Cat Ba Island: An Honest & Complete Travel Guide [2025]

Cat Ba Island is located in northern Vietnam, specifically within the Cat Ba Archipelago, which is part of the Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay area. This island is recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere reserve.

Cat Ba is the largest island in the archipelago, comprising over 360 islands and islets. Limestone cliffs, quiet beaches, boat rides, and delicious local food are the highlights of Cat Ba Island.  The quiet vibe makes this place ideal for taking slow walks, enjoying fresh seafood, and listening to the ocean.

Whether you want full-day boat tours or just quiet time by the water, Cat Ba gives you both without the crowds. Here’s everything you need to know before you visit.

30 Sundays Honest Review Process 

At 30 Sundays, we keep it real. Our travel guides aren't sponsored or filtered. What you read here comes from real experiences, human perspectives, and practical tips. We blend honest opinions with cultural context so you know exactly what to expect and what not to.

Table of Contents

• TripAdvisor Ratings & Reviews
• What Do Visitors Like?
• What Visitors Don’t Like?
• Things To Do
• The Basic Things To Know
• Deep Dive Into Finer Aspect
• Other Places To Visit
• Hotels Near Cat Ba
• Restaurants Near Cat Ba
• Final Verdict
• FAQs

TripAdvisor Ratings & Reviews 

Ratings: 4.2 (1,354 reviews) 

• Excellent: 706
• Very Good: 380
• Average: 137
• Poor: 73
• Terrible: 58 

Visitors love Cat Ba Island for its mixture of mountains, beaches, and peaceful nature. The boat rides in Lan Ha Bay are a big highlight, offering breathtaking views without the crowd of Halong Bay. People also enjoy hiking in Cat Ba National Park and spotting rare animals like the langur. The seafood is fresh, and the town has a laid-back, local vibe.

On the downside, some say the town area can feel busy and noisy during peak season. A few beaches near the center may have litter, especially after storms. Others mention that development is growing, so some parts feel less wild than expected.

What Visitors Like About Cat Ba Island?

Cat Ba Island is loved for its calm energy, scenic beauty, and outdoor adventures. Visitors enjoy a mix of peaceful nature, delicious seafood, and an easy-going local lifestyle.

• Lan Ha Bay Boat Tours: Lan Ha Bay is often called the quieter twin of Ha Long Bay. Most visitors like to take a boat tour through limestone islands, swim in hidden lagoons, and even kayak through caves. The views are stunning, and the water is calm and clear. A boat ride here is scenic, quiet, and often more private than Ha Long Bay.
• Cat Ba National Park Trekking: For nature lovers, Cat Ba National Park is a perfect spot. There are easy and challenging trails that take you through forests, waterfalls, and up to mountain viewpoints. Travellers appreciate the fresh air and spotted butterflies, monkeys, and rare birds.
• Chill Beaches Like Cat Co 1, 2 & 3: Cat Ba has small beaches with soft, white sand and crystal-clear blue water. Cat Co 1, 2, and 3 are the most accessible and great for swimming or sunbathing. Visitors like that the beach is clean, less crowded, and walkable from town.
• Affordable Hotels: Cat Ba offers decent places to stay, whether you are backpacking or want a comfortable hotel with a sea view. Many hotels are situated near the harbor and offer scooter rentals or assistance with booking tours. They are friendly, clean, and affordable.
• Seafood and Restaurants: Fresh seafood options, such as grilled clams, fried squid, and steamed crab, are popular choices. Some restaurants even let you pick your seafood live which was a unique experience for the travellers. 

What Visitors Don’t Like About Cat Ba Island?

While Cat Ba Island is peaceful and scenic, it's not without a few rough edges. Some visitors mention basic infrastructure, seasonal crowds, and occasional weather issues.

• Some Parts are still Underdeveloped: Visitors felt that Cat Ba is not fully modernized. A few roads are bumpy, and not all areas have good lighting or signs. There are not many luxury resorts or big shopping centers in all the parts. It’s still growing, but there are basic setups in some areas.
• The weather can be foggy or wet: From December to February, the island is often shrouded in fog or rain. The views of the bay might be limited, and hiking trails can get slippery, but they are still doable. Travellers suggest packing light rain gear and checking weather updates.
• Crowded in Peak Season: While Cat Ba is quieter than Ha Long Bay, visitors feel it does get busy during Vietnamese holidays and weekends. Hotels can fill up fast, and boat tours may be fully booked. Booking early helps avoid these things.
• Ferry Schedules Can Be Delayed: Some visitors felt that the ferry from the mainland can be delayed sometimes due to weather or high demand. So they suggested booking in advance for the smooth experience.

Things To Do In Cat Ba Island 

From adventurous boat tours to relaxing on quiet beaches, here are the best ways to explore the island:

Lan Ha Bay Boat Tour

A boat tour will take you through limestone cliffs, stop at floating fishing villages, and visit hidden beaches where you can swim or kayak through the caves. Most tours include a fresh seafood lunch and a few hours to relax on the deck. The water is calm, the views are endless, and the pace is just right. If you want peace and pretty photos, this is the way to do it.

Trek to Ngu Lam Peak

Ngu Lam Peak is situated within Cat Ba National Park. The trail takes about 45 minutes and winds through forest paths with birds and butterflies around. The last part is steep but safe, and the view from the top gives you a complete look at the green hills and blue sea. It’s quiet and less crowded, and great for someone who enjoys hiking.

Rent a Scooter and Explore

The easiest way to get around Cat Ba is by renting a scooter. The roads are smooth and traffic is less. You can ride past rice fields, mountain roads, and coastal stretches all at your own pace. Stop at a beach, grab a local snack, and enjoy the ride. It’s cheap, flexible, and makes you feel part of the island. Scooters give you complete freedom to explore hidden parts of the island.

Visit Hospital Cave

It is a hidden wartime site tucked inside a mountain and was once a working hospital used during the Vietnam War. Hospital Cave has over 15 rooms carved into the rock. You can walk through tunnels and see how soldiers lived and were treated underground. Local guides often share short stories that help you understand its quiet power.

Sunset at Cannon Fort

Located above the town, with old war bunkers and a peaceful viewpoint. From here, you can watch the harbor fill with boats and the sky turn orange over Lan Ha Bay. Cannon Fort is not crowded, and the walk up is short, or you can ride a scooter. Bring a snack or sit and take it all in. One of the best spots to end your day with a peaceful view.

Tung Thu Beach

This beach is one of the quieter spots, perfect for escaping the crowd. The water is clear and the sand is soft, which is great for swimming or lying down on the beach. There is a small beachfront area where locals gather in the evenings. It is also a nice place to watch the sunset.

The Basic Things To Know About Cat Ba Island

Here are a few key details before visiting Cat Ba Island, as this will help you prepare in advance so that your trip is smooth:

What to Eat?

Seafood is a must on Cat Ba Island. Try dishes like seafood hotpot, grilled oysters, salt-roasted shrimp, or crab fried rice. For breakfast, grab a warm banh mi or a bowl of noodle soup, as it is simple, tasty, and affordable.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Cat Ba Island is from March to May and September to November. The weather is sunny, not too hot, and great for hiking or boat trips. These months also avoid the heavy tourist crowds.

July and August bring more rain and humidity, so travel plans can be affected during that time.

How to Reach?

Getting to Cat Ba is easy from Halong Bay or Hai Phong. From Hai Phong, take a ferry from Ben Binh pier to Cat Ba Island. 

From Halong Bay, take a ferry from Tuan Chau Island or a bus and ferry combination via Got Pier. 

Entry Fees

There’s no fee to enter Cat Ba Island itself. If you plan to visit Cat Ba National Park, the entry cost is around ₹130 (40,000 VND). Boat tours in Lan Ha Bay start at about ₹900 per person. Renting a scooter costs around ₹300 a day. Most sights are low-cost or free.

Deep Dive Into Finer Aspects of Cat Ba Island

Here are the little things of Cat Ba Island that make the experience more personal, peaceful, and memorable:

Island Mood

Life moves slowly on Cat Ba. Mornings are quiet; you can sip coffee by the sea, take a slow walk, or sit and watch fishing boats come and go. There is no loud music, no big crowds. It’s an ideal spot to reset and unwind from your daily life.

Supportive Locals

Even if you don’t speak Vietnamese, you’ll feel welcome here. Locals greet you with a smile, give directions with gestures, and offer help without being pushy. The kindness of locals makes the island feel even more relaxed and warm.

Eco-Friendly Efforts

Cat Ba is starting to go green because of a few changes. Some boat tours now skip plastic bottles, and a few hotels use solar power or offer eco-stays in bamboo rooms. You will also find beach cleanup signs or local groups organizing plastic-free events. Eco-conscious travel is slowly taking root on Cat Bab, and it shows in small, meaningful ways.

Bioluminescent plankton

They are tiny sea creatures that glow at night and can be seen from May to September. The best way to spot it is by kayaking in Lan Ha Bay or walking along quiet beaches such as Tung Thu Beach. It does not happen every night, but when it does, the glowing water feels magical and peaceful.

Other Places to Visit Near Cat Ba Island

If you have extra time on Cat Ba, here are a few places nearby that add even more excitement to your trip:

Monkey Island

Monkey Island is a short boat ride from Cat Ba Town and is known for its clear water and mischievous monkeys. You and your partner can swim at the beach, and go hand in hand for a hike for the best view, which is perfect for photos. Be careful with food, as monkeys love to grab snacks. It’s a fun stop if you're looking for a mix of nature and light adventure. It is a small island with beautiful views and playful wild animals.

Viet Hai Village

It is a peaceful village hidden inside Cat Ba National Park. You can reach Viet Hai village by boat or combine it with a bike ride through green fields and forest paths. The town feels untouched, with stilt houses, gardens, and quiet lanes. It is a chance to see slow, local life and meet locals.

Explore Cave

The two caves, Bright Cave and Dark Cave, are located on the border of Lan Ha Bay. They are gentle to kayak through and open into beautiful, hidden lagoons.

Dark Cave (Hang Tối): It is longer and less lit inside, giving it a mysterious, quiet feel. You paddle through a low-ceiling tunnel that opens into a peaceful lagoon.

Bright Cave (Hang Sáng): It is shorter and more open, with light filtering in and bouncing off the water, making everything glow.

Floating Fishing Villages

These villages float right on the water, with homes, schools, and shops built on wooden rafts. Some boat tours include a stop here to meet the locals or enjoy a fresh seafood lunch. Life on the water is slow and beautiful in its way, as it provides a different perspective on how people interact with nature.

Hotels Near Cat Ba Island

If you’re planning to stay overnight near the island, here are some options:

Restaurants Near Cat Ba Island 

Here are a few options where you can dine in near Cat Ba Island:

Final Verdict: Is Cat Ba Island Worth Visiting?

Yes, Cat Ba Island is worth a visit, as it is a peaceful place with a touch of nature and light adventure. Limestone cliffs, beautiful beaches, and delicious local food are the highlights of Cat Ba Island.

The adventurous boat rides, hiking through trails, and lying down on quiet beaches let you slow down and make you feel connected with nature. You can rent a scooter and enjoy the scenery. Grab a coffee and sit near the river to enjoy the breathtaking sunset.

If you are looking for a peaceful escape filled with fresh sea air, green hills, limestone cliffs, and calm days, Cat Ba Island is the perfect spot for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Which is the most beautiful beach on Cat Ba Island?

This beach is one of the quieter spots on Cat Ba Island, perfect if you want to escape the crowds. The water is calm and the sand is soft, making it great for a relaxed swim or a peaceful walk.

How many days should I spend on Cat Ba Island?

For the best experience of Cat Ba Island, you must spend 2-3 days exploring adventurous activities like trekking and kayaking through the caves. You can also watch a beautiful sunset near the river or swim in the clean beaches. 

How to find bioluminescent plankton in Cat Ba Island?

To see bioluminescent plankton, head to quiet beaches like Tung Thu or join a night kayak tour in Lan Ha Bay. Go after 10 PM on moonless nights, between May to September. 

Can I swim on Cat Ba Island?

Yes, you can swim on Cat Ba Island. Beaches like Cat Co 1, 2, and 3 offer calm, clear waters ideal for a dip. Just check the weather and tides before visiting, especially during the rainy season.