VN · Hai Phong · 20.80°N 107.00°E

cat ba island

Jungle island gateway to Lan Ha Bay's quieter karst kayaking.

Best time
April to June and September to November are usually best. Summer brings crowds of Vietnamese holidaymakers and the risk of storms, and winter is cool and grey.
How long
2–3 days
Getting there
Fly KL to Hanoi (about 3 hours), then about 3–4 hours on a combined bus and ferry ticket, easy to book from Hanoi.
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VN · Hai Phongcat ba island20.80°N 107.00°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Jungle island gateway to Lan Ha Bay's quieter karst kayaking.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingCat Ba IslandVN, Hai Phong
KLcat ba island
≈ 2,046 km from KL, as the crow flies
Cat Ba town, Vietnam.

Photo: Binh Giang · Public domain

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

The largest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago, on the edge of Lan Ha Bay, with the same limestone scenery as Ha Long Bay next door but fewer boats. Much of the island is national park, home to the critically endangered Cat Ba langur. Cat Ba town is the base for kayaking, boat trips and climbing in the bay.

Makan

  1. SeafoodSquid, clams and fish at the harbourfront restaurants.Map ↗
  2. Mantis shrimpA local favourite, steamed or roasted with salt.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Lan Ha BayKayak between karst islands to quiet lagoons and small beaches.Map ↗
  2. Cat Ba National ParkHike through the forest to the viewpoint at Ngu Lam Peak.Map ↗
  3. Hospital CaveA cave that served as a secret hospital during the Vietnam War.Map ↗
  4. Cannon FortA hilltop with old gun emplacements and views over the town and the bay.Map ↗
  5. Cat Co beachesSmall beaches a short walk from town.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Storms can stop ferries and boat trips, especially in summer, so keep your plans flexible.
  • The Cat Ba langur is strictly protected. Don't approach or feed any wildlife you see.
  • Summer weekends get very crowded. Weekdays are calmer.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.