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Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba is the largest island in the Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay area. Most of the island is a protected national park with forest trails, viewpoints and caves, while Cat Ba Town offers seafood restaurants, waterfront bars and easy access to the bay.
Explore Cat Ba National Park, Trung Trang Cave and the wartime Hospital Cave, and combine them with a Lan Ha Bay cruise on our tours from Hanoi.
Cruise Lan Ha Bay, kayak and swim, visit Viet Hai Village and stay overnight on Cat Ba Island, then ride through the national park and caves. Hotel pickup in Hanoi included.
Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay
1 Person
Duration
2 Days
$125
Next Departures
04/11/2026 (Available)05/11/2026 (Available)06/11/2026 (Available)
Cat Ba Island travel guide
Cat Ba is the largest island in the Lan Ha – Ha Long archipelago and the most relaxed base for exploring the bays. Half of the island is protected as Cat Ba National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with tropical forest, caves and the rare Cat Ba langur. Cat Ba Town on the south coast has hotels, seafood restaurants and the piers where Lan Ha Bay boats depart. Our office is at 165 Nui Ngoc Street in Cat Ba Town, so we know the island well.
Things to do on Cat Ba Island
Trek Cat Ba National Park
The classic hike climbs stone steps through the forest to Ngu Lam Peak for views over the island, and longer routes continue to Cao Vong Peak. Trung Trang Cave, a 300-metre limestone cave, is close to the park gate. Join a guided trek on our Cat Ba trekking & Lan Ha Bay tour or the trip from Ninh Binh.
Ride around the island by motorbike
The roads across Cat Ba are quiet and scenic. Several of our tours include a free motorbike so you can visit the national park, Hospital Cave (a hidden wartime hospital) and the beaches at your own pace – see the Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba 2D1N tour and the plankton kayaking tour.
Cruise and kayak in Lan Ha Bay
From Cat Ba it is only minutes by boat to the islands of Lan Ha Bay. Take a full-day cruise, an afternoon sunset tour to Viet Hai village or an overnight cruise.
Beaches, food and evenings in town
Cat Co 1, 2 and 3 beaches are a short walk from town. In the evening, Cat Ba Town's waterfront is lined with seafood restaurants, cafés and bars – try steamed clams, grilled squid and fresh fish from the floating farms.
How to get to Cat Ba Island
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | Bus + speedboat or bus via Tan Vu – Lach Huyen bridge and ferry | About 3–3.5 hours |
| Ninh Binh | Direct bus | About 4 hours |
| Ha Long / Tuan Chau | Ferry or day cruise to Gia Luan pier, then road | About 1–1.5 hours |
| Hai Phong | Speedboat or bus + ferry | About 1–1.5 hours |
All our tours from Hanoi include pickup in the Old Quarter. If you only need transport, contact us and we will arrange a bus ticket.
How many days on Cat Ba?
Two days and one night lets you combine a bay cruise with a trek or a motorbike ride. With three days you can add a night on the water, as on our floating house trip or the 3D2N cruise & island adventure.
Best time to visit Cat Ba
April to October is beach and swimming season, with the warmest sea and the best chance of seeing glowing plankton; July and August are busiest with Vietnamese holidaymakers. March–May and September–November offer the best balance of weather and crowds. Winter (December–February) is cool and misty, good for trekking.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cat Ba Island worth visiting?
Yes. Cat Ba combines Lan Ha Bay cruises, kayaking and beaches with forest trekking in the national park, and it is much quieter than Ha Long City.
How do I get from Hanoi to Cat Ba?
The easiest way is a direct bus with a boat or bridge crossing, about 3–3.5 hours. All our tours from Hanoi include hotel pickup in the Old Quarter.
Can I rent a motorbike on Cat Ba?
Yes, and several of our tours include one. You need a licence recognised in Vietnam (such as an International Driving Permit) and should be an experienced rider.
Is Cat Ba good for families?
Yes. Calm bay cruises, beaches and short walks suit children. Kids aged 0–2 travel free on our tours, 3–5 pay 50% and 6–11 pay 75%.