Cat Ba Island in Vietnam is a tropical paradise that offers a diverse and stunning landscape. From mangroves and limestone karsts to green forests and white sand beaches, this island has it all. Plus, it is home to a designated National Park, making it a haven for biodiversity. In this updated guide for 2023, we’ll explore the best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and even suggest a three-day itinerary. So let’s dive in and discover the wonders of Cat Ba Island!
Overview
Part of an archipelago, Cat Ba Island boasts beautiful mangroves, limestone karsts, green forests, white sand beaches, and coral reefs. Its rich biodiversity is well-preserved as it is a designated National Park. One of the highly recommended activities here is trekking in the National Park and even climbing Ngu Lam mountain. For beach lovers, Cat Ba Island has three main beaches – Cat Ba 1, Cat Ba 2, and Cat Ba 3. Adventure enthusiasts can also enjoy activities like rock climbing, kayaking, and snorkeling. With well-developed tourist infrastructure, visitors can easily find accommodations, good roads, and a convenient ferry terminal.
When To Go
The best time to visit Cat Ba Island depends on your preferences. If you love tropical summers and don’t mind the heat, June to August is the ideal time to go. For milder weather, October till March is recommended. Keep in mind that Cat Ba experiences both rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season lasts from May to September, while the dry season is from November to March. However, the months of March, April, September, and October are considered the best time to visit. You can refer to our latest guide on Cat Ba Island weather for more detailed information.
Cat Ba in June: average temperature 27°C (Photo: Shutterstock)
How To Get There
From Hanoi (124 km)
To reach Cat Ba Island from Hanoi, take a Hanoi-Haiphong highway bus. The journey usually takes around 3-5 hours, with Cat Ba Express and Good Morning Cat Ba being popular and reliable operators.
From Halong Bay (22.7 km)
If you’re in Halong Bay, the best way to reach Cat Ba Island is by taking a ferry. There are three ferries a day that go to the northern side of the island, and the journey takes about an hour. From there, it’s a 40-minute drive to Cat Ba town. Be cautious of taxis charging exorbitant prices.
From Hai Phong (33 km)
To travel from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island, you have various options. You can take a speedboat from Ben Binh, a bus from Tan Vu Lach Huyen Bridge, or a taxi from Mai Linh Hai Phong. Check the timetables and prices for the most up-to-date information.
Cat Ba Express Bus: Departs daily from Hanoi (catbaexpress.com)
Where To Stay
Cat Ba Island offers a wide range of accommodations, from hotels to hostels. Most are located on the waterfront, while some newer hotels can be found inland. For a luxurious experience, consider staying at ‘Blue Lagoon Cat Ba’ located left of the welcome gate. Remember to book a room with a sea view and check if the hotel has an elevator, especially if you have mobility concerns. Here are some recommended hotels and resorts in Cat Ba:
- Cat Ba View Hotel – No 38, Lô 2, Phố, Núi Ngọc, TT. Cát Bà, Cát Hải, Hải Phòng (Phone: 098 699 99 76)
- Huong Cang Sea View Hotel – 202 Road 1/4, Cat Ba Island, Hải Phòng (Phone: 097 546 48 98)
- Lan Homestay – Viet Hai Village, Hải Phòng 187300 (Phone: 091 489 90 27)
- Blue Lagoon Cat Ba – 352 Hà Sen, TT. Cát Bà, Cát Hải, Hải Phòng (Phone: 098 683 68 38)
Note: This list was updated on Jan 02, 2023. Hotel addresses and phone numbers are verified.
Xinh Floating House – A unique stay experience near Cat Ba Island.
Things To Do
Aside from the typical beach visits, cave explorations, and cruises, Cat Ba Island offers a range of other activities to enhance your experience. Here are some must-try activities:
- Visit Monkey Island, where long-tailed macaques roam freely.
- Explore the Cannon Fort, built in 1942 for defense purposes, and enjoy breathtaking sunset views.
- Engage in yoga sessions amidst the lush green forests.
- Take a trip to Viet Hai village for a unique cultural experience.
- Discover the Cat Ba National Park, renowned for its biodiversity and eco-tourism.
Aerial view at Monkey Island in Cat Ba.
Where To Eat
Being an island, Cat Ba offers an abundance of seafood options. Some recommended restaurants include Phuong Nhung Restaurant, Lang Chai Seafood Restaurant, Phương Phương Restaurant, and for vegetarians, the Buddha Belly Restaurant. Here are a few renowned choices:
- Quiri Pub Cocktail & Restaurant – 135 Tùng Dinh, TT. Cát Bà, Cát Hải, Hải Phòng (Phone: 098 162 30 96)
- Anh Nguyet Restaurant – Road 1/4 TT Cat Ba, Cát Bà, Hai Phong (Phone: 097 858 95 30)
- Mona Restaurant – 180, 1/4 Road, Cát Hải, Hải Phòng (Phone: 093 467 48 99)
Cocktail at Quiri Pub – One of the top-rated restaurants and bars in Cat Ba.
Suggested Itinerary
To make the most of your time on Cat Ba Island, we’ve prepared a suggested three-day itinerary for you:
Day 1:
- Spend the day at Cat Ba 2 Beach, known for its beauty. Relax, swim, and indulge in water activities like snorkeling.
- Visit Cannon Fort and witness the breathtaking sunset views.
- Enjoy a delightful dinner at one of the many restaurants and bars in Cat Ba.
Day 2:
- Take a trip to the picturesque Lan Ha Bay. Explore the stunning scenery, go kayaking, and visit Monkey Island for snorkeling or swimming.
- For dinner, savor a nutritious and delicious seafood dish called ‘Tu Hai’.
Day 3:
- Discover the historic Cai Beo ancient fishing village. Immerse yourself in the local culture, interact with the fishermen, and witness their fishing techniques.
- Alternatively, visit Cat Ba National Park, a prime example of eco-tourism, and marvel at the diverse wildlife.
- Indulge in mouthwatering seafood specialties like Blue Crab or Squid to conclude your Cat Ba adventure.
Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island from above!
Note: All hotels and restaurants on Cat Ba Island are currently open.
You’ve now unlocked the secrets of Cat Ba Island, Vietnam. It’s time to plan your trip and immerse yourself in this tropical haven. For more travel guides and tips, visit Travel Guide.
