Cat Ba Island annually attracts an influx of Indian visitors who seek relaxation and the discovery of enchanting sceneries. With many resemblances to Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba Island has become an ideal tourist destination in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
In this article, we provide you with a full guide to travel to Cat Ba Island, including its location, when and how to get to the island, as well as top things to do on this island.
Is Cat Ba Island Worth Visiting?
- Location: Cat Ba Island is in Cat Hai district, Hai Phong City. The distance from Hanoi to Cat Ba island is about 150 km and about 30km from Hai Phong to Cat Ba.
Cat Ba archipelago includes 367 islands located south of Halong Bay. Among them, Cat Ba island is an attractive destination for tourists. The island has an area of 153 km², with the highest mountain peak of up to 331m. This is a submerged tropical karst terrain area with a unique landscape similar to Ha Long Bay (in Quang Ninh province).
Cat Ba boasts unique limestone mountains, crystal clear waters, many beautiful caves and karst valleys, as well as diverse flora and fauna ecosystems. On September 16, 2023, the Cat Ba archipelago, along with Ha Long Bay, was officially recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Cat Ba Island is from April to October. During this period, the weather on the island is pleasant and ideal for swimming and outdoor activities. From November to March, the island is quite deserted, suitable for Indian tourists seeking tranquility and relaxation.
How To Reach Cat Ba Island
From Hanoi to Cat Ba
Located 140 km from Hanoi, Cat Ba requires tourists to utilize various modes of transportation to travel between these two destinations. Initially, Indian tourists typically embark on a journey from Hanoi to the Cat Hai district of Hai Phong City, either by car or coach.
Upon reaching Cat Hai, travelers have two options for reaching Cat Ba: ferry or cable car. Both options offer a 10-minute journey, with one-way ticket prices set at 20,000 VND ($1) per person for the ferry and 100,000 VND ($4) per person for the cable car.
From Hai Phong to Cat Ba
For Indian visitors departing from Hai Phong city center, the express boat from Binh Wharf to Cat Ba is the optimal choice. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes, with a ticket price of around 300,000 VND ($11.8).
Things To Do On Cat Ba Island
Relaxing on the beaches
Cat Ba is renowned for its stunning beaches, boasting pristine sands and gin-clear waters. Here are some of the notable beaches on Cat Ba:
- Tung Thu Beach: This is one of the best beaches on Cat Ba Island. The beach boasts a peaceful ambiance and crystal-clear water.
- Cat Co Beaches: Cat Co beaches include three beaches: Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2 and Cat Co 3. Among these, Cat Co 1 is the most beautiful beach, encircled by majestic mountains while Cat Co 3 is renowned for deep water and big waves, suitable for experienced swimmers and thrill-seekers.
- Tiger Beach: This is popular with rock climbing enthusiasts of all skill levels. Besides beautiful nature, the beach boasts unique rock formations ideal for climbing.
- Moody Beach: This is another hotspot for water activities and climbing experiences. The beach is renowned for its rugged mountains and unspoiled landscapes.
- Ba Trai Dao Beach (Three Peaches Beach): It is one of the most beautiful beaches on Cat Ba Island which is surrounded by three small mountains that resemble three peaches.
Kayaking
Cat Ba is renowned for its tranquil, crystal-clear waters and stunning limestone mountains, making kayaking a favorite activity among Indian tourists. There is nothing more wonderful than enjoying the fresh breeze and cool water while exploring the beauty of the island.
>> Read more: The 10 Most Beautiful Islands in Vietnam From North to South
Visiting Trung Trang Cave
Trung Trang Cave, located on Cat Ba Island, is a stunning limestone cavern that stretches over 300 meters. The cave features impressive stalactites and stalagmites, forming unique shapes that captivate visitors. It is easily accessible from the main tourist areas on the island, making it a popular destination for explorers and nature enthusiasts.
Fishing squid at night
Night squid fishing is a captivating activity on this island. Indian tourists shouldn’t miss the chance to experience the life of a fisherman during a night trip.
Visiting Cai Beo fishing village
Cai Beo Fishing Village is a large ancient village offering beautiful sceneries, tranquil life, and local delicacies, especially fresh seafood.
Touring Cat Ba National Park
Known as the world’s Biosphere Reserve, Cat Ba National Park is an exciting tourist destination for Indian tourists. The park is home to thousands of ancient trees and many marine ecosystems, submerged forests, terrestrial forests, and also rare species of flora and fauna.
Trying local cuisine
Coming to Cat Ba, Indian visitors should take a chance to enjoy fresh seafood here. There are many specialties for your choice, such as lobster, clam, sea crab, snails, squid, and more. The price ranges from 200,000 VND ($8) – 2,000,000 VND ($78) per kilogram, depending on the type and season.
Top Cat Ba Island Cruises
A luxury cruise trip on Cat Ba Island offers a unique and exciting experience. These cruises typically combine routes through Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Cat Ba Island, allowing tourists to admire magnificent limestone mountains and calm, clear waters.
Several 5-star luxury yachts operate in the area, providing full amenities for an overnight stay. These include plush rooms, rooftop decks with sun loungers, and additional facilities like restaurants, spas, swimming pools, mini-golf courses, and yoga sessions.
The distance from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island is approximately 25-30 kilometers (15-19 miles). Due to the close distance, tourists can easily visit both Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island in one trip. Typically, travelers move from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island by boat or ferry, which takes around 1 to 2 hours.
Here are some Cat Ba Island cruises you can choose from for an enjoyable trip!
| Cruise | Price Range (USD/night) | Website | Departure port | Route |
| Indochina | 340 – 430 | indochinasails.com | Tuan Chau | Ha Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Island |
| La Regina Classic Cruise | 350 – 800 | lareginacruises.com | Tuan Chau | Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Island |
| Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan | 400 – 600 | heritagecruises.com | Tuan Chau | Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Island |
| Nostalgia Cruise | 260 – 500 | nostalgiacruises.com | Tuan Chau | Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Island |
| Paradise Grand Cruise | 340 – 500 | paradisevietnam.com | Tuan Chau | Cat Ba Island – Lan Ha Bay |
| Stellar of the Seas Cruise | 600 – 2000 | stellaroftheseas.com | Tuan Chau | Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Island – Ha Long Bay |
Useful Tips When Visiting Cat Ba
- Wear a life vest properly and sit still on the boat.
- Be cautious, especially when you go with children and the elderly.
- Be aware of protecting the environment.
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats.
- Wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities, but also bring a jacket in case of windy conditions.
- Keep track of the weather forecast to avoid rainy days during your stay.
- Never swim alone, regardless of your age or swimming level.
- Obey warning signs and flags on the beach.
- Warm yourself up and drink enough water before swimming.
- Go with a local guide to have a safe and efficient journey. Contact Vietnamtour.in, and our team is happy to serve you.
Conclusion
Cat Ba Island stands out with gin-clear waters, majestic limestone mountains, and breathtaking natural sceneries. Along with Ha Long Bay, The island is one of the most attractive destinations for Indian tourists in northern Vietnam. Don’t hesitate to contact us to book the best customizable & flexible Vietnam tours for exploring this beautiful island!
