots and fresh herbs. This tasty and affordable option can be found at local markets, making it a perfect choice for breakfast or a quick snack.
This signature dish from Hai Phong is a flavorful crab noodle soup garnished with fresh herbs and vegetables. You can enjoy this delightful meal at the local market for just $1-2, offering great value for your money. Look for affordable Bánh Đa Cua at the local market on ¼ Street or Tung Dinh Street.
For a genuine seafood experience, head to the second floor of the wet market, where you’ll find a wide selection of fresh seafood at competitive prices, avoiding the markups of restaurants. Just be ready for limited English and remember to confirm prices before purchasing.
For a true taste of Cat Ba, try Bún Tôm, a dish featuring flavorful noodles in an aromatic broth with fresh shrimp and fish cake. You can find this delicious option at Cat Ba Vu Duong Seafood Restaurant (No. 45 Tung Dinh) or Yummy 2 Restaurant (No. 102 Nui Ngoc).
Renowned for its bold flavor, crispy skin, and tender white meat, Song fish is both delicious and healthy, providing benefits like improved digestion and heart health. Enjoy dishes such as Song fish porridge, hot pot, or steamed with beer at popular eateries like Cat Ba Oasis Bar & Restaurant, Green Mango Cat Ba, and Hai Yen Restaurant.
Cat Ba Island is Vietnam's second-largest island and is characterized by its rugged terrain. Due to the challenging topography, the road network is somewhat limited. However, you can still travel by road from the south to the north of the island and along its scenic west coast. Hiking in the national park is excellent, and walking around Cat Ba Town is pleasant as well. Various transportation options, including bicycles, motorbikes, taxis, electric carts, local buses, and boats, can help you navigate the island. Boats are particularly useful for reaching more remote areas where roads are not yet available.
Exploring Cat Ba Island by motorbike is a fantastic way to see the countryside and visit local attractions. Most hotels and tour agencies offer motorbike rentals at a low cost, typically ranging from 50,000 to 150,000 VND per day. While the quality of the bikes can be questionable—often old and poorly maintained Yamaha Nouvos—they are generally sufficient for short distances.
Exercise caution while riding; the roads have many blind corners, steep inclines, and gravel that can be treacherous. Additionally, local driving habits can be unpredictable. I've seen many foreign riders speeding, not wearing helmets, and even drinking while driving. Don’t take unnecessary risks; injuries are common, and local police enforce traffic rules, especially in Cat Ba Town. Many Vietnamese, especially younger generations, are frustrated by foreign visitors ignoring local laws. For example, if you were in Germany, you would abide by their helmet laws—so please do the same here in Vietnam. Protect yourself and promote positive relations by riding responsibly and wearing a helmet.
Bicycles are also available for rent and provide a pleasant way to explore the island, though the roads can be challenging, particularly in the heat and humidity Cat Ba is known for.
Taxis are readily available at the ports where ferries from the mainland arrive, or you can ask your hotel staff to arrange one for you. Taxis are generally affordable, especially if you share one, and can take you to many attractions around the island. Electric buggies, which are mini-buses, also operate short distances between Cat Ba Town, Cannon Fort, and the three Cat Co Beaches. Each ride costs around 10,000 VND and is primarily used for transporting larger groups of domestic tourists.
A convenient public bus system connects Cat Ba Town with Cai Vieng Port and Gia Luan Port, passing through the National Park headquarters. For schedules and times, consult the tourist information office at Cat Ba Pier or ask your hotel staff.
Cat Ba Town is small enough to explore on foot. Strolling along the seafront road is a delightful experience, though the streets can be steep and congested with tourist traffic. Beyond the town, the national park offers excellent trekking opportunities (see Hiking, Climbing & View Points for more details), and there are several jungle tracks leading into the countryside. If you decide to venture out on your own, exercise caution.
Taking a boat tour along Cat Ba’s coastline and to the nearby islands can be a rewarding experience. Most boat tours depart from Ben Beo Port, which is close to Cat Ba Town (see Boat Tours for more information).
Beyond Cat Ba Island, consider venturing to the vibrant streets of Hanoi, the serene beaches of Nha Trang, or the lush landscapes of Cat Ba and Co To Island.
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