Cat Ba Island Vietnam
Cat Ba Island is a beautiful and popular tourist destination located in northern Vietnam, in the Gulf of Tonkin. It is the largest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago, which includes over 360 small and large islands. Cat Ba Island is part of Cat Ba National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and is known for its stunning natural beauty, limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and diverse wildlife.
How to get to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi
Getting to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi is relatively easy and there are several options to choose from depending on your budget, time, and preference.
The most popular and affordable option is to take a combination of public bus and ferry. The public bus departs from Hanoi’s Long Bien or Tourist Bus Station from old quarter and takes around 2-3 hours to reach Hai Phong city. From there, you can take a ferry to Cat Ba Island, which takes around 45 minutes. The ferry departs from Ben Binh harbor in Hai Phong and arrives at the main pier on Cat Ba Island.
If you prefer a more comfortable and faster option, you can hire a private car or taxi from Hanoi to Hai Phong city. The journey takes around 2 hours, and from Hai Phong, you can take a speedboat to Cat Ba Island, which takes around 20-30 minutes. The speedboat departs from Binh harbor in Hai Phong and arrives at Beo harbor on Cat Ba Island.
If you want a hassle-free and convenient option, you can book a private tour from Hanoi that includes transportation by van or car, a speedboat to Cat Ba Island, and a visit to some popular attractions on the island. The tour operators can arrange everything for you, including hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Once you reach Cat Ba Island, there are several ways to get around and explore the island. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle from the rental shops in Cat Ba town, which is the main town on the island. You can also hire a taxi or take a local bus to visit the nearby attractions.
What to do in Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island has a lot to offer to its visitors. One of the must-visit places on the island is Cat Ba National Park, which covers over 26,000 hectares of land and sea. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including some rare and endangered species such as the golden-headed langur, a primate species found only in this region. You can hike through the lush jungle, enjoy the stunning scenery, and visit the various caves and grottos.
Another popular attraction on the island is Lan Ha Bay, which is located south of Halong Bay and is known for its pristine and less crowded beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning limestone formations. You can take a boat tour around the bay, visit some hidden lagoons and caves, and enjoy various water activities such as kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling.
If you want to learn about the local history and culture, you can visit some of the traditional fishing villages on the island, such as Viet Hai Village and Cai Beo Village. You can interact with the friendly locals, learn about their way of life, and try some of the delicious fresh seafood that the island is famous for.
For those who are into outdoor activities, Cat Ba Island offers several options such as rock climbing, trekking, and cycling. You can climb the limestone cliffs of Butterfly Valley, which is a popular spot for rock climbing enthusiasts. You can also trek through the jungle to the summit of Ngu Lam Peak, which offers a panoramic view of the island and the surrounding sea.
Finally, if you want to relax and enjoy the laid-back island lifestyle, you can spend some time on the beautiful beaches of Cat Ba Island, such as Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, Cat Co 3 Beach and Tung Thu Beach.
More bus from Cat Ba Island
- Cat Ba to Sapa only 28$
- Cat Ba to Ha Giang only 28$ included all
- Cat Ba to Ninh Binh only 12$