Best Cat Ba Tour Itinerary: 3 Days 2 Nights of Adventure & Serenity

Cat Ba Island, part of the UNESCO-recognized Ha Long Bay–Cat Ba Archipelago World Heritage Site, is a haven of natural beauty and cultural richness. Lan Ha Bay’s 400+ islets, quiet caves, and pristine beaches like Tung Thu rival Ha Long Bay’s grandeur without the crowds. This 3-day, 2-night itinerary covers must-visit attractions, including Cat Ba National Park, Cai Beo Fishing Village, and Than Cong Fortress, while savoring local specialties like shrimp noodle soup. With updated pricing and practical tips, this guide ensures a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and culinary delights.

Day 1: Arrival, Tung Thu Beach & Cat Ba Night Market

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive and Explore Tung Thu Beach

• Arrival: Travel from Hanoi via bus-ferry combo (3–4 hours, ~300,000–350,000 VND/$12–$14 USD) or from Hai Phong by speedboat (45 minutes, ~220,000 VND/$9 USD). Check into your accommodation in Cat Ba Town—budget hostels like Secret Garden (~150,000 VND/$6 USD per dorm bed) or mid-range hotels like Cat Ba Central (~750,000 VND/$30 USD).

• Tung Thu Beach: A 5-minute motorbike ride (~120,000 VND/$4.80 USD daily rental) from Cat Ba Town, Tung Thu Beach offers a tranquil escape with clear waters and fewer crowds than Cat Co Beaches. Swim, sunbathe, or enjoy paddleboarding (~200,000 VND/$8 USD per hour). Camping is possible with groups or a local guide (~300,000 VND/$12 USD for gear and guide), ensuring safety.

Evening: Cat Ba Night Market

• Head to the Cat Ba Night Market near Central Wharf Bridge (5:00 PM–11:00 PM) for a vibrant evening. Browse stalls selling Cat Hai fish sauce (~50,000–100,000 VND/$2–$4 USD per 500ml) and dried squid (~300,000–500,000 VND/$12–$20 USD per kg). Savor street food like grilled cartilage sausage (~10,000 VND/$0.40 USD) or mantis shrimp porridge (~20,000 VND/$0.80 USD).

• Dining Option: Visit Yummy Restaurant for seafood hotpot (~150,000 VND/$6 USD) or Quan Cat Ba for budget-friendly shrimp noodle soup (~50,000–80,000 VND/$2–$3.20 USD).

Tips:

• Rent a bicycle (~50,000 VND/$2 USD per day) or take a cyclo tour (~100,000 VND/$4 USD per hour) for a leisurely town exploration.

• Keep wallets secure in crowded market areas.

Day 2: Lan Ha Bay Cruise & Cai Beo Fishing Village

Morning: Lan Ha Bay Cruise

• Book a full-day Lan Ha Bay cruise through operators like Cat Ba Ventures or Quang Thang Cat Ba (~600,000–1,200,000 VND/$24–$48 USD per person). Boats depart from Beo Pier at 8:00 AM, cruising past 400+ islets like Pen Islet and Turtle Islet.

• Kayaking: Paddle through Dark Cave, Bright Cave, or Bat Cave (included in tour price). Explore hidden lagoons and limestone arches, ideal for low-tide visits.

• Swimming: Stop at Ba Trai Dao Beach for a swim in emerald waters or snorkeling (~150,000 VND/$6 USD for gear rental).

• Lunch: Enjoy a seafood lunch onboard, featuring fresh shrimp, squid, and fish (~included in tour).

Afternoon: Cai Beo Fishing Village

• Visit Cai Beo, Vietnam’s oldest fishing village, en route back to Cat Ba Town (arrive by 4:00 PM). Home to 300+ households, this floating village offers a glimpse into traditional fish farming. Sample fresh seafood like grilled oysters (~100,000 VND/$4 USD per plate) at floating restaurants.

Evening: Than Cong Fortress

• Head to Than Cong Fortress (10-minute walk or ~50,000 VND/$2 USD taxi from town) for sunset views over Lan Ha Bay. Entry costs 50,000 VND (~$2 USD). Explore WWII-era tunnels, cannons, and an observatory. Combine with a visit to nearby Hospital Cave (~40,000 VND/$1.60 USD) for a historical double-header.

Dining Option: Dine at Vu Duong Seafood for grilled grouper (~200,000–350,000 VND/$8–$14 USD) or Phuong Nhung for local specialties (~120,000 VND/$4.80 USD).

Tips:

• Book cruises early, especially in peak season (October–April). Check refund policies (typically 24-hour cancellation for full refunds).

• Wear sunscreen and bring a hat for the cruise.

Day 3: Cat Ba National Park & Departure

Morning: Cat Ba National Park

• Depart early (7:00 AM) for Cat Ba National Park, 15 km from Cat Ba Town (~200,000 VND/$8 USD taxi or ~120,000 VND/$4.80 USD motorbike rental). Entry costs 80,000 VND (~$3.20 USD), including Trung Trang Cave.

• Hiking: Choose the 1.8-km Ngu Lam Peak trail (90 minutes, moderate) for bay views or the 2-hour Kim Giao Forest trail for birdwatching. Guided treks (~500,000–700,000 VND/$20–$28 USD) offer insights into the Cat Ba Langur (~80 individuals remain).

• Cave Exploration: Visit Trung Trang Cave (included in entry) or Quan Y Cave (~40,000 VND/$1.60 USD) for historical significance.

Afternoon: Local Specialties & Departure

• Return to Cat Ba Town by noon for lunch at Oasis Bar (~100,000–200,000 VND/$4–$8 USD). Shop for souvenirs like Cat Hai fish sauce or forest honey (~150,000 VND/$6 USD per 500ml) at the Cat Ba Seafood Market.

• Depart via bus-ferry to Hanoi (12:30 PM or 3:30 PM, ~300,000–350,000 VND/$12–$14 USD) or speedboat to Hai Phong (~220,000 VND/$9 USD).

Tips:

• Start hiking early to avoid heat. Bring insect repellent and water.

• If time allows, visit Viet Hai Village via a 6-km trek or boat (~150,000 VND/$6 USD round-trip) for rural charm.

Cat Ba’s seafood is a highlight, best enjoyed at the night market or restaurants like Quan Cat Ba Family. Top dishes include:

• Shrimp Noodle Soup: Fresh shrimp in sweet broth, ~50,000–80,000 VND (~$2–$3.20 USD).

• Geoduck: Grilled or steamed, ~150,000–250,000 VND (~$6–$10 USD).

• Grouper Fish: Steamed, grilled, or in hot pot, ~200,000–350,000 VND (~$8–$14 USD).

• Tri-Spine Horseshoe Crab: Grilled or stir-fried, ~200,000–300,000 VND (~$8–$12 USD) (limited availability due to conservation).

• Roasted Mantis Shrimp: Salt-roasted, ~250,000–400,000 VND (~$10–$16 USD).

Eco Tip: Choose sustainable seafood like shrimp or squid to support local fisheries.

November offers blue skies, moderate temperatures (20–25°C/68–77°F), and calm seas, ideal for cruises and hiking. October–April is the dry season, with March–April and October–November being less crowded. May–September brings lush greenery but risks tropical storms, potentially disrupting cruises. February–April may have fog, adding a mystical vibe but reducing visibility. Always check cruise refund procedures (typically 24-hour cancellation for full refunds) due to weather-related changes.

• Getting There: From Hanoi, use Cat Ba Express or Good Morning Cat Ba (bus-ferry, ~300,000–350,000 VND/$12–$14 USD). From Hai Phong, speedboats from Ben Binh Pier (~220,000 VND/$9 USD). Ferries from Tuan Chau (Ha Long Bay) take 1 hour (~220,000 VND/$9 USD).

• Getting Around: Rent motorbikes (~120,000 VND/$4.80 USD per day) or bicycles (~50,000 VND/$2 USD per day). Taxis or Grab cost ~50,000–200,000 VND ($2–$8 USD) per ride.

• Accommodation: Budget options (~150,000 VND/$6 USD), mid-range (~750,000 VND/$30 USD), or luxury like Hôtel Perle d’Orient (~2,000,000 VND/$80 USD).

• What to Bring: Cash (VND) for small vendors, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes.

• Safety: Follow guide instructions during cruises or hikes. Check weather forecasts for sea conditions.

• Language: Basic Vietnamese or a translation app helps with vendors.

Cat Ba, an authentic, budget-friendly alternative to Halong Bay in Quang Ninh Province, 150 km from Hanoi, captivates with Lan Ha Bay’s untouched beauty, Cat Ba National Park’s biodiversity, and Cai Beo’s cultural heritage. This itinerary balances adventure with kayaking ($5–$15, 125,000–375,000 VND) and hiking, relaxation on beaches, and local flavors like fresh seafood ($2–$5, 50,000–125,000 VND), ideal for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts. Legend Travel Group’s Halong Bay Tours ensure a sustainable Halong Bay Travel experience, with eco-friendly practices like low-impact tours and local support, paired with visits to Cannon Fort and Cat Co Beaches. Plan your trip by booking cruises and accommodations early for peak season (September–November). Don’t miss out—contact Legend Travel Group to browse our curated tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to explore Cat Ba’s natural and cultural treasures? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Cat Ba Itinerary Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group