By Tony Jaa, Sep 13, 2024
Cat Ba Island, the largest island in the Halong Bay region but belongs to Hai Phong Province, is also one of the largest islands in Vietnam. If you're looking for a day trip from Hanoi Vietnam, many travel consultants will recommend a visit to Cat Ba Island. Some Lan Ha Bay cruises offer a 2-night itinerary, which includes a night on the island.
Alternatively, you can opt to stay on the island itself, particularly if you're seeking a beach holiday. With many Cat Ba island activities to do, Halong Bay Cruise Trip will list everything you should know before visiting Cat Ba Island.
Cat Ba Island is located in northern Vietnam, within the famous Halong Bay region. It is part of the Cat Ba Archipelago, which consists of 367 islands in Lan Ha Bay, just to the southeast of Halong Bay. The island is situated approximately 50 km east of Hai Phong City and about 150 km from Hanoi. Its strategic position between Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay provides visitors easy access to both of these iconic destinations in Vietnam tour packages.
Is Cat Ba Island worth visiting? Don’t be curious anymore, keep scrolling to explore what to do in Cat Ba Island!
The beaches on Cat Ba Island are very clean with emerald water
If you're a fan of beach holidays, Cat Ba Island is just the place for you and your family. With beaches like Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, Cat Co 3, and the beautiful Monkey Island Beach, you're in for a treat. Unlike other beaches in Northern Vietnam, the water is an inviting emerald color, and the beaches in Cat Ba Island are super clean.
Thus, Cat Ba Island is perfect for a summer getaway! Just a heads up, Cat Ba Island gets pretty crowded in June and July, so plan accordingly if you're visiting during that time.
For those who enjoy hiking, Cat Ba National Park has scenic trails, including the one leading to Ngu Lam Peak. The fresh air and natural surroundings provide a refreshing escape, and the view from the top of Ngu Lam Peak can give you breathtaking vistas of both Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.
Hiking in Cat Ba
Visitors to Cat Ba can join a day trip from Beo Pier to explore Lan Ha Bay, with stops at Monkey Island or the Dark and Bright Caves. Kayaking and Lan Ha Bay boat tours are among the most popular activities in this area, so you can have a closer look at the bay’s natural beauty.
Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay
Cat Ba Island has numerous shops and a vibrant night market where you can purchase local souvenirs at reasonable prices. Bargaining is common in Cat Ba Island, so it’s a good idea to ask your guide for tips on how to haggle like a local to get the best deals.
When it comes to the food on Cat Ba Island, seafood is a big deal! Since it's an island, there are fishing villages with fresh catches daily. In the early morning, you can visit the market to see local folks buying and selling seafood before it heads to the city. There are plenty of reasonably priced seafood restaurants on the island, and for a unique experience, you can dine at a floating restaurant near the city. It's definitely worth a try on Cat Ba Island!
When you're on Cat Ba Island, be sure to check out the awesome tourist attractions waiting for you to explore Cat Ba Island what to do!
Viet Hai Village is a remote, peaceful village on Cat Ba Island. Accessible by boat from Beo Pier, you can experience the local life on the island, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in actual experiences. This is also a stop in many Lan Ha Bay 3-day 2-night cruises, you can visit this village to take a bicycle tour around.
Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island
In addition to its hiking trails, Cat Ba National Park is home to unique natural attractions like the Hospital Cave, featuring fascinating stalactites and stalagmites. Many hotels on the island offer guided tours, including trekking Cat Ba Island adventures to Ao Ech and Ngu Lam Peak. So, you can explore the greenery forest while experiencing the Cat Ba beach getaway at the same time.
Trekking in Cat Ba National Park
Monkey Island is another popular destination where you can relax on sandy beaches and swim in clear waters. As the name suggests, you’ll also encounter monkeys in their natural habitat. Monkeys are one of the preserved animals on Cat Ba Island, so you can take day tours to Monkey Island which can easily be arranged through hotels on Cat Ba Island. However, tourists should be aware of mischievous monkeys on the island.
Monkey Island Resort
Cat Ba Island has different accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts. Popular Cat Ba hotels include Hung Long Harbour Hotel and Sunrise Resort Cat Ba. During the summer months, particularly between May and July, the island sees a surge in Vietnamese tourists, so it’s recommended to book accommodations in advance.
For budget-conscious travelers, basic hotels are available for around $20 per night, but during peak season, prices can rise. Interestingly, higher-end hotels may not be much more expensive than budget options during this time, so you can get better choices for comfort and service.
If you're planning a trip to Cat Ba Island, here are some tips for you. The best time to visit is from April to November when the Cat Ba weather is warm, and you can enjoy swimming at the beautiful beaches.
However, keep in mind that the peak season is from the end of May to the end of July due to the summer holiday in Vietnam. During this time, there are lots of Vietnamese travelers, so it can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends. Be sure to book your hotel in advance, as prices tend to go up during this period.
Then, if you're looking for a good deal and want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting from the middle of September to November when the summer holiday season in Cat Ba has ended. This is still a great time to visit Cat Ba Island without the large crowds.
Planning your trip to Lan Ha Bay can be overwhelming with so many cruise options available. If you're looking for a more immersive experience, consider choosing a 3-day, 2-night itinerary that includes visits to Cat Ba Island, particularly Viet Hai Village.
For those interested in exploring the caves on Cat Ba Island, some cruises follow itineraries that cover this as well. Contact Halong Bay Cruise Trip to help you book your expected cruise in Lan Ha Bay!
You might want to consider the cruises below for an unforgettable Cat Ba adventure.
Cruising among the vast Halong Bay
From Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, the easiest way to reach Cat Ba Island is by booking a cruise in Lan Ha Bay that includes a stop at Viet Hai Village. If you're not interested in a cruise, you can take a bus from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Harbour, then board a ferry to Gia Luan Harbour on Cat Ba Island, followed by a taxi or bus to Cat Ba Town.
Another option is to travel to Got Harbour and take a ferry directly to Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong, with bus connections available to the town center. There is also an airport near Cat Ba Island that is Cat Bi International, however, it’s hardly selected by tourists to transport to Cat Ba.
Thank you very much for reading this Cat Ba Island blog! It’s no surprise that Cat Ba Island has become a favorite for both local and international travelers, Halong Bay Cruise Trip is here to support you have a good vacation with family in Vietnam or friends on Cat Ba Island.
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