Cat Ba

A mere 50 km east of Hai Phong City, Cat Ba Island, the largest island in Halong Bay, is renowned for its stunning limestone mountains, lush mangrove forests, and mostly pristine sandy beaches. The central hub, Cat Ba Town, hosts a variety of hotels, restaurants, and bars, making it a popular destination for both local and international visitors.
Photo: lonelyplanet.com

Highlights

• Relax on the sandy shores or swim in the refreshing waters during the summer months.
• Explore Cat Ba National Park, perfect for trekking, caving, and rock climbing.
• Experience breathtaking sunsets at Cat Co Beach.
• Indulge in local specialties, particularly seafood such as geoduck clam, mantis shrimp, oysters, and Cat Ba song fish.

Best Time To Visit

The most favorable time to visit Cat Ba Island is between April and November. This period coincides with the peak tourist season in Halong Bay, covering summer and autumn, which provides excellent weather for kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking. However, expect heavier crowds on the beaches during these months. The ideal time to visit is from September to November, when you can enjoy a more tranquil atmosphere and pleasant weather as the region transitions into the monsoon season.
Photo: dulichdaocatba.com

Getting To Cat Ba Island

Reaching Cat Ba Island is straightforward, with multiple options for speedboats, ferries, and hydrofoils available. If you are in Hanoi, the best route is to take a bus to Hai Phong City. Luong Yen bus station offers frequent buses to Hai Phong, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours and costing approximately 350,000 VND. Buses depart from Hanoi at various times, including 06:00, 08:00, and 12:00. Upon arrival, board a hydrofoil to Phu Long Pier for around 200,000 VND, which takes about 30 minutes. From there, you can catch a bus to Cat Ba Town, which takes an additional hour. Taxis and motorbike taxis are also available for hire.

Getting Around Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island is relatively easy to navigate on foot since many hotels, restaurants, shops, and beaches are conveniently located close together. Renting a motorbike is a popular choice for exploring more remote areas, with daily rental prices ranging from 100,000 VND to 150,000 VND. Motorbike taxis are also a convenient and cost-effective option.

Accommodation

While Cat Ba may not feature luxury accommodations, its rapid development has seen a range of solid options emerge, from budget hotels to mid-range establishments. Most budget hotels and backpacker hostels offer great value and are located in Cat Ba Town. Expect higher prices for lodgings closer to the beaches, and be aware that room rates can increase significantly during peak summer months, particularly in July and August when many hotels book up quickly on weekends. It’s advisable to secure your reservations in advance.

Dining

Seafood is an essential aspect of the culinary experience on Cat Ba Island. Numerous seafood restaurants line the streets of Cat Ba Town, particularly near the harbor. For casual dining, you can visit the food stalls outside the island market. For a more upscale dining experience, venture to Nui Ngoc Street, which is frequented by tourists.
Photo: gody.vn

Shopping

Shopping options on Cat Ba Island are limited due to the remote nature of the region, as most goods, apart from seafood, must be brought in from the mainland. However, you can find some souvenirs at the Cat Ba night market, where haggling is encouraged for better prices.

Travel Tips

Phone and Internet

Internet and free Wi-Fi are widely available at hotels and restaurants along the main tourist strip in Cat Ba Town. Mobile phone coverage extends throughout the town and several areas of the island, and purchasing a SIM card is easy to do.

Money

As Cat Ba Island remains largely untapped and somewhat isolated, ATMs are limited and credit card acceptance is rare outside major establishments in town. It’s best to carry sufficient cash during your visit.