Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong: Must-Explore Attractions 2025
Visiting Cat Ba Island offers you the chance to immerse yourself in cool, refreshing seawater, unwind amidst a picturesque landscape, marvel at the island’s majestic natural beauty, and indulge in delicious fresh seafood. Additionally, Cat Ba boasts the distinctive charm of Halong Bay, featuring towering limestone karsts interspersed with tranquil, emerald waters. The harmonious blend of stunning seascapes, rich local culture, and untouched nature makes Cat Ba an ideal destination for those who love both adventure and relaxation.
Overview of Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong
The Cat Ba Archipelago, located in Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City, consists of 367 large and small islands scattered across a breathtaking seascape. It is situated approximately 150 km from Hanoi, 30 km from Hai Phong city center, and just 25 km from Halong Bay. With its pristine natural scenery, majestic landscapes, and diverse ecosystem, Cat Ba is often referred to as the “pearl of the Gulf of Tonkin,” making it an ideal destination for those who love the sea and nature.
Cat Ba Archipelago is renowned for its powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters that reveal the seabed, and lush primary forests nestled behind towering limestone mountains. Visitors can immerse themselves in the refreshing seawater, relax in the tranquil natural surroundings, explore a network of mysterious caves, and savor delicious fresh seafood.
Beyond its stunning scenery, Cat Ba also holds significant ecological and geological value. In 2004, UNESCO recognized the Cat Ba Archipelago as a World Biosphere Reserve. Lan Ha Bay, a part of Cat Ba, has also been honored as one of the world’s most beautiful bays, featuring hundreds of limestone karsts and a rich, thriving ecosystem.
Notably, on September 16, 2023, during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee, UNESCO officially recognized Halong Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago as Vietnam’s first inter-provincial and inter-city UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, marking a significant milestone in the conservation and promotion of the region’s natural heritage.
Today, Cat Ba is not only a top summer destination but also a symbol of the harmonious blend of natural beauty and ecological value, promising visitors unforgettable experiences.
Best Time to Visit Cat Ba Island
Summer is the best time to visit Cat Ba. From April to October, the island experiences little rainfall, with cool weather, calm waves, and sunny skies—perfect for swimming, photography, and sightseeing. However, during this period, especially between May and July, Cat Ba becomes very crowded with tourists. If you prefer a quieter experience and want to immerse yourself in nature, visiting between November and March is an option. However, during this time, there is less sunshine, making it less ideal for photography compared to the summer months.
How to Get to Cat Ba Island
The best mode of transportation depends on your starting location. Travelers from southern provinces usually take a flight to Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong and then continue their journey to Cat Ba by boat. Meanwhile, northern travelers have multiple transportation options, including buses, cars, or ferries.
From Hanoi to Cat Ba Island
You can travel to Cat Ba directly by private vehicle (car or motorbike) or bus services such as Cat Ba Express, Interbuslines, GoodMorning, and others. The journey typically takes 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
From Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island
From Hai Phong city center, there are two main ways to reach Cat Ba:
- By speedboat from Binh Wharf
- By car to Got Wharf, then taking a ferry to Cai Vieng Wharf (on Cat Ba Island)
Currently, the speedboat from Binh Wharf costs between 180,000 – 250,000 VND per person, with a travel time of just 45 minutes, making it a popular choice over the ferry, which takes longer.
From Halong to Cat Ba Island
From Halong, you can take the Tuan Chau ferry to Gia Luan Wharf on Cat Ba Island. From there, you can either rent a motorbike or take a bus to reach the main tourist area of Cat Ba.
Getting Around Cat Ba Island
To explore the island conveniently, you can rent a motorbike from local rental shops or accommodations at a cost of 100,000 – 150,000 VND per day. Another great option is biking along the coastal roads, especially during sunset, for a scenic and relaxing experience. For longer distances, taking a taxi is the safest and most comfortable option.
Must-Visit Attractions on Cat Ba Island
Beaches
Cat Ba Island is famous for its hundreds of small, charming beaches with emerald-green waters. A trip to Cat Ba wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its stunning beaches. Here are some of the best ones you shouldn’t miss:
- Co 1 Beach: A lively beach with soft sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for those who enjoy a vibrant atmosphere.
- Co 2 Beach: Ideal for those seeking peace and tranquility, as it is smaller and less crowded.
- Co 3 Beach: Best suited for swimming and diving enthusiasts. However, the water here is deeper, with stronger waves, so caution is advised.
- Tung Thu Beach: Opened to tourists in mid-2010, it features international-standard water quality and diverse services. It is also the only beach on Cat Ba Island with an outdoor stage.
- Cat Dua Beach (on Monkey Island): This 1-km-long beach is often referred to as a paradise due to its crystal-clear, refreshing waters.
- Cat Dua 2 Beach (on Monkey Island): Smaller than Cat Dua 1 but equally captivating.
Lan Ha Bay
Located on the eastern side of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay spans over 7,000 hectares and is home to more than 400 limestone islands. Unlike Halong Bay, most of the islands in Lan Ha Bay are covered in lush greenery, creating a cooler and more refreshing atmosphere. The bay is also a hub for adventure activities such as kayaking through limestone caves and rock climbing for panoramic views of the bay.
Monkey Island
Monkey Island is one of Cat Ba’s untouched islands, named after the 20+ monkeys freely roaming and thriving there. These friendly creatures often interact and play with tourists.
The island’s highlight is Cat Dua Beach, which stretches about 1 km and is considered the most beautiful beach on Monkey Island. With its calm, crystal-clear waters, the beach attracts many visitors for swimming, sightseeing, and relaxation. Although tourism services on Monkey Island are still developing, they can still meet most travelers’ needs.
Cai Beo Fishing Village
Located 3 km southwest of Cat Ba Town, Cai Beo Fishing Village (also known as Vung O Fishing Village) is considered Vietnam’s oldest floating fishing village, dating back 7,000 years. Today, it is home to over 500 households who rely on fish farming and seafood harvesting in Lan Ha Bay. The village is nestled between limestone mountains, providing a sheltered environment for residents, while its eastern side faces rich fishing grounds, ensuring a steady livelihood for local fishermen.
Visiting Cai Beo Fishing Village, you can learn about traditional aquaculture and fishing techniques, explore floating fish farms, and even feed the fish yourself. You can also purchase fresh seafood directly from the locals and have it prepared to your liking. For a unique experience, consider spending a night on a floating house, chatting with the fishermen, and waking up to a spectacular sunrise over Lan Ha Bay.
Cat Ba National Park
Cat Ba National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to diverse flora and fauna and offering visitors a peaceful retreat into nature. To explore the park, you can hike, cycle, ride a motorbike, or drive through the Kim Giao Forest and ascend Ngu Lam Peak for a panoramic view of the entire national park.
For trekking enthusiasts, climbing Ngu Lam Peak is a rewarding challenge. The trek takes around 4 to 8 hours and offers stunning views along the way.
Entrance fees:
- Adults: 40,000 VND
- Children: 20,000 VND
Trung Trang Cave
Trung Trang Cave is a 300-meter-long cave that runs through a mountain and can accommodate hundreds of people at a time. Inside, visitors can admire a natural masterpiece formed over six million years, featuring stalactites and stalagmites in various sparkling shapes.
Entrance fee: 80,000 VND per person.
Must-Try Activities on Cat Ba Island
Kayaking
Kayaking is a popular and exciting activity for visitors exploring Cat Ba Island. This sport allows for flexible navigation across various terrains, from bustling floating fishing villages to narrow caves and rocky inlets. Paddling through the gentle waves, gliding across the water, and admiring the breathtaking seascape create an unforgettable experience.
Scuba Diving & Coral Watching
Scuba diving in Cat Ba offers an incredible chance to explore its rich and diverse coral reef ecosystem. With 193 species of coral, including hard corals, encrusting corals, soft corals, and branching corals, the island is a paradise for marine life enthusiasts. In addition to vibrant corals, divers can encounter various fascinating underwater species.
Top spots for coral diving include:
- Cat Dua Beach
- Ba Trai Dao Islets
- Mui Hong
- Ang Tham
These locations provide stunning underwater landscapes, making them ideal for an exciting snorkeling or diving adventure.
Overnight Cruise
Spending a night aboard a cruise in Cat Ba is a luxurious and relaxing way to explore the island. Lan Ha Bay offers a range of cruises, from three-star to five-star options, equipped with modern amenities and diverse dining experiences. Each cruise follows a fixed itinerary, visiting the most scenic and famous spots around Cat Ba Island. Some tours also connect with Halong Bay, allowing visitors to explore both UNESCO-listed destinations in one trip.
Trekking & Rock Climbing
Trekking and rock climbing are thrilling outdoor activities in Cat Ba, perfect for adventure seekers. The island offers numerous climbing spots, ranging from beginner-friendly routes to challenging climbs for experienced adventurers.
Some of the best rock climbing locations in Cat Ba include:
- Dau Be Island
- Ben Beo Cliff
- Ba Trai Dao Islets
Depending on your fitness level and experience, you can choose a lower or higher peak to conquer. Whether hiking through lush forests or scaling limestone cliffs, trekking in Cat Ba promises an exhilarating and rewarding experience.
Travel Tips for Visiting Cat Ba Island
To have the best experience on Cat Ba Island, consider the following travel tips:
- Bring sunscreen, a jacket, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Mosquito and insect repellent is essential to keep you safe from bites.
- Swimwear and a towel are must-haves for beach activities.
- Avoid swimming after 6:00 PM, as the tide begins to rise, making it unsafe.
- During holidays and peak seasons, accommodation prices may increase two to three times the usual rates, and hotels may be fully booked.
- Always ask for prices before shopping or using any services to avoid overpaying.
- If dining at floating restaurants, confirm the prices in advance.
- Avoid carrying too much cash or valuable personal belongings to prevent theft.
- Taking a speedboat to Cat Ba is faster than the ferry and saves waiting time, especially during peak season when ferry terminals are often crowded and overloaded, particularly for the return trip from Cat Ba to Hai Phong.
- Traveling to the island can be tiring, especially for families with young children. Since most hotels on Cat Ba are far from the beaches, you can use an electric car service to reach the beach conveniently for a small fee.
Cat Ba Island is truly a must-visit destination with a diverse range of attractions, from forests and mountains to stunning beaches. With these travel tips provided by SVietnam Travel, we hope you have a wonderful and unforgettable trip to this island paradise!
