Cat Ba Island : Distinct Way To See Ha Long Bay

Cat Ba Island in Vietnam, though seemingly unfamiliar, was designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in September 2023, alongside the renowned Ha Long Bay. For those seeking a more secluded and pristine natural experience away from the crowded Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba Island is the ideal choice. This 3-day itinerary allows you to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Lan Ha Bay, Ha Long Bay, and Cat Ba National Park, along with historical sites such as Cannon Fort and Hospital Cave.

Overview of Cat Ba Island 3-Day Itinerary

On the first day, travel from Hanoi via Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island, exploring the beach and viewpoints in Cat Ba Town. The second day is dedicated to a boat tour of the stunning landscapes of Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay. The third day involves trekking in Cat Ba National Park and exploring limestone caves.

Cat Ba Island_overview — Travel Spots on Google Maps

Day 1: Cat Co Beach, Rock Trail, Cannon Fort

Way to Cat Ba Island

To get to Cat Ba Island, take a bus or train from Hanoi to Hai Phong, followed by a 45km boat ride, and finally a bus to Cat Ba Town. A convenient option for travelers is the Cat Ba Express package, which includes hotel pickup in Hanoi, bus and boat transportation, and hotel drop-off in Cat Ba Town. The first bus departs at 7:45 AM, allowing you to arrive at your hotel before noon.

Cat Ba Island_boat to island — Boat to Cat Ba Island

Cat Co Beach & Rock Trail

After checking into your hotel, head to Cat Co Beach. Unlike the crowded Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba Town offers a relaxed atmosphere with well-maintained beach trails and resort facilities. During the mid-June weekend I visited, the beach was packed with local tourists escaping the heat. The Rock Trail along the beach, especially near the Flamingo Hotel, offers a peaceful walk with stunning sea views, especially at sunrise or sunset. Unfortunately, I missed the best views due to bad timing, which I still regret.

Flamingo Hotel with green terrace gardening

Cat Ba Island_cat co beach — Cat Co Beach full of local tourists on weekends

Rock Trail to escape the heat and crowds

Cannon Fort

The highlight of the first day is visiting Cannon Fort, the highest point in Cat Ba Town at 177 meters. You can reach it by a 30-minute walk or a motorbike taxi. The fort, used by the Vietnamese military during wars against the French and Americans, offers panoramic views of the Cat Ba archipelago. There are underground tunnels and artillery remnants from the war.

Operating Hours: 07:00~18:00
Fee: Entrance fee 50,000 VND, motorcycle parking fee 20,000 VND

Cat Ba Town

Now, head back down to Cat Ba Town and leisurely stroll through streets lined with hotels, restaurants, and shops to end your day. Look up nearby restaurants for dinner and shop for drinks and snacks to take on tomorrow’s boat tour.

Day 2: Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay One Day Boat Tour

Join a boat tour starting at 8 AM with pickup from your hotel. The tour features a small group of 20-30 people on a boat with a dining area on the first floor and an open deck on the second.

Lan Ha Bay

Cruise through Lan Ha Bay, part of the Cat Ba archipelago, with 300-400 islands and over 100 beaches. The scenery is similar to Ha Long Bay but with fewer tourists.

On the boat’s deck, you can spend the entire day enjoying the endless views of the rocky islands

Cat Ba Island_rocky island — The precarious Candlestick Rock (Hòn Bút), whose lower pillars are being eroded by the sea

Cat Ba Island_beach — You can enjoy swimming and snorkeling at a coral beach

Ha Long Bay

After a boat ride, switch to kayaking to explore Dark & Light Caves and a serene lagoon. This area, untouched and hidden behind rocky islands, offers an otherworldly experience with jellyfish floating like aliens in the clear waters.

Cat Ba Island_kayaking — Kayaking in Ha Long Bay allows you to experience it with all your senses

The calm waters of Ha Long Bay are perfect for kayaking

You can explore the bay’s hidden gems by passing through the three caves known as Dark & Light Caves

Cat Ba Island_jelly fish — You may encounter jellyfish that resemble aliens floating in space, but be careful as they sting

Lunch on the boat

After kayaking, enjoy a fresh and mild meal on the boat. The lunch includes tofu, braised potatoes, stir-fried chicken and fish, rolled omelets, cucumber salad, spring rolls, and clam soup, satisfying both Eastern and Western tastes.

Onboard meal that satisfied the tastes of both Eastern and Western tourists

Cai Beo Floating Village

On the way back to Cat Ba Island, pass by Cai Beo, Vietnam’s oldest fishing village, dating back 7,000 years. The village, home to over 500 families, features tightly packed floating houses with fish tanks and boats. Every house keeps dogs to protect their fish from theft.

The tightly packed houses on the water form a miniature city-like floating village

The three essentials for these floating houses are fish tanks, dogs to guard the tanks, and personal boats

Even in the floating village, “packages have arrived.”

How to book : Book through travel websites like booking.com, getyourguide.com, klook.com, or viator.com.The same tour packages are available at all accommodations on Cat Ba Island. Booking directly through travel websites is generally cheaper.
Price : Around $30, which includes hotel pickup and drop-off, boat fare, Ha Long Bay entrance fee, kayaking, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and towels. Drinks such as water are not included.

Day 3: Cat Ba National Park, Trung Trang Cave, Hospital Cave

On the last day, explore the great outdoors of Cat Ba Island. To avoid the scorching midday sun, I recommend starting your trek at dawn, right after sunrise. Learn from my mistake of walking on sun-baked asphalt roads without a motorbike and nearly losing my mind from the heat.

Cat Ba National Park

The park, 13 km from Cat Ba Town, offers lush tropical forests and limestone hills. The Ngu Lam Peak trail, a 1-hour trek from the park entrance, is a manageable hike that rewards you with breathtaking views of the dense jungle.

The peak of Cat Ba National Park offers views of dense tropical rainforest and limestone mountains

Location: 13 km from Cat Ba Town to the national park entrance ticket office, travel by renting a motorcycle, Xe Om, or taxi
Operating: 08:00~18:00
Fee: Entrance fee 80,000 VND (including entrance fee to Trung Trang Cave)

Trung Trang Cave

Located 1 km from the park entrance, Trung Trang Cave, formed over millions of years, features unique stalactites and remnants of a water tank used by navy signalmen during the Vietnam War.

The cave’s minimal lighting preserves its ecology, making it feel a bit eerie for solo travelers. However, the cool air inside offers a refreshing escape from the midday heat, like an oasis. The cave entrance fee is included in the national park admission, so don’t miss it.

Cat Ba Island_trung trang cave — Entrance of Trung Trang Cave

A 300m long limestone cave with a well-preserved original form

Hospital Cave

Hospital Cave, located 3.3 km from Trung Trang Cave, served as a refuge for wounded soldiers during the Vietnam War. Its entrance, with three layers of bomb-proof steel doors, feels more like a bunker than a cave. Vietnam pioneered such tunnel facilities, which are still used worldwide. The enduring strength of this cave, even decades later, reflects the resilience and survival spirit of the Vietnamese people.

A cave accessible through three layers of steel doors

Cat Ba Island_hospital cave — A room inside the cave with hospital beds

Operating: 08:00~18:00
Fee: Entrance fee 40,000 VND

Where To Stay on Cat Ba Island

Accommodation on Cat Ba Island can be divided into two main types: modern hotels in Cat Ba Town with restaurants, amenities, and travel agencies, and bungalows or lodges in quiet rural villages along the beach or within the national park. Choose based on whether you prefer convenience or a unique, tranquil setting. Prices per night, including breakfast, mainly range from 25 to 40 USD.

Yumsis’s Pick : Joy Stay

I wanted to experience the charm of Cat Ba Island, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, so I stayed for two nights at Joy Stay, located in a rural village 8 km from Cat Ba Town.

Exploring the island by public transportation and walking was challenging since I don’t ride motorbikes, but the serene countryside views and gentle moonlight through the triangular windows of the Joy Stay bungalow made it an unforgettable experience. The cost was 27 USD per night for two people, including breakfast.

Cat Ba Island_accomodation — Bungalow exterior night view

Breakfast: Bahn mi & egg, sausage, vegetables

Cat Ba Island_breakfast — Breakfast: Banana pancake

Transportation

Hanoi~Cat Ba Island

To book Cat Ba Express, complete your reservation on their website and make the payment through the link sent via email. The exact pickup location will be confirmed through email communication. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours: Old Quarter hotel pickup → bus (2 hours) → Hai Phong port → high-speed ferry (8 minutes) → Cai Vieng port on Cat Ba → bus (about 40 minutes) → drop-off at your hotel in Cat Ba Town.

Cat Ba Express Booking Page: Refer to the Hanoi to Cat Ba schedule

Getting Around Cat Ba Island

Renting a motorbike (100,000 VND per day) is the most efficient way to explore the island. Alternatively, use local buses(every 30 mins, 05:00~18:00) , motorbike taxis(xe om), or regular taxis.

There are no local buses in the Cat Ba National Park area, and it’s difficult to find motorbike taxis (xe ôm) or regular taxis due to the sparse population. However, you can negotiate with staff at the national park, cave ticket booths, or nearby convenience stores to use their motorbikes to get back to Cat Ba Town or your accommodation.

What To Eat

Cat Ba Town is filled with restaurants serving fresh seafood caught the same day, mainly catering to local tourists rather than foreigners. For affordable and delicious meals, visit Yummy Restaurant. For desserts and drinks, head to Oasis Bar, popular with backpackers.

Affordable and delicious meals at Yummy Restaurant

Cat Ba Island_oasis bar — Oasis Bar crowded with backpackers at night

Cat Ba Island has banana trees lining the streets, reminding you that you are traveling in a tropical region. The plump Vietnamese bananas are particularly sweet and chewy, making them a must-try.

Last But Not Least

Prepare by freezing large water bottles at your hotel to stay hydrated during treks. Ice-cold water is crucial for surviving the tropical climate during your adventures on Cat Ba Island.

Ice water is a must-have item for survival when trekking on Cat Ba Island

I hope this 3-day itinerary inspires your future travel plans.