Cat Ba Island Travel Guide 2026: Ha Long Bay Alternative
Complete guide to Cat Ba Island, the adventure base for Lan Ha Bay. Discover rock climbing, kayaking, jungle trekking, and a budget-friendly Ha Long Bay experience.
Cat Ba Island Travel Guide 2026: Ha Long Bay Alternative
Cat Ba Island offers everything Ha Long Bay has - limestone karsts, kayaking, boat trips - but with more independence and lower prices. This rugged island on the edge of Lan Ha Bay is the place for travelers who want to explore at their own pace rather than on an organized cruise.
The largest island in the region, Cat Ba has a national park, beaches, and a small town that serves as base for adventures. From here you can kayak through karst seascapes, rock climb on limestone cliffs, or simply take day trips into the bay.
Quick Facts
- →Location: Hai Phong Province, Gulf of Tonkin
- →Coordinates: 20.7255°N, 107.0477°E
- →Region: North Vietnam
- →Best Time to Visit: September to November
- →From Hanoi: 150km / 4 hours by bus + ferry
- →From Ha Long City: 45 minutes by speedboat
Top Attractions
▸Lan Ha Bay
The less-crowded southern extension of Ha Long Bay with 400+ islands. Day boat trips, kayaking, and floating village visits. Quieter and arguably prettier than the main bay.
- →Day trip: $20-35 including lunch and kayaking
- →Overnight cruise: $80-150
▸Rock Climbing
Cat Ba is Vietnam's rock climbing hub. Deep water soloing (climbing over water without ropes) and sport climbing on limestone cliffs draw climbers worldwide.
- →Half-day climbing: $40-60
- →Full-day deep water solo: $60-80
▸Cat Ba National Park
Jungle hiking, rare Cat Ba langurs (endemic primate), and viewpoints. The main trail leads to Ngu Lam peak with panoramic views.
- →Entry: $4
- →Time needed: 3-4 hours
▸Cannon Fort
Japanese-built WWII fortifications with bay views. Tunnels, old cannons, and a good sunset spot.
- →Entry: $3
Where to Stay
Cat Ba Town has budget to mid-range hotels along the waterfront.
Price range: $15-50/night
Cat Ba Eco Lodge and Whisper of Nature offer bungalows outside town.
Getting There
From Hanoi:
- →Bus + ferry package: 4 hours, $15-20
- →Speedboat from Ha Long: 45 minutes, $10
From Ha Long Bay: Combine with a Ha Long cruise that drops you at Cat Ba.
Practical Tips
- →Book climbing and kayaking directly with operators in town
- →Weekend prices are higher - visit midweek if possible
- →The ferry ride is scenic and part of the experience
- →Lan Ha Bay is less touristy than Ha Long Bay proper
▸Nearby Destinations
| Destination | Distance | Travel Time | Direction | |-------------|----------|-------------|----------| | Hanoi | 150km | 4 hours by bus + ferry | West | | Ha Long Bay | 30km | 45 min by boat | North |
FAQ
Cat Ba or Ha Long Bay cruise?
Cat Ba for independence, budget travel, and activities like climbing. Ha Long Bay cruise for luxury, less planning, and classic boat experience. Budget travelers often prefer Cat Ba.
How many days for Cat Ba?
2-3 days. One day for Lan Ha Bay boat trip, one for climbing or national park, one to relax.