Cat Ba – “paradise” for adventurers, nature lovers and unusual travel experiences. Kayaking, hiking, immersing in vibrant culture and unique cuisine. With breathtaking scenery and charm, Cat Ba Island is a destination that will leave you mesmerized and eager to return. The following Cat Ba travel experiences will help you plan your trip easily.
Why should you come to Cat Ba Island?
Cat Ba is as beautiful as any other sea in Vietnam, possessing a diverse marine and island ecosystem.
Lan Ha Bay is in the top of the most beautiful bays in the world. – If you want to kayak on clear water and no crowds
If it’s crowded, you need to visit Cat Ba Island.
– Visiting ancient fishing villages, watching the beauty of the North Sea.
– If you are a bit tired of the busy cities of Vietnam and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, then Cat Ba is the ideal destination.
Photo: @2_soulmates_on_the_road
What is the best season to travel to Cat Ba?
When to visit Cat Ba Island largely depends on your personal preferences. For those who enjoy the warmth of tropical summer, the best time to start your trip is from June to August. However, if you prefer milder temperatures, you should visit from October. to March.
Photo: @chuyencuato_22
It is important to note that although Cat Ba experiences four distinct seasons, there is still a rainy season from May to September and a dry season from November to March. Each season presents advantages and disadvantages. individually, but generally the months: March, April, September and October are ideal months to visit.
Photo: @i__lingg19
Guide to Cat Ba
There are several options for getting from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island.
– By air : there is no airport on Cat Ba island. Most people fly to Hanoi’s major international airport, then take a bus/ferry/to Cat Ba Island. You can also fly to Cat Bi – Hai Phong airport , then take a taxi to Got Ferry wharf to Cat Ba and take a bus to the city center.
Photo: @shazzamar33
– By private vehicle : move to Hai Phong, cross Tan Vu bridge to get to Got Ferry. Through the ferry, go about 20km more to Cat Ba town. Ferry price for cars is: 190,000 VND/car; motorbike: 45,000 VND/car.
– By bus : catch the bus Hanoi – Got Ferry, priced from 150,000 VND/ticket. Ticket price to ferry: 12,000 VND/person.
- If you take a car to go directly to the center of Cat Ba island, it will be about 250,000 VND / person.
- If you do not take the ferry, you can also choose to go by cable car Cat Hai – Phu Long, round trip ticket price: 200,000 VND / person, travel time is only 10 minutes. Operating time is from 9:00 to 16:00 on weekdays, 9:00 to 17:00 on weekends.
Photo: @volkangnay
Things to do in Cat Ba Island
1. Explore Lan Ha Bay
If you are looking for a quieter, less touristy place for crowded Ha Long Bay, then according to Cat Ba travel experience, discovering Lan Ha Bay should be at the top of the places you should visit here. Located just south of Ha Long Bay, with emerald waters, towering limestone cliffs and hidden beaches, there is nothing better than a vacation in Lan Ha Bay .
Photo: @gitra_
For first-timers, Lan Ha Bay is relatively unspoiled, which means you can enjoy the beauty of the bay without fear of crowding. Additionally, many yachts offer overnight stays so you can still experience the charms of sleeping on board while exploring mysterious coves and fishing villages.
Photo: @tai.shenky
2. Explore Monkey Island
Cat Ba Monkey Island is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Cat Ba. Located not too far from the center, this is home to more than 2,000 monkeys, they roam freely in their natural habitat, very friendly and familiar with visitors. To arrive at Monkey Island, you’ll be greeted by these adorable little creatures ready to pose for great photos.
Photo: @bella.wanderlust1127
Not only can you see the monkeys in their natural environment, but you can also explore the island’s lush tropical vegetation and the white sand beaches that surround it. It’s an adventure that both adults and kids are sure to enjoy!
Photo: @Pinterest
3. Visit Quan Y cave
If you are looking for an adventure, self-sufficient Cat Ba travel experience advises you not to miss this unique and attractive cave. Located in the center of the island, this cave served as a hospital and safe haven for soldiers during the War. Start with a journey through tunnels and winding rooms, where you’ll see remnants of the past such as the operating room, storage area, and living quarters.
Photo: @maxlagerholm
It is truly an inspiring experience to imagine the bravery and resilience of soldiers in wartime. And while it may not be the sexiest stop on your list of things to do in Cat Ba, it’s definitely a must-visit for history buffs. Ticket price to enter the cave is: 15,000 VND / person.
Photo: @scott_moz
4. Check in floating fishing villages
Let’s talk about one of the most unique experiences you have on Cat Ba Island – visiting floating fishing villages. These villages are inhabited by locals and it is interesting to see how they build their life around the sea. Going to Viet Hai fishing village , Cai Beo fishing village during your trip to Cat Ba, you will be able to witness first-hand the floating houses on rafts and the fishermen returning with the catch of the day.
Photo: @_dimateo
You can even stay overnight at one of the hostels and explore the nearby villages, learning more about how the locals live and work. Or kayak up close to the village, sampling some freshly caught seafood. One of the most interesting is how the villages have adapted to modern technology while maintaining their traditional way of life.
Photo: @gayeboralioglu
You’ll see solar panels on some rafts, powering everything from lights to TVs, but fishermen still use manual nets and fishing rods to catch their fish. Visiting floating fishing villages is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t find anywhere else. So, please add it to the list of things to do when you have the opportunity to come here to visit.
Photo: @chilly_travel
5. Kayaking and climbing
There’s nothing like exploring the crystal clear waters and hidden coves around the island from the comfort of your own kayak. Swim through the calm waters, bask in the stunning views of the surrounding cliffs, and discover the many hidden beaches and lagoons that are only accessible by kayak. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch some wildlife like monkeys or dolphins along the way.
Photo: @ps2502
Kayaking is not the only way to get close and admire the beautiful rock formations, rock climbing experience in Hai Phong is also a very challenging activity. With jagged limestone cliffs towering above the water, this place is a “paradise” for climbers. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner looking for a new challenge, there are plenty of rock climbing spots on the island that offer amazing views and heart-pounding thrills.
Photo: @sierraroseknott
6. Explore Cat Ba National Park
Nestled in the center of the island, this National Park is a must-see attraction of the “pearl of the Gulf of Tonkin”. Admission to the park is only 15,000 VND, right from the moment you step into the park you will be taken to a world full of lush green trees, stunning landscapes and rare wildlife viewing.
Photo: @benz.mind
With dense forests, towering limestone cliffs and crystal clear waters, you are truly immersed in nature. It offers a variety of activities, including: hiking, rock climbing and bird watching . Cat Ba Hai Phong travel experience , if you like adventure, you can swim in one of the pristine lakes or rivers of the National Park. The trails are well maintained and clearly marked, making it easy to explore the area on your own.
Photo: @tyna_kocourkova
See Cat Ba Langur, a critically endangered monkey that can only be found on the island. With only about 60 left in the wild, spotting one of these majestic creatures is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And if you are lucky enough to be at the park during the migration season, you will enjoy the sight of thousands of birds flying overhead. It is a truly breathtaking sight that will leave you in awe of the power of nature.
Photo: @nomad_mandy
Where to stay in Cat Ba?
Where is Cat Ba tourism ? You can choose to stay near the night market right in the heart of the city, which is within easy walking distance of various restaurants and closest to most beach areas. Or more remote areas, here are some suggestions to choose from:
– Cat Ba Dream Hotel : where the ocean view is located, the room is usually full, so it must be booked in advance.
- Address: Street 1/4 Cat Ba town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong.
- Room rates from: 400,000 VND/night.
– Cat Ba Ocean View Hotel : open space to welcome fresh wind, beautiful sea view.
- Address: No. 225, Street 1/4, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong.
- Room rates from: 900,000 VND/night.
– Trang Toan Hotel : Cat Ba travel experience although there is no sea view but the rooms are comfortable, the host is very generous and it is suitable for low cost hotel needs.
- Address: Lane 5, Nui Ngoc, Cat Ba town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong.
- Room rates from: 250,000 VND/night.
– Secret Garden Hostel : highly rated hostel with lovely gardens on the premises.
- Address: 169 Nui Ngoc, Cat Ba town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong.
- Room rates from: 165,000 VND/night.
– Luna’s House Hostel : located right on the street, has a rooftop cafe with beautiful views.
- Address: 140 Nui Ngoc, Cat Ba town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong.
- Room rates from: 117,000 VND/night.
Photo: @homnaodidi
Discover cuisine in Cat Ba
1. Delicious specialties in Cat Ba
– Salt-roasted sea crab : Cat Ba travel experience This dish can be found on any coast; However, each region has its own way of processing such as: crab hotpot, crab soup, steamed crab with fish sauce, etc. In particular, you must definitely enjoy salt-roasted crab, the dish has a blend of sweet crab meat, and salty taste. of salt. Enjoying the dishes from crabs here makes everyone excited.
Photo: @quangthanh28
– Cat Ba shrimp vermicelli : vermicelli is made entirely from fresh shrimp, accompanied by fish cakes, tomatoes, added scallions and filled with bone broth. A simple dish but anyone who enjoys it will love it. A bowl of vermicelli with succulent shrimp, add raw vegetables and garlic vinegar, and a little lemon is delicious.
Photo: @coco.hanoi
– Sam sea : the name sounds strange, but it is a specialty dish in Cat Ba with a strong sea flavor. The fresh and firm sea clams are skillfully processed into attractive dishes such as: sea sam salad, sweet and sour fried, fried lemongrass and chili, crispy fried sam eggs, steamed sam, fried sam with vermicelli,…
Photo: @gdbaby1881988
– Pacific comedian : is a species that lives in saltwater environments and carries a lot of nutritional value. Tu comei are processed into salads, grilled with onion fat, cooked with porridge or simply steamed, … are all irresistible delicious.
– Squid : natural softness and sweetness due to being caught on the spot, it has become a favorite dish of everyone. Steamed, grilled squid is simple but feels the freshness and crunchiness.
Photo: @maylyvu82
– Surface : this is the typical seafood of Cat Ba with soft meat and unique flavor. Cat Ba travel experience 2 days 1 night , you can enjoy delicious dishes from the surface such as: fried with garlic butter, steamed beer, surface noodles, …
Photo: @thuhang_1801
2. The famous restaurant in Cat Ba
The main dishes here are seafood, so most restaurants will have aquariums right in front of the door for customers to choose by themselves. There are many eateries near the city center, but if you want to try something more exotic you can go out of town. Some delicious restaurants include:
– Le Pont restaurant:
- Address: No. 60 Nui Ngoc, Cat Ba town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong.
- Opening hours: 60h30 – 23h00.
– Buddha Belly Vegetarian Restaurant:
- Address: 70 Tung Dinh, Cat Ba town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong.
- Opening hours: 09:00 – 22:00.
– Phi Nhung Quan
- Address: No. 2 Cat Ba Fishing Port, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong.
- Opening hours: 09h00 – 00h00.
– Oasis Bungalow and Restaurant:
- Address: 228 April 1, Cat Ba town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong.
– Casa Bonita:
- Address: 82 Nui Ngoc, Cat Ba town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong.
– Phuong Phuong restaurant:
- Address: 237 April One, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong.
Photo: @hotel84
Recommended itinerary to Cat Ba 3 days 2 nights
– Day 1: Hanoi – Cat Ba.
– Day 2: Cat Ba – Lan Ha Bay – Monkey Island.
– Day 3: Cannon Fort – Cat Ba – Hanoi.
Photo: @chou.hoang
Suggested Cat Ba travel costs
Cat Ba travel experience by car, the cost for a 3 day 2 night trip includes:
– Room rates range from: 120,000 VND – 3,500,000 VND/night depending on where you choose to stay.
– Meal fee: from 150,000 VND to 250,000 VND per meal.
– The cost of traveling is from 320,000 VND to 350,000 VND/person/way including the car from Hanoi – Hai Phong and the train to Cat Ba.
– Entrance ticket: 25,000 VND – 80,000 VND/person/time.
>> Total cost ranges from: 3,000,000 VND/person/3 days 2 nights.
Photo: @peter_dowsett
Note when traveling to Cat Ba
– Going to Cat Ba can rain at any time of the year.
– Prepare a light raincoat, warm shirt and long pants when visiting Cat Ba island.
– Sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent are also essentials along with swimwear, towels and dry bags.
– There are ATMs on Cat Ba Island, so you don’t need to bring too much cash.
– Book transportation at least a day in advance and reserve accommodation and boats especially during high season.
Photo: @alexis_lepuissant
With its charming beauty, Cat Ba is always a destination that many people expect. Above are some detailed Cat Ba travel experiences , refer to and plan to go to this beautiful pearl in the upcoming trip with relatives and friends.
Photo: Internet (Vinlove.net)