Top Cat Ba Island Activities: Adventure, Relaxation & More

Cat Ba Island, located in Vietnam’s Gulf of Tonkin near Hai Phong City, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its biodiversity and dramatic karst landscapes. Unlike the busier Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay surrounding Cat Ba offers a serene yet equally breathtaking alternative. From adrenaline-pumping rock climbing to tranquil kayaking through hidden lagoons, the island’s activities cater to all travelers. Below, we’ve curated the best things to do, ensuring a balance of excitement and rejuvenation, along with up-to-date pricing and service details.

1. Rock Climbing in Butterfly Valley

Cat Ba’s limestone cliffs make it a haven for rock climbers. Butterfly Valley, a short ride from Cat Ba Town, is the epicenter of this thrilling activity. Experienced climbers can purchase a daily permit for approximately 70,000 VND (~$2.80 USD) at The Hive Climbing Centre or Asia Outdoors in Cat Ba Town. Gear rentals, including ropes and harnesses, cost around 150,000–200,000 VND (~$6–$8 USD) per day. For beginners, guided climbing tours with professional instructors are available for 600,000–800,000 VND (~$24–$32 USD) per person for a half-day session. These tours include equipment, safety briefings, and access to beginner-friendly routes.

Pro Tip: Book guided tours in advance during peak season (April–November) to secure spots. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water for this physically demanding activity.

2. Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay

Kayaking is a must-do to explore Lan Ha Bay’s hidden lagoons, floating villages, and secluded beaches like Vanboi and Freedom Islands. Many Lan Ha Bay cruises include kayaking, but you can also book standalone tours. Half-day guided kayaking trips cost 400,000–600,000 VND (~$16–$24 USD) per person, while full-day tours range from 800,000–1,200,000 VND (~$32–$48 USD). For independent adventurers, kayak rentals are available in Cat Ba Town for 150,000–250,000 VND (~$6–$10 USD) per day. Use a waterproof bag and offline maps like Maps.Me to navigate safely.

Safety Note: Ensure you’re a confident swimmer and check weather conditions, as waters are calmest from April to November.

3. Snorkeling in Lan Ha Bay

Discover Cat Ba’s underwater world with a snorkeling adventure. The coral reefs and marine life are most vibrant between May and September when water clarity peaks. Snorkeling tours, often combined with kayaking, cost 500,000–900,000 VND (~$20–$36 USD) for a half-day trip, including gear and a guide. Some Lan Ha Bay cruises, like those offered by Thu Thuy Cruise, include snorkeling stops at sandbars and fish farms. For a budget-friendly option, rent snorkeling gear for 100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–$6 USD) per day and explore near Tung Thu Beach.

Eco Tip: Avoid touching coral or disturbing marine life to preserve Cat Ba’s delicate ecosystem.

4. Swimming at Cat Ba’s Beaches

Cat Ba’s beaches are perfect for swimming and relaxation. The most accessible are Cat Co Beaches 1, 2, and 3, just a 5-minute walk from Cat Ba Town. These sandy coves feature turquoise waters and cost nothing to visit, though sunbed and umbrella rentals are 100,000–200,000 VND (~$4–$8 USD) per day. Tung Thu Beach, near the town, is family-friendly with water sports like paddleboarding for 200,000 VND (~$8 USD) per hour. For a quieter escape, Chut Chit Beach on the west side offers a serene, almost deserted vibe.

Crowd Alert: Cat Co Beaches get busy during Vietnamese summer holidays (June–August). Visit early in the morning for a peaceful swim.

5. Hiking in Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park, a biodiversity hotspot, is home to the endangered Cat Ba Langur and offers trails for all fitness levels. Entry costs 80,000 VND (~$3.20 USD), including access to Trung Trang Cave. Popular trails include the 1.8-km Ngu Lam Peak hike (90 minutes, moderate) and the 9-km Viet Hai Village trail (challenging, best with a guide). Guided full-day hiking tours cost 500,000–700,000 VND (~$20–$28 USD) per person. Viet Hai Village, reachable by a 1-hour trek or bike ride, offers cultural immersion and stunning bay views.

Gear Tip: Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring insect repellent, especially for jungle trails.

6. Exploring Historical Sites

Dive into Cat Ba’s history at Cannon Fort and Hospital Cave. Cannon Fort, a 20-minute climb from Cat Ba Town, offers panoramic views and WWII-era relics for a 50,000 VND (~$2 USD) entry fee. Hospital Cave, used as a secret hospital during the Vietnam War, charges 40,000 VND (~$1.60 USD) and features 17 rooms, including a cinema and pool. Guided tours combining both sites cost 300,000–400,000 VND (~$12–$16 USD) per person.

History Buff Tip: Visit Cannon Fort at sunset for breathtaking views of Lan Ha Bay.

7. Night Squid Fishing

Experience local culture with a night squid fishing tour, a unique activity costing 600,000–1,000,000 VND (~$24–$40 USD) per person. These 3–4-hour tours, often departing from Ben Beo Harbour, include fishing gear, a boat ride, and a chance to catch squid under lantern light. Some tours offer onboard seafood dinners for an additional 200,000 VND (~$8 USD).

Booking Tip: Reserve through reputable operators like Vietnamtour.in for a safe and authentic experience.

• Best Time to Visit: April to November offers warm weather ideal for water activities and hiking. October–November and March–April are less crowded with pleasant temperatures. Winter (December–February) is quieter but chilly for swimming.

• Getting There: From Hanoi, take a Cat Ba Express or Good Morning Cat Ba bus-ferry combo (3–4 hours, 276,000–345,000 VND/~$11–$14 USD). From Hai Phong, speedboats from Ben Binh Pier take 45 minutes (220,000 VND/~$9 USD). Ferries from Tuan Chau Port (Ha Long Bay) to Cat Ba cost 220,000 VND (~$9 USD) and take 1 hour.

• Getting Around: Rent a motorbike (100,000–150,000 VND/~$4–$6 USD per day) or bicycle (50,000–100,000 VND/~$2–$4 USD per day) for flexibility. Motorcycle taxis and Grab are also available.

• Accommodation: Budget hostels like Central Backpackers Hostel start at 150,000 VND (~$6 USD) per dorm bed. Mid-range hotels like Cat Ba Mountain View offer sea-view rooms for 750,000 VND (~$30 USD). Luxury options like Blue Lagoon Cat Ba start at 2,000,000 VND (~$80 USD).

• Dining: Enjoy fresh seafood at Yummy Restaurant or Oasis Bar, with meals averaging 100,000–200,000 VND (~$4–$8 USD). Try local specialties like otter clams or Cat Hai fish sauce.

Cat Ba, a standout destination for its affordability, diverse activities, and less crowded alternative to Ha Long Bay, offers a perfect mix of adventure and tranquility. Whether you’re scaling cliffs, paddling through karst-studded waters, or savoring a beachside meal, the island delivers unforgettable experiences. Legend Travel Group’s Cat Ba Tours guide you through this natural and cultural gem, ensuring a sustainable Cat Ba Travel journey that blends eco-friendly practices with immersive exploration. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-journey today!
Ready to Explore? Book your tours and accommodations early, especially during peak season, to secure the best deals. Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable Cat Ba 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.