Cat Ba Island Guide: Beaches, Attractions, Food & Travel Tips

Cat Ba Island, spanning 153 km² in Hai Phong’s Cat Hai District, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and part of the Ha Long Bay World Heritage Site. Known for its dramatic karst landscapes, Lan Ha Bay’s 400+ islets, and vibrant Cat Ba Town, it attracts millions with its blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. Three main beaches—Cat Co 1, 2, and 3—offer sunbathing and swimming, while Cat Ba National Park beckons with jungle treks and rare wildlife like the Cat Ba Langur. Despite ongoing construction in Cat Ba Town’s marina (expected to continue for several years), the island’s beaches, caves, and seafood dining remain highlights. This guide details costs, attractions, and tips for an unforgettable visit.

The dry season, October to April, offers pleasant temperatures (20–25°C/68–77°F) and clear skies, ideal for beach visits, cruises, and hiking. November is particularly favorable for calm seas and fewer crowds. March–April and October–November are less busy. May to September brings lush greenery but risks tropical storms, which may disrupt cruises or beach plans. Check weather forecasts, especially in July–August, and confirm cruise refund policies (typically 24-hour cancellation for full refunds).

Cat Ba is accessible from Hanoi, Hai Phong, or Ha Long Bay with multiple transport options:

• From Hanoi:

  • Bus-Ferry Combo: Operators like Cat Ba Express or Good Morning Cat Ba offer daily departures (3.5–4 hours, ~300,000–350,000 VND/$12–$14 USD one-way). Includes bus to Hai Phong, ferry to Cai Vieng Port, and bus to Cat Ba Town.

  • Bus-Cable Car-Bus: Sun World’s cable car from Cat Hai to Cat Ba (10 minutes, ~100,000 VND/$4 USD) is paired with bus transfers (~375,000 VND/$15 USD total). Book via Good Morning Cat Ba.

  • Private Transfer: Luxury vans or cars cost ~2,000,000 VND/$80 USD for 4–6 passengers (3 hours).

• From Hai Phong:

  • Speedboat: From Ben Binh Pier, speedboats take 45 minutes (~220,000–300,000 VND/$9–$12 USD). Frequent departures from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

  • Ferry: From Dinh Vu Port to Ninh Tiep, then Ben Cat to Cai Vieng (~20,000 VND/$1 USD per ferry, 1 hour total).

• From Ha Long Bay: Ferries from Tuan Chau Port to Cat Ba Central Port (1 hour, ~220,000 VND/$9 USD, last departure 3:00 PM).

• From Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong): Taxi to Ben Binh Pier (~150,000 VND/$6 USD, 15–20 minutes), then speedboat to Cat Ba (~220,000 VND/$9 USD). Total time: ~1.5 hours.

Tips:

• Book transport via legendtravelgroup.com for convenience.

• Avoid evening departures from Hanoi (post-6:00 PM) to ensure ferry availability.

• Motorbikes can be brought on ferries (~30,000 VND/$1.20 USD extra) or parked at docks.

Cat Ba boasts diverse beaches, though some face litter issues. Visit in the late afternoon for milder sun, as locals do.

• Cat Co Beaches 1, 2, 3: Located 1 km southeast of Cat Ba Town, these white-sand coves are popular but crowded in summer. Cat Co 2 is the quietest, backed by cliffs, with snack bars and thatched huts. Entry is free; sunbeds cost ~100,000–200,000 VND/$4–$8 USD per day. Cat Co 1 and 3 have resorts, reducing tranquility.

• Tung Thu Beach: A 5-minute ride from town, this clean, family-friendly beach offers calm waters and water sports like paddleboarding (~200,000 VND/$8 USD per hour). Cafés and restrooms are nearby.

• Cat Dua Beach (Monkey Island): Accessible by boat from Ben Beo Harbour (~100,000 VND/$4 USD round-trip, 15 minutes), this idyllic beach on Monkey Island features clear waters and monkey sightings. Kayaking costs ~200,000 VND/$8 USD per day.

• Chut Chit Beach: On the island’s west side, this secluded beach is less crowded, ideal for a peaceful escape. Reach by motorbike (~20-minute ride).

• Ba Trai Dao Beach: A stunning beach in Lan Ha Bay, surrounded by three peach-shaped mountains, accessible via cruise or kayak (~600,000 VND/$24 USD for a day tour).

Tips:

• Avoid swimming after 6:00 PM in summer due to high tides.web:original

• Check beach conditions, as construction and litter may affect Cat Co Beaches.

Cat Ba’s coastal cuisine shines with fresh seafood, best at the Cat Ba Seafood Market or restaurants along Nui Ngoc Street. Expect higher prices than mainland Vietnam but affordable compared to Western standards.

• Shrimp Noodle Soup: Sweet broth with local shrimp, ~50,000–80,000 VND/$2–$3.20 USD.

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

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

• Tri-Spine Horseshoe Crab: Stir-fried, ~200,000–300,000 VND/$8–$12 USD (limited due to conservation).web:original

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

• Bánh Đa Cua: Hai Phong’s crab noodle soup, ~50,000–100,000 VND/$2–$4 USD.

• Vegetarian Options: Buddha Belly Restaurant offers vegan dishes (~100,000 VND/$4 USD).

Top Dining Spots:

• Phuong Nhung Restaurant: Fresh seafood with harbor views (~120,000 VND/$4.80 USD per meal).

• Quan Cat Ba Family: Budget-friendly local dishes (~100,000 VND/$4 USD).

• Vu Duong Seafood: Upscale with lobster and crab (~400,000 VND/$16 USD).web:original

• Cat Ba Seafood Market: Buy fresh seafood (~150,000–350,000 VND/$6–$14 USD per kg) and have it cooked (~50,000 VND/$2 USD fee).web:original

Tip: Avoid waterfront restaurants in Cat Ba Town for better quality; walk inland to Nui Ngoc Street for authentic eateries.

• Cannon Fort: A 10-minute walk from Cat Ba Town, this historical site offers panoramic views of Lan Ha Bay and WWII relics. Entry: ~50,000 VND/$2 USD. Sunset visits are ideal.

• Lan Ha Bay: South of Cat Ba, its 300+ karst islands rival Ha Long Bay, with added white-sand beaches. Day cruises cost ~600,000–1,200,000 VND/$24–$48 USD, including kayaking and lunch. Overnight cruises start at ~2,000,000 VND/$80 USD.

• Cat Ba National Park: A 15-km ride from town, this 17,362-hectare park hosts the Cat Ba Langur and 1,500+ plant species. Entry: ~80,000 VND/$3.20 USD, including Trung Trang Cave. Guided treks: ~500,000–700,000 VND/$20–$28 USD.

• Cat Ba Island Market: At the harbor’s northern end, this local market offers fresh seafood and fruit. Buy Cat Hai fish sauce (~50,000–100,000 VND/$2–$4 USD) as a souvenir. Open 5:00 AM–9:00 PM.web:original

• Ho Chi Minh Monument: On Mountain No. 1 opposite Cat Ba Pier, this free site offers harbor views. Best visited en route to Cannon Fort.web:original

• Hospital Cave: A Vietnam War-era hospital in a 2,000m² cave, 2 km from the park. Entry: ~40,000 VND/$1.60 USD.

• Monkey Island: A 15-minute boat ride from Ben Beo Harbour (~100,000 VND/$4 USD round-trip), known for its beach and playful monkeys. Snorkeling costs ~150,000 VND/$6 USD.

Activities:

• Kayaking: Rent kayaks (~200,000 VND/$8 USD per day) via cruises or Beo Pier operators for Lan Ha Bay exploration. Guided tours recommended for strong currents.

• Rock Climbing: Try Hai Pai or Moody Beach for beginners (~600,000 VND/$24 USD half-day). Advanced climbers can attempt deep-water soloing in Lan Ha Bay (~1,000,000 VND/$40 USD).

• Trekking/Biking: National Park trails or Viet Hai Village (6-km ride, ~100,000 VND/$4 USD bike rental).web:original

Note: Construction in Cat Ba Town’s bay may impact views; focus on outer attractions like Lan Ha Bay or Chut Chit Beach for unspoiled scenery.

• Motorbike Rental: ~120,000 VND/$4.80 USD per day, ideal for exploring distant beaches or Viet Hai Village. Check vehicle condition and wear helmets.

• Bicycle Rental: ~50,000 VND/$2 USD per day, suitable for Cat Ba Town or short trips.

• Taxis/Grab: ~50,000–200,000 VND/$2–$8 USD per ride. Grab is widely available but may be pricier than mainland Vietnam.

• Electric Buggies: ~10,000 VND/$0.40 USD per ride, connecting Cat Ba Town, Cannon Fort, and Cat Co Beaches. Best for groups.

• Public Bus: Links Cat Ba Town to Cai Vieng and Gia Luan Ports via the National Park (~20,000 VND/$0.80 USD). Check schedules at Cat Ba Pier.

Note: Construction in Cat Ba Town’s marina may cause traffic disruptions; opt for motorbikes or buggies for flexibility.

• Accommodation:

• • Budget: Secret Garden Hostel (~150,000 VND/$6 USD per dorm bed).

  • Mid-Range: Cat Ba Mountain View (~750,000 VND/$30 USD).web:original

  • Luxury: Hôtel Perle d’Orient (~2,000,000 VND/$80 USD).

  • Homestays: Xuan Dam Village’s Spring Garden Homestay (~500,000 VND/$20 USD). Book early for October–April.

• Safety: Follow beach warning signs. Avoid provoking monkeys on Monkey Island.

• Budget: Expect higher costs than mainland Vietnam. Daily expenses: ~500,000–1,000,000 VND/$20–$40 USD (excluding cruises).

• What to Bring: Cash (VND), sunscreen, insect repellent, and sturdy shoes. ATMs are available in Cat Ba Town.

• Sustainability: Support eco-friendly operators like Thu Thuy Cruise and avoid littering on beaches.

• Construction Alert: Cat Ba Town’s marina is a construction site, impacting waterfront appeal. Stay in quieter areas like Xuan Dam or near Tung Thu Beach.

Cat Ba National Park offers a rare chance to explore Vietnam’s richest ecosystems while supporting conservation efforts for species like the Cat Ba Langur. Its trails, caves, and marine adventures provide endless exploration, all within a UNESCO-protected paradise. Despite challenges like littering and tourism pressure, the park’s staff and NGOs work tirelessly to preserve its beauty. Legend Travel Group’s Cat Ba Tours guide you through this ecological gem, ensuring a sustainable Cat Ba Travel experience filled with immersive adventures and conservation-focused exploration. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-journey today!
Plan Your Adventure: Book early for peak season (October–April) and share your Cat Ba National Park plans with Legend Travel Group to embark on an unforgettable sustainable adventure!

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