Cat Ba Cát Bà
Cat Ba is the large island at the western edge of the Ha Long and Lan Ha bay karst. It suits people who want a night on an island, a hike, and a smaller boat, rather than a cruise from the main Ha Long pier.
●●●●○ Worth a special trip in this corridor
Photo: Ian Byrne · CC BY-SA 2.5
Facts verified 19 Oct 2026. Fees and hours change; confirm before you go.
Cat Ba town is a harbor strip with hotels and seafood restaurants. The reason to come is Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba National Park, not the town beach.
Allow two nights if you want a boat day and a walk. A single night mostly covers the transfer.
Common questions
- Can you see Ha Long from Cat Ba?
- Lan Ha Bay is the neighboring karst water. A standard Ha Long harbor cruise does not drop you on Cat Ba.
Top attractions in Cat Ba
Side trips from Cat Ba
Cat Ba by interest
Come for islands and a quieter bay. Skip it if you already have an overnight Ha Long cruise and only one spare day.
Getting there and around
Ferries and combined bus tickets from Hanoi change piers from year to year. Book a through ticket and recheck the pier the day before. On the island, rent a scooter only if you are licensed to ride; otherwise use a taxi or a tour for the park.
Cat Ba itineraries
Hotels
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Restaurants
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