Discover what to do in Cat Ba at night with our 2025 guide. Explore the bustling night market, savor fresh seafood, enjoy floating barge karaoke, and more. Prices, must-try dishes, and tips included!
Capture the lively energy of Cat Ba’s cultural gem (Source: Internet)
Experience Cat Ba Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)When night falls, Cat Ba Town comes alive with twinkling lights, aromatic street food, and a laid-back yet lively vibe. The Cat Ba Night Market, located near the Central Wharf Bridge, is a highlight, offering fresh seafood, local snacks, and souvenirs. Seafood lovers can indulge in budget-friendly dishes at the Cat Ba Seafood Market or upscale floating restaurants. For a quirky twist, floating barge karaoke provides a uniquely Vietnamese experience. This guide details the best nighttime activities, updated with 2025 prices and recommendations to suit all travelers.
Photograph the flavorful allure of Cat Ba’s nightlife (Source: Internet)Cat Ba Seafood market is located near the center, on the 1/4 road. You can find many specialties of Cat Ba here such as dried squid, Cat Hai fish sauce, Mantis shrimp … Cat Ba seafood market is divided into 3 main areas: seafood market, vegetable market and meat market. Not only that, there are many places in the market such as food court (you can enjoy seafood dishes here), souvenir shops, clothing departments,… One more thing to say is the price of seafood at Cat Ba seafood market cheaper than many other places. Besides, you may bargain the cheaper price if you buy as much because the people here are very friendly and hospitable. If you intend to buy seafood here, it is a very smart decision.
Embrace the vibrant spirit of Cat Ba Travel adventures (Source: Internet)The Cat Ba Night Market, adjacent to the main Cat Ba Market on 1/4 Road, is a must-visit for evening entertainment. Open from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, it buzzes with stalls selling souvenirs, clothing, and local snacks. Highlights include:
Street Food: Try grilled cartilage sausage (~10,000 VND/$0.40 USD), spicy bread (~2,000 VND/$0.08 USD), or mantis shrimp porridge (~20,000 VND/$0.80 USD).
Souvenirs: Pick up Cat Hai fish sauce (~50,000–100,000 VND/$2–$4 USD per 500ml) or dried squid (~300,000–500,000 VND/$12–$20 USD per kg).
Atmosphere: Live music, bustling crowds, and colorful lanterns create a festive vibe.
Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds. Check prices before buying, as they’re generally fixed but consistent across vendors. Keep wallets secure in crowded areas.
Located on 1/4 Road, a 3-minute walk from the Fish Wharf Bridge, the Cat Ba Seafood Market is a seafood paradise open until 9:00 PM. Its food court and nearby stalls offer fresh, affordable dishes. Prices for 2025 include:
Shrimp: 150,000–300,000 VND (~$6–$12 USD) per kg.
Mantis Shrimp: 200,000–350,000 VND (~$8–$14 USD) per kg.
Squid: 180,000–250,000 VND (~$7.20–$10 USD) per kg.
Cooking Fee: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD) to have your purchases cooked at nearby restaurants.
The market’s three zones (seafood, vegetables, meat) also sell dried seafood for souvenirs. Bargaining can yield 10–20% discounts, especially for bulk buys, thanks to friendly vendors.
Pro Tip: Visit between 6:00–8:00 PM for the freshest catches and lively atmosphere. Pair your meal with a local beer (~20,000 VND/$0.80 USD).
For a quintessentially Vietnamese night, hop on a floating barge for karaoke. These illuminated barges, docked at Cat Ba Town’s pier or Ben Beo Harbour, offer private karaoke rooms on the water. A 2–3-hour session costs 500,000–800,000 VND (~$20–$32 USD) for a group of 6–8, including drinks and snacks. Some barges combine karaoke with seafood dinners (~200,000 VND/$8 USD per person extra).
Fun Fact: Karaoke is a beloved pastime in Vietnam, and no singing skills are required—just enthusiasm! Request English songs like ABBA or The Beatles for a crowd-pleasing night.
Booking Tip: Arrange through your hotel or operators like Cat Ba Express for reliable service.
Floating restaurants along Cat Ba’s coast, accessible by small boats from the pier (~50,000 VND/$2 USD round-trip), offer a unique dining experience with bay views. Expect higher prices than the market:
Lobster: 800,000–1,200,000 VND (~$32–$48 USD) per kg.
Sea Crab: 400,000–600,000 VND (~$16–$24 USD) per kg.
Seafood Hotpot: 300,000–500,000 VND (~$12–$20 USD) per person.
Restaurants like Vu Duong Seafood or Hai Yen serve dishes like grilled squid and seaweed salad. The ambiance, with twinkling lights and sea breezes, justifies the cost.
Reservation Tip: Book via your hotel for reputable operators, as prices can vary.
Cat Ba’s nightlife includes laid-back bars and live music spots, mostly along 1/4 Road and Nui Ngoc Street. Top picks for 2025:
Rose Club: Open 5:00 PM–3:00 AM (midnight on Saturdays), offering DJ sets, cocktails (~100,000 VND/$4 USD), and a lively crowd.
Noble House: A second-floor bar with ocean views, pool tables, and cheap beers (~30,000 VND/$1.20 USD).
Oasis Bar: Known for fresh seafood dishes and live music on weekends (~100,000–200,000 VND/$4–$8 USD per meal).
Flightless Bird Cafe: A cozy spot for acoustic performances and coffee (~50,000 VND/$2 USD).
Note: Bars get crowded during peak season (October–April). Arrive by 8:00 PM for a good seat.
For a relaxing evening, walk along Cat Co Beaches 1, 2, or 3, just 5–10 minutes from Cat Ba Town. The coastal path is lively with families, tandem bike rentals (~50,000 VND/$2 USD per hour), and souvenir stalls. The sea breeze and starry skies create a serene vibe, perfect for couples or solo travelers.
Tip: Visit Cat Co 2 for a quieter experience. Bring a light jacket, as evenings can be cool.
Join a night squid fishing tour from Ben Beo Harbour for a cultural adventure. These 3–4-hour trips cost 600,000–1,000,000 VND (~$24–$40 USD) per person, including fishing gear and a boat ride. Some tours offer onboard seafood dinners (~200,000 VND/$8 USD extra). The glowing lanterns and calm waters make it a memorable outing.
Booking Tip: Reserve through operators like Good Morning Cat Ba for a safe experience.
Cat Ba’s nighttime dining scene shines with fresh seafood, available at the night market, seafood market, or restaurants. Top dishes for 2025 include:
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) (availability limited due to conservation concerns).
Roasted Mantis Shrimp: Salt-roasted, ~250,000–400,000 VND (~$10–$16 USD).
Dining Recommendations:
Yummy Restaurant: Asian-focused with pho and spring rolls (~100,000 VND/$4 USD).
Quan Cat Ba: Affordable seafood with bay views (~120,000 VND/$4.80 USD).
Phuong Nhung: Local dishes like seafood hotpot (~150,000 VND/$6 USD).
Eco Note: Opt for sustainable seafood like shrimp or squid to support local fisheries.
Begin your Cat Ba Tours with a scenic adventure (Source: Internet)Getting Around: Walk to the night market or seafood market (300m from Cat Ba Town center). Motorbike rentals (~120,000 VND/$4.80 USD per day) or taxis (~50,000 VND/$2 USD) for farther spots.
Safety: Keep belongings secure in crowded markets. Use well-lit paths for beach walks.
Cash: Bring VND for small vendors, as cards are rarely accepted. ATMs are available on 1/4 Road.
Language: Basic Vietnamese or a translation app helps with vendors. Locals are friendly but may speak limited English.
Dress: Casual attire for markets and bars; bring a jacket for cooler nights.
Getting to Cat Ba: 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).
Cat Ba’s nightlife blends affordability, local charm, and unique experiences. Whether you’re singing karaoke on a floating barge, feasting on mantis shrimp, or browsing the night market’s stalls, the island’s evenings offer a perfect mix of relaxation and excitement. Its proximity to Lan Ha Bay and warm hospitality make it a standout destination. Legend Travel Group’s Cat Ba Tours guide you through Cat Ba’s vibrant nightlife, ensuring a sustainable Cat Ba Travel experience filled with eco-friendly adventures and cultural immersion. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Cat Ba adventure today!
Plan Your Night: Book karaoke or fishing tours early during peak season. Reserve your eco-friendly tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable Cat Ba nightlife adventure!
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.
