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Currently, Cat Ba is one of the most ideal destinations in the North for independent travel. Both domestic and international tourists highly appreciate this choice. This is because when joining a Cat Ba tour, you will experience all the pristine beauty of nature, the ocean, and even the most novel experiences. To help you have a great independent Cat Ba tour, we want to share with you the travel experiences that our travel company team has researched and looked up. Below are useful and necessary information for you to prepare best for your trip. Get ready with a notebook and a pen to take note of the important things in the article below!
Where is Cat Ba Island?
This island is one of the famous tourist destinations in Hai Phong, specifically one of a total of 367 islands here with an area of up to 300km2, located in Cat Hai archipelago. It has a geographical location about under 30 nautical miles from Hai Phong city and only about 25km from Halong city if you start your journey from there.
However, in the past, traveling to this island was a very difficult activity because only boats could take tourists to this island. But thanks to the development of tourism and other activities, the government has decided to build the Tan Vu Lach Huyen Bridge connecting the city and Cat Ba Island. This shortens the distance and creates favorable conditions for tourists to carry out independent programs. Now, traveling to this area is much easier and tourists can freely explore interesting destinations on the island.
What attracts tourists to Cat Ba Island
If you have never set foot on Cat Ba Island, you can't imagine the wonderful beauty of this island. If you use a seaplane to explore the island, just look down and you will witness the panoramic view of Cat Ba Island, a beautiful natural painting with lush greenery of the rich flora and fauna system. This is also the highlight that makes this land become a biosphere reserve of the world. And it's no surprise that Cat Ba has been recognized by UNESCO with everything this island has brought to tourists. Besides, there is also the stunning natural scenery with deep blue sea, long stretches of white sand beaches, surrounding mountains, and lush vegetable and fruit gardens. All of these truly make this island one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Vietnam.
If you want to fully explore the beauty of Cat Ba Island, a 2-day 1-night tour will be the perfect choice for you. In this trip, you will experience and learn about the convergence of limestone islands, mangrove forests, and coral reefs under the sea. Besides, the carpet of seaweed along with the large and small caves will bring you a wonderful scenery that you can't miss when coming to this land. With such captivating and alluring beauty, it's no wonder this place has attracted many tourists to enjoy the fresh air and immerse themselves in that breathtaking natural scenery.
However, this island area not only stops at attractive natural destinations but also provides many tourism, entertainment, and recreational services for tourists. There are plenty of beautiful, comfortable, and well-equipped guesthouses, hotels, and homestays for you to choose from. Additionally, you can participate in activities such as surfing, kayaking, diving, or simply strolling on the smooth white sandy beach. The harmonious combination of modernity and abundant nature has made this land become one of the most attractive destinations in the eyes of tourists not only domestically but also internationally.
The origin of the name “Cat Ba”
Cat Ba - a famous island in Vietnam, this name originates from ancient historical stories. The historical story has been passed down from ancient times, the people living on this island became the logistical support for women who planted and harvested food and supplied food for the armies fighting against invaders. This island area has become an important source of food to supply to soldiers fighting against the enemy.
During that time, there were many courageous female generals who appeared and contributed to the war effort. Therefore, the local people named this island “Cat Ba”. However, later on, this name was confused and gradually changed to “Cat Ba” - a more common name nowadays.
Moreover, if you visit this island, you can also hear stories about another area on the island where warriors used to be stationed. This place is called “Cac Ong” and later misread as “Cat Ong”. This story gives a different and special aspect to Cat Ba Island, making it an attractive destination for those who love history and want to learn about local culture.
Interesting facts about Cat Ba Island
This place is not only one of the largest fishery grounds in Northern Vietnam but also one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the country. With diverse ecosystems, it has a biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO in 2004 and is the common home of many rare animal and plant species listed in the World Red Book.
Additionally, it is covered by over 300 large and small limestone islands and more than 100 mini beaches with pristine beauty scattered across various islands. This is one of the reasons why this area becomes an ideal destination for those who love relaxation and exploration.
If you visit Cat Ba, you'll have the chance to participate in many exciting activities, such as boat trips to admire the beauty of Lan Ha Bay, exploring the oldest fishing village in Vietnam, conquering Cat Ba National Park, enjoying panoramic views of the town from Cannon Fort, witnessing stunning sunsets or vibrant sunrises along the coastal road, and many other activities.
With these offerings, it's no surprise that this piece of land has become one of Vietnam's most attractive tourist destinations, attracting thousands of tourists every year.
When should you travel to Cat Ba Island?
The average weather temperature on Cat Ba Island is relatively moderate, ranging from 25 to 28 degrees Celsius depending on the season. These figures may exceed 30 degrees Celsius in the summer and drop quite low, fluctuating from 25 to 20 degrees Celsius in winter. However, when the Northeast monsoon winds blow, temperatures can drop below 10 degrees Celsius. With such mild temperatures, it's no wonder that self-guided tours to Cat Ba Island become more crowded than ever.
Tourists usually flock to this land most densely in June and July, which is a great time to avoid the heat in other areas. Additionally, November to March is also a great time to visit Cat Ba. However, during this time, there will be quite a few international tourists, so you need to be careful to avoid conflicts or disagreements with them.
If you want to enjoy the fresh and cool air in this area, then come in September and October. This is the perfect time to appreciate the pristine beauty of the island and participate in tourist activities such as long walks, mountain climbing, biking, sightseeing, and enjoying delicious seafood specialties.
However, if you want to experience the freezing winter of this region, then come from December to February of the following year. During this time, you can participate in winter tourism activities such as fishing, swimming, and enjoying hot meals. All of these experiences allow you to enjoy the fresh air and relaxation while enjoying the freezing winter of this land.
As shared from the experience of our travel company, tourists usually rush to the island on weekends, which is the busiest time and overcrowding also extends to the ferry to Cat Ba. These situations often cause difficulties for tourists because the ferry terminal does not support well and room rates also increase two or three times compared to normal days, making the cost of entertainment significantly higher. If you go on holidays, the likelihood of fully booked rooms is also very high if not booked in advance.
To have a peaceful and tranquil 2-day 1-night or 3-day 2-night Cat Ba tour, you should schedule your itinerary on weekends to avoid situations where rooms are fully booked or prices are excessively high. During this time, the touring experience will be much more enjoyable and spacious. In a quiet space, you can enjoy the pristine beauty of the island, breathe fresh air, and participate in tourist activities such as long walks, mountain climbing, biking, sightseeing, and savoring delicious seafood specialties.
If you cannot choose the travel date and can only go on weekends or holidays, remember to book services in advance to avoid overloaded services and lack of additional support. Booking in advance will help you avoid unwanted situations and have a more enjoyable, safe, and cost-effective trip.
Getting to Cat Ba Island
If you want to embark on a 2-day 1-night or 3-day 2-night self-guided journey, there are many transportation options and routes available. Depending on your departure location and budget considerations, you can choose the most suitable mode of transportation to save costs and time.
For passengers from southern provinces, airplanes are a popular means of transportation to reach Cat Bi - Hai Phong Airport. From there, you can take a ferry to this island for sightseeing and entertainment. Additionally, you can choose other modes of transportation such as buses, taxis, or rental cars to travel from the airport to the ferry terminal and continue to the island.
For travelers in the northern region, there are more transportation options to reach Cat Ba Island. Below are some specific directions:
When you are in Halong and want to explore this destination before heading to Cat Ba Island, the optimal option to reach the island is to use the Halong - Tuan Chau expressway. From there, you can take a ferry to Gia Luan ferry terminal on Cat Ba Island. There are about 10-15 ferry trips to Gia Luan pier every day, with a cost of around 100,000 VND per passenger. If you want to go to the center of Cat Ba Island, you can buy a boat ticket from Tuan Chau for around 220,000 VND per passenger.
It's worth noting that ferry transportation may take a bit longer than high-speed boats, but it's an interesting way to admire the beautiful scenery of Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island. Moreover, you can enjoy the journey in a fresher and quieter atmosphere, especially when compared to motorcycles or cars. If you prefer a more comfortable and cozy trip, ferry transportation will be an excellent choice for you.
Traveling from Hanoi to Hai Phong to Cat Ba
Hanoi to Hai Phong
If you want to explore the route and experience the excitement along the way, riding a motorbike is a great choice. However, keep in mind that the travel time will be longer compared to other modes of transportation. To reach Hai Phong, you can choose to take the Hanoi - Hai Phong expressway to save time, or take routes QL5 and QL5B for the opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery along the way.
If you don't enjoy riding motorbikes, then taking a bus is a convenient and popular option. Currently, there are many bus routes from Hanoi to Hai Phong such as Hoang Long, Ngoc Huyen, Hoang Ngan, Hai Au, and many other companies. Gia Lam and Nuoc Ngam bus stations are the main departure points. If you don't intend to stay in Hai Phong, choose buses departing from Lac Long bus station, which is the closest point for you to catch a ferry to Cat Ba.
If you want to experience the excitement of traveling by train, then the train is a great option. From Hanoi, you can depart from Hanoi station, Long Bien, or Gia Lam with ticket prices ranging from 60,000 VND to 90,000 VND and a travel time of about 3 hours. However, you should note that trains may be delayed due to traffic conditions, so plan carefully to arrive on time.
Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island
After arriving in Hai Phong, you have two options to get to Cat Ba Island. The first option is to take a high-speed boat from Binh port. High-speed boats are the fastest and most convenient mode of transportation to Cat Ba Island. Currently, ticket prices for high-speed boats range from 180,000 VND to 250,000 VND per person. The total travel time to the island is only 45 minutes. That's why high-speed boats are often crowded compared to ferries.
The second option is to take a car to Got ferry terminal and then take a ferry to Cai Vieng terminal on Cat Ba Island. However, this option will take longer than the high-speed boat and is not as convenient. You will have to travel a long distance to reach Got ferry terminal and then wait to board the ferry. The waiting time can also be quite long, especially on weekends or during holidays.
In summary, the high-speed boat is the best means of transportation to reach this island area from Hai Phong as it is fast and convenient. However, if you want to experience the journey by road and ferry, you can choose to take a car to Got ferry terminal and then take the ferry to Cai Vieng terminal.
Departing from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island
If you want to save time, energy, and money for your trip to this island from Hanoi, then taking a passenger bus is the best option. Currently, there are many bus companies offering passenger services for this journey such as Cat Ba Express, Interbuslines, GoodMorning, and many others. The travel time will be around 3 and a half to 4 hours, depending on the traffic conditions.
To book bus tickets, you can visit the website vexere.com. This is one of the most reputable and popular bus ticket booking websites in Vietnam, often offering discount programs and attractive promotions for customers. On this website, you can search for buses that fit your schedule, book tickets, and make online payments easily and conveniently.
Opting for a passenger bus as a mode of transportation not only saves you time and energy but also saves costs compared to traveling by airplane or train. Moreover, you also have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way and experience an exciting journey to Cat Ba Island.
Transportation options for independent travel to Cat Ba Island
Traveling by taxi
The most common and easily found means of transportation on this island is taxis. You can use taxis to travel from the city center to hotels or from the ferry terminal to the city center. In particular, taxis are suitable for families with adults and children. However, compared to major tourist cities like Hanoi and Danang, the number of taxis on this island is not high. If you want to use a taxi, you may have to wait for a while. Additionally, if you are traveling alone, it is not advisable to use a taxi if you want to save costs because taxi fares on this island are quite expensive and suitable for large groups.
Traveling by electric vehicle
In addition to taxis, electric vehicles are another mode of transportation that you can use on Cat Ba Island. This is a type of vehicle that you will often come across when taking tours to the island and is extremely suitable for large groups. You can split the fare per person, helping to save on transportation costs during your trip.
Electric vehicles are also very convenient for traveling from the city center to beaches or other tourist destinations on Cat Ba Island. They can take you to places that taxis cannot access. Additionally, traveling by electric vehicle allows you to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery of the island more comfortably than traveling by taxi.
Traveling by motorcycle
Exploring this island independently by motorcycle is an excellent choice for those who want to experience the island in a unique and free way. With costs ranging from 100,000 VND to 150,000 VND, you can rent a motorcycle to explore the hottest destinations on the island. This is also a cost-effective way to travel, especially when traveling with a group of friends.
On Cat Ba Island, there are many reputable motorcycle rental places. If you are staying at a hotel, you can easily find rental services. Famous hotels like Hai Son, Thao Minh, and Sunshine also provide motorcycle rental services. However, the number of available motorcycles may be limited and may not meet your needs.
If you want to find better and more comprehensive motorcycle rental addresses, you can visit reputable places like Tuan Dat Motorbike, Anh Luc (Toan), or Cat Ba Motorcycle Rental. These places offer a wide range of motorcycles and good service quality, ensuring you have a complete and convenient trip.
However, you need to carefully consider safety when renting a motorcycle for yourself. Make sure you check thoroughly before renting, including brakes, lights, horns, and brake cables. Additionally, ensure you have enough experience driving on mountainous terrain and narrow roads to avoid unnecessary risks.
Price List for Tourist Attractions on Cat Ba Island
To visit and enjoy the tourist attractions on Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay, you will need to purchase entrance tickets. The ticket prices for each attraction vary and are publicly listed for your reference before arrival. This will help you consider and calculate the costs for the most reasonable trip.
Note that the ticket prices for tourist attractions on this island are listed on the website or at the stores of each attraction. However, some services such as boat rentals may be charged by the hour or based on customer requests. For example, if you want to rent a private boat to visit Lan Ha Bay, the rental price for 2 hours and 30 minutes will be 2,200,000 VND, while if you want to rent it for 6 hours, the price will be 5,700,000 VND.
Additionally, ticket prices may vary for different categories of tourists. Some tourist attractions have discount policies for students, seniors, and people with disabilities. Therefore, if you belong to these categories, you should contact the tourist attraction directly for more information on discount policies and how to determine the category of tourist.
Top 5 Must-Visit Destinations on Cat Ba Island
Experience the 2-day-1-night journey without missing out on the wonderful experiences at the famous beaches on the island. Cat Ba is renowned for its hundreds of beautiful beaches with crystal clear blue water and smooth white sand. If you decide to visit this island but skip the beach time, it will be a big miss.
To help you have the best experience on this piece of land, we introduce you to the most beautiful beaches on the island:
With such amazing beaches, the 2-day-1-night itinerary will become a memorable and unforgettable experience for you.
Lan Ha Bay is an enticing destination on Cat Ba Island with hundreds of small beaches each with its own unique characteristics. If you're seeking more privacy and relaxation, according to the travel experience of adventure enthusiasts, you can rent a boat (although it might incur slightly higher costs) to visit less crowded areas. There, you can enjoy the magnificent beauty of the crystal-clear water and picturesque natural scenery, especially the tranquil and serene atmosphere.
The destinations where you can enjoy peaceful surroundings in Lan Ha Bay are also diverse. You can stop by at beautiful small beaches with azure water and fine white sand. You can immerse yourself in the cool water and feel the serenity of nature. Or if you want to explore further, you can take a boat to lesser-known areas to discover the fascinating aspects of the bay.
With such diverse and enticing options, you'll surely find a relaxing spot to enjoy a wonderful vacation in Lan Ha Bay.
Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay is situated to the East of Cat Ba Island, covering an area of over 7,000 hectares and boasting more than 400 small and large islands. Unlike Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is adorned with lush green forests, creating a refreshing and distinctive ambiance. It's also part of the Halong Bay complex, featuring pristine beaches and exciting activities.
Among these, kayaking is one of the most enticing activities in Lan Ha Bay. You'll be guided through limestone caves and mountain climbs to admire Lan Ha Bay from above. Additionally, you can enjoy pristine beaches, swim, and relax on fine white sand.
If you're up for further exploration, Lan Ha Bay offers many other activities such as trekking through forests, diving to explore the ocean's beauty, or participating in beach games.
With such diverse and exciting activities, Lan Ha Bay is undoubtedly a fantastic destination for those seeking to experience the novelty and excitement of Cat Ba land.
Monkey Island
If you've ever embarked on a 2-day, 1-night solo tour to this island, Monkey Island is a must-visit according to the Backpacking travel experience. Monkey Island is located about 2km from this area, with a very special and unique name. It's one of the pristine islands, with cool and very clean seawater.
Monkey Island is called Monkey Island because there are over 20 monkeys released and living freely here. Don't be afraid when you encounter them because these monkeys are very approachable to tourists. The highlight of Monkey Island is Cat Dua Beach. This Cat Dua Beach has a length of about 1km and is considered the most beautiful place on Monkey Island. With clear and calm water, Cat Dua Beach attracts many tourists here to rest, explore, and swim.
Although the services on Monkey Island are still underdeveloped, they still meet most of the needs of tourists. In addition to swimming, you can stroll around the island to admire the pristine scenery, participate in entertainment activities such as kayaking or diving to admire colorful coral reefs. Monkey Island is also an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life, to relax and recharge.
With such amazing experiences, Monkey Island is an unmissable destination when visiting Cat Ba Island. If you're looking for a place to relax and explore the pristine beauty of the central coastal area, Monkey Island will be an excellent choice.
Canon Fort
If you're looking for a place to enjoy panoramic views of this island during a 2-day, 1-night trip, then Canon Fort cannot be missed - one of the famous historical relics of the island. Canon Fort is a historical relic from the two wars against France and the United States, and today, it has become an attractive destination for tourists, especially young people.
Visitors often come here to take photos and admire the panoramic view of Cat Ba town. In addition, Canon Fort is also an ideal destination to enjoy beautiful sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. To visit Canon Fort, you need to buy tickets for about 60,000 VND/person. However, this cost is very reasonable because you will admire a beautiful scenery that cannot be missed.
In addition to its beautiful scenery, Cannon Fort also preserves many artifacts and relics from the war era, including two cannons used by the French army and other important items. You can also find a corner in the coffee shop to enjoy the view and relax if you feel tired after visiting. So, don't forget to visit Cannon Fort on your trip to experience these wonderful things.
Cat Ba National Park
When visiting Cat Ba National Park, you will experience a rich and pristine ecosystem. To explore all of these interesting things, experienced travelers recommend joining an eco-tour or seeking out famous caves like Trung Trang or Dark Cave. Cat Ba National Park is also home to rare primate species in the world along with hundreds of other animal species.
This place is likened to a 'forest in the sea' with rocky mountains enveloped in the majestic, beautiful seascape of the islands. According to the travel experience of our travel company, if you like challenges, conquer Mount Ngu Lam of the National Park to admire the panoramic view of this national forest and in the distance is the enchanting Lan Ha Bay. You will feel like drifting in a miraculous and pristine natural painting. And whether you choose to join an eco-tour or explore on your own, visiting this National Park will be a memorable experience in your trip.
Other Attractions
In addition to the most interesting and attractive spots in this region mentioned above, according to the travel experience of Backpackers, you can also explore some other interesting places during your 2-day 1-night self-guided trip.
If you love exploring caves, head to Quan Y Cave - a large cave located about 15km from the center of this island. It's one of the most beautiful caves here with unique stalactites and amazing rock formations.
If you want to visit another cave, go to Trung Trang Cave or Bat Cave. Both of these caves are located in the limestone mountains of Cat Ba Island, with mysterious and pristine beauty. Besides, you can also visit the ancient fishing village of Cai Beo to learn about the history and distinctive culture of the area.
Each landscape of these scenic spots carries its own unique and enticing beauty. Surely, when visiting these places, you will have a wonderful and memorable travel experience. Your journey will become even more appealing and exciting when exploring these interesting destinations on Cat Ba Island.
Exciting Experiences on Cat Ba
Kayaking Adventure on Lan Ha Bay
Kayaking on Lan Ha Bay is a fantastic experience for those who want to explore the beauty of Cat Ba Island. It allows you to discover the entire beauty of Lan Ha Bay and experience unique moments while paddling on the sea.
If you're traveling with a large group, you can easily rent a boat to comfortably enjoy the scenery. But if you're traveling with just 1 or 2 people, kayaking and exploring the tranquil waters of Lan Ha Bay will be a fantastic experience.
The boat rental prices in Lan Ha Bay are very reasonable, ranging from 300,000 VND to 500,000 VND per person. However, if you opt for kayaking, the cost will be much lower, only about 50,000 VND per person per kayak. You can rent these vehicles at locations like Cat Co, Tung Thu, or Lan Ha Bay.
If you want a comprehensive and full-day tour to experience multiple activities in one day, the full-day combo package will be the perfect choice for you. This package includes exploring Lan Ha Bay, coral diving, lunch, and kayaking. The cost for this service ranges from 450,000 VND to 700,000 VND per person. It's a great option if you want to avoid the hassle of planning your kayaking itinerary.
Trekking Journey through Cat Ba National Park
When you visit Cat Ba National Park, don't miss out on the adventurous trekking activities with many exciting challenges. With an area of up to 26,000 hectares and a rich system of flora and fauna, this national park is the ideal place for you to explore and discover.
To experience this, simply head to the entrance of the national park and choose the trekking route that suits your preferences. There are 3 trekking routes for you to choose from, including Kim Giao to Ngự Lâm Peak, Cửa Rừng to Ao Ếch (4km long), and Ao Ếch to the Vietnamese Fishing Village (7km long).
As you venture deeper into the national park, you'll explore diverse ecosystems intertwined with each other, from evergreen ecosystems on limestone mountains to flooded forests in high mountains and mangroves. The diverse system of caves is also a fascinating destination for tourists.
You'll encounter many exciting challenges when trekking in Cat Ba National Park. However, don't worry because there are many directional signs along the trekking trails to ensure the safety of tourists. Prepare yourself mentally and physically for an adventurous and memorable journey.
Experience mountain climbing when traveling independently to this destination.
The island here is an attractive destination for those who love mountain climbing activities. This experience is not to be missed when visiting the island because there are dozens of mountain climbing spots that you can conquer such as Dau Be Island, Ba Trai Dao Island, Ben Beo, and Fish Cave.
The difficulty of this activity depends on the physical ability of each person, you can choose a mountain peak to conquer and overcome the difficult challenges. However, this experience is adventurous, so before starting, you should consider going with a group or professional guide to ensure absolute safety.
Mountain climbing will give you a panoramic view of this island and a sense of achievement when reaching the mountain peak. Prepare yourself mentally and physically for a memorable experience on this island.
Experience coral reef diving
According to some adventurers, exploring the calm sea around this island and experiencing coral reef diving is an activity not to be missed. The coral reef system on this island is very rich and diverse in species. You will discover many marine ecosystems under the deep blue ocean.
However, the coral species on Cat Ba Island are even more special with 193 species including hard corals, mushroom corals, soft corals, horn corals, and many more. If you want to experience this, you can visit locations like Cat Dua, Ba Trai Dao, Mui Hong, Ang Tham, and many other points on the island to explore and admire the pristine beauty of the coral reefs.
It's amazing to dive and admire the coral reefs on Cat Ba Island, where you can enjoy the fresh air and admire the beauty of the ocean. The key is to choose a professional diving service and ensure safety for your trip. Prepare mentally and physically for an amazing experience on Cat Ba Island.
Overnight camping
One of the worthwhile activities on this island is camping overnight and stargazing. This island is vast, allowing you to choose camping spots freely from the National Park area to mountain peaks or secluded beaches. Just find an area with flat ground and fresh air, set up your tent, and relax after a long day of exploring the island.
However, the most important thing during the camping trip is that you can organize a delicious BBQ party and gaze at the starry sky. While enjoying tasty food and admiring the beauty of the night sky, you will feel the power and beauty of nature. The perfect harmony from these activities promises to create special and unforgettable memories in your independent travel journey to Cat Ba Island. Prepare yourself for an exciting experience and explore the pristine beauty of Cat Ba Island.
Enjoy a night on a luxurious yacht
If luxury hotels or high-end resorts are not suitable for your budget on your 2-day 1-night trip to Cat Ba, then relaxing on a yacht is an attractive and novel form of travel. This activity not only offers you many exciting experiences but is also the preferred choice for many travelers when visiting Cat Ba Island. In Lan Ha Bay, you can find various types of yachts from 3 to 5 stars, each with its own unique features in terms of equipment and interior. Additionally, some luxury yachts also have restaurants, spas, balconies, lounges, and many other amenities to ensure you have a luxurious experience.
Each yacht also has unique and separate itineraries with famous landmarks such as Cat Co Beach 1, 2, and 3, Monkey Island, Light and Dark Cave, Hospital Cave, and many other attractions. They also combine visits to fishing villages so you can explore the life and culture of fishermen here. All of these will help you have a wonderful and special travel experience.
However, participating on a yacht also requires a fairly high cost. Typically, the cost will range from 3,000,000 to 5,000,000 VND for 2 people, including meals. However, if you want to enjoy a unique and private resort experience, this is definitely a great choice for your trip. Don't miss this opportunity, register now to experience and explore the beauty of this area from a completely new perspective.
Where to stay when traveling to Cat Ba?
There are plenty of accommodation options on Cat Ba Island, from guesthouses to luxury hotels, suitable for every budget and preference. If you want to save costs, you can choose JoyStay, which offers homestays with attractive Bungalow rooms and includes a breakfast package for 500,000 VND per night.
Another option is Rustic House, a 2-star hotel located less than 1km from the city center and the beach, with rooms priced at 500,000 VND for 2 people per night and just 300m from the beach with a refreshing natural view.
For a more luxurious resort experience, you can opt for The Halong Catamaran, a luxury standard yacht on the sea, just 1km from the city center. The room rate for one night at this place is around 5,700,000 VND with a gourmet dining package for 2 people.
Additionally, the Sandy Beach Resort in this area is also a fantastic option with a luxurious 3-star standard resort located 4.8km from the city center with a beach view. The total service package is valued at 1,500,000 VND, including a full breakfast.
If you prefer staying in hotels, there are various options available. Golden Palace Hotel: A 2-star standard hotel located 1.3km from Tung Thu Beach. The room interiors are cool and modern. Room rates start from 200,000 VND per night.
LePont Cat Ba Bungalow: A 1-star hotel located approximately 1.7km from the city center. Breakfast is included with room rates starting from 750,000 VND per night.
Emerald Hotel Cat Ba: This 3-star quality establishment offers spacious rooms with 2 beds and a sea view, approximately 800m from the beach. Breakfast is included with room rates starting from 450,000 VND per night.
Blue Lagoon Cat Ba: A resort located close to the city center and the beach, featuring modern rooms and spacious grounds. Room rates start from 800,000 VND per night for 2 people, including breakfast.
Lynh’s Villa: This is a high-end resort located near the city center, approximately 0.4km away, and the beach, 650m away. It features an outdoor swimming pool and beautiful mountain scenery. Room rates start from 500,000 VND per night for 2 adults.
What to Eat When Visiting Cat Ba Island?
This island is known as an incredibly attractive destination for seafood lovers in Vietnam. The dishes most loved and enjoyed by tourists here include grilled sea urchin, mantis shrimp, snakehead fish, jellyfish salad, herring salad, geoduck, and many others. If you miss out on these dishes here, you will surely regret missing the opportunity to enjoy the island's specialties.
What makes these dishes even more delicious is the location where you enjoy them. With the travel experience of passionate adventurers, the best place to enjoy seafood is on floating restaurants, where you can indulge in special dishes prepared by local chefs.
Cat Ba Island is an ideal destination for seafood lovers in Vietnam. It has become the center of attention for the region's signature dishes. Among them, salt-roasted mantis shrimp is one of the most popular. With its salty shell and sweet, firm flesh inside, salt-roasted mantis shrimp is a dish not to be missed when visiting Cat Ba Island.
Additionally, geoduck (giant clam) is another specialty that you cannot miss. Although it is quite expensive, the nutritional value of geoduck is very high and nourishing. Cooking geoduck in grilled, congee, stir-fried, or hotpot style is delicious, but grilled geoduck with fat and onions is the best.
Grilled sea urchin eggs are the most popular dish on this island and are served at many seafood restaurants. Different parts of the sea urchin are prepared into various dishes such as sweet and sour stir-fried sea urchin legs, crispy fried sea urchin eggs or stir-fried with betel leaves, grilled sea urchin cartilage, etc.
Green mussel is also a must-try specialty when embarking on an independent journey. You will find a large number of these green mussels bred in brackish water areas, and they are best enjoyed when grilled or steamed.
Bun tom, a simple dish made of only two ingredients: fresh seafood and rice vermicelli, yet it brings a distinct flavor that cannot be denied. A typical bowl of bun includes fish cake, boiled shrimp, vermicelli, grilled pork sausage, tomatoes, herbs, and finely chopped coriander. Finally, pour in the broth made from bones, and you'll have a flavorful bowl of bun.
Finally, catfish is considered a gift from nature bestowed upon Cat Ba Island. There are three types of catfish: black catfish, fat catfish, and star catfish. The skin of catfish is fatty, while the flesh is sweet and firm. Catfish dishes cooked in porridge or hotpot are delicious and flavorful. These are the signature dishes of this island that you must try when visiting.
Below are some restaurants you can visit:
This area is a great tourist destination with many floating restaurants serving fresh seafood. With about 10 floating restaurants here, you'll have plenty of options to enjoy delicious and unique dishes. Among them, Quan Gia Dinh Family Restaurant is an excellent choice with delicious fresh food and attentive service. If you want to experience local cuisine, the “Local Kitchen” is the epicenter of indigenous culinary delights here. You can enjoy many delicious dishes such as garlic stir-fried agar, grilled pork wrapped in betel leaves, jellyfish salad, and steamed fish. Take some time to explore these unique eateries when visiting Cat Ba.
What are the attractive souvenirs of Cat Ba tourism?
If you've taken a tour to this area, don't forget to buy some local specialties as gifts for your friends and family, or for later use. With seafood being the main product of Cat Ba Island, you can find a variety of fresh seafood at the market and have them packed for shipping. However, if you don't fancy fresh seafood, you can also buy some other specialties such as dried squid, shrimp paste for cooking, Cat Hai fish sauce (Van Van), or forest honey.
If you want to buy dried squid, keep in mind that Cat Ba squid is considered thick, sweet, firm, and flavorful, but the prices vary, so you should inquire before purchasing. Shrimp paste for cooking is a meaningful gift for mothers, but you need to find a reputable place to buy it. If you want to try Cat Hai fish sauce (Van Van), note that it is a famous specialty that you shouldn't miss, but if you're traveling by plane, consider transportation logistics before purchasing.
Seafood is also a special gift that you shouldn't overlook, such as sea cucumbers, green crabs, razor clams, sea cucumbers, oysters, dried squid, sun-dried tuna, and more. They are all attractive and worth trying specialties.
In addition, the forest honey here is considered to be of the highest quality, with a very thick texture and delicious taste, and it boasts high nutritional value. Typically, it is sold in specialty stores or extensively marketed in the local market area. Moreover, souvenir items such as keychains or shell souvenirs are also diverse and priced from 15,000 VND to 20,000 VND depending on the design. Enjoy the unique experiences and bring meaningful gifts from Cat Ba Island.
Self-guided tour itinerary in Cat Ba
If you are planning a self-guided tour here but don't know where to start, don't worry. Here is a suggested tour itinerary based on the experiences of Backpackers, helping you make the most of your trip.
Departure from Hanoi to this piece of land
Early in the morning, you will depart from Hanoi to start your journey to Cat Ba. Along the way, you can make stops at some famous tourist destinations such as Cuc Phuong National Park, Bat Trang pottery village, or Ba Dam Mango Tower to explore and admire.
Before arriving, you will stop at one of the local restaurants to enjoy the delicious fresh seafood specialties of the island.
Upon arrival, you will check in at the hotel and begin exploring this picturesque island. You can start your adventure by visiting the Cannon Fort, where you can learn more about the island's unique history and culture.
Next, you can go swimming at Cat Co 3 Beach or Tung Thu Beach, or the beaches near your hotel. If you want to challenge yourself, conquer the Ngự Lâm peak in the nearby national forest area and enjoy the sunset over the stunning island landscape.
In the evening, you can return to your hotel to freshen up, relax, and enjoy delicious fresh seafood at a nearby floating restaurant. Be sure to call the restaurant directly to make a reservation and avoid fees. If you prefer vegetarian food, Tinh Tam Quan is a popular spot suitable for your needs.
After dinner, you can take a leisurely stroll along the seaside road and listen to the sounds of nature, enjoy a cup of coffee, and admire the panoramic view of the town from above or take a walk and admire Cat Ba town from a distance.
Explore Lan Ha Bay and return to Hanoi
Early on the second day in Cat Ba Island, wake up at 5:00 am to witness the beautiful sunrise at Cat Co 3 Beach. Then, you can enjoy the island's specialty breakfast dishes such as crab noodles or shrimp rolled cakes at Huyen Cuong. If you want to try European dishes, The Big Man is a great place with delicious European-style breakfasts for a budget of around 50,000 VND to 60,000 VND per person.
After finishing breakfast, you'll check out of the hotel and prepare for the trip to Lan Ha Bay. Take a taxi to Beo Pier and board the boat departing for Lan Ha Bay at 7:30 AM. During the trip, you'll have the opportunity to visit Monkey Island, swim, hike, snorkel, and enjoy delicious meals.
After the tour ends at 3:00 PM, you'll be taken back to the starting point by bus. This is a 2-day 1-night itinerary to explore this island. However, depending on your preferences and purposes, you can adjust the destinations on the itinerary or stay for an additional 1 to 2 days to explore other places or simply to relax after the hustle and bustle of life. You are completely free to choose and customize your trip for the fullest and most enjoyable experience.
Total expenses for the self-guided Cat Ba trip
Traveling to this island not only requires preparation in terms of time and location but also in terms of expenses. The transportation cost will depend on the mode of transportation you choose, ranging from 500,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND for the entire journey. For the option of traveling by canoe, the cost will be higher, specifically around 1,500,000 VND.
Accommodation costs are not excessively high, with mid-range hotels priced at around 100,000 VND to 200,000 VND per night. However, for a more luxurious resort or cruise experience, expect to pay up to 6,000,000 VND for two people per night.
When traveling, be mindful of dining expenses. Each meal can range from 50,000 VND to 200,000 VND depending on your choice of dishes. Seafood lovers may need a higher budget of around 300,000 VND. However, dining with a large group can lead to significant discounts. Sharing expenses like accommodation and transportation can also save you money. Research dining options carefully to find dishes that fit your budget before deciding where to eat.
Most attractions on Cat Ba Island require entrance fees, ranging from 50,000 VND per visit per place. Prices may vary depending on the chosen destination, ranging from 50,000 VND to 250,000 VND for the entire tour. Before visiting a particular destination, research ticket prices to plan your budget and avoid unexpected expenses. Consider your budget carefully to choose attractions that suit your financial situation.
If you're interested in guided tours with exciting activities like trekking, mountain climbing, boat trips, or island hopping, tour service costs can range from 500,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND per person, depending on the specific activities.
After calculating the expenses for each item, you can summarize them to determine the total cost for your trip to Cat Ba Island. If you travel with a large group, costs will be shared, resulting in savings. Based on experience, for a group of 2 to 4 people, total expenses typically range from 1,000,000 VND (low cost) to 2,000,000 VND (high cost).
If you plan to go shopping, expenses will depend on the quantity and price of the products. Depending on the quantity purchased, expenses can range from 100,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND. However, you can explore multiple shopping locations and negotiate prices to get the best deals.
For solo or couple travelers, expenses may be higher, ranging from 1,500,000 VND (high) to 750,000 VND (low). However, note that these costs are estimates and may vary depending on factors such as travel time, accommodation choices, tour services, and your spending habits. Therefore, careful planning and budgeting are essential for a wonderful trip to this area without financial worries.
Some important things to remember
To have a fantastic and economical trip to this island, plan and prepare essential items in advance. Protect your skin from UV rays by bringing sunscreen, a jacket, a hat, and other protective gear. Swimsuits and towels are also essential for beach trips. Additionally, mosquito repellent is necessary to avoid bites.
For transportation on the island, consider using motorbike taxis or electric bikes instead of taxis to save costs, typically around 10,000 VND to 20,000 VND. However, during holidays or Tet, room rates may double or triple compared to regular days, and availability may be limited, so book in advance. Always inquire about prices before shopping or using services.
If you want to enjoy dining at floating restaurants, call the manager directly to make reservations and receive the best service at the best price. To prevent theft, avoid carrying large amounts of cash and be cautious with personal belongings.
Finally, when visiting Cat Ba Island, protect the marine and natural environment by avoiding littering and keeping the surrounding environment clean. With these tips, you can have a fantastic and budget-friendly trip to Cat Ba Island.
Planning your upcoming island getaway? A self-guided itinerary is a must-try option. This island boasts abundant nature, fresh air, captivating attractions, and delicious cuisine, all accompanied by the friendliness of the locals. You'll have the chance to experience island life, swim in the sea, trek along pristine beaches, visit attractions, and indulge in local delicacies.
For more information or travel guidance on Cat Ba, contact our travel company for the best advice. We have a team of enthusiastic and professional staff ready to provide you with useful information about Cat Ba Island, from hotels and restaurants to attractions and entertainment activities. Contact us today for a comprehensive and budget-friendly trip to this island!
Posted by: Nguyen Pham Xuan Hai
Keywords: Traveling from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island
