Cat Ba Island: A Hidden Paradise in Northern Vietnam

Tucked away in the Gulf of Tonkin, Cat Ba Island is a spectacular mix of jungle-clad mountains, secluded beaches, and towering limestone karsts. As the largest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago, it offers the perfect balance between natural beauty and outdoor adventure.
 

While many travelers know about Halong Bay, fewer take the time to explore Cat Ba — making it a less-touristy, more eco-conscious destination. Whether you're kayaking through Lan Ha Bay, hiking in Cat Ba National Park, or simply relaxing by the beach, Cat Ba promises an experience that’s both invigorating and serene.

📍 Where is Cat Ba Island?

Location: Off the northeastern coast of Vietnam, in Hai Phong Province

Archipelago: Composed of 367 islands, with Cat Ba as the largest

Closest Cities: Hai Phong (50 km), Hanoi (150 km)

Cat Ba serves as the southern gateway to Halong Bay, but it’s closer to the less-crowded and equally stunning Lan Ha Bay.

🏝️ Why Visit Cat Ba Island?

✅ Fewer crowds than Halong Bay
✅ Access to both Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba National Park
✅ Affordable accommodations and tours
✅ Incredible biodiversity and marine life
✅ Ideal for hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and beach lovers

🌟 Top Things to Do on Cat Ba Island

🚤 1. Cruise or Kayak Through Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay, just off the coast of Cat Ba, features hundreds of limestone islets, hidden lagoons, and floating fishing villages — much like Halong Bay but with a fraction of the tourists.

Activities:

Kayaking through sea caves

Swimming in calm coves

Visiting floating villages like Cua Van or Viet Hai

Overnight cruises and day tours

Best time: March–May or September–November

Tip: Opt for a kayak tour to explore narrow grottos and hidden beaches unreachable by boat.

🥾 2. Hike Through Cat Ba National Park

Covering over 15,000 hectares, Cat Ba National Park is a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve. It’s home to rare species, like the Cat Ba langur, one of the world’s most endangered primates.

Top hiking routes:

Kim Giao Forest to Ngu Lam Peak (1.5–2 hours round trip): panoramic island views

Lao Viet Trail: jungle trek with wildlife spotting

Flora & fauna: Over 1,500 plant species and 282 animal species

🎒 Pro tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Guides are recommended for longer treks or wildlife tours.

🏖️ 3. Relax at the Island’s Beaches

Cat Ba has several sandy stretches where you can unwind after a day of adventure.

Cat Co 1, 2, and 3: The island’s most popular beaches, easily accessible by foot or electric cart

Tung Thu Beach: Less crowded and scenic, ideal for watching sunsets

Private beaches: Accessible via kayak or boat tour

🌅 Best for sunsets: Cat Co 3 Beach, with a cliffside view of the sun sinking over Lan Ha Bay.

🧗 4. Rock Climbing on Limestone Cliffs

Cat Ba is a haven for climbers thanks to its karst formations, which rise dramatically from the sea.

Popular climbing areas:

Butterfly Valley (inland, perfect for beginners and intermediates)

Ben Beo and Deep Water Soloing routes in Lan Ha Bay

Gear & guides: Available from climbing schools like Asia Outdoors and Cat Ba Climbing

🧗 Thrill-seekers: Don’t miss deep-water soloing, where you climb without ropes and drop into the sea.

🚴 5. Cycle to Viet Hai Village

Located inside the national park and surrounded by mountains, Viet Hai Village is accessible by boat or a jungle trail.

What to do:

Rent a bicycle and explore the quiet village

Interact with locals

Learn about sustainable farming

Enjoy traditional meals

🚴 How to get there: Combine a boat tour from Ben Beo Harbor with a bike ride through the forest trail.

🏛️ 6. Visit Cannon Fort for Panoramic Views

Built by the Japanese and later used by the Vietnamese army, Cannon Fort offers sweeping views of Cat Ba Town, Lan Ha Bay, and the jungle.

Entry fee: Small admission (~40,000 VND)

What’s there: Tunnels, gun emplacements, and a café

Best time: Late afternoon for epic sunset views

📸 Top photo spot: The viewpoint overlooking the bay and Cat Co beaches.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Cat Ba Island

✅ Best Overall Months: March–May and September–November

🍛 What to Eat on Cat Ba Island

Seafood lovers rejoice — the island’s cuisine is centered around fresh catches from the surrounding bay.

Must-Try Dishes:

Geoduck clam (tu hai) – Sweet, chewy shellfish

Grouper and snapper – Steamed or grilled whole

Noodle soup with mantis shrimp (bun tom tit)

Seafood hotpot – With squid, clams, and crab

Sea sam (horseshoe crab) – Local delicacy

🥢 Where to eat:

Floating seafood restaurants (near Ben Beo)

Green Mango Cat Ba – Western/Asian fusion

Quan Phuong Nhung – Local Vietnamese food

🛏️ Where to Stay on Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba offers everything from budget guesthouses to luxury cruises and eco-lodges.

Accommodation Options:

Cat Ba Island Resort & Spa – 4-star beachside property

Monkey Island Resort – Unique stay with private beach

Mountain View Hotel – Budget-friendly, helpful staff

Lan Homestay – Local charm with home-cooked meals

Luxury cruises – Overnight in Lan Ha Bay (Era, Orchid, Peony Cruises)

🛌 Tip: Book early if traveling in spring or during Vietnamese holidays.

🚗 How to Get to Cat Ba Island

🚢 From Hanoi:

Bus + Speedboat (Most convenient)

Book combo tickets with companies like Cat Ba Express or Good Morning Cat Ba

Total travel time: ~4–5 hours

Includes bus from Hanoi to Hai Phong + speedboat to Cat Ba

Train to Hai Phong + Ferry

Train from Hanoi to Hai Phong (~2.5 hours)

Taxi to Binh Ferry Terminal

Ferry to Cat Ba Town

Private Car or Motorbike

Scenic but longer journey

Combine with stops in Halong or Ninh Binh

🧳 What to Pack for Cat Ba Island

Swimsuit and beachwear

Light, breathable clothing

Trekking shoes or sandals

Waterproof dry bag for kayaking

Insect repellent

Sunscreen and hat

Travel insurance (especially for climbing/water activities)

🌿 Responsible Travel Tips

Don’t litter on the beach or trails

Avoid plastic bottles — bring a reusable water bottle

Use eco-friendly sunscreen to protect marine life

Support local homestays, restaurants, and tour guides

Be respectful when visiting fishing villages

Preserving Cat Ba’s fragile ecosystem ensures it remains beautiful for years to come.

🧠 Fun Facts About Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba means “Women’s Island,” based on local legends of three women who drowned at sea.

It’s one of the last homes of the golden-headed langur, critically endangered with fewer than 70 individuals.

Over 60% of Cat Ba Island is protected as a national park.

The surrounding waters are part of a marine protected area.

Some limestone cliffs are over 260 million years old.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving kayaking adventures, jungle hikes, sunset beaches, or local culture, Cat Ba Island delivers it all. It’s a place where you can escape the crowds, explore untouched nature, and discover a slower rhythm of life.

With its proximity to Hanoi, its connection to Lan Ha Bay, and its authentic charm, Cat Ba Island is not just a side trip — it’s a destination in its own right.