The complex of Cat Ba archipelago consists of 367 small islands, of which Cat Ba Island is the most famous tourist place in this area. Although it has been known for a long time, Cat Ba still retains many beautiful natural landscapes thanks to its isolation.
Cat Ba Island owning many beautiful beaches is located about 60 km from the center of Hai Phong city (Vietnam), which is chosen for relaxing in Summer or weekend vacations. It is so good to spend about 2-3 days visiting Cat Ba as well as enjoy the airy space of this archipelago.
Ways to and in Cat Ba Island
To Cat Ba from Hanoi
The shortest distance from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island is 132km, in which traveling on land from Hanoi to the first ferry port is 129km, and more 3 km on the ferry to Cat Ba Island.
There are 2 ways:
The first way is to take the bus or a car through Hai Phong City, over Tan Vu – Rach Huyen Bridge (also called Dinh Vu – Cat Hai Bridge) to Dong Bai Ferry Port, then take the ferry to Cat Ba Island. It is an average of 2 hours from Hanoi to Dong Bai station and around 30 to 40 minutes from Dong Bai Ferry Port to Cai Vieng Ferry Port on Cat Bat Island.
The map from Hanoi to Dong Bai (Cat Hai Island in Hai Phong City) to reach Cat Ba Island:
The second way is to transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay by taxi or a private car on the Hai Phong – Halong highway to come to the ferry of Tuan Chau island; this distance takes you around 2.5 to 3 hours. Then, you take a ferry to Gia Luan ferry port in Cat Ba Island, taking around 25 minutes.
Traveling in Cat Ba
Cat Ba town is quite small, so you can walk, rent a bicycle, or take a tram to visit the sea town.
If you want to visit the islands or travel to Lan Ha Bay or Halong Bay from this island, you need to rent a boat for your own group or buy a package tour ticket.
Fun activities to do in Cat Ba Island
Go swimming and playing games on the beach:
The most famous in Cat Ba must be Cat Co 1, 2, and 3 beaches are close to the center. Among them, Cat Co 2 beach is the most beautiful, with clear water.
You can take a motorbike taxi or a taxi from the town center to this beach. Also, you should go ashore before 6:30 pm because the tide is strong and the waves are high after this time.
Take a boat trip to visit Lan Ha Bay and Kayaking:
Almost all tourists come to Cat Ba Island and then take a cruise ship to visit Lan Ha Bay which is near this island.
During the journey, kayaking has become a popular activity that is a great chance to experience the time in the sea. Moving around on the kayak to enjoy fresh air, exploring the limestones and caves, and touching clear seawater will enrich your holidays in Cat Ba.
>> Please see more of the lovely caves in Halong Bay.
Visit Cai Beo Ancient Fishing Village:
This place has become one of the oldest fishing villages in Vietnam. Cai Beo village is not noisy, and its life is simple. Here, you can find many small boats ready to take you around to see the peaceful beauty of the fishing village.
Explore Cat Ba National Park:
The next place you should visit in this island is the National Park of Cat Ba. The park is a world biosphere reserve with a diverse ecosystem and about 741 various plant species, many of which are rare.
Cannon Fort:
This site is also known as Peak 177 because this historical site is on a hill with an altitude of 177m, including large-sized cannons with a system of tunnels and trenches. All these things were built in the 40s of the 20th century.
Nowadays, this place has become the ideal spot for taking beautiful pictures when watching the sunset on Cat Ba island.
> You may like to check the 5-star Sealife Legend Cruises to stay on the bay from Cat Ba.
Recommended 3-Days-and-2-Nights Schedule
Here is the brief of the program:
Day 01: Hanoi – Cat Ba
Morning: 8:00 am, we depart to Cat Ba from Hanoi, and you will arrive in Cat Ba around 11:00 am. Check in at your hotel. Have lunch and rest.
Afternoon: You are free to swim and play sports at Cat Co 1, 2, and 3 beaches.
Evening: Have dinner, enjoy the fresh seafood dishes of Cat Ba, then take a walk to visit Cat Ba town at night.
Day 2: Explore the tourist attractions of Cat Ba
You can have 2 options to visit and explore Cat Ba.
Option 1: You can choose the itinerary to visit Lan Ha Bay, the fishing village, and Monkey Island beach. Have lunch on board and return to Cat Ba in the afternoon. If you go in a large group, you can rent a large boat to visit. If not, you can join a group tour.
Option 2: Visiting Cat Ba National Park, Cannon Fortress, and go swimming.
Day 03: Cat Ba – Hanoi
Morning: You get up early and visit the fishing port. Go swimming, buy seafood gifts, or take pictures at Cat Ba market. Then, you check out of the hotel, have lunch, and prepare things to leave Cat Ba in the afternoon to return to Hanoi.
Afternoon: 1:00 pm, you board the ferry to leave Cat Ba, return to Hai Phong or Halong, then travel back to Hanoi.
Now is your time to plan the holidays for Cat Ba Island!
If you want to arrange the trip or need us to answer your questions about this island, please tell us! We are here to support you!
