Cat Ba Island Guide: How to Get There and What to Do
Cat Ba Island explained: how to get there from Hanoi, kayaking in Lan Ha Bay, Cai Beo and Viet Hai villages, caves, and three ways to visit, from a day trip to a private island.
By AmGo Travel5 min read
Cat Ba Island is the largest island in the Ha Long Bay area and the gateway to Lan Ha Bay. It mixes forested hills, fishing harbours, small villages and quiet beaches, and it is where many travellers go when they want limestone scenery with a little more freedom than a cruise ship. This guide explains how to get to Cat Ba from Hanoi, what to do on and around the island, and three ways to visit, from a day trip to a night on a private island, from the AmGo Travel team in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Where is Cat Ba Island?
Cat Ba lies off the coast of Hai Phong, on the southern edge of the Ha Long Bay area. Lan Ha Bay, with its hundreds of limestone islands and calm green water, sits right next to it. Much of the island is protected as Cat Ba National Park, with forest, caves and karst hills inland.
Because Lan Ha Bay sees fewer boats than the classic Ha Long routes, Cat Ba is a good base if you want kayaking, swimming and village life rather than only sightseeing from a deck.
How to get to Cat Ba from Hanoi
You have three common routes, and the tour you choose decides which one you take:
- By road and ferry via Hai Phong: the bus drives on the Hanoi to Hai Phong expressway, then crosses on the Got ferry to Cat Ba Island. This is how our private-island trip reaches Tran Chau harbour.
- By road to Cat Ba, then by boat: our Lan Ha Bay day trip drives to Cat Ba and follows a scenic coastal road from Cai Vieng port to Beo harbour, where you board the boat.
- By cruise from Ha Long: some ships leave from Tuan Chau wharf in Ha Long, sail into Lan Ha Bay and stop at Cat Ba for a visit to the national park.
What to do on and around Cat Ba
- Kayak in Lan Ha Bay between limestone islands and into quiet lagoons.
- See Cai Beo fishing village, an ancient village of floating houses near Beo harbour.
- Cycle to Viet Hai village, an old village inside the national park, where you can walk among traditional houses.
- Explore caves, such as Trung Trang Cave in Cat Ba National Park or the Dark and Bright cave in Lan Ha Bay.
- Swim from a quiet beach or straight from the boat in good weather.
- Trek through forest to viewpoints and rock cliffs.
Three ways to visit Cat Ba with a guide
Lan Ha Bay day trip via Cat Ba
The easiest way to see Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay in one day. We pick you up from your Old Quarter hotel between 7:00 and 7:30 and drive to Cat Ba Island. After the coastal drive to Beo harbour you board the boat, cruise past Cai Beo fishing village and have lunch on board among the islands. At Viet Hai village you ride a bicycle or electric car to the old village and can try a fish foot spa. Then the captain finds a spot for swimming, kayaking, jumping from the boat and sliding from the top deck. A small sunset party with fruit, biscuits and tea ends the cruise, and you are back in Hanoi around 20:30. Send your full name, date of birth and nationality at least 24 hours ahead for the port declaration.
A night on a private island: The One Island Escape
For something different, spend a night on a private island near Cat Ba. A bus collects you from your Old Quarter hotel between 8:00 and 8:30 for the drive and the Got ferry to Tran Chau harbour, then a private boat takes you to the island. After a seafood lunch you have free time on the beach, a boat ride to Hang Thung cave when the tide allows, and a 45 to 60 minute trek through forest to the Freedom rock cliffs. The evening brings a sunset party, dinner on the beach, a campfire and happy hour. Next morning, watch the sunrise and enjoy a brunch buffet before the boat back at 11:00. You are at your hotel around 15:30.
Calypso Cruise: Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba National Park
If you prefer a cruise, Calypso leaves from Tuan Chau wharf in Ha Long and anchors in Lan Ha Bay. You pass through the Dark and Bright cave by sampan with a local rower or by kayak, swim in the sea or the rooftop pool, and join a spring-roll demonstration with the chef. On day 2, after Tai Chi at dawn, a short bus ride from Gia Luan pier crosses Cat Ba National Park to Trung Trang Cave. Hanoi transfers can be added on request.
How to choose
- Only one day? Take the Lan Ha Bay day trip via Cat Ba.
- Want a beach and a night off-grid? Choose The One Island Escape.
- Prefer a ship with a pool and cabin? Choose Calypso Cruise.
To compare Lan Ha with Ha Long more widely, read our Lan Ha Bay day trip guide.
Tips for Cat Ba
- Check the weather. Swimming and kayaking depend on conditions, and the route can change.
- Bring sports shoes and mosquito spray for forest trails.
- Pack swimwear and a towel even on a day trip.
- Ask for vegetarian food early. On the day trip, request it at least one day before.
FAQ
How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba? Most of the morning. On our day trip you leave the Old Quarter around 7:00 and board the boat on Cat Ba before lunch; on the private island trip you reach the island in time for lunch.
Is Cat Ba part of Ha Long Bay? Cat Ba borders the Ha Long Bay area, and Lan Ha Bay lies right beside it. The scenery is similar, with fewer boats.
Can I swim at Cat Ba? Yes, in good weather, from the boat in Lan Ha Bay or from the beach on the private island.
Where can I book a Cat Ba tour? AmGo Travel, a Vietnamese team of trip planners and guides based at 61 Hang Ga in Hanoi's Old Quarter, books Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay trips with pick-up in Hanoi. You can book online at amgotravel.com or message the team on WhatsApp.
What details do I need to send before the day trip? Your full name, date of birth and nationality, at least 24 hours before departure, for the port authority declaration.
Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay tours with AmGo Travel
See all Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay trips, or message AmGo Travel on WhatsApp and a local trip planner will help you plan your days on Cat Ba.
