The Ultimate Cat Ba Town Travel Guide - Top Things To Do, Where To Stay and Where To Eat

I stayed in Cat Ba Town for a week and had planned out everything I wanted to do, but then the monsoon came. So unfortunately I wasn’t able to enjoy all the best parts of Cat Ba, but I did all the research and explored as much of the island as I could so I’m adding all my tips here to help you plan your stay.

Even though there was a monsoon, it didn’t actually rain in Cat Ba Town, they just had to stop the boat traffic to and from the island to be safe. So I still got to explore the island itself. I just wasn't able to explore the area by boat which is usually the main reason people come here. However, I will come back one day and try again!

Top things to do on Cat Ba Island

As always I’ll start with the fun part first, namely the top things to do in Cat Ba. If you also want more practical information like my favourite restaurants, the places I recommend staying, how to get there and more, just scroll further down and you’ll find everything you need to plan your perfect trip.

Swim and relax on Cat Co beaches

There are three main beaches on Cat Ba Island, with the very original names Cat Co 1, 2 and 3.

I’m not gonna lie and say they were the most amazing beaches I’ve ever been to, but Cat Co 3 was my favourite and absolutely a beach worth spending a day on.

The two other ones aren’t really that interesting in my opinion, so if you're short on time here I would just prioritise number 3.

All three beaches are in walking distance from Cat Ba town so it's easy to reach them no matter where you choose to stay.

The beaches also have resorts connected to them, but Cat Co 3 had the least invasive one which made it feel less like you were spending your day at a hotel.

Walk the Rock Trail

Connecting the 3 beaches you have something called the Rock Trail. Even if you don’t want to visit Cat Co 1 and 2 I think the trail is worth doing, because you get some really stunning views over the cliffs surrounding the area when you walk it. There’s really no shade along the road, so either go quite early or in the evening. And no matter when you go, make sure to bring enough water. It’s not a long or difficult hike, but it gets pretty hot!

Visit the Hospital Cave

Hospital Cave is a reminder of Vietnam’s recent history. It's a huge concrete complex built into a cave that served as a secret, bomb-proof hospital during the war.

You can wander through the wards, examine the old operation theater, and follow the tunnels. If you explore it on your own it will take you about 45–90 minutes. You can choose to rent a scooter and get there on your own or join a guided tour that takes you to various stops on the island.

If you don’t have plenty of time on Cat Ba this is not a must in my opinion.

Check availability for a tour that takes you to both Hospital Cave and trekking in the National Park

Walk to Cannon Fort for sunset

Since I didn't get to explore the area by boat, this ended up being my favourite spot on the island.

Cannon Fort is just a short uphill walk from Cat Ba Town and it gives you one of the island’s most breathtaking views. Apparently it used to host a WWII/Vietnam War-era fortress with old guns, tunnels and crumbling lookout posts, but this seems to be closed.

However, the real reason to come here is the stunning 360° view of the surrounding area. My best advice is to come here for sunset. It’s still one of those spots I think about occasionally as one of the best views I’ve ever seen.

Cruise in Lan Hạ Bay

This is the main reason people come to cat Ba, and unfortunately the one thing I wasn’t able to do because the boat couldn’t leave Cat Ba. Even though I personally didn't get to do it, everyone I talked to said it was an absolutely amazing experience. Some even said it was the best thing they did in Vietnam. So obviously I have to come back one day.

It’s supposed to give you the same beautiful sights as the ones in Ha Long Bay, just with fewer people and boats fighting for the views. If you're already based in Cat Ba you can choose to just explore the bay on a day tour or an overnight trip.

If you choose an overnight or multiple day trip you’ll most likely explore both parts of the Lan Ha Bay as well as Ha Long Bay. Make sure to double check before you book if you have specific spots in mind as not all boats do the same route.

You can book this in advance here or at the many tour companies on the island.

Hike Cat Ba National Park & visit Trung Trang Cave

The northern half of Cat Ba island is dominated by Cat Ba National Park, a surprisingly lush forest filled with walking trails. The park has routes for all levels: a shorter walk to Trung Trang Cave (easy access) and longer trails up to higher viewpoints.

The trails can be muddy after rain, so bring some good shoes if you want to hike around here. You can explore the park on your own, but I recommend hiring a local guide to show you around.

Check prices for the best tour in Cat Ba National Park

I highly recommend this tour where you trek in the national park, explore Viet Hai village and bike around Lan Ha Bay

Kayak with plankton and watch the sunset

Unfortunately this is another thing I didn't get to do that I really wanted to.

You can rent a kayak an paddle around Cat Ba island. You’ll float past tiny villages built on stilts, and watch the sunset on the water. After the sun has set you can see the bioluminescent plankton that lives in the water and lights it all up.

I’ve seen this once before on Jamaica and it was such an amazing sight. I’m so sorry I missed it here, and I highly recommend you add it to your trip because I only heard positive things about it.

If you don't want to see the plankton, you can choose to do a guided kayak tour in the daytime where you explore even more of the area and stop at small spots for a swim along the way.

Book the best kayak tours in advance here

Live on a Floating Homestay

If you want to have a rather unique experience you can choose to book a night or two on a floating homestay out in Lan Ha Bay. You can jump in the water and swim right from your room. You’re also located in the beautiful bay, so you'll get stunning views of the area both early morning and in the evening.

This was something I had dreamed of doing, but had to cancel since I was stuck on the island. Since I never made it, I can't give any personal and honest reviews, but I just can't imagine it not being fun.

Watch the sunset from Lepont Bungalow

There is so much construction being done on the island that most of the rooftop bars along the harbour front are now just looking out over a construction site, and in not so long they will only look into a taller building. I really don't know what they're building here, and it might be really nice eventually, but for now there really is only one place I recommend coming to grab a drink and watch the sunset. And that is at a restaurant called Lepont Bungalow. You'll still see some construction work, but not as bad as other spots along the harbour.

Best Places to stay in Cat Ba

My absolute favourite hotel on Cat Bais located on Cat Co 3 beach, but is unfortunately closed for renovation for the moment so it's not possible to book. But keep a look out here in case it opens again before your trip. Until then you'll find my other favourite for various budgets below.

Secret Garden Hostel ($16 per night)

This is a friendly backpacker pick with dorms and private rooms. The staff are helpful with booking tours and they have a great restaurant on site. It's in the middle of town, close to the main strip and the pier, so it’s easy to walk to cafes, restaurants and tour departure points. Expect basic but clean rooms, travel-desk service, and a social vibe ideal for solo travelers.

Cat Ba Paradise Hotel ($50 per night)

This is a very popular mid-range choice with modern rooms, comfortable beds, and a great location close to all the best restaurants in town.

Moon Boutique Hotel ($70 per night)

The Moon offers boutique-style rooms with beautiful decor, a rooftop option for views, and a quieter atmosphere than backpacker hostels. It’s perfect if you want nicer interiors and a calmer night’s sleep without the luxury price tag.

Flamingo Resort ($110 per night)

This hotel sits further from town, but right on the beach. It's a more resortlike stay with bigger grounds, pools, and room options. It’s the kind of place you choose if you want to unwind in a quieter part of the island, with beach access and resort facilities.

Best Places to Eat on Cat Ba Island

I'm not gonna lie and say that the food scene on Cat Ba, blew me away, but you'll find more than enough nice spots to see you happy for a couple of days while exploring the island. Cat Ba’s food scene is built on fresh seafood and friendly family-run restaurants. Here are reliable choices and what to expect.

The Healing Kitchen

If you're looking for healthy food, great coffee, and a relaxed atmosphere, The Healing Kitchen is one of the island's standout spots.

The Little Leaf

The Little Leaf offers a peaceful garden setting and a menu focused on fresh, homemade food.

Secret Garden Café & Restaurant

Secret Garden is one of the island's most charming restaurants. Filled with plants, lanterns, and cozy seating areas, it feels like a hidden oasis. The menu features both Vietnamese and Western dishes, and the atmosphere makes it particularly popular in the evenings.

Luna's House Hostel & Restaurant

Luna's House is well known among backpackers, but even if you're not staying here, the restaurant is worth a visit.

Olivium Restaurant & My Way Pizza

If you want some seriously good pizza, I recommend checking out these two spots.

How to get to Cat Ba Island

How to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island

There are several practical options to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba, but travel time is roughly 3-4 hours no matter what option you choose. You can choose to do it all on your own and split it up with a local bus or train to Hải Phòng, then a taxi to the ferry terminal and a local bus from the ferry terminal on Cat Ba to Cat Ba Town.

However, I think it's unceseraly stressful and think it's much easier to pay a bit more and book a tour through a company that sells a shuttle bus and speed boat combo. They either pick you up at your hotel or at a known spot in Old Quarter Hanoi and drop you of at air Hotel in Cat Ba. Easy peasy. You can book this at any random travel desk in Hanoi or do it in advance here. I always book my train and bus rides in Asia through 12GoAsia and have never had any problems.

How to Get From Ha Long Bay to Cat Ba Island

Getting from Ha Long Bay to Cat Ba Island is easy and takes around one to two hours depending on where you're starting. If you're staying in Bãi Cháy or Hạ Long City, the most convenient option is to take a ferry or speedboat directly to Cat Ba.

Many tour companies and hotels can arrange combined transfers that include a bus to the ferry terminal and the boat crossing. The journey itself is part of the experience, taking you through the stunning limestone karst landscape that makes this region so famous. If you're arriving from a Ha Long Bay cruise, many operators also offer transfers directly to Cat Ba Island, making it a seamless addition to your itinerary.

How to Get From Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island

Traveling from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island is one of the most popular routes in northern Vietnam and is surprisingly straightforward. The easiest option is to book a combined bus and ferry ticket through your hotel, hostel, or a local travel agency. The journey typically takes around four to five hours and includes a shuttle bus from Ninh Binh to Hai Phong, a ferry or speedboat across to Cat Ba Island, and a final transfer into Cat Ba Town. While trains and public buses are available, the combined tourist transfer is usually the most convenient and affordable choice, requiring very little planning while taking care of all connections along the way.

How to get around on Cat Ba Island

Getting around on Cat Ba Island is relatively easy if you rent a scooter. Most travellers choose to do this and explore the island on a scooter. If you decided to stay anywhere else than Cat Ba Town you need to rent a scooter to get around. All hotels will offer scooter rental.

There isn't really a great public transport system on the island and unlike most other places in Vietnam you can't use Grab here. Not in 2026 at least, but that might change. So if you're not comfortable on a scooter you can choose to book private drivers for the day to help you explore the island or book one of the many tours on the island.

Is Cat Ba Island Worth Visiting?

Even though I actually didn't get to do what most people come to Cat Ba to do, I would say yes! Just from the views I got to see on the island, I can imagine how stunning the views are from the water and I already know that I will come ack and explore that even further. In addition there are lots of nice places to explore on the island itself. It's also for now ate least, less crowded than the eighborhigh Ha Long Bay, so it you want the beautiful scenery, but less crowds I Think this s worth a stop.

I hope this helps you plan your trip to Cat Ba to Vietnam. If you have any questions about travel in Vietnam, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media. I would love to connect and help out!

-Ingrid