12 Best Things to Do in Cat Ba Island (Vietnam)

1. Explore Cat Ba National Park

Located 15km northwest of Cat Ba Town, Cat Ba National Park encompasses nearly half of Cat Ba Island. This park is celebrated as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cat Ba Island. It features a diverse range of breathtaking landscapes and marine ecosystems, including vast tropical rainforests, freshwater lakes, hidden sandy beaches, coral reefs, and numerous endangered species.

To access the park, visitors are required to purchase an entrance ticket costing 60,000 VND per person at the main entrance. There are various activities to enjoy in Cat Ba National Park, with a highly recommended option being a short hike to the summit of Ngu Lam Mountain, where you can experience stunning panoramic views of the island.

Renting a car, motorbike, or bicycle to travel from Cat Ba Town to Cat Ba National Park is convenient and straightforward. Motorbike rentals are available for approximately 120,000 VND, and fuel is the responsibility of the renter.

If you're coming from Halong Bay, take a boat or the Tuan Chau ferry to Gia Luan Harbor, and from there, you can hire a taxi to Cat Ba National Park, which is roughly a 10km ride.

2. Visit caves

Caves on Cat Ba Island are celebrated for their natural beauty, showcasing a variety of striking stalactites and stalagmites. Notable caves include Hospital Cave, Trung Trang Cave, Hoa Cuong Cave, and Phu Luong Cave.

If you're visiting Cat Ba National Park, make sure to explore Trung Trang Cave, which spans 300 hectares and is among the largest on the island. This cave features an array of uniquely formed stalactites, numerous standing stones, and a rich forest environment.

For those interested in history, a visit to Hospital Cave is essential. This bomb-proof facility was constructed inside a cave during the Vietnam War and is located approximately 13 km from the center of Cat Ba Town. The trip to the cave is short and can be done by road. The cost for transportation is about 200,000 VND for a round trip. The entrance fee to the cave is currently 15,000 VND per person.

3. Bike ride around Viet Hai Village

Situated in the heart of Cat Ba National Park, Viet Hai Village is recognized as the largest floating village in Vietnam. The village draws numerous tourists due to its unspoiled landscapes and welcoming residents. An ideal way to experience Viet Hai Village is by biking around, allowing visitors to see floating houseboats, enjoy breathtaking scenery, and learn about the tranquil lifestyle of the local population.

From Cat Ba Town, travelers can rent a private boat at Cai Beo Port or take a 45-minute boat ride, typically priced at around 50,000 VND per person, to reach the village. Additionally, if you're exploring Cat Ba National Park, consider embarking on a 6-kilometer trek through lush jungles and beautiful valleys to arrive at Viet Hai Village. This challenging trek requires good physical endurance and essential gear, including sturdy shoes and insect repellent.

The optimal time for visiting Viet Hai Village is from April to September, when the region enjoys sunny and favorable weather conditions.

4. Visit Cai Beo floating village

Cai Beo Fishing Village is situated just 2 km from Cat Ba Town, conveniently near Ben Beo Port, making it accessible within approximately 10 minutes by car. Visitors can reach the village easily by taxi or motorbike. Once there, you have several options for exploring, such as renting a small fishing boat or going kayaking.

Founded in the early 19th century, Cai Beo is recognized as Vietnam's oldest floating village, boasting around 300 floating houses and a population of approximately 600 residents. The local community is known for its hospitality and industriousness, primarily engaging in fishing and aquaculture for their livelihoods. In addition to its rich historical background and welcoming residents, Cai Beo Fishing Village attracts tourists with its stunning landscapes and quaint charm.

5. Admire sunset at Cannon Fort

Perched atop a hill, Canon Fort, also known as High Point 177, remains the most notable historic site on Cat Ba Island. Constructed during the 20th century, this fortification features a pair of substantial artillery pieces and an extensive tunnel network.

Soaring 177 meters above sea level, Canon Fort offers stunning vistas of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay, and particularly breathtaking sunsets. Located just 2 km from Cat Ba Town, visitors can easily reach the fort by motorbike in approximately 15 minutes.

Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 17:30 PM daily

Entrance fee: 50,000 VND/adult and 25,000 VND/child

Access to the observatory requires an additional fee of 10,000 VND/person.

6. See langurs on Monkey Island

Monkey Island is situated in the Nam Cat region of Lan Ha Bay, approximately 1 kilometer from Cat Ba Town. This small island, spanning 5 kilometers in circumference, is adorned with lush greenery and sandy beaches. One of the main draws for visitors to Monkey Island is the presence of over 20 species of monkeys. Guests not only have the opportunity to observe these playful creatures but also to feed them.

Access to Monkey Island is available via a 15-minute boat ride from Beo Harbor, which allows visitors to enjoy the stunning natural scenery en route to the island.

7. Visit Lan Ha Bay

Located to the south of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay spans over 7,000 hectares. Its stunning landscapes, limestone grottoes, and pristine beaches make Lan Ha Bay an essential destination for tourists exploring the Halong Bay area.

Lan Ha Bay boasts several renowned attractions including Cat Ba Island, the Tung Gau area, Cat Dua (also known as Monkey Island), Dark & Bright Cave, and Ba Trai Dao Beach. Upon visiting the bay, you can partake in numerous exciting activities such as kayaking, swimming, rock climbing, and exploring floating villages.

To navigate Lan Ha Bay from Cat Ba Island, you can rent a boat at Ben Beo Port. The rental price is approximately 400,000 – 600,000 VND per boat for up to six passengers.

8. Go rock climbing in Cat Ba Island

Adventure enthusiasts will find Lan Ha Bay particularly enticing in 2025, thanks to its exhilarating rock climbing tours that challenge climbers of all levels. Popular climbing spots include Offenheimer’s Creation and Slo Pony Wall at Tiger Beach—the inaugural area to promote rock climbing in the region—as well as Butterfly Valley and Ben Beo Wall. Each location features unique climbing elements, such as tufas, pockets, and intricate water-sculpted rock formations. For more information, check out our comprehensive guide to rock climbing in Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island.

The entrance fee is typically around US$3 (75,000 VND) or may be covered through sponsorship by Asia Outdoor.

9. Kayak through Dark & Bright Cave

Dark and Bright Cave is located on the fringe of Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay, making it one of the most stunning caves in the region. This natural wonder features an impressive array of stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes, along with crystal-clear waters. Dark Cave is known for its length and dim atmosphere, while Bright Cave is shorter and filled with light, providing a perfect escape for adventure seekers seeking memorable experiences.

Travelers are encouraged to rent a kayak to navigate through the tunnel, allowing for a unique opportunity to capture stunning photographs around the caves. Another option is to enjoy the scenery from a bamboo boat, providing a more traditional experience.

The caves are open to visitors throughout the year. Nonetheless, the optimal time for a visit is during spring and autumn when the skies are bright, the weather is pleasant, and rainfall is minimal.

10. Go swimming at Cat Co beach

With a variety of secluded and pristine beaches, swimming is an essential experience when visiting Cat Ba Island. Unlike more commercialized beach destinations, the shores of Cat Ba remain clean and tranquil. (TIP: To sidestep crowded domestic tourist season, plan your visit during September and October, when the weather is pleasant and tourism is lighter.)

Among these, the three Cat Co beaches—Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, and Cat Co 3—are particularly popular among beach enthusiasts. These beaches are conveniently located close to each other and feature loungers for sunbathing, umbrellas for shade, and stalls selling refreshments. Additionally, kayaking is available at Cat Co 3 beach, priced at approximately 200,000 VND per hour.

The beaches are easily accessible from the center of Cat Ba Town by foot or by motorbike taxi, which costs around 10,000 VND.

11. Join a diving tour to see coral reefs

Visitors eager to explore the wonders of the marine world are invited to embark on a diving tour to experience the stunning coral reefs of Cat Ba Island. Renowned for its vibrant red coral reefs, the island is home to a diverse array of marine life, including pearls, lobsters, and a multitude of fish species.

Diving tours can be booked at the Scuba Diving Center located within the Monkey Island Resort. The cost for a 30-minute scuba diving experience with an instructor is now 1,200,000 VND. Additionally, renting snorkeling equipment is available for an extra charge of 700,000 VND.

12. Explore Cat Ba nightlife

Cat Ba nightlife in 2025 offers a blend of tranquility and unique experiences, making it an appealing alternative to more bustling destinations. Visitors can immerse themselves in local culture while enjoying various specialties available after dark. Be sure to try Hai Phong's famous crab meat rice noodle soup at local food stalls along the streets or rent a bike for a peaceful ride through the charming town. Bike rental prices are approximately 40,000 VND per hour.

Those looking to socialize can visit popular pubs in Cat Ba Town, including Quiri Pub Cocktail & Restaurant and Oasis Bar 2, both of which continue to be favorites among locals and tourists alike.