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Located in the northeastern province of Vietnam, Cat Ba Island comprises 367 smaller islands and is one of the most popular sites to explore in Halong Bay. Featuring stunning natural landscapes, beachsides and rich biodiversity, Cat Ba Island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, standing out with its charm and unique blend of lush forests, dramatic limestone formations, and serene beaches. Be it adventure activities or a laidback exploration, this island enables you to experience it all.
Location
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Cat Ba Island is the largest island located in the Lan Ha Bay archipelago, a stunning collection of islands and islets located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Vietnam. It is approximately 124 kilometres east of Hanoi, the nation’s capital. It is the largest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago, consisting of more than 360 islands and islets.
How To Reach Cat Ba Island
There are primarily two main routes for travelling to Cat Ba Island – via Road and Ferry. You can pick the option that’s the most convenient for you. Due to its proximity to Hanoi, the travel to the island usually starts from Hanoi.
By Road: From Hanoi, you’ll take a bus or private car to the Cat Ba ferry terminal, typically located in the coastal town of Hai Phong. The journey usually takes between 2-3 hours.
By Ferry: Once you reach the ferry terminal, you’ll board a high-speed ferry for a scenic 30-minute crossing to Cat Ba Island. The ferries operate regularly throughout the day, so accessibility won’t be an issue.
Note: If you are travelling to Cat Ba Island from Hai Phong, you can take a high-speed ferry or traditional boat from Ben Binh pier to Cat Ba Island. The ferry ride will usually take around 1.5 hours.
Things To Do On Cat Ba Island
Exploring the Cat Ba Island map will make you realise that there are a variety of unique experiences to witness and indulge in:
1. Explore Cat Ba National Park
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The main attraction on Cat Ba Island is the Cat Ba National Park. It is spread across an area of 152 sq.km. The national park was established in 1986 and offers a glimpse into the beauty of the Ha Long Bay area. You get to witness dense tropical forests, limestone karsts, and mangrove swamps inside the national park. Also, if you are a trekking enthusiast, there are various trails, including viewpoints like Ngu Lam Peak. You can also indulge in cave exploration of Trung Trang Cave, which showcases impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
2. Relax On Cat Co Beaches
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For a rejuvenating experience without too much adventure, you can choose to relax on the Cat Co beaches too. There are three distinct variants – Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, and Cat Co 3. Each part of the beach offers a unique experience that you have to indulge in. For example, the first beach is known for its clear waters and vibrant atmosphere with nearby restaurants and shops. The second beach is ideal for swimming and relaxing. The third beach is quite secluded, allowing you to catch a break from the crowds and enjoy your own company.
3. Discover The Floating Villages
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Another unique experience that you have to explore while visiting Cat Ba Island is visiting the nearby floating villages. It enables you to get a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the local fishermen. Two of the most popular villages to visit are Vung Bau and Cai Beo. You do have to explore these villages via boat tour where you get to visit the villages, interact with the locals and explore the scenic views around.
4. Explore Hospital Cave
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As daunting as the name suggests, Hospital Cave is one of the most iconic and historical spots to visit in Cat Ba Island. During the Vietnam War, it served as a secret hospital and command centre, which is where it got its name from. Inside the cave, you get to explore the natural rock formations and learn about the role they played in war. There are underground rooms and passages, which you can explore as well.
Places To Visit Around Cat Ba Island
Once you are done exploring the beauty of Cat Ba Island tourism, you can take the remainder of the time to explore these scenic spots around:
1. Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located quite close to Cat Ba Island. The best way to explore this spot is through cruise tours, which include day trips and overnight cruise trips. Besides that, you can also participate in cave exploration of popular caves like Sung Sot Cave and Thien Cung Cave. You can embark on a boat tour from Cat Ba Island to Ha Long Bay.
Distance From Cat Ba Island: 22.7 km
Timings: 24*7
2. Tung Thu Beach
Photo: Anton Zelenov / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located in Hai Phong, around 2 km from the Cat Ba Island’s National Park Road, lies the Tung Thu beach. Compared to the Cat Co beaches, Tung Thu Beach is a fairly peaceful alternative to visit. The beauty of the clear waters of this beach makes it ideal for swimming and sunbathing too. Also, you can witness stunning sunsets from this beach while sipping on some beverages and eating snacks on the beach.
Distance From Cat Ba Island: 12.1 km
Timings: 24*7
3. Cannon Fort
Photo: Christophe95 / Wikimedia Commons
Often commonly known as the Cat Ba Fortress, Cannon Fort is another popular spot that you must add to your travel plans. The high-altitude location of this fort offers unobstructed views of Vietnam and the views of Cat Ba Island’s jungle-clad hills. You have to embark on a 10-minute hike from Cat Ba town to reach the entrance of this fort. From the entrance, it is another 20-minute steep uphill walk to reach the top of the fort. You can also take a “xe om” from the town.
Distance From Cat Ba Island: 10.4 km
Timings: 24*7
Where To Stay
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Cat Ba Island caters to a wide range of budgets and preferences, with accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts. There are beachfront resorts, bungalows and modern hotels available. Some of the popular accommodations you can consider booking are Rollezz Villas Beach Resort, Greenwood Beach Resort, Orange Creek Inn, Fountain Bay Resort & Marina, Pigeon Cay Beach Club, Fernandez Bay Village, and Hawk’s Nest Resort & Marina.
Where To Eat
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Due to the kind of dense tourist influx that the island experiences throughout the year, there are a variety of amazing restaurants, both luxury and budget-friendly, available on the island. Some of the spots that you can’t miss out on are Yummy Cat Ba, Green Mango Cat Ba, Buddha Belly Vegetarian Restaurant, Indian Restaurant Ganesh, Mona Restaurant, and Casa Bonita Restaurant.
Best Time To Visit
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The best time to visit this island is between April and October. The Cat Ba Island weather is comfortable and pleasant during these months and with warm and sunny weather with no rainfall. Exploring the tourist attractions and indulging in outdoor activities become a lot easier and hassle-free. The only precaution you need to prioritise is to book things ahead of time. For a quieter and more budget-friendly experience, consider visiting between March and November.
Cat Ba Island is one of those spots in Vietnam that has a little bit of something for every tourist. There’s adventure and relaxation and you get to immerse in the natural beauty of the surroundings. With the diverse ecosystems and warm hospitality of the people, it isn’t surprising that more and more tourists are now inclined towards visiting Cat Ba. So, pack your bags and ensure to secure all your bookings with TripXL for the best deals.
Cover Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels
