Explore Cat Ba Monkey Island with day trips for swimming and kayaking, as overnight stays are no longer available due to environmental protection. Discover alternative accommodations, updated costs, and Legend Travel Group’s exclusive tours for a sustainable Vietnam adventure.
Cat Ba Monkey Island, nestled in the UNESCO-recognized Lan Ha Bay, is a small island celebrated for its two pristine beaches, wild macaque population, and breathtaking views of limestone islets. Previously home to the Monkey Island Resort, the island has ceased overnight accommodations to preserve its ecosystem, reflecting Vietnam’s commitment to environmental protection. Visitors can still enjoy day trips from Cat Ba Town, just a 10-minute boat ride away (~100,000 VND/$4 USD), for swimming, kayaking, and hiking to a scenic viewpoint. With Legend Travel Group, a leading local tour operator, you can book eco-conscious day tours and Lan Ha Bay cruises that include Monkey Island, ensuring a sustainable and memorable experience. This guide details day activities, alternative accommodations on Cat Ba Island, updated pricing, and expert tips, with Legend Travel Group’s tours prominently featured to inspire bookings.
Monkey Island’s allure lies in its untouched beauty and eco-focused transformation:
Pristine Beaches: Two sandy coves, including Cat Dua Beach, offer clear waters for swimming and relaxation, maintained through conservation efforts.
Wildlife: Home to ~20 macaque monkeys, observable from a safe distance to avoid disturbances.
Scenic Hike: A short, 20-minute trek to the island’s viewpoint reveals panoramic vistas of Lan Ha Bay’s karsts.
Eco-Commitment: Day-only access protects the island’s flora and fauna, aligning with UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve goals.
Accessibility: A quick boat ride from Ben Beo Pier makes it an easy add-on to Cat Ba itineraries.
Environmental Note: Overnight stays were discontinued to reduce ecological strain, with waste management and habitat preservation now prioritized. Legend Travel Group’s tours emphasize low-impact exploration, ensuring the island’s beauty endures.
While overnight stays are no longer available, Monkey Island remains a vibrant day destination. Legend Travel Group offers tailored tours to maximize your visit:
Swimming: Enjoy Cat Dua Beach’s calm, turquoise waters. Free to access, with boat transfers costing ~100,000 VND/$4 USD round-trip from Ben Beo Pier.
Kayaking: Paddle around the island’s coves and nearby islets (~200,000 VND/$8 USD per day for rentals via Legend Travel Group). Ideal for exploring Lan Ha Bay’s hidden lagoons.
Hiking: Trek to the island’s viewpoint for Lan Ha Bay views (20–30 minutes, moderate difficulty). Wear sturdy shoes and avoid loose items, as monkeys may grab belongings. Free activity, included in day tours.
Beach Sports: Play volleyball or football on the beach (equipment provided by tour operators, ~50,000 VND/$2 USD rental).
Monkey Watching: Observe macaques from a distance, following guides’ instructions to avoid aggression. Do not feed or approach them to protect their natural behavior.
Dining: No on-site restaurants remain, but Legend Travel Group’s tours include packed lunches (~100,000 VND/$4 USD) or stops at Cai Beo Floating Village for fresh seafood (~150,000–350,000 VND/$6–$14 USD per kg).
Costs:
Boat transfer: ~100,000–150,000 VND/$4–$6 USD round-trip from Ben Beo Pier.
Legend Travel Group Day Tour: ~600,000–1,000,000 VND/$24–$40 USD, including boat, lunch, kayaking, and guide.
Snorkeling gear rental: ~150,000 VND/$6 USD per day (available via tours).
Tips:
Book Legend Travel Group’s Monkey Island day tour for a guided, eco-friendly experience (see banners on this page).
Visit early (8:00–10:00 AM) to avoid crowds and heat.
Bring sunscreen, a waterproof bag, and secure valuables to deter curious monkeys.
Monkey Island’s shift to day-only access reflects Vietnam’s broader environmental protection efforts:
Conservation Goals: Reducing human impact preserves the island’s ecosystem, home to endangered species like the Cat Ba Langur and diverse marine life.
Waste Management: Strict regulations prohibit littering, with Legend Travel Group enforcing clean-up protocols on tours.
Monkey Welfare: Guidelines prevent feeding or disturbing macaques, ensuring their natural behavior and safety.
Sustainable Tourism: Legend Travel Group partners with eco-conscious operators like Blue Swimmers, using low-emission boats and promoting responsible practices.
Traveler’s Role: Support conservation by choosing Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours, avoiding single-use plastics, and respecting wildlife boundaries. Check tour banners for eco-friendly packages!
With Monkey Island Resort closed, Cat Ba Island offers diverse, eco-friendly accommodations for all budgets, ensuring easy access to day trips. Legend Travel Group can bundle these with Monkey Island tours:
Budget:
Cat Ba Green Hostel: Central Cat Ba Town, dorm beds ~150,000–200,000 VND/$6–$8 USD per night. Clean, social vibe with tour desk.
Bien Phong Hostel: Near Nui Ngoc Street, private rooms ~400,000 VND/$16 USD. Budget-friendly with bike rentals.
Mid-Range:
Cat Ba Central Hotel: Harbor views, modern rooms ~750,000–1,000,000 VND/$30–$40 USD per night. Includes breakfast and tour bookings.
Sea Pearl Cat Ba Hotel: 3-star, rooftop bar, ~1,200,000 VND/$48 USD per night. Close to Ben Beo Pier for Monkey Island trips.
Luxury:
Hôtel Perle d’Orient – MGallery: At Cat Co 3 Beach, boutique elegance ~2,000,000–3,000,000 VND/$80–$120 USD per night. Spa and sea-view suites.
Flamingo Premium Cat Ba Resort: 5-star with infinity pool, ~2,500,000 VND/$100 USD per night. Eco-focused with sustainable practices.
Eco-Friendly & Homestays:
Lan Ha Floating Homestay: In Lan Ha Bay, ~500,000 VND/$20 USD per night, including meals. Offers kayaking and cultural immersion.
Xuan Dam Village Homestay: Rural setting, ~600,000 VND/$24 USD per night with farm-to-table dining. Ideal for eco-conscious travelers.
Booking Tip: Reserve accommodations through Legend Travel Group’s platform for bundled tour discounts (10–15% off). Check banners on this page for deals on hotels and day trips to Monkey Island.
Legend Travel Group, a trusted local operator, offers eco-friendly tours that include Monkey Island, ensuring a seamless and sustainable experience. Book directly via banners on this page for exclusive offers:
Lan Ha Bay & Monkey Island Day Tour: 8 hours, ~600,000–1,200,000 VND/$24–$48 USD. Includes boat to Monkey Island, kayaking, swimming at Cat Dua Beach, and Cai Beo Floating Village visit. Lunch and guide provided.
2-Day/1-Night Lan Ha Bay Cruise with Monkey Island Stop: ~2,000,000–3,500,000 VND/$80–$140 USD. Features Monkey Island day visit, Viet Hai Village biking, night squid fishing, and overnight on a 4-star cruise.
Cat Ba National Park & Monkey Island Combo: ~1,000,000 VND/$40 USD. Combines Ngu Lam Peak hike, Hospital Cave, and Monkey Island day trip with kayaking.
Private Monkey Island Adventure: ~2,500,000 VND/$100 USD for 4–6 people. Customizable day tour with private boat, snorkeling, and beach BBQ.
Why Choose Legend Travel Group?
Local Expertise: English-speaking guides with deep knowledge of Lan Ha Bay’s ecology and culture.
Sustainability: Low-impact tours with eco-friendly boats and conservation focus.
Value: Competitive pricing with no hidden fees, plus bundled accommodation deals.
Convenience: Instant online bookings and real-time availability (see tour banners).
Booking Action: Don’t miss out! Book Legend Travel Group’s Monkey Island tours now via the banners on this page for a hassle-free, eco-conscious adventure.
Plan your Monkey Island day trip and Cat Ba stay with these updated rates:
Transportation:
Hanoi to Cat Ba (bus-ferry): ~300,000–350,000 VND/$12–$14 USD, 3.5–4 hours.
Hai Phong to Cat Ba (speedboat): ~220,000–300,000 VND/$9–$12 USD, 45 minutes.
Boat to Monkey Island: ~100,000–150,000 VND/$4–$6 USD round-trip from Ben Beo Pier.
Activities:
Monkey Island day tour (Legend Travel Group): ~600,000–1,200,000 VND/$24–$48 USD.
Kayaking: ~200,000 VND/$8 USD per day.
Snorkeling gear: ~150,000 VND/$6 USD per day.
Viet Hai Village tour: ~500,000–700,000 VND/$20–$28 USD.
Dining:
Packed lunch (via tours): ~100,000 VND/$4 USD.
Seafood at Cai Beo: ~150,000–350,000 VND/$6–$14 USD per kg.
Cat Ba restaurants (e.g., Phuong Nhung): ~100,000–250,000 VND/$4–$10 USD per meal.
Daily Budget: ~500,000–1,200,000 VND/$20–$48 USD (excluding tours), higher in peak season (June–August).
Tip: Save with Legend Travel Group’s combo tours (e.g., Monkey Island + Lan Ha Bay) for 10–15% discounts. Book via banners for real-time deals.
June–August: Hot (28–35°C/82–95°F), rainy, and crowded with domestic tourists. Beaches are lively, but storms may disrupt boat trips to Monkey Island.
December–February: Cool (15–20°C/59–68°F), foggy, and quiet. Suitable for hiking but too cold for swimming (sea 15–18°C/59–64°F).
Event Highlight: The Cat Ba Island Festival (April) features dragon boat races and cultural performances, perfect for pairing with Legend Travel Group’s Monkey Island tours (~1,500,000 VND/$60 USD for a 2-day package).
From Hanoi: Bus-ferry via Cat Ba Express (~300,000–350,000 VND/$12–$14 USD).
From Hai Phong: Speedboat from Ben Binh Pier (~220,000–300,000 VND/$9–$12 USD).
To Monkey Island: Boat from Ben Beo Pier, included in Legend Travel Group’s tours.
Safety:
Keep distance from monkeys to avoid bites or theft.
Wear life vests for kayaking and follow guides’ instructions.
Check weather forecasts for storms (July–September) via Legend Travel Group or AccuWeather.
Sustainability:
Avoid littering; use Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours with waste management protocols.
Do not feed monkeys or disturb wildlife to preserve the ecosystem.
Packing: Sunscreen, sturdy shoes, waterproof bag, light clothing, and a jacket for cooler months.
Crowds: Avoid Reunification Day (April 30) and National Day (September 2) for fewer ferry queues. Legend Travel Group’s private tours minimize crowds.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi in Cat Ba Town; bring cash (VND) for island vendors.
Monkey Island’s day-only access enhances its pristine charm, offering a sustainable way to enjoy Lan Ha Bay’s beauty. With Legend Travel Group’s Lan Ha Bay Tours, you’ll experience expertly curated adventures that blend exploration, culture, and eco-consciousness. From kayaking past karsts to exploring Cai Beo’s floating homes, our packages deliver unforgettable moments at competitive prices. Cat Ba’s diverse accommodations ensure comfort, making it the perfect base for Monkey Island day trips. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-journey today!
Book Your Adventure Now! Don’t wait—reserve Legend Travel Group’s Monkey Island and Lan Ha Bay tours via the banners on this page for a seamless, eco-friendly Vietnam escape. Share your travel plans in the comments below!
Ready to explore Monkey Island’s pristine shores? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse in Lan Ha Bay’s natural splendor!
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.
By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
Favorite experiences booked by travelers