Top Cat Ba Island Attractions: Nature, Culture & Culinary Delights

Cat Ba Island, the largest in the Cat Ba Archipelago, is renowned for its dramatic limestone karsts, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it balances conservation with tourism, offering attractions like the biodiverse Cat Ba National Park, the serene Lan Ha Bay, and cultural gems like Viet Hai Village. This guide details the island’s must-visit spots, complete with current pricing, activities, and insider tips to craft a memorable trip.

1. Cat Ba National Park

At the heart of Cat Ba, this 109 km² national park (plus 52 km² of marine areas) is a biodiversity hotspot, home to the endangered Cat Ba Langur and over 1,500 plant species. Established in 1986, it was Vietnam’s first protected area with a marine component and became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2004. Visitors can explore trails like the 1.8-km Ngu Lam Peak (90 minutes, moderate) or the 9-km Viet Hai Village trek (challenging). Entry costs 80,000 VND (~$3.20 USD), including access to Trung Trang Cave. Guided tours, led by park rangers, cost 500,000–700,000 VND (~$20–$28 USD) for a full day.

Pro Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring insect repellent for jungle trails. Visit early morning to spot wildlife like hornbills.

2. Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay, with its 400 limestone islets and 139 sandy beaches, is a serene alternative to Ha Long Bay. Highlights include Hòn Guốc (Wooden Shoe Islet) and Hòn Dơi (Bat Grotto). Day cruises cost 600,000–1,200,000 VND (~$24–$48 USD) per person, including kayaking and lunch. Overnight stays at resorts like Monkey Island Resort or Sandy Beach Bungalow range from 750,000–2,000,000 VND (~$30–$80 USD) per night. Kayak rentals for independent exploration are 150,000–250,000 VND (~$6–$10 USD) per day.

Eco Tip: Choose eco-friendly operators like Thu Thuy Cruise to support sustainable tourism.

3. Viet Hai Village

Tucked in a lush valley, Viet Hai Village offers a glimpse into rural Vietnamese life. Reach it via a 6-km trek, bike ride, or motorbike from Viet Hai Harbour, accessible by boat from Cat Ba Town (150,000 VND/~$6 USD round-trip). The journey passes forests, caves, and a green lake. Village activities include visiting traditional houses and cycling through rice fields (bike rentals ~100,000 VND/$4 USD per day). Homestays cost 300,000–500,000 VND (~$12–$20 USD) per night, including meals.

Photography Tip: Stop at the cave en route for stunning shots of the karst landscape.

4. Cat Co Beaches

Cat Co Beaches 1, 2, and 3, just 1 km from Cat Ba Town, are perfect for swimming and relaxation. A 700m wooden walkway connects them, or hike over the hillock (20 minutes). Cat Co 2 is quieter and ideal for a peaceful day. Entry is free, but sunbeds and umbrellas cost 100,000–200,000 VND (~$4–$8 USD) per day. Nearby, Cai Vieng and Tung Thu beaches offer water sports like paddleboarding (~200,000 VND/$8 USD per hour).

Crowd Alert: Avoid weekends (June–August) for a less busy experience.

5. Monkey Island (Cat Dua Island)

Located in Lan Ha Bay’s Nam Cat area, Monkey Island is famed for its sandy beaches and playful monkey population. A 15-minute boat ride from Beo Harbour (100,000 VND/~$4 USD round-trip) takes you through floating villages and islets. The main beach, fringed with pineapple trees, is ideal for swimming, snorkeling (~150,000 VND/$6 USD for gear rental), or kayaking (~200,000 VND/$8 USD per day). Beach volleyball and fishing are also popular. Bungalows at Monkey Island Resort start at 800,000 VND (~$32 USD) per night.

Wildlife Note: Feed monkeys only with guidance from resort staff to avoid aggressive behavior.

6. Cannon Fort

Perched above Cat Ba Town, Cannon Fort offers panoramic views of Lan Ha Bay and WWII-era relics. The 20-minute walk or motorbike ride (taxi ~50,000 VND/$2 USD) leads to this historical site, with entry at 50,000 VND (~$2 USD). Explore tunnels, cannons, and a small museum. Sunset visits are particularly stunning.

History Tip: Combine with a Hospital Cave tour (40,000 VND/~$1.60 USD entry) for a full historical experience.

Cat Ba’s culinary scene is a highlight, with fresh seafood at its core. Visit the Cat Ba Seafood Market or local eateries like Yummy Restaurant for these dishes:

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

• Geoduck: Steamed or grilled, ~150,000–250,000 VND (~$6–$10 USD).

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

• Tri-Spine Horseshoe Crab: Grilled or stir-fried, ~200,000–300,000 VND (~$8–$12 USD).

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

Dining Tip: Pair with a local beer (~20,000 VND/$0.80 USD) at Oasis Bar for a budget-friendly meal.

• Best Time to Visit: April–November for warm weather ideal for beaches and cruises. October–November and March–April are less crowded. Winter (December–February) is cooler but quieter.

• Getting There: From Hanoi, bus-ferry combos (3–4 hours, 276,000–345,000 VND/~$11–$14 USD). From Hai Phong, speedboats (45 minutes, 220,000 VND/~$9 USD). Ferries from Tuan Chau (Ha Long Bay) take 1 hour (220,000 VND/~$9 USD).

• Getting Around: Motorbike rentals (~120,000 VND/$4.80 USD per day), bicycles (~50,000 VND/$2 USD per day), or Grab taxis. Walking is feasible for Cat Co Beaches and Cannon Fort.

• Accommodation: Budget hostels (~150,000 VND/$6 USD per dorm bed), mid-range hotels like Cat Ba Mountain View (~750,000 VND/$30 USD), or luxury resorts like Blue Lagoon Cat Ba (~2,000,000 VND/$80 USD).

• What to Bring: Cash for small vendors, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for hiking or beach walks.

Cat Ba, offering a perfect blend of adventure, serenity, and affordability compared to Ha Long Bay, captivates with its UNESCO-protected landscapes, vibrant marine life, and fresh seafood. Whether hiking through jungles, cruising turquoise waters, or savoring local dishes, Cat Ba promises an authentic and memorable escape. Legend Travel Group’s Cat Ba Tours guide you through this standout destination, ensuring a sustainable Cat Ba Travel experience filled with eco-friendly practices and cultural immersion. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Cat Ba adventure today!
Plan Your Trip: Book cruises and accommodations early, especially during peak season. Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable escape!

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.

By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group