Northern Vietnam
Hanoi Captital
Mai Chau
Cat Ba Island is a must-see site for anybody visiting Lan Ha Bay. The stunning natural beauty, thrilling exploratory activities, and delectable local cuisine will all make for an enjoyable experience!
Cat Ba archipelago is a vast biosphere reserve in Lan Ha Bay, Hai Phong City, made up of more than 350 big and tiny islands. Cat Ba Island (also known as Pearl Island) is the archipelago’s biggest island and home to the majority of the population.
Along with Ha Long Bay, the Cat Ba archipelago has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site.
Visitors to Cat Ba Island will be impressed by the extensively wild natural environment, since the majority of the island is in a strict conservation area with barely any human interference. This location offers everything from tropical jungles to limestone mountain ranges, bright coral reefs, and spectacular cave systems. The unique, colorful beauty of Cat Ba will provide you with an unforgettable experience.
Furthermore, Cat Ba town is an attractive destination for visitors to learn about local history, culture and customs, and practice traditional jobs such as fishing while enjoying tasty delicacies!
From April to October, Cat Ba Island enters the summer season. At this time, the weather is sunny, not too hot, but very pleasant, which is ideal for visitors to explore the island or take a boat out to Lan Ha Bay.
However, travelers must use caution when visiting Cat Ba Island in July and August, as these months are prone to severe storms.
Aside from summer, winter on Cat Ba Island is an excellent season for a relaxing vacation. The moderate chilly temperature lends the island an oddly appealing charm of serenity.
From Hanoi, tourists can go to Hai Phong City by rail or motorcycle, and then ascend the Tan Vu sea bridge to Cat Hai District. Visitors can reach Cat Ba island in a number of ways from here.
To go to Cat Ba island, tourists may first board a boat from Dong Bai ferry, which takes just thirty minutes. Motorbikes cost $2, cars cost $7.5, and pedestrians pay around $0.5 to traverse the boat. Additionally, tourists can use the cable car system to get to Cat Ba island from Hanoi if they are traveling by car or motorcycle.
Furthermore, many people prefer to book a cruise ship to visit Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays, since this allows them to not only explore Cat Ba Island, but also appreciate numerous beautiful and famous spots around the bay while enjoying luxurious facilities and services.
Day cruises are an excellent choice for tourists who wish to see the island but have limited time.
A day trip includes lavish amenities such as restaurants serving exquisite seafood delicacies, jacuzzis, and spacious lounges on the deck where you can catch the stunning view of Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island.
Cat Ba Catamaran Premium Cruise, Serenity Explorer Cruise, and Serenity Premium Cruise are among the best-rated day cruises to Cat Ba.
See more: Best day cruises in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay 2025.
Aside from a day trip, an overnight cruise is an equally appealing option for visiting Cat Ba Island. In addition to 5-star entertainment venues, you’ll have additional time to explore stunning and lyrical locations. Ambassador Cruises, Capella Cruises, Stellar of the Seas Cruise, and Elite of the Seas Cruises are some well-known names in overnight cruises to Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay.
See more: Halong Bay overnight cruises.
Cat Ba National Park spans over 18,000 hectares and has varied flora and wildlife, including rare and endangered species. A visit to Cat Ba National Park will provide you with a wealth of new information and exciting experiences, especially meaningful if you enjoy nature.
Another intriguing thing to do is drive on the 27-kilometer-long road across Cat ba Island. This meandering road follows the island’s edge, allowing you to take in the stunning seascape of Lan Ha Bay, and passes through Cat Ba National Park, creating a majestic natural scene that you will never forget.
Visiting Viet Hai village, visitors will enjoy the peaceful atmosphere amidst poetic nature, with golden ripe rice fields and beautiful green mountains.
This large cave impresses with its beautiful stalactite system and high ceiling, as if you have just entered a completely different world, filled with mysteries waiting for you to explore.
Quan Y Cave is located 13 km from Cat Ba town, on the road across Cat Ba Island. During the Vietnam War, local people used this cave as a temporary hospital to treat soldiers, which led to the name Quan Y (meaning “military hospital”).
Although small, Cat Co Beach is blessed with the unimaginable beauty of fine white sand, sparkling like diamonds in the sun, and clear sea water that allows you to see the bottom. This is an incredible place for swimming and relaxing!
Monkey Island is one of the most famous islands in the Cat Ba archipelago. The unique feature of Monkey Island, as its name suggests, is its group of about 20 monkeys, which are very bold and friendly. On the island, visitors can play with the monkeys and relax on the beautiful curved beaches.
Cai Beo is the oldest fishing village in Vietnam, with a lifestyle and customs that have been built up for thousands of years. Stepping onto the rafts, rowing a boat between the floating houses, and buying freshly caught seafood… are experiences you should not miss.
The Cat Ba archipelago is made up of several large and small islands, each with its own set of picturesque beaches. Swimming, sunbathing, and playing water activities on the beach will undoubtedly be enjoyable experiences for tourists! You may visit beaches such as Cat Co, Cat Dua, Cat Ong, and Duong Danh.
Cycling around Cat Ba Island is a must-do activity if you want to fully enjoy the island’s natural splendor. You may hire a bike from the town center and explore the surrounding area, with modest homes packed together, golden rice fields, and spectacular limestone mountains.
In addition to the terrestrial flora and fauna, Cat Ba Sea also impresses with its brilliant, colorful coral reefs. Diving to see coral will add many beautiful memories to your trip.
Visitors can visit fishing villages in the Cat Ba archipelago or simply explore around Lan Ha Bay on a kayak. In addition, you can also rent a bamboo boat rowed by local fishermen!
When visiting Cat Ba Island, be sure to enjoy the excellent, fresh seafood meals. Sea cucumber, geoduck, lobster, and snail or fish noodle dishes are all excellent options to try!
Packing for Cat Ba Island, you shouldn’t forget to bring your swimsuit and sun protection, like sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats, as the sun can be harsh at certain times of the day.
In addition, sporty clothes and comfortable shoes are recommended if you plan to visit Viet Hai Village or Cat Ba National Park, as there will be walking and cycling activities involved.
While it can be crowded, Cat Ba Island is far as busy as Halong Bay or other famous Vietnam attractions. There are many quiet and secluded spots on Cat Ba Island and in the Cat Ba Archipelago that appeal to relax-seeking tourists.
No, Cat Ba is not known as a party island, while there are some bars and nightlife in the town center. The main interests of Cat Ba Island are its beautiful natural views and diverse flora/ fauna system, as well as a serene, peaceful vibe perfect for relaxing.
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