Cat Ba Island – a breathtaking natural masterpiece in Hai Phong Vietnam

Contents

This article provides you with information for a perfect Cat Ba Island tour (Source: Collected)

Cat Ba Island, a gem in Vietnam travel, boasts diverse attractions. This article provides all the information for first-time travelers from Cat Ba Island accommodations, and various things to do in Cat Ba Island, to Cat Ba map. Read to the end and get ready for a wonderful trip to Cat Ba!

1. Where is Cat Ba Island? What is it famous for?

The Cat Ba Archipelago is situated in the Gulf of Tonkin. It is approximately 30 kilometers from the center of Hai Phong city and about 140 kilometers from Hanoi. It consists of 367 large and small islands covering an expansive area of about 300 square kilometers, with Cat Ba Island being the largest (approximately 100 square kilometers) and located in Cat Hai District. When visiting Cat Ba, one of the most beautiful Vietnam islands, tourists have the opportunity to explore the diverse and abundant potential for ecological tourism, featuring a magnificent and poetic landscape of mountains, forests, and seas, all in their pristine beauty.

Cat Ba Island versus Ha Long Bay – two of the most beautiful islands in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

For those who are interested in understanding nature, visitors can go to Cat Ba National Park, recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve and a convergence point for marine ecosystems, terrestrial forest ecosystems, and mangrove forest ecosystems. If you prefer to explore bays, islands, and caves, you can experience a boat trip on Lan Ha Bay, which is among the most beautiful bays in the world. Here, tourists can take a cruise to admire the bay, paddle a kayak to explore Bright Cave and Dark Cave, or experience scuba diving to immerse themselves in the colorful world of coral reefs.

2. The best places to visit on Cat Ba Island map for tourists

Looking for the best places to visit on your Cat Ba Island tour? Don’t overlook the suggestions below, from the beautiful beaches on Cat Ba Island to Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba National Park.

2.1. Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay is one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Lan Ha Bay is an incredibly beautiful and peaceful bay with its turquoise water and about 400 large and small islands with various unique shapes. To appreciate this beauty up close, tourists can choose to take a canoe or cruise to Lan Ha Bay, paddle a kayak through Bright and Dark Caves, admire colorful coral reefs, and discover some pristine and charming beaches.

Lan Ha Bay deserves to be considered the “Second Ha Long Bay” (Source: Collected)

2.2. Cai Beo Fishing Village

Cai Beo Fishing Village is a small fishing village with a history dating back thousands of years. From a distance, Cai Beo Bay appears beautiful with its greenish-blue water and rocky mountains blending with the clear sky. On the undulating water, the fishing village consists of many interconnected boats forming a group where tourists can explore fish cages, learn about the lives of the villagers, and enjoy special dishes made from seafood at floating restaurants.

Cai Beo Fishing Village is home to about 300 households engaged in fishing (Source: Collected)

2.3. Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park features various types of forests, cave systems, valleys, and more, making it unique compared to other places and an attractive destination, especially for trekking enthusiasts. With a rich variety of flora and fauna, walking under the thick forest canopy, and listening to the sounds of the mountain forest, visitors can clearly feel the pure and fresh forest fragrance. Immersing in the “symphony of nature” and the picturesque scenery help you to rejuvenate and create an invaluable experience during the trip.

Visit Cat Ba National Park for a wonderful Cat Ba Island day trip (Source: Collected)

2.4. Cannon Fort

Cannon Fort is a historical monument situated on a hill with an elevation of 177 meters above sea level, ideal to admire the breathtaking panoramic view of the Cat Ba Archipelago. Impressive features when visiting the Cannon Fort are the U-shaped tunnel and the traditional exhibition room. They offer an opportunity to learn about images and artifacts documenting the heroic periods of Vietnam’s resistance against the French and American invasions.

You can include Cannon Fort in the Cat Ba Island itinerary for history lovers (Source: Collected)

2.5. Cat Ba beaches

When mentioning Cat Ba, you should not miss some of the beautiful beaches on Cat Ba Island:

• Tung Thu Beach: Located just a 10-minute walk from the town center, this beach features crystal-clear blue water and swaying palm trees.
• Cat Co Beaches: Cat Co Beaches are beautiful with magnificent mountain surroundings. Don’t miss the scenic Rock Trail, offering awe-inspiring ocean vistas.
• Tiger Beach: A beach surrounded by diverse rock formations, ideal for rock climbing enthusiasts.
• Ba Trai Dao Beach: A tranquil beach in the middle of Lan Ha Bay with crystal-clear water and pristine nature.

Visiting stunning beaches is one of the most interesting Cat Ba Island activities (Source: Collected)

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3. Things to do on Cat Ba Island for the best experience

Is Cat Ba Island worth visiting? Absolutely! It offers a plethora of engaging activities to include in your captivating tour.

3.1. Cat Ba Island kayaking

No Cat Ba tour is complete without experiencing kayaking, one of the most popular outdoor activities here. There is something enchanting about gliding across the crystal-clear sea, taking in the untouched islands of Cat Ba at your own pace as you venture into remote, hidden lagoons and deserted islets on your small kayak. Amidst nature, you will feel a sense of adventure blended with profound tranquility.

Kayaking is a perfect way to discover the pristine beauty of Cat Ba (Source: Collected)

3.2. Cat Ba Island climbing

Cat Ba boasts majestic mountains perfect for rock climbing. The varied features and shapes of the rock mountains will evoke different emotions as you ascend to the peaks and immerse yourself in breathtaking nature. This activity promises a new and exhilarating experience, serving as a highlight of your visit to this remarkable Pearl Island.

3.3. Cat Ba Island snorkeling

Cat Ba is blessed with vibrant coral reefs, representing the richness of the waters in the Gulf of Tonkin. These protected coral reefs contribute to the development of tourism, with numerous diving tours designed for visitors to marvel at the coral reefs and capture images of the vivid underwater forest. Don’t miss this opportunity when you visit Cat Ba!

The colorful coral reefs on the island are unmissable (Source: Collected)

3.4. Cat Ba Island cycling

Another beloved experience on the island is exploring the natural beauty of the island by cycling. Nestled in Cat Ba National Park, Viet Hai Village is a renowned floating village, and the biking route to this village is a popular choice. To reach Viet Hai Village, you can take a boat from Cai Beo Port or trek through Cat Ba National Park. Cycling along the paths surrounding Viet Hai Village allows you to admire the natural beauty and witness the simple yet charming lives of the village residents.

3.5. Night squid fishing

For a unique twist to your trip, try squid fishing at night in Cat Ba. You can approach the local rafters and boat folks at the town’s main wharf to join them in this nighttime fishing experience. Participating in this activity allows you not only to acquire fishing skills from experienced fishermen but also provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the serene beauty of the nighttime sea and savor dishes made from the squid you have just caught.

Enjoying night squid fishing to discover Cat Ba Island nightlife (Source: Collected)

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4. The top specialties to try during your time in Cat Ba

While exploring this island, visitors should indulge in a seafood extravaganza, surrounded by the enchanting natural landscapes and the delightful Cat Ba Island weather.

• Horseshoe crab: A precious seafood in Cat Ba, crafted into various delicious dishes such as grilled, salad, and sweet and sour stir-fried.
• Grouper: A delectable fish with tender and sweet meat. It can be incorporated in various dishes, including porridge, grilled, or in a hotpot.
• Snout otter clam: Softer and sweeter than in other regions, these clams are commonly enjoyed in dishes like grilled, steamed, salad, and porridge.
• Mantis shrimp: A seafood with firm and sweet meat, prepared in diverse dishes such as salt-roasted, garlic-butter-grilled, and more.
• Lobster: Cat Ba is conducive to the growth of lobsters. This expensive dish is very fresh, sweet, and juicy, prepared in various ways such as steaming, garlic-butter grilling, porridge, and more.
• Shrimp noodle soup: A popular breakfast dish in Cat Ba, featuring a sweet broth topped with stir-fried shrimp, wood ear mushrooms, mantis shrimp, and vegetables.

Cat Ba offers visitors a huge feast of seafood (Source: Collected)

>>> You cannot ignore: Vietnamese food: List of 17 MUST-TRY specialties over three regions

5. Guide to a complete journey to Cat Ba Island

For an enjoyable and smooth trip to Cat Ba, do not overlook essential information about Cat Ba Island weather, Cat Ba Island accommodation, Cat Ba Island cruise, ferry to Cat Ba Island, and more.

5.1. When is the best time to visit Cat Ba Island?

Throughout the year, Cat Ba Island weather is relatively mild, with a variety of exciting activities. It can be said that you can visit Cat Ba at any time during the year. During the winter months from November to March, the weather is cold and dry, marking the low tourism season. Therefore, you can enjoy a peaceful holiday with affordable prices, suitable for a leisurely vacation. 

Additionally, you should not miss the opportunity to admire numerous blooming flowers in March and enjoy trekking and camping activities. However, the best time to visit Cat Ba, with its beautiful beaches, is during the summer from April to October. The Cat Ba Island weather during this period is characterized by hot sun, occasional sea breezes, and refreshing light rain. These weather conditions create an ideal environment for beach bathing, exploring the bay, kayaking, or participating in underwater diving to admire coral reefs.

Summer is the best time to visit the island and its beaches (Source: Collected)

5.2. How to get to Cat Ba Island?

There are several ways to reach Cat Ba from northern provinces like Hanoi or Ha Long.

5.2.1. Hanoi to Cat Ba Island

You can travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba in the following ways:

• By train: Take a train from Hanoi to Hai Phong (approximately 2.5-3 hours) and then proceed from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island by ferry or bus.
• By bus: Conveniently travel directly from Hanoi to Cat Ba with bus companies like Daiichi Travel and Cat Ba Express (approximately 3-3.5 hours).
• By car or motorbike: If by car, take the Hanoi-Hai Phong highway (approximately 2.5-3.5 hours). For adventurous motorbike enthusiasts, the journey from Hanoi to Cat Ba may take 4-6 hours.

You can get to Cat Ba from Hanoi by train, bus, car, or motorbike (Source: Collected)

5.2.2. Ha Long Bay to Cat Ba Island

When considering how to travel from Ha Long Bay to Cat Ba, choose from various transportation options:

• By ferry: One of the most popular choices, taking approximately 1.5-2 hours.
• By speedboat: A fast and exciting speedboat ride takes only around 45-60 minutes.
• By cruise: The most luxurious option is to choose a Cat Ba Island cruise, allowing exploration of the natural wonders of both Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba.

5.3. How to get around Cat Ba Island?

When on the island, tourists have various transportation options, including:

• Bicycles: Ideal for those who want to exercise and explore the island’s landscapes.
• Electric cars: The most common means of transportation, suitable for larger groups.
• Motorbikes: A popular choice for young travelers to easily explore all corners of the island.
• Walking: Cat Ba Town is not overly large, allowing for leisurely strolls to admire the beauty of Cat Ba.

Electric cars – a convenient and economical way to discover the island (Source: Collected)

5.4. Where to stay during your excursion?

Where to stay on Cat Ba Island? On the island, there are numerous accommodation options to suit your budget and preferences, eliminating concerns about lodging. 

After enjoying Cat Ba, you can also take the time to visit Ha Long Bay, a natural wonder with beautiful limestone mountains and emerald waters. When in Ha Long Bay, elevate your vacation by staying at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long, the first and only resort in Northern Vietnam built entirely on the sea. This resort provides a perfect setting for admiring romantic views of the bay and the charming city of Ha Long, offering various captivating activities and 5-star amenities.

Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long offers panoramic views of the bay

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5.5. Extra tips for your trip to Cat Ba Island

To have the most wonderful and memorable Cat Ba tour, keep in mind these additional helpful tips:

• The Cat Ba Island weather can be chilly at night. Bring warm clothes in winter or a light jacket in summer to avoid catching a cold.
• To avoid overpaying, research thoroughly and check prices before using services.
• During holidays and weekends, Cat Ba attracts many tourists, leading to higher service prices. To save costs and avoid crowds, consider visiting during other times.
• Avoid swimming in the sea after 6 p.m. for safety due to rising tides.
• Opt to use the cable car on weekends as the Got ferry terminal tends to be overloaded.

Enjoy a hassle-free trip to Cat Ba with some useful tips (Source: Collected)

In addition to Cat Ba Island and Ha Long Bay, when visiting Vietnam, don’t miss out on popular tourist destinations like Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. 

Alongside the natural beauty, history, and culture, spend joyful moments with friends and loved ones at the most modern entertainment complexes in Vietnam, such as VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, VinWonders Nha Trang, and VinWonders Phu Quoc. These vibrant entertainment complexes boast amusement parks, theme parks, water parks, exhilarating games, lively festivals, and a rich array of cultural activities.

Additionally, you can enhance your journey by indulging in the luxurious accommodations provided by Vinpearl, strategically located at famous tourist spots, providing international services that cater to all accommodation needs.

VinWonders – among the best entertainment complexes in Vietnam

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park for a comfortable and all-inclusive stay in Vietnam

Cat Ba Island emerges as an enchanting destination in Vietnam, seamlessly blending natural beauty, vibrant activities, and comfortable accommodations. Whether navigating its scenic landscapes, indulging in the myriad things to do in Cat Ba, or simply soaking in the tranquil ambiance, this island promises an unforgettable experience. With diverse attractions and a welcoming atmosphere, Cat Ba stands as a must-visit gem for those seeking an enriching Vietnam travel adventure.