How Long to Spend on Cat Ba Island: Perfect Itineraries for 2–5 Days

Cat Ba Island, nestled in Vietnam’s Gulf of Tonkin, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Lan Ha Bay’s limestone karsts, Cat Ba National Park’s jungles, and historical sites like Cannon Fort draw millions annually. With pristine beaches, floating villages, and affordable seafood, it’s a quieter alternative to Ha Long Bay. This guide explores how long to spend on Cat Ba, offering tailored 2–5 day itineraries to suit adventurers, relaxation seekers, and culture enthusiasts, complete with current pricing and insider tips.

Cat Ba’s diverse attractions make it a must-visit:

• Jungle: Cat Ba National Park spans 17,362 hectares of tropical forests, home to the endangered Cat Ba Langur (~80 individuals) and 1,500+ plant species.

• Beaches: From bustling Cat Co Beaches to secluded Tung Thu, the island offers sandy shores for swimming and water sports.

• Seascape: Lan Ha Bay’s 400+ islets and emerald waters provide kayaking, cruising, and snorkeling opportunities.

• History: Sites like Cannon Fort and Hospital Cave reflect Vietnam’s wartime past.

• Culture: Cai Beo Fishing Village and local markets showcase traditional coastal life.

How long you stay depends on which aspects you prioritize and your travel pace. Below, we outline itineraries for 2–5 days to help you decide.

Perfect for a weekend getaway, this itinerary covers key highlights but skips deeper exploration.

Day 1: Arrival & Beaches

• Morning: Arrive from Hanoi via bus-ferry (~300,000–350,000 VND/$12–$14 USD, 3–4 hours) or Hai Phong by speedboat (~220,000 VND/$9 USD, 45 minutes). Check into a budget hostel like Cat Ba Green (~150,000 VND/$6 USD) or mid-range hotel like Cat Ba Central (~750,000 VND/$30 USD).

• Afternoon: Visit Tung Thu Beach (5-minute motorbike ride, ~120,000 VND/$4.80 USD rental) for swimming or paddleboarding (~200,000 VND/$8 USD per hour). It’s quieter than Cat Co Beaches 1–3.

• Evening: Explore Cat Ba Night Market (5:00 PM–11:00 PM) for street food like shrimp noodle soup (~50,000–80,000 VND/$2–$3.20 USD) or souvenirs like Cat Hai fish sauce (~50,000–100,000 VND/$2–$4 USD). Dine at Quan Cat Ba Family (~120,000 VND/$4.80 USD).

Day 2: Cannon Fort & Departure

• Morning: Visit Cannon Fort (10-minute walk or ~50,000 VND/$2 USD taxi, 50,000 VND/$2 USD entry) for panoramic views and WWII relics. Pair with Hospital Cave (~40,000 VND/$1.60 USD) for history.

• Afternoon: Lunch at Yummy Restaurant (~100,000–200,000 VND/$4–$8 USD) and depart via afternoon ferry to avoid crowds (~220,000 VND/$9 USD to Hai Phong).

Best For: Busy travelers seeking a quick escape with beach and history highlights.

Tip: Arrive early on Day 1 to maximize time. Book accommodations in Cat Ba Town for proximity.

This is the sweet spot for experiencing Cat Ba’s core offerings, including Lan Ha Bay.

Day 1: Beaches & Night Market

• Same as Day 1 of the 2-day itinerary, with an optional cyclo tour (~100,000 VND/$4 USD per hour) to explore Cat Ba Town’s promenade.

Day 2: Lan Ha Bay Cruise

• Full Day: Join a Lan Ha Bay day cruise (~600,000–1,200,000 VND/$24–$48 USD, booked via Cat Ba Ventures). Depart 8:00 AM from Beo Pier, visiting Pen Islet, kayaking through Dark Cave (included), and swimming at Ba Trai Dao Beach. Lunch onboard includes fresh seafood.

• Afternoon: Stop at Cai Beo Fishing Village, Vietnam’s oldest, to see floating homes and sample oysters (~100,000 VND/$4 USD).

• Evening: Dine at Vu Duong Seafood for grilled grouper (~200,000–350,000 VND/$8–$14 USD) or relax at Oasis Bar with live music (~100,000 VND/$4 USD for drinks and snacks).

Day 3: Cat Ba National Park & Departure

• Morning: Explore Cat Ba National Park (15 km, ~200,000 VND/$8 USD taxi, 80,000 VND/$3.20 USD entry). Hike the 1.8-km Ngu Lam Peak trail (90 minutes) or visit Trung Trang Cave (included). Buy forest honey (~150,000 VND/$6 USD) as a souvenir.

• Afternoon: Lunch at Phuong Nhung (~120,000 VND/$4.80 USD) and depart via afternoon ferry.

Best For: Travelers wanting a balanced mix of nature, culture, and relaxation.

Tip: Book cruises early, especially October–April. Check refund policies for weather disruptions.

This itinerary adds an overnight cruise for a deeper Lan Ha Bay experience.

Day 1 & 2: Same as the 3-day itinerary.

Day 3: Overnight Lan Ha Bay Cruise

• Full Day/Night: Book a 2-day, 1-night Lan Ha Bay cruise (~2,000,000–3,500,000 VND/$80–$140 USD, e.g., Genesis Regal Cruise). Activities include kayaking, visiting remote islets like Turtle Islet, and night squid fishing (~included). Sleep in private cabins with bay views.

• Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner onboard (~included) and stargazing.

Day 4: Cai Beo & Departure

• Morning: Visit Cai Beo Fishing Village post-cruise (arrive by 11:00 AM). Explore or relax at Cat Co Beach 2 (free entry, ~100,000 VND/$4 USD for sunbeds).

• Afternoon: Lunch at Quan Oc 198 (~100,000 VND/$4 USD) and depart.

Best For: Those seeking relaxation and immersive bay experiences.

Tip: Pack light for the cruise; most boats provide essentials.

This itinerary extends the cruise for maximum tranquility and adds jungle adventures.

Day 1–2: Same as the 3-day itinerary.

Day 3–4: 3-Day, 2-Night Lan Ha Bay Cruise

• Full Days/Nights: Opt for a 3-day, 2-night cruise (~3,500,000–5,000,000 VND/$140–$200 USD). Explore quieter areas like Viet Hai Village by bike (~100,000 VND/$4 USD rental), kayak through hidden lagoons, and enjoy beach BBQs. The extended itinerary offers more time for snorkeling (~150,000 VND/$6 USD) and cultural stops.

• Evenings: Dine onboard and try night squid fishing.

Day 5: Cat Ba National Park & Departure

• Same as Day 3 of the 3-day itinerary, with an optional Viet Hai Village trek (~150,000 VND/$6 USD boat round-trip) if time allows.

Best For: Nature lovers and those craving an unhurried bay experience.

Tip: Choose eco-friendly operators like Blue Swimmers to support sustainability.

Cat Ba’s seafood is a highlight, best at the night market or restaurants like Quan Cat Ba:

• 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 availability).

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

Eco Tip: Opt for sustainable seafood to support local fisheries.

November offers ideal weather (20–25°C/68–77°F) with clear skies. October–April is dry, with March–April and October–November less crowded. May–September risks storms, potentially canceling cruises. February–April may have fog, adding a mystical vibe but reducing visibility. Check cruise refund policies (typically 24-hour cancellation) for weather disruptions.

• Getting There: From Hanoi, bus-ferry (~300,000–350,000 VND/$12–$14 USD). From Hai Phong, speedboats (~220,000 VND/$9 USD). Ferries from Tuan Chau (Ha Long Bay) take 1 hour (~220,000 VND/$9 USD).

• Getting Around: Motorbikes (~120,000 VND/$4.80 USD per day), bicycles (~50,000 VND/$2 USD), or taxis (~50,000–200,000 VND/$2–$8 USD).

• Accommodation: Book hotels in Cat Ba Town (e.g., Hôtel Perle d’Orient, ~2,000,000 VND/$80 USD) or homestays (~500,000 VND/$20 USD) in advance, especially October–April.

• Safety: Avoid swimming after 6:00 PM in summer due to high tides. Depart in the afternoon to avoid ferry crowds.

• Shopping: Beware of overpriced souvenirs at markets; compare prices. Buy specialties like fish sauce from reputable stalls.

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

Cat Ba Island, in Hai Phong City, offers a budget-friendly, less crowded alternative to Ha Long Bay, with Lan Ha Bay’s serene beauty, Cat Ba National Park’s biodiversity, and rich history. Whether you stay 2 or 5 days, its beaches, jungles, and cultural gems ensure a memorable escape.

Plan Your Trip: Book Cruises and Hotels Early for Peak Season

To make the most of your Cat Ba adventure, book cruises and hotels early for peak season (June–August), when demand surges. Here’s a quick guide:

2-Day Itinerary (Weekend Getaway)

• Day 1: Arrival & Lan Ha Bay Cruise
  Arrive via Halong Bay ferry ($5–$10, 45 minutes) or hydrofoil from Hanoi ($15–$25, 2.5 hours). Join a day cruise to Lan Ha Bay ($20–$40) for kayaking and snorkeling amid limestone karsts. Evening: Relax at Cat Ba Town’s night market for fresh seafood ($3–$8).

• Day 2: National Park Exploration
  Hike Cat Ba National Park trails ($2 entry) to spot monkeys and birds. Visit Cannon Fort for panoramic views. Depart via ferry, arriving back in Hanoi by evening.

5-Day Itinerary (Deeper Immersion)

• Day 1–2: Lan Ha Bay & Beaches
  Cruise Lan Ha Bay, kayak to hidden lagoons, and beach-hop to Viet Hai or Cannon Beach (free access). Stay in eco-homestays ($20–$50/night).

• Day 3: National Park & Caves
  Trek to Trung Trang Cave ($1 entry) and Hospital Cave. Join a Viet Hai Village bike tour ($10) for rural insights.

• Day 4: Cultural Gems & Kayaking
  Explore Cat Ba Town’s French colonial architecture and seafood feasts. Evening kayak tour ($15–$25) under stars.

• Day 5: Relaxation & Departure
  Morning swim at Cat Co Beach, then ferry back.

Pro Tip: Opt for Legend Travel Group’s eco-cruises to support sustainable tourism—low-impact boats and community homestays minimize environmental impact.

Share your Cat Ba itinerary in the comments below—how many days are you planning, and what’s your must-do activity?

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 Information: By Tony Bui at Legend Travel Group