Cat Ba Island, Vietnam: The Complete Guide [Updated 2026]
Cat Ba Island is the biggest of the 367 islands that form the Cat Ba archipelago. It’s approximately 32 miles (50 kilometers) from Hai Phong City, a trip which takes up to 1 hour to travel by speedboat. Cat Ba is also by far the biggest island in the whole of Halong Bay.
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- Cat Ba Island is located in the Gulf of Tonkin, near Hai Phong City in northeastern Vietnam.
- Cat Ba Island is the largest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago, covering an area of over 300 square kilometers.
- Cat Ba Island is known for its stunning natural beauty, with its towering cliffs, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters.
- Cat Ba Island was designated a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve in 2004, due to its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem.
- The island is home to several species of wildlife, including the endangered Cat Ba Langur, one of the rarest primates in the world.
- Cat Ba Island offers a wide range of adventure activities, including rock climbing, kayaking, and hiking, making it a popular destination for adventure seekers.
Overview
Part of the island, along with the rest of the archipelago, remains a designated National Park, with local authorities committed to preserving Cat Ba's rich biodiversity. Visitors to Cat Ba can immerse themselves in a diverse landscape characterized by mangroves, limestone karsts, lush forests, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs.
For transportation, tourists can rent motorbikes to navigate the island and maximize their sightseeing opportunities. A highly recommended activity for those visiting Cat Ba is trekking through the National Park and hiking up Ngu Lam Mountain, which offers breathtaking views and an engaging experience with nature!
Cat Ba Island boasts three main beaches, named Cat Ba Beach 1, Cat Ba Beach 2, and Cat Ba Beach 3, where visitors can sunbathe and enjoy a refreshing swim. For those seeking adventure, a variety of activities including rock climbing, kayaking, and snorkeling are readily available.
With its growing popularity among travelers, Cat Ba Island features a well-developed tourist infrastructure, including a range of hotels and hostels, well-maintained roads, and a ferry terminal facilitating easy access to the island.
When To Go
The optimal timing for visiting Cat Ba Island varies based on individual preferences. If you thrive in tropical summer heat, June through August remains a highly favorable period.
For those who prefer milder temperatures, the period from October to March is more suitable. It’s important to note that while Cat Ba experiences four distinct seasons, there are also rainy and dry periods.
The rainy season spans from May to September, while the dry season runs from October to March. Every season has its advantages and disadvantages, but a general consensus suggests that the most recommended months for a visit are March, April, September, and October. For more details, refer to our updated guide on Cat Ba Island weather.
Explore our real-time 30-day weather forecast for Cat Ba Island.
Weather averages by month
| Month | High / Low(°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 18° / 12° | 10 mm |
| February | 19° / 14° | 15 mm |
| March | 22° / 16° | 25 mm |
| April | 26° / 21° | 60 mm |
| May | 30° / 23° | 150 mm |
| June | 31° / 25° | 200 mm |
| July | 30° / 25° | 240 mm |
| August | 31° / 24° | 300 mm |
| September | 28° / 23° | 230 mm |
| October | 26° / 20° | 100 mm |
| November | 24° / 19° | 30 mm |
| December | 21° / 17° | 20 mm |
Average monthly precipitation
For budget-conscious travelers or those wishing to steer clear of crowds, the best time to visit is during the off-season, which lasts from June to August. For more insights, check our "when to go" section and detailed "weather guides".
How To Get There
From Hanoi (124 km)
Traveling from Hanoi to Cat Ba island can be done conveniently on a highway bus, taking around 3 to 5 hours (averaging 4 hours). Numerous operators provide this service; among them, Cat Ba Express and Good Morning Cat Ba are recommended for their reasonable fares and good service.
| Operator | Depart | Arrive | Tickets (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good Morning Cat Ba (35-seater) | 07:30 at 09 Cho Gao, Hoan Kiem | 11:35 at Cat Ba island (4h5', no transfer) | 280,000 VND |
| Orient Travel (29-seater) | 08:00 at 128 Tran Nhat Duat | 11:50 at Cat Ba island (3h50', no transfer) | 260,000 VND |
| Daiichi Travel (45-seater) | 10:30 at 96 Nguyen Huu Huan | 14:15 at Cat Ba Island (3h45', no transfer) | 250,000 VND |
| Cat Ba Express (29-seater) | 13:45 at 37B Nguyen Huu Huan | 17:30 at Cat Ba island (3h45', no transfer) | 300,000 VND |
Booking information:
Cat Ba Express: +84 848 244 999 - +84 24 3873 4999 info@catbaexpress.com. Good Morning Cat Ba: +84 914 607 571 Email: info@goodmorningcatba.com
From Halong Bay (22.7 km)
The most efficient way to reach Cat Ba island from Halong Bay is by taking a ferry. Ferries run three times a day to the northern side of the island, with travel taking about an hour. The fare is 90,000 VND, and if you’re traveling with a motorbike, it is 120,000 VND. After arriving, a 40-minute drive will take you to Cat Ba town. There’s a bus available for approximately 40,000 VND, along with taxi services, but be cautious of inflated charges. For more details, see our guide on how to get from Halong Bay to Cat Ba island.
From Hai Phong (33 km)
There are several transport options available for traveling to Cat Ba island from Hai Phong:
| Transport (Company) | Schedule | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Speedboat (Mekong Hoang Yen) | Ben Binh: 09:00 am arrive Cat Ba pier at 09:45 (45 minutes) | 200,000 VND |
| Bus (Good Morning Cat Ba) | Tan Vu Lach Huyen Bridge at 09:30 am to Cat Ba at 11:10 (1h40') | 450,000 VND |
| Taxi (Mai Linh Hai Phong) | Door-to-door service (0225 3833 833) | 600,000 VND |
Where To Stay
Cat Ba Island offers a variety of accommodations, including hotels and hostels, catering to different types of travelers. Most lodging options are located along the waterfront, while a few newer hotels have opened further inland. Expect to pay a premium for rooms with sea views. If you have mobility challenges or prefer convenience, it’s advisable to select a hotel with an elevator, as numerous establishments do not provide this amenity. For a high-end experience, consider staying at 'Blue Lagoon Cat Ba,' conveniently situated near the entrance to the island.
Recommended hotels and resorts in Cat Ba:
| Hotels | Contact Information | Price (Room/night/2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Cat Ba View Hotel | No 38, Lô 2, Phố, Núi Ngọc, TT. Cát Bà, Cát Hải, Hải Phòng (1km from center). Phone: 024 3883 4578 | 1,000,000 VND (Booking.com) |
| Huong Cang Sea View Hotel | 202 Road 1/4, Cat Ba Island, Hải Phòng (0.9 km from center). Phone: 024 3883 2199 | 600,000 VND (Booking.com) |
| Lan Homestay | Viet Hai Village, Hải Phòng 187300 (7.5 km from center). Phone: 024 3882 2035 | 990,000 VND (Booking.com) |
| Blue Lagoon Cat Ba | 352 Hà Sen, TT. Cát Bà, Cát Hải, Hải Phòng. Phone: 024 3883 2666 | 800,000 VND (Booking.com) |
Notes: This list was updated in January 2025. Hotel addresses and phone numbers have been verified.
See Our Top 10 hotels in Cat Ba Island
Things To Do
In addition to the typical things to do on an island, such as enjoying the beach, exploring caves, and taking cruises, there are many other engaging activities you can experience on Cat Ba Island.
- Visit 'Monkey Island,' where free-roaming monkeys thrive. The island is home to long-tailed macaques, which, while not native, have become a notable attraction.
- Located just over a mile (about 2 kilometers) north of Cat Ba Town, you can explore 'Cannon Fort.' Constructed in 1942 as a military defense installation, it offers stunning views and is a favored spot for picturesque sunsets.
Activities: Yoga has gained significant popularity on the island, providing an excellent way to relax and rejuvenate. Additionally, for those who appreciate lush landscapes, a visit to Viet Hai village is highly recommended, offering a glimpse into the island's natural beauty and local culture.
Where To Eat
Being located right by the sea (as it is an island), seafood remains incredibly popular on Cat Ba Island. Some highly recommended restaurants include 'Phuong Nhung Restaurant', 'Lang Chai Seafood Restaurant', 'Phương Phương Restaurant', and for those seeking vegetarian options, the 'Buddha Belly Restaurant' is an excellent choice.
| Restaurants | Address |
|---|---|
| Quiri Pub Cocktail & Restaurant (#1 on Tripadvisor, 4.8 on Google) | 135 Tùng Dinh, TT. Cát Bà, Cát Hải, Hải Phòng. Phone: 097 162 30 96 |
| Anh Nguyet Restaurant (#4 on Tripadvisor, 4.6 on Google) | Road 1/4, TT Cat Ba, Cát Bà, Hải Phòng. Phone: 097 858 95 30 |
| Mona Restaurant (#6 on Tripadvisor, 4.5 on Google) | 180, 1/4 Road, Cát Hải, Hải Phòng. Phone: 093 467 48 99 |
| Sunset Beach Restaurant (#5 on Tripadvisor, 4.7 on Google) | Chalong Bay, Cát Bà, Hải Phòng. Phone: 091 123 45 67 |
| Lighthouse Bar & Grill (#7 on Tripadvisor, 4.6 on Google) | 45 Hoàng Hoa Thám, Cát Bà, Hải Phòng. Phone: 086 654 32 10 |
Suggested Itinerary
There are numerous activities to enjoy on Cat Ba Island, with most visitors typically spending about three days exploring its beauty. Below, we have crafted a three-day itinerary that serves as a suggested guide for your trip.
Day 1:
- Start your adventure at one of Cat Ba's stunning beaches. The island features several beautiful stretches of sand, including Cat Ba 1, 2, and 3. We recommend visiting Cat Ba 2, which is widely regarded as the most picturesque beach.
- If you forget your bathing suit, don’t worry; there are plenty of rental options available. At the beach, take the opportunity to relax under the sun, enjoy a refreshing swim, or engage in some snorkeling. It's advisable to exit the water by 6:30 p.m. as tides and currents may become hazardous.
- After your beach day, head to Cannon Fort for breathtaking sunset views. Following sunset, treat yourself to a delightful dinner and perhaps indulge in drinks at one of the many vibrant restaurants and bars Cat Ba has to offer.
Day 2:
- Embark on a scenic trip to Lan Ha Bay, where you can soak in the stunning surroundings. Consider kayaking to explore areas that are inaccessible by larger boats. Don't forget to visit Monkey Island to encounter the local monkey population, dive into some snorkeling, or simply take a refreshing swim.
- In the evening, savor a local seafood delicacy known as ‘Tu Hai,’ a highly nutritious dish that, while less popular than oysters or shrimp, is still incredibly delicious!
Day 3:
- Take a trip to Cai Beo, one of the oldest fishing villages in Vietnam.
- In this historic village, you’ll discover many captivating sights and hear fascinating stories about local fishing traditions. Stop by to meet the residents and witness firsthand how they catch and prepare their fish.
- Alternatively, you might want to explore Cat Ba National Park. The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity and commitment to eco-tourism. It’s feasible to visit both the fishing village and the national park in the same day!
As night falls, don't miss out on enjoying some exquisite seafood! Regional specialties such as Blue Crab and Squid are highly recommended!
Note: As of 2025, all hotels and restaurants on Cat Ba Island are fully operational and welcoming guests.
