Cat Ba Island, located 145 km east of Hanoi, is the main island in Northern Vietnam and the second-largest island in the country, after Phu Quoc.
In this article, we present the best activities to enjoy during your stay on Cat Ba Island. The island itself is fascinating to explore, and it’s also where the departure port for our renowned junk boat cruises is located.
Here is our list of the best activities!
Why take a junk boat cruise from Cat Ba?
From Cat Ba, cruises sail in Lan Ha Bay, far less crowded with boats than the main Halong Bay.
From Cat Ba Island, you won’t be sailing in the main Halong Bay, which is now saturated with cruise boats, but rather in Lan Ha Bay, which surrounds the island.
The port from which the boats depart from Cat Ba Island is called Beo and is located south of the island. There, you won’t find large pleasure boats, but smaller junks with only a few cabins. Our three junks, Parfum d’Automne (7 cabins), Four Seasons (4 cabins) and Romance (2 cabins), depart from this port.
The Parfum d’Automne junk is a recently built 7-cabin boat offering arguably the best value for money in Lan Ha Bay. For around 160 euros per person, you can enjoy a 2-day, 1-night cruise in a spacious cabin, with quality meals, an English-speaking guide on board, and various activities (kayaking, cycling, a short cooking class).
The Parfum d’Automne junk
The Four Seasons junk, meanwhile, is a traditional wooden junk with 4 cabins offering an authentic experience. You can book a single cabin for 190 euros per person, or book the entire boat. This latter option is especially suited to families or groups of friends. Note that there is no guide on board, but you can hire the services of a guide (French- or English-speaking) for your group as an add-on. The food on board is a must!
The Four Seasons junk
Finally, the Romance junk offers a private experience in Lan Ha Bay. We only offer it as a private charter to couples or families (4 adults maximum). For 4 people, the price is 230 euros per person. A top-tier experience for those wanting an intimate stay in the world’s most beautiful bay.
The Romance junk
We recommend our travelers book a cruise departing from Ben Beo. The cruise keeps the charm of days gone by, and you’ll enjoy Halong Bay in the tranquility that suits it so well. Several activities are planned during your cruise, such as kayak sessions and a bike ride.
Why explore Cat Ba Island by motorcycle?
Unlike Vietnam’s big cities, Cat Ba Island is well suited to exploring by motorcycle.
We strongly advise travelers against attempting to drive in major cities in Vietnam such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. The traffic there is very dense and can be confusing for those not accustomed to it. However, it is possible to rent motorcycles in many other places in Vietnam, including Cat Ba Island.
By renting a motorcycle from the town of Cat Ba, you can explore the Cannon Fort, the national park, or the various caves on your own. It’s an excellent way to discover the island independently.
The traffic is very light, allowing you to ride safely. However, be sure to wear a helmet!
Our agency organizes a cross-island drive with a driver before reaching the Beo port, where our boats depart. After the ferry to Cat Ba Island, you will be taken care of by our colleagues who will take you along the coast for 1 hour before arriving at the port. They will guide you to the fishing port and the local market in Cat Ba town. It’s a unique touch from the agency that our travelers particularly appreciate.
Why visit Cannon Fort in Cat Ba?
Cannon Fort is one of the first must-see stops on a motorbike itinerary around Cat Ba Island.
If you decide to rent a motorcycle in Cat Ba, one of the first must-see stops on your itinerary could be a visit to Cannon Fort, a site steeped in history and offering exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding area. Built in 1942 by the Japanese occupying forces, this fort played a crucial role in the island’s military defense. It was successively occupied by the French during the colonial period, then by Viet Minh fighters and the North Vietnamese army during the wars of independence and the Vietnam War. This symbolic site thus retraces several key periods of Vietnamese history, and a visit helps you better understand the strategic stakes of the time.
Beyond its historical interest, Cannon Fort is an exceptional viewpoint. On a clear day, you’ll be able to take in a spectacular panorama of the area around Cat Ba, with the majestic Halong Bay as a backdrop. From the fort’s various platforms, viewpoints offer an unobstructed view of this natural wonder, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The breathtaking view draws many visitors in search of tranquility and beauty.
On one of the fort’s projections, a small cafe has been set up, offering a pleasant break for visitors. You can sit there on the terrace and sip a drink while enjoying the grand landscape spread out before you. The spot is also popular with photographers and couples, who come to capture these moments for wedding photos. This balance between history and nature makes Cannon Fort a must-see during your stay in Cat Ba.
View from the Cannon Fort cafe. Photo: Mathieu Arnaudet
Why visit Hospital Cave in Cat Ba?
Due to its strategic importance, Cat Ba Island was incessantly bombed during the war between the Viet Minh and the Americans.
Due to its strategic importance mentioned earlier, Cat Ba Island was incessantly bombed during the war between the Viet Minh and the Americans. The population living on the island had, during these air raids, no choice but to take refuge in the numerous caves on the island.
From 1963 to 1965, one of these caves was converted into a hospital to accommodate the victims of these bombings, as well as the wounded Viet Minh fighters. We recommend visiting this place, where 17 rooms have been arranged for visitors to easily imagine the harsh reality of life on the island at that time. The reconstruction also highlights the resourcefulness of the inhabitants who, like in many places, made the most of their environment in the best possible ways.
We recommend visiting with a guide to immerse yourself in the history of Vietnamese resistance. You can either book the services of a guide through a tour or, if you are traveling independently, hire an English-speaking guide on-site.
A room inside Hospital Cave, Cat Ba. Photo: Mathieu Arnaudet
Why explore Trung Trang Cave in Cat Ba?
Trung Trang Cave sits along the main road, near the entrance to Cat Ba National Park.
You can then continue your journey to Trung Trang Cave, located along the main road and close to the entrance of the National Park. This time, it’s the natural side of this place that is to be discovered.
Discovered in 1938 by French explorers, the stalagmites and stalactites found here took 6 million years to form! Also known as the ‘Bat Cave,’ you can have some spooky fun here! Indeed, there may not be many people inside the cave during your visit, and the cave has minimal infrastructure.
Trung Trang cave, Cat Ba island. Photo: Mathieu Arnaudet
Why go trekking in Cat Ba National Park?
The national park covers more than 80% of Cat Ba Island’s surface and is home to a beautiful tropical forest.
In the middle of the island is the entrance to the National Park. It occupies more than 80% of the total surface of the island and is home to a beautiful tropical forest. It is important to note that the Indochina Peninsula lost 50% of its tropical forest area in the 20th century. The forest on Cat Ba Island still harbors very rich ecosystems despite the numerous bombings it endured. Many of the species living in this forest are indeed rare and classified as species to be protected by the IUCN.
You can venture into this tropical forest by hiking from the park entrance. A short walk is possible to a viewpoint overlooking the forest. A longer hike is also possible, taking you to the village of Viet Hai. It takes about 3 hours of hiking, and you can return to the town of Cat Ba by taking a boat from the port leading to the village of Viet Hai.
A viewpoint in Cat Ba National Park. Photo: Stock Pixabay
Why cycle to Viet Hai village?
Renting a bike at the pier to reach the remote village of Viet Hai is a great way to discover Cat Ba differently.
A great way to discover Viet Hai village is to rent a bike at the pier and ride the scenic road that leads to this small, remote village. Parfum d’Automne, along with other cruise operators, offers this activity as part of its itineraries, giving travelers an immersive experience at the heart of Cat Ba Island.
Viet Hai sits tucked away in a remote valley surrounded by steep mountains, making it accessible only by boat or through forest trails. Cycling from the pier, you’ll get to ride through lush vegetation typical of the region, with striking landscapes of green hills and dense jungle covering much of the island. This bike ride is a true immersion in nature, where the surrounding calm contrasts with the bustle of the coast.
The village itself is mainly home to fishermen, but residents also farm the land. You’ll see rice paddies, well-kept vegetable gardens, and animals raised outdoors. Don’t be surprised if you come across goats roaming freely along the way, adding an authentic and charming touch to the experience. The warm welcome from villagers will also let you learn more about their traditional way of life and the balance they maintain with their natural environment.
This ride is a wonderful invitation to explore at your own pace, enjoying both the fresh air and the exceptional landscapes that make Cat Ba Island so renowned. An experience not to be missed for lovers of nature and authenticity!
Cycling to Viet Hai. Photo: Mathieu Arnaudet
Why visit Monkey Island near Cat Ba?
Monkey Island, part of the Cat Ba archipelago, is known for its abundant population of monkeys across the island.
Monkey Island is located very close to Cat Ba Island and is part of its archipelago. It is, of course, known for the abundant presence of monkeys throughout the island. Upon your arrival on the beach, you will make the acquaintance of these monkeys. Be careful not to get too close; most of them are mischievous little thieves who play pranks on tourists…
But Monkey Island is also interesting for the view it offers from its summit. A little climb will indeed reward you with a superb panorama of Halong Bay.
The sunset from this summit is beautiful; we can only recommend it.
Which beaches should you explore on Cat Ba Island?
A true archipelago, Cat Ba is full of beaches and coves, some far removed from the monkeys.
Being an archipelago, Cat Ba is full of beaches and coves. Monkey Island, just mentioned, has some secluded ones away from the presence of monkeys. Three other beaches are easily accessible from the town of Cat Ba: Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, Cat Co 3, and Tung Tu.
The Cat Co beaches are crowded during the summer, from May to the end of August. We do not recommend visiting these beaches during this time unless you enjoy large crowds! Tung Tu Beach is a private beach, and you will need to pay an entrance fee to enjoy it.
A bit further up, Woodstock Beach Camp has a beach and offers camping on the beach. Camping is not yet common in Vietnam, and this spot has only just opened. It’s perfect for those on a budget! The hotel also has rooms and small bungalows.
Coves in Lan Ha Bay
We hope this article will be helpful in planning your stay on Cat Ba Island!
