Cat Ba

Welcome to Cat Ba Island, where you'll be able to avoid the crowds around all the cruise ships in Ha Long Bay without sacrificing the breathtaking views!

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay's limestone formations, which are found in the Gulf of Tonkin, are a true wonder of the world. There are over 1,600 limestone islands that offer the most stunning views from all directions. an area of land that is rightly acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

 

A boat excursion is the only practical way to observe the limestone rocks. From the nation's capital, Hanoi, many visitors opt to go on day trips or longer journeys. An extended journey typically includes overnight accommodations on a more opulent vessel or a bigger cruise ship. You take a bus from Hanoi to Ha Long City, where you arrive and board at the city's harbor. However, there is a way to get away from the masses and find calmer seas!

Avoid the crowds!

Since this is the best site for multi-day cruises from Hanoi, the majority of the cruise ships are situated in the bay of Ha Long. By lodging on Cat Ba Island and departing from there for a day boat tour, you can avoid these crowds. You often depart early in the morning and arrive back around 5 or 6 pm. In order to reach the southernmost bays of Ha Long, you then pass via the bays of Lan Ha, which are extremely similar to Ha Long. On this route, there are a lot less cruise ships. Perfect for avoiding the crowds and taking in the breathtaking sights in a more tranquil environment.

 

There are several Cruise Operators on Cat Ba Island, so if you wish to arrange a multi-day cruise, you may do so there as well.

My experience with Cat Ba Local

I paid 660,000 Vietnamese Dong (about €27) for a one-day tour with Cat Ba Local. A guide will accompany you and a party of up to 30 persons on a full-day excursion. A delicious Vietnamese lunch is included, with vegetarian options available.

 

The floating village on the water, which is really unusual to behold, will pass you by as you sail. The kayaks will then be picked up at a floating guesthouse, which is where you will first go. To explore the bay's beaches and caves, you will twice enter the water. Don't forget to savor the breathtaking sights while you're unwinding!

 

Around the end of December, when I took the journey by myself, the weather was cool and mostly cloudy. The lower number of tourists is the only benefit of taking the tour out of season. We had "just" 9 persons with us.

Other things to do besides your boat tour

I advise spending an additional full day exploring the island since the tour will take up the entire day. I didn't manage to do it myself because I ate something wrong, so I spent the day in bed. Hence, I'm not qualified to offer advice on the sights, but I can share the recommendations I was given:

 

  • To explore the island and see locations like Cat Ba Natural Park, rent a scooter. You can do things like go to Trung Trang Cave or climb Ngu Lam Peak here.
  • Rocky Trail: An evening stroll that offers a stunning view of the bay. From beach 1, take the path up to the right, and after your walk, exit at beach 3.
  • A lovely vantage point for the sunset is Canon Fort. When I was there, I was unable to enter, although ordinarily a security guard would be able to let you in.

Staying at Cat Ba

For backpackers: I stayed at the Secret Garden Hostel, a place that I reviewed with mixed feelings in my Vietnam hostel overview .After reading numerous reviews online and in Facebook groups, I made a reservation. My trip was from December 28 to January 1, which may not have been the best time. Read more about it here!

And onwards: travel options!

The most sensible options from Cat Ba are:

  • Going back to Hanoi;
  • Taking the night bus to Hà Giang;
  • Moving a little bit south towards Ninh Binh.

Personally, I loved doing the Hà Giang Loop first so that I could relax a bit more on the island afterwards.

Next up: Hanoi, Ninh Binh or Hà Giang?

  • Hanoi: 2.5 hours
  • Ninh Binh: 4.5 hours
  • Hà Giang: 12 hours

More about Vietnam!