12 Best Things to Do in Cat Ba Island: Vietnam’s Hidden Paradise

12 Best Things to Do in Cat Ba Island: Vietnam’s Hidden Paradise (2025 Guide)

Discover the untouched beauty of Northern Vietnam’s most magical island destination, with pristine beaches, breathtaking karst landscapes, and unforgettable adventures waiting around every corner.

Introduction: The Jewel of Northern Vietnam

Nestled just south of the world-famous Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba Island stands as Northern Vietnam’s most extraordinary natural treasure—yet remains largely undiscovered by international travelers. Despite welcoming nearly 3 million visitors annually, the vast majority are domestic tourists who congregate in just one small area of this expansive island paradise.

What most travelers miss is that Cat Ba Island offers an authentic North Vietnamese island experience unlike anywhere else in the country. With its dramatic limestone karsts rising from emerald waters, lush national park covering 70% of the island, secluded beaches, fascinating caves, and charming fishing villages, Cat Ba provides an unparalleled escape from the well-worn tourist path.

This comprehensive guide reveals the best things to do in Cat Ba Island in 2025, including insider tips on transportation, accommodation, activities, and why this destination deserves a prime spot on your Northern Vietnam itinerary.

Why Cat Ba Island Should Be on Your Vietnam Bucket List

Cat Ba Island isn’t just another beach destination—it’s a unique ecosystem where jungle-covered mountains dramatically meet the sea. Unlike the palm-fringed beaches of Southern Vietnam’s Phu Quoc or Con Dao islands, Cat Ba offers a distinctly Northern Vietnamese landscape: towering karst formations, thick emerald forests, and pristine beaches all within the stunning backdrop of the Cat Ba Archipelago’s 350+ islets.

What makes Cat Ba truly special is the striking contrast between its unspoiled wilderness and the developed Cat Ba Town on its southern tip. While the town area has grown increasingly busy (and is currently undergoing significant construction as of early 2025), the majority of this magnificent island remains pristine, authentic, and ripe for exploration.

How to Get to Cat Ba Island in 2025

Getting to Cat Ba Island is straightforward, with several transportation options from both Hanoi and Hai Phong. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of each option:

From Hanoi to Cat Ba Island:

From Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island:

By Bus

The most popular option for travelers is taking a direct bus from Hanoi. These services typically:

• Depart from Hanoi Old Quarter
• Drive to Got Pier on the east side of Hai Phong
• Transfer passengers to a ferry across to Van Vieng Pier
• Continue on a second bus for the scenic 40-minute journey to Cat Ba Town

For reliable service, consider booking with Daichii through 12go.asia, which offers consistent quality and reasonable prices.

By Taxi

For more privacy and convenience, hiring a taxi via Grab is surprisingly cost-effective. The entire journey, including the ferry crossing (where your car remains with you), offers a hassle-free experience without the need to change vehicles.

By Motorbike

For the adventurous traveler, riding a motorbike to Cat Ba provides the ultimate freedom to explore. The route follows the same path as other transport options, but allows you to:

• Feel the refreshing breeze as you navigate the island’s nearly empty roads
• Explore hidden beaches and viewpoints at your own pace
• Easily access the island’s less-visited regions

If coming from Hanoi or Ha Long by motorbike, head to Tuan Chau Pier and purchase a ferry ticket (₫90,000 with motorbike or ₫60,000 without). Check the ferry schedule in advance as departures are limited.

By Plane

While Cat Ba has no airport, you can fly to either:

• Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi (better for international arrivals)
• Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong (closer to Cat Ba, but only services domestic flights)

From either airport, make your way to Got Pier in Hai Phong, take the ferry to Cat Ba, and continue to your accommodation.

Where to Stay on Cat Ba Island: Beyond the Tourist Traps

Cat Ba offers diverse accommodation options across the island, from bustling town centers to serene natural retreats. Here’s our breakdown of where to stay in 2025:

Cat Ba Town (Not Recommended)

Important 2025 Update: Cat Ba Town has become a massive construction zone and no longer resembles its former self. We strongly recommend avoiding this area entirely and opting for the quieter locations below.

While Cat Ba Town offers plenty of hotels and conveniences, it suffers from overdevelopment, crowds, and cleanliness issues. If you must stay in town, consider:

• Secret Garden Hostel: Located in a quieter back alley less than 1km from the beach with spacious common areas ideal for meeting fellow travelers
• LePont Bungalow: Situated on the outskirts of town with spectacular views of both the ocean and city lights

Hung Son Area (Recommended)

Just northwest of Cat Ba Town lies the charming community of Hung Son, offering a more authentic island experience with cleaner air and quaint local businesses. Top accommodations include:

• Windy Garden Hostel: Affordable bungalows (around ₫285,000/night) set in attractive grounds with a pool
• Cat Ba Mountain View: Unique bungalows built into a limestone mountainside with panoramic ocean views from the pool area

Traditional Hamlets for Cultural Immersion

For travelers seeking authentic experiences and peaceful surroundings, consider these accommodations in Cat Ba’s traditional hamlets:

• Cat Ba Eco-Lodge in Xuan Dam Hamlet: Rustic wooden cabins with mountain and garden views
• Lan Homestay in Viet Hai Hamlet: A lush green sanctuary far from the tourist trail on the island’s eastern side

National Park Accommodation

Nature enthusiasts should consider Hoi Lake Farmstay, perfectly positioned for exploring Cat Ba National Park’s numerous hiking trails and natural wonders.

12 Best Things to Do in Cat Ba Island

1. Experience a Lan Ha Bay Cruise

A boat tour around Cat Ba Island offers the quintessential Northern Vietnam experience, showcasing the area’s magnificent karst formations and crystal-clear waters. Unlike the overcrowded Ha Long Bay cruises, a Cat Ba Island cruise through Lan Ha Bay provides a more intimate and authentic experience.

For the ultimate experience, book the 2-Day Ha Long & Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise, which consistently receives excellent reviews on TripAdvisor. These luxury cruises offer:

• Snorkeling in secluded bays
• Exploration of hidden caves
• Cliff jumping for adventure seekers
• Climbing rocky islets for panoramic views
• Kayaking through karst formations
• Swimming in pristine waters
• Visiting Monkey Island, home to the endangered Cat Ba langur
• Unparalleled views of Lan Ha Bay’s otherworldly karst landscape

While day tours start from ₫400,000-800,000 per person, the luxury overnight experience provides greater immersion in this natural wonder.

2. Discover Cat Ba’s Hidden Beaches

Cat Ba Island boasts several stunning beaches, each with its own unique character:

• Tung Thu Beach: Located near town yet surprisingly clean, with excellent water sports options making it ideal for families
• Chut Chit Beach: A secluded gem on the island’s west side, often completely empty with an intriguing abandoned resort nearby creating a memorable atmosphere
• Cat Co Beaches 1, 2, and 3: Popular with domestic tourists due to their proximity to town, but increasingly affected by overcrowding, development, and pollution

For the most authentic beach experience, venture beyond the main tourist areas to discover pristine stretches of sand with minimal crowds.

3. Explore Underground Wonders: Cat Ba’s Cave Systems

Cat Ba’s limestone geology has created an underground world waiting to be explored:

• Hospital Cave: The second most impressive cave in Vietnam (after Paradise Cave in Phong Nha), remarkable for its historical significance as a fully-functioning military hospital during the war, complete with operating rooms, exam areas, a movie theater, and staff facilities
• Trung Trang Cave: One of Cat Ba’s longer caves, featuring spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations that create otherworldly underground landscapes
• Other Notable Caves: Hoa Cuong Cave, Hang Luon Cave, and Kim Giao Cave offer additional exploration opportunities for the adventurous traveler

Entry to Trung Trang Cave is included with the ₫80,000 National Park entrance fee.

4. Trek Through Cat Ba National Park

The northern half of Cat Ba Island houses a magnificent national park characterized by unique limestone forests growing atop karst formations. Popular hiking trails include:

Park entrance costs ₫80,000 and includes access to Trung Trang Cave. Guided tours are available for those wanting expert commentary on the park’s unique ecosystem.

5. Walk the Scenic Rock Trail

For visitors seeking a shorter but equally spectacular natural experience, the Rock Trail offers breathtaking coastal views without demanding significant time or physical exertion:

1. Begin at Cat Ba Square in the center of town
2. Follow the waterfront footpath southward
3. Continue past Le Pont Bungalow
4. Cross Cat Co 3 Beach to find stone stairs leading to a paved pathway
5. Follow the 20-minute coastal walkway along the island’s southeastern tip
6. End at Cat Co 1 Beach

This easily accessible trail showcases some of Northern Vietnam’s most stunning coastal scenery.

6. Visit the Mystical Hoa Cuong Temple

Near Gia Luan Bridge at the northern tip of Cat Ba lies a hidden pagoda built into a hillside on an unnamed islet. Accessible only by crossing a rustic bamboo bridge on foot, this secluded temple offers serene views across the bay inlet and provides a peaceful sanctuary away from tourist crowds.

The temple makes an ideal stop when traveling to or from the ferry terminal, offering both spiritual significance and photographic opportunities.

7. Kayak Through Limestone Karsts

Kayaking provides an intimate way to explore Cat Ba’s surrounding waters and limestone formations. Many boat tours include kayaking opportunities, but you can also rent kayaks independently from several operators along the beaches.

Paddle through hidden lagoons, explore sea caves only accessible by small watercraft, and experience the tranquility of Lan Ha Bay from water level.

8. Cycle Around the Island

Bicycle rental shops in Cat Ba Town offer an eco-friendly way to explore the island at your own pace. The island’s relatively compact size makes it perfect for cycling enthusiasts of all levels, with scenic routes taking you through:

• Traditional fishing villages
• Verdant rice paddies
• Coastal roads with spectacular views
• Quiet country lanes through the island’s interior

Most accommodations can arrange bicycle rentals, typically costing ₫50,000-100,000 per day.

9. Visit Viet Hai Ancient Village

Nestled in a valley on the eastern side of Cat Ba Island, Viet Hai Ancient Village offers a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese rural life. Accessible by either boat or a 6km hike through the national park, this remote settlement features:

• Traditional wooden stilt houses
• Organic farms and gardens
• Local handicraft workshops
• Authentic home-cooked Vietnamese cuisine

The village’s isolation has preserved its cultural heritage, making it a fascinating contrast to the more developed areas of Cat Ba.

10. Photograph the Sunset from Cannon Fort

Perched high above Cat Ba Town, Cannon Fort offers the island’s most spectacular panoramic views. Originally built by the Japanese during World War II and later used by the Vietnamese during conflicts with France and America, the fort now serves as a historical site and premier viewpoint.

Arrive in late afternoon to:

• Explore the preserved military installations and tunnels
• Learn about the region’s strategic importance through historical exhibits
• Witness the breathtaking sunset over Lan Ha Bay’s karst formations

The entrance fee is ₫40,000, and the fort is accessible by motorbike, taxi, or a challenging uphill walk from town.

11. Rock Climbing on Natural Limestone

Cat Ba’s dramatic limestone cliffs provide world-class rock climbing opportunities for enthusiasts of all skill levels. Several operators in Cat Ba Town offer guided climbing experiences, including:

• Beginner instruction on basic techniques
• Deep-water soloing (climbing without ropes over water)
• Multi-pitch routes for experienced climbers
• Bouldering opportunities on smaller formations

Equipment rental and guide services typically range from ₫500,000-1,500,000 depending on duration and experience level.

12. Spot Endangered Wildlife

Cat Ba Island hosts several endangered species, most notably the Cat Ba Langur (golden-headed langur), one of the world’s most critically endangered primates with fewer than 70 individuals remaining.

Wildlife enthusiasts can:

• Join specialized eco-tours focused on conservation
• Visit Monkey Island for guaranteed primate sightings (though these are a different species than the rare Cat Ba Langur)
• Explore the national park with knowledgeable guides who can identify flora and fauna
• Support conservation efforts through responsible tourism

Cat Ba Island vs. Ha Long Bay: Which Offers the Better Experience?

While Ha Long Bay cruises remain Vietnam’s most popular tourist activity, Cat Ba Island-based cruises through Lan Ha Bay offer numerous advantages:

Cat Ba/Lan Ha Bay Advantages:

• Significantly fewer tourist boats creating a more serene atmosphere
• Equally impressive (if not more beautiful) karst formations
• More interesting and varied excursion destinations
• Lower prices (around ₫500,000 per person compared to ₫1.5-2 million for Ha Long)
• Cleaner waters for swimming and water activities

For the ultimate experience, consider booking the Ha Long Bay Lux Cruise, which combines the best of both worlds: the brand recognition of Ha Long Bay with the unspoiled beauty of Lan Ha Bay. Their 2-day cruise option consistently receives excellent reviews on TripAdvisor for providing luxury accommodations while exploring less crowded waters.

Best Time to Visit Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island experiences four distinct seasons:

• Spring (February-April): Mild temperatures and occasional light rain create lush landscapes; fewer tourists
• Summer (May-August): Peak tourist season with hot temperatures (28-32°C) and occasional brief thunderstorms
• Fall (September-November): Ideal weather with moderate temperatures and clear skies; reduced crowds
• Winter (December-January): Cooler temperatures (15-20°C) with occasional mist creating mystical landscapes

The optimal times to visit are April-May and September-October when you’ll experience pleasant weather without extreme crowds or temperatures.

Final Thoughts: Why Cat Ba Should Be Your Next Vietnam Destination

Cat Ba Island offers an extraordinary blend of natural beauty, adventure opportunities, and cultural experiences that make it one of Northern Vietnam’s most underrated destinations. While domestic tourism has discovered its charms, international travelers who venture beyond Ha Long Bay are rewarded with more authentic experiences at lower prices.

By following this guide to the best things to do in Cat Ba Island, you’ll discover pristine beaches, majestic karst formations, lush jungles, fascinating caves, and warm local hospitality—all without the overwhelming crowds of Vietnam’s more established destinations.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, nature, or cultural immersion, Cat Ba Island deserves a prominent place on your Northern Vietnam itinerary.

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