Cat Ba is the largest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago, Vietnam. This tropical paradise boasts stunning karst landscapes and emerald waters, attracting visitors seeking both adventure and relaxation. Explore Cat Ba National Park by hiking its trails. If you’re lucky, you may spot the critically endangered golden-headed langur, which is endemic to the island. Enjoy kayaking in Lan Ha Bay, a peaceful alternative to the more crowded Ha Long Bay. Make sure to visit Trung Trang Cave, renowned for its spectacular stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years. If you’re a beach lover, Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, and Cat Co 3 beaches offer sandy shores and clear waters, ideal for swimming and relaxation. Easily accessible from Hanoi, Cat Ba is a must-visit location for nature enthusiasts!
Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the island or visit nearby destinations from your hotel. Most hotels offer bike rentals for their guests, but you can also find rental shops outside the hotel. The rental fee is typically around VND 30,000 per hour.
To travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba, you can take a bus or train to Hai Phong, followed by a ferry to Cat Ba Island. The entire journey takes around 5 hours. For a seamless trip, book a direct bus and ferry combination ticket from Hanoi, which includes a bus ride to Hai Phong and a ferry transfer to Cat Ba.
Explore the island’s natural wonders, such as Cat Ba National Park, known for its diverse flora and fauna. Cruise through the stunning Lan Ha Bay, which is often less crowded than Ha Long Bay but equally beautiful. Lastly, marvel at the magnificent stalactites and stalagmites in Trung Trang Cave, the largest cave system in Vietnam.
Trek through the lush Cat Ba National Park to see some endemic flora and fauna. Kayak around the limestone karsts of Lan Ha Bay, or go swimming in its emerald waters. For other exciting activities, you can visit Monkey Island, also called Cat Dua Island. Take a 10-minute boat ride from Beo Harbor to the island, where you can spend the day observing monkeys and relaxing on the beach.
The best time to visit Cat Ba is during the summer and fall (April to November), when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities. For those who prefer cooler weather, September to November is particularly pleasant. Keep in mind that this period is the peak tourist season in Cat Ba, so it’s best to book your accommodations in advance.
Spend at least 3 days in Cat Ba to fully explore its main attractions. This will give you enough time to visit Trung Trang Cave, cruise through Lan Ha Bay, and relax on the beautiful beaches. If you want to go on a full-day hike in the national park, consider extending your stay to four days.
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