How many days should I spend on Cat Ba?

2-3 days allows for kayaking, a national park hike, and relaxing on beaches. Rock climbers often stay longer. Cat Ba works as an alternative to Ha Long Bay cruises or a complement to them.

What is the best time to visit Cat Ba?

April to October brings warm weather for swimming and water activities. The island gets busy with domestic tourists in summer (June-August). Winter is cooler and rainier but less crowded.

Is Cat Ba safe for tourists?

Generally safe, though Cat Ba town can feel a bit rough around the edges. Water activities are usually well-supervised. Roads are winding - drive carefully on motorbikes, especially after dark.

Where should I stay on Cat Ba?

Cat Ba town has the most options - hotels, hostels, and restaurants line the waterfront. Cat Co beaches offer beachside bungalows but limited dining. Some homestays exist in villages outside town.

Beach

North Vietnam

Cat Ba Island

Adventure hub near Ha Long Bay with hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking. Less crowded alternative to cruise tours.

2-3 days ideal

$30-50 per day

Adventure, budget

Where to Stay

Overview

Cat Ba Island offers a different way to experience the famous karst seascape - staying on land rather than a boat. From here, you can kayak into Lan Ha Bay's emerald waters, rock climb on limestone cliffs rising from the sea, and hike through the island's national park without the cruise ship crowds.

The island has a scruffy, backpacker charm. Cat Ba town is nothing pretty, but the beaches, viewpoints, and adventure activities make up for it. This is Ha Long Bay for travelers who prefer active exploration over floating hotel luxury.

Top Things to Do

1Kayak through Lan Ha Bay's hidden lagoons and floating fishing villages

2Rock climb on sea cliffs with Deep Water Solo - fall into the water if you slip

3Trek through Cat Ba National Park to spot the endangered Cat Ba langur

4Cycle around the island past beaches, rice paddies, and karst scenery

5Take a boat to secluded beaches only accessible by water

6Visit Hospital Cave, a former secret wartime hospital inside a mountain

Getting There & Around

By Air: The nearest airports are Hanoi (150km) or Cat Bi in Hai Phong (30km plus ferry). The Hanoi-Cat Ba route involves bus plus ferry or speedboat, taking 3-4 hours total.

By Train: Hai Phong Railway Station connects to Hanoi (2 hours). From Hai Phong, ferries reach Cat Ba Island (about 1 hour by speedboat from Got pier).

Getting Around: Rent a motorbike (150,000-200,000 VND/day) to explore the island. Cat Ba town is walkable. Boat tours depart from the harbor for bay exploration. No Grab here - negotiate with taxi drivers.