Plan your Cat Ba Island adventure with Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours. Discover beaches, Lan Ha Bay, and Cat Ba National Park. Book now with a $99 deposit!
Capture the authentic charm of Cat Ba’s culture (Source: Internet)Cat Ba Island, the largest of the 367 islands in the Cat Ba Archipelago, is a biodiversity hotspot and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve located in Northern Vietnam’s Gulf of Tonkin. Spanning 354 km², it lies 30 km east of Hai Phong City, 25 km southeast of Ha Long Bay, and 150 km southeast of Hanoi. Renowned for its rugged limestone karsts, tropical forests, coral reefs, and serene beaches, Cat Ba offers a less touristy alternative to Ha Long Bay while rivaling its scenic beauty. Home to the critically endangered Cat Ba Langur, the island is a haven for eco-conscious travelers. Legend Travel Group, a trusted local tour operator, invites you to explore Cat Ba’s natural and cultural wonders through our sustainable tours, designed to support conservation and immerse you in this pristine paradise.
Contact Information:
Address: Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City, Vietnam
Tel: (+84) 225 368 8981 (via Cat Ba National Park)
Email: vuonqgcatba@haiphong.gov.vn
Website: catbanationalpark.vn
Cat Ba islands is located in Hai Phong city (Source: Internet)Cat Ba Island is situated in Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City, at the southeastern edge of the world-famous Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is surrounded by the tranquil waters of Lan Ha Bay and lies adjacent to Bai Tu Long Bay. Geographically, it’s approximately 30 km from Hai Phong City, 25 km from Ha Long City, and 150 km from Hanoi. The island’s main hub, Cat Ba Town, serves as a vibrant tourist center with hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, while remote hamlets like Viet Hai and Xuan Dam offer serene escapes. Cat Ba National Park, covering nearly half the island, and Lan Ha Bay’s 400+ islets make it a prime destination for nature lovers and adventurers.
Cat Ba Islands is in the South of Halong bay world heritage (Source: Internet)Cat Ba Island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, encompassing 26,000 hectares with diverse ecosystems: tropical evergreen forests, mangrove swamps, coral reefs, seagrass beds, lagoons, and limestone caves. Cat Ba National Park, spanning 17,362.96 hectares (10,912.51 hectares terrestrial, 6,450.45 hectares marine), is home to 1,561 plant species, including the rare Kim Giao tree, and 279 animal species, such as the critically endangered Cat Ba Langur (fewer than 80 individuals). Other wildlife includes macaques, civets, and 160 bird species like hornbills and hawks. The island’s Cai Beo Fishing Village, dating back 6,475-4,200 years, reflects ancient Ha Long culture, adding historical depth to its natural splendor.
Cat Ba Island offers a wealth of experiences for all travelers:
Beaches: Swim at Cat Co 1, 2, and 3 (1 km from Cat Ba Town, $2-$3 sun lounger rental) or the secluded Ba Trai Dao Beach in Lan Ha Bay.
Lan Ha Bay: Cruise among 400+ islets, kayak through limestone tunnels ($5-$10/hour), or snorkel vibrant coral reefs ($5-$10 gear rental).
Cat Ba National Park: Trek the Ngu Lam Peak Trail (1.5 km, 90 minutes, $3.50 entrance fee) or explore Trung Trang Cave ($3.40/ticket).
Cannon Fort: Visit this historical site ($3.50/ticket) for panoramic views and WWII-era tunnels.
Cai Beo Fishing Village: Explore Vietnam’s oldest fishing village via boat tour ($10-$15).
Rock Climbing: Try beginner-friendly routes at Butterfly Valley or deep-water soloing in Lan Ha Bay ($50-$80/day with guides).
Local Culture: Sample Cat Hai fish sauce, National Park honey, or dried squid at Cat Ba Night Market ($2-$5).
Legend Travel Group offers sustainable tours to experience Cat Ba’s highlights while supporting the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project. All prices are in USD, including transportation, English-speaking guides, entrance fees, and eco-friendly activities.
2-Day Cat Ba National Park and Lan Ha Bay Adventure
Price: $159 per person (group of 4+); $209 per person (private tour)
Highlights: Trek Ngu Lam Peak, swim at Cat Co 2 Beach, cruise Lan Ha Bay, and visit Cai Beo Fishing Village. Includes a Viet Hai Village homestay and conservation donation.
Itinerary: Day 1 - Ferry to Cat Ba, National Park trek, beach time. Day 2 - Lan Ha Bay cruise, village visit.
3-Day Coastal and Wildlife Discovery Tour
Price: $259 per person (group of 4+); $309 per person (private tour)
Highlights: Explore Monkey Island, kayak in Lan Ha Bay, visit Trung Trang Cave, and tour the Endangered Primate Rescue Center in Cuc Phuong. Includes local seafood meals.
Itinerary: Day 1 - Arrival, beach time, Cannon Fort. Day 2 - Lan Ha Bay cruise, kayaking. Day 3 - National Park trek, Cuc Phuong visit.
1-Day Lan Ha Bay and Beach Eco-Tour
Price: $99 per person (full-day)
Highlights: Swim at Ba Trai Dao Beach, kayak through Lan Ha Bay’s lagoons, and enjoy a wildlife talk about the Cat Ba Langur.
Itinerary: Morning cruise and kayaking, afternoon village visit and wildlife talk.
Booking Information: Secure your tour with a $99 deposit via our website (www.legend.travel). Flexible cancellations up to 7 days before departure. Contact us for custom itineraries or group discounts. Single travelers pay 65-75% of double-occupancy rates for private tours.
There are several ways to Visit Cat Ba from Hanoi (Source: Internet)From Hanoi (150 km): Take a tourist bus to Hai Phong (2 hours, $10-$15) via the Hanoi-Hai Phong Expressway, then a ferry from Got Wharf to Cai Vieng Pier (45 minutes, $10-$15) or the Cat Ba Cable Car from Cat Hai to Phu Long ($6.50-$10, 10 minutes). Total travel time: 3-4 hours. Private cars cost $130-$150/ride. Combined bus-ferry tickets are available for $20-$25.
From Hai Phong (30 km): Board a speedboat or ferry from Binh Wharf to Cai Vieng Pier ($10-$15, 45 minutes). Private speedboats for 1-4 people cost $35.
From Ha Long Bay (25 km): Take a ferry from Tuan Chau Island to Gia Luan Port (30 minutes, $10-$15), then a taxi to Cat Ba Town ($5-$10, 20 minutes).
Within Cat Ba: Rent a motorbike ($5-$10/day) or taxi ($5-$15/trip) to explore. Legend Travel Group includes round-trip transfers in all tour packages.
Visit from April to October for warm, sunny weather (25°C-32°C), ideal for swimming, kayaking, and trekking. April and May offer clear skies and vibrant flora, with fewer crowds than June-August, the peak domestic tourism season. January to March brings cooler temperatures (15°C-20°C) and local festivals like the Elephant Festival, adding cultural charm. Avoid November to December due to occasional rain and fog, which may affect visibility and cruise schedules. Check weather updates, as tropical storms can occur from June to September.
Book Early: Reserve tours and accommodations 2-3 months in advance, especially for April-October, to secure the best rates.
Budget Wisely: Compare tour inclusions (transfers, meals, activities). Our tours include round-trip transfers from Hanoi or Hai Phong. Expect to pay $3-$5 for beach amenities, $5-$15 for meals, and $5-$10 for rentals (kayaks, bikes).
Eco-Conscious Travel: Avoid littering and respect wildlife, especially on Monkey Island. Choose tours supporting the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project.
Pack Smart: Bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes, a hat, and a waterproof bag for kayaking. Insect repellent is essential for jungle treks.
Local Culture: Connect with locals at Cai Beo Fishing Village or Viet Hai Hamlet for authentic experiences. Try Cat Hai fish sauce or National Park honey ($3-$10) at Cat Ba Night Market.
Crowd Avoidance: Visit midweek to avoid weekend crowds, especially during Vietnamese holidays (April 30, May 1, September 2). Use speedboats or the cable car to bypass ferry queues.
Safety: Avoid swimming after 6 p.m. due to high tides, and follow guide instructions in caves and on treks.
Embrace the vibrant spirit of Cat Ba Travel adventures (Source: Internet)Legend Travel Group, a local tour operator committed to sustainable tourism, partners with the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project to protect Cat Ba’s biodiversity. With over a decade of expertise, we offer personalized itineraries, expert guides, and seamless logistics, ensuring a responsible and unforgettable adventure. Our Cat Ba Tours blend exploration, relaxation, and cultural immersion, making your Cat Ba trip truly unique. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours at www.legend.travel and book your eco-journey today!
Book Now: Discover Cat Ba Island’s pristine beauty with Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours. Secure your adventure with a $99 deposit at www.legend.travel and experience Vietnam’s natural paradise sustainably!
Ready to explore Ba Le Well’s ancient charm? Reserve your tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse yourself in Vietnam’s cultural heritage!
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.
Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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