Halong Bay boat tour from Cat Ba. The next day, we set off for the tour of the famous limestone cliffs of Halong Bay standing in the middle of the ocean, which are the scenery of enchanted dreams. It is a sweeping landscape! I appreciate every second, some with eyes closed to try to absorb even more of what this place gives. Cat Ba Island is the biggest of the 367 islands that form the Cat Ba archipelago. It’s approximately 32 miles (50 kilometers) from Hai Phong City, a trip which takes up to 1 hour to travel by speedboat. Cat Ba is also by far the biggest island in the whole of Halong Bay. Read about the 40 best attractions and cities to stop in between Beijing and Rawai, including places like Bangkok, Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho), and BTS Skytrain The Bay City Bike team specializes in planning and hosting customized San Francisco Bike Tours for groups. Since 2001 we have hosted hundreds of guided and self guided tours and events of all sizes, from intimate family parties of three, to offsite, 20 mile bike tours of 300. If you want to take a cruise tour, you should choose Halong. I find that Halong bay tours has quite a few cruise tours. However, Cat Ba is also very beautiful with unspoiled beaches and stunning landscapes. If coming Cat Ba, you may visit Lan Ha bay, Monkey island. Report inappropriate content. azurest94. From Cat Ba to Halong Bay Ferry. The first and foremost option is to take a ferry from Gia Luan port (Cat Ba Island) to Tuan Chau Island, and then Halong Bay. Cat Ba to Halong Bay Ferry – Tan Chau Island is the important and fastest seaway in the area. There are 5-7 ferries per day, which takes around 45 minutes per trip. u0AXfa. Level Contributor 91 posts 22 reviews 4 helpful votes Halong Bay vs Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay 6 years ago Any thoughts or reccomendations as to which option I should go with on the next few days? Either an overnight junk in Halong Bay or stay at Cat Ba and organise Lan Ha cruise from there. I like the sound of Cat Ba but am torn as have always wanted to see the famous Halong Bay. Is Lan Ha Bay just the same in terms of scenery/activities to do as Halong Bay? Is Halong Bay still busier at this time of year compared to Lan Ha? Many Thanks Level Contributor 2,494 posts 120 reviews 48 helpful votes 1. Re Halong Bay vs Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay 6 years ago If you do overnight on boat some cruise still pass through Lan Ha Bay, it is small Bay. Overnight on boat is quite interesting, they do offer some activities as visiting famous caves, cooking class and kayaking. Cat Ba Island is worth to visit too, only crowed in summer holiday. If you stay in Cat Ba hotel, you can rent daily boat to Lan Ha Bay and do kayaking there. You can choose overnight on boat or stay at Cat Ba island, both are worth to visit 2. Re Halong Bay vs Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay 6 years ago This post was determined to be inappropriate by the Tripadvisor community and has been removed. Level Contributor 9 posts 28 reviews 10 helpful votes 3. Re Halong Bay vs Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay 5 years ago SelinaAlison Hello.....which cruise did you choose - and how was it? Lorraine 4. Re Halong Bay vs Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay 5 years ago Tripadvisor staff removed this post because it did not meet Tripadvisor's forum posting guidelines with prohibiting self-promotional advertising or are forum guidelines? Level Contributor 9 posts 28 reviews 10 helpful votes 5. Re Halong Bay vs Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay 5 years ago Level Contributor 13 posts 3 reviews 29 helpful votes 6. Re Halong Bay vs Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay 5 years ago If you would like to have the peace of mind and stay away from touristic Halong, it's much more better to start your trip in Catba island. Most cruises here include the visit to both Lan Ha and Halong bays as well Level Contributor 167 posts 175 reviews 168 helpful votes 7. Re Halong Bay vs Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay 4 years ago To have the peace of mind and stay away from the very crowded area, Lan Ha bay and Catba island are the best choice for now. All the best 8. Re Halong Bay vs Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay 4 years ago Hello Travelers, I am travelling to halong Bay for one night. I cannot decide if I should stay in CAT BA Island for Halong City? Level Contributor 15,919 posts 40 reviews 32 helpful votes 9. Re Halong Bay vs Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay 4 years ago Ankit, That would depend on what you plan/want to do, and also the time of your travel. Cat Ba is better off avoided during major holidays and summer weekends. Cheers, John 10. Re Halong Bay vs Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay 4 years ago Tripadvisor staff removed this post because it did not meet Tripadvisor's forum guideline limiting each user to a single forums screen are forum guidelines? Get answers to your questions about Halong Bay Recent Conversations Peony cruises 756 am Halong Bay - Full Day Cruise or Less? Jun 07, 2023 Does anyone know the site ' Jun 05, 2023 Hanoi & halong bay Jun 02, 2023 Nostalgia Cruises Jun 01, 2023 Best 8 hours day cruise halong May 31, 2023 Real 3 Days - 2 Night Cruises May 30, 2023 Halong Bay / Lan Ha 1 nt/2d cruise May 28, 2023 Halong bay cruise full day trip or more? May 25, 2023 1N cruise May 20, 2023 Day Tour Halong Bay - Day trip from Hanoi May 19, 2023 Sun world tips/ reviews pls May 18, 2023 Small boat tour in Cat Ba May 16, 2023 hanoi to Halong May 16, 2023 More Halong Bay Topics Taxi fare between Hanoi and Halong Bay? When is the best time to visit Hanoi and Sapa? A Class Cruise Company Imperial Junk Cruise - some lessons learnt the cheapest decent Halong bay cruise? Galaxy Cruise Ha Long Bay - Ginger Cruise Halong bay by end December Golden Lotus Cruise Halong Bay Cruise, budget backpackers Cat Ba is one of the largest and most beautiful islands among nearly two thousand islands in the World Natural Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. The island was honored to be recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in December 2004. About 40km away from Hai Phong City or 23km from Halong City, Cat Ba Island is blessed with a pristine beauty forests, sea, mountains, hills, beaches, pine trees, cave caves alternating with each other, creating many beautiful scenes. In few recent years, the new route of cruise passing Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay is less crowded alternative to access Halong Bay and it become the greater choice of traveler on overnight cruise. Go with Vietnam Travel to get more information of this beautiful island. Table of Contents1. History of Cat Ba Island2. Weather of Cat Ba Island3. Best time to go to Cat Ba Island4. What to see & do around Cat Ba Cat Ba National Viet Hai Cat Co Beach, Cat Ba Monkey Island Cat Dua Island Local seafood, nightlife & Getting around5. Where to stay?6. How to get to Cat Ba Island? From Hanoi ~ 124 kma. Bus + Speedboatb. Bus + Cable From Halong City ~ 20 km From Hai Phong City ~ 40 km 1. History of Cat Ba Island Cat Ba Island means “Women’s Island” as its historical name “Cac Ba” “Cac” meaning all and “Ba” meaning women. Legend has it that many centuries ago, three women of the Tran Dynasty were passed away in the fighting against the evaders from the sea. Their remains were found at the beach and local people built a temple to worship them on the island. Later, local fisherman named the island to thanks these female heroes Archeological evidence suggests that people have lived on Cat Ba Island for almost 6,000 years, with the earliest settlements being found on the southeastern tip of the island close to the area where Ben Beo Harbor located today. In 1938, a group of French archeologists discovered human remains belonging “to the Cai Beo people of the Ha Long culture, which lived between 4,000 and 6,500 years ago… considered to be perhaps the first population group occupying the North-Eastern territorial waters of Vietnam… the Cai Beo people may be an intermediary link between the population strata at the end of the Neolithic Age, some 4,000 years ago”. In more recent history, Cat Ba Island was inhabited mostly by Viet-Chinese fisherman and was largely influenced by both the French and American wars. The island was a strategic look-out point and bombing during the wars often forced local residents to hide among the Island’s many caves. It consists of 367 islands, off the coast of Hai Phong City and Quang Ninh Province, and approximately half of its area is covered by a National Park, which is home to the highly endangered Cat Ba Langur. Administratively, it is the islands of Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City. Since 1997, Cat Ba Town has grown rapidly and has become a tourist hub for both the island and greater Ha Long Bay. Related Article Best Tourist Islands In Vietnam 2. Weather of Cat Ba Island During the month of February, March, November you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20 – 25 degrees Celsius 68°F – 77°F. The hottest season / summer is in May, June, July, August, September and October with an average high-temperature of 33°C 91°F and an average low-temperature of 25°C 77°F. A lot of rain rainy season falls in the month of June, July, August and September from 240mm to over 300mm. The warmest month is July with an average maximum temperature of 33°C 91°F. The coldest month is January with average temperature varying between 15°C 59°F and 19°C 66°F. August is the most wet month with the rainfalls of over 300mm and more than 15 rainy days per month. If you are not a big fan of rain, this month is not for you. For more information about Cat Ba weather, check this link 3. Best time to go to Cat Ba Island The best time to visit Cat Ba Island all depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy the heat of tropical summers, June to August is probably the best time to go. If you enjoy milder weather, October till March is a better time to go. Be mindful of the fact that even though Cat Ba has four seasons, there’s still a rainy and dry season. Rainy season is from May to September and the dry season is from November to March. Every season has up- and downsides to it but the consensus is that the best months to visit are February, March, October and November. 4. What to see & do around Cat Ba Island Cat Ba National Park Cat Ba National Park was established in 1986, it covers some 17, ha, of which 10, ha are terrestrial ecosystems islands and 6, ha are marine ecosystems. Cat Ba National Park is at the heart of the UNESCO Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve and it shares the distinctive scenic beauty of the Ha Long Bay Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Park is also home to diverse range of terrestrial and marine life. Ngu Lam, Cat Ba National Park Cat Ba National Park is a tourist attraction to millions of domestic and overseas visitors. Coming to the Park, travelers can enjoy the beauty of the vast landscapes and seascapes. Visitors can choose to relax on isolated beaches in Lan Ha Bay, trek through primeval tropical rain forest or mangrove forest, discover many unique animal and plant species, and immerse themselves in the local culture. Viet Hai Village You can book a boat from Cat Ba to Viet Hai Harbor, then go by motorbike, bicycle, trekking to Viet Hai Village passing a forest road 6 km to the village. In the village, you can visit old houses, take pictures of forest trees or see people, buffalo working on the green fields. When you travel from Cat Ba Town or Monkey Island Resort to Viet Hai Harbor, you will have time to enjoy the beauty of Lan Ha Bay with hundreds of small islets, natural sandy beaches, floating houses…. When you ride from Viet Hai Harbor to the village, you can stop on the way to take pictures of green lake or the beautiful trees on the water. There is a road on the left where you will go through a cave. It is fantastic road to come to Viet Hai Village. Cat Co Beach, Cat Ba Island The white-sand Cat Co Beaches simply called Cat Co 1 and Cat Co 2 and 3 make a great place to lounge around for the day. They are about 1 km southeast from Cat Ba Town over a steep headland; and can be reached on foot or by motorbike or taxi. The two beaches are separated by a small hillock that can be climbed over in about 20 minutes. Most; however; take the easier route along a new; 700m; wooden seaside walkway around the mountain. Cat Co 2 is the less busy and more attractive of the two; and also offers simple accommodation and camping. On weekends the beaches fill up with local tourists. The main beaches; apart from those at Cat Ba Town itself; are Cai Vieng; Hong Xoai Be and Hong Xoai Lon. Monkey Island Cat Dua Island Location about 5km from Cat Ba town center. Monkey Island is one of the most attractive addresses tourists shouldn’t miss in Cat Ba Island. To get to this beautiful island there is only one way by boat. It can take about ten minutes from Beo dock throughout Cai Beo Fishing Village along with a few tiny islands. Almost tourist boats have stop here in order that tourists have a chance admire the masterpieces that nature has bestowed on Cat Ba. The island was previously known as Cat Dua Island. At Cat Dua since you will find a large amount of wild pineapple shading around. The fruits of the pineapple here look good, however it’s not able to eat. The local people use them to make traditional medicine. Monkey Island is also an ideal for swimming in the blue water and white sandy beaches. Thanks to the existence of many dozens of monkeys that why they name for this island as Monkey Island. Virtually all of monkeys in Cat Dua are attracted here for dwelling by the rangers. They’re very adventurous with the locals and tourists. They grab food right from tourist’s palms and may bite if provoked. But, it’s the untouched uniqueness which makes the island become renowned appealing a large number of tourists to this island. Local seafood, nightlife & Getting around Being right by the sea it’s an island, sea food is very popular on Cat Ba Island. Nightlife on Cat Ba Island is understandably limited due to its reputation as a place for rest and relaxation. However, there are several expat-owned bars and bistros in the main town, where you can enjoy drinks and live music until late. Once you’re in your hotel on the harbor, everything is accessible on foot, including the beaches. You can tour the island by motorbike taxi – rates are very negotiable, but think in terms of 100,000 VND per hour. You can also rent a motorbike yourself for 80,000 to 100,000 VND a day from numerous places in Cat Ba Town. Mountain bikes are also available. 5. Where to stay? There are plenty of hotels and hostels available on Cat Ba Island. You will find most of them on the waterfront even though some hotels have recently opened a bit more inland. Generally, you pay a bit more for a room with sea view. When you’re less abled or not in great physical condition, make sure that you book a hotel with an elevator as a lot of hotels won’t have any. Some names for your reference such as Sea Pearl Hotel rated as 3 star as you won’t find many mid-range hotels in Cat Ba, this can be good one. Price from US$ 35 – US$ 50/room/night. 3 star Cat Ba Princess as mid-range from 40$/room/night up. Cat Ba Eco-Lodge around 13 kilometers from Cat Ba Harbor Price from US$ 35 – US$ 50/room/night Monkey Island Resort Cat Dua Island Price from US$ 50/room/night Flamingo Cat Ba Beach Resort Flamingo Cat Ba Condotel Hôtel Perle D’Orient – Mgallery at Cat Co 3 a boutique hotel with personality for a remarkable travel experience. Rooms range from 110 USD/room/night * Prices are just approximated, and can be a bit higher during the weekends. Monkey Island Resort Cat Dua Island 6. How to get to Cat Ba Island? From Hanoi ~ 124 km Hopping on a Hanoi-Haiphong highway bus will take you from Hanoi to Cat Ba island in around 3-5 hours 4 hours on average. There are various operators, but try Cat Ba Express, Good Morning Cat Ba for reasonable price and good service. Another way is to take the private car/van from Hanoi to Cat Ba. There is a ferry but when you have a private car to this island, you could be able to discover Cat Ba National Park and get around on the island by your own vehicle. Don’t forget that you can also get to Cat Ba Island by taking an overnight cruise 2 nights option through Lan Ha Bay. Almost Lan Ha Bay cruises offer an excursion with cycling through Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island. You can choose one of following ways for your experience a. Bus + Speedboat Starting from Hanoi to Got Pier through Sea Bridge Tan Vu – Lach Huyen *. Then speedboat to Phu Long Pier where you meet another bus for transfer to the centre of the town. * At the beginning of September 2017, in Hai Phong City, the longest bridge crossing the sea in Vietnam, but also in South East Asia, Tan Vu – Lach Huyen Tân Vũ Lạch Huyện was opened. The bridge begins in Hai Phong City on the highway leading from Hanoi ends up on Cat Hai Island. The length of the bridge cross the sea is Cat Hai Island is about from the largest island in Halong Bay – Cat Ba Island. This project has also helped promote the strategic partnership and friendship between Vietnam and Japan. Tan Vu – Lach Huyen Bridge b. Bus + Cable Car Starting from Hanoi to Cable car station * at Cat Hai through Sea Bridge Tan Vu – Lach Huyen to Phu Long Station where you meet another bus for transfer to the center of the town * Cat Ba Cable Car – the largest cable car in the world. This project is owned by Sun Group, connects 4km Cat Hai – Phu Long operation on 6/6/2020 with a capacity of 4500 passengers / hour. There are 60 cabins and maximum 30 passengers can accommodate in one cabin. Operation hours everyday, except Tuesdays Morning – Afternoon – weekdays or – Saturday, Sunday. Ticket price 150,000VND / person. Child policy 100,000VND / child from Free for child under 1m. May you concern Book Car in Vietnam From Halong City ~ 20 km Once in Halong, the best way to get to the island is to take a ferry. There is Tuan Chau Ferry to Gia Luan Harbour – Cat Ba Island. From there it’s about a 40-minute drive to Cat Ba Town. There’s a bus that costs around There are taxis as well but be mindful about prices. The daily ferry so easily as it is operated every 1 hour from AM till PM. It takes only 45- 50 minutes per ferry journey. In the high season it departs in every 30 minutes. However, please be aware that the ferry operation sometimes depends on the minimum number of passengers to start running. From Hai Phong City ~ 40 km There are multiple ways to travel to Cat Ba Island from Hai Phong Speedboat Mekong Hoang Yen from Ben Binh to Cat Ba Pier ~45 minutes. Bus Good Morning Cat Ba Tan Vu Lach Huyen Bridge to Cat Ba 1h40′. Private Car/Van To make your best experience to Cat Ba Island, a senior travel guide go along with private car/ van would be a great combination and which could ensure you a great trip. Vietnam Travel will be more than happy to communicate with you and help you design your perfect Cat Ba trip. Cat Ba to Halong Bay A Journey Through Northern Vietnam's Stunning Landscapes As you embark on an unforgettable journey from Cat Ba to Halong Bay, discover the rich history and natural beauty of Cat Ba Island before setting off on an adventure through the awe-inspiring Halong Bay. Paradise Vietnam's comprehensive guide will take you through the various aspects of this enchanting Halong Bay tour from Cat Ba and highlight some must-visit attractions along the way. The Beginning of Cat Ba Island Cat Ba Island, the largest of the 367 islands that form the Cat Ba Archipelago, has a rich and varied history. Inhabited for thousands of years, the island has borne witness to the ebb and flow of various civilizations, including the ancient Viet people who lived there over 6,000 years ago. Its strategic location and abundant natural resources have made Cat Ba Island an important cultural, economic, and military site throughout Vietnam's history. Cat Ba Island is a popular tourist destination today, attracting visitors with its lush green landscapes, pristine beaches, and diverse flora and fauna. The island's unique karst formations, similar to those found in Halong Bay, create a dramatic and visually stunning backdrop for a truly unforgettable experience. Cat Ba island Halong Bay A Natural Wonder Halong Bay, one of Vietnam's most iconic and cherished natural wonders, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its breathtaking beauty and unique geological features. The bay is adorned with nearly 2,000 limestone islets and karst formations, rising dramatically from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. The name "Halong" translates to "descending dragon," with local legends attributing the creation of the bay to dragons sent by the gods to protect Vietnam from invaders. Find out more Hanoi Airport to Halong Bay The ethereal beauty of Halong Bay has inspired countless poets, artists, and photographers throughout the centuries, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Sunset on Halong Bay The journey from Cat Ba to Halong Bay offers an unforgettable experience, with breathtaking natural landscapes, picturesque islands, and a myriad of activities to explore. Here's a detailed description of the journey, covering transportation, attractions, and other essential information. The journey by boat The most popular and scenic way to travel from Cat Ba to Halong Bay is by boat. Speedboats and ferries ply the route regularly, taking visitors across the serene waters and through the stunning karst landscapes. The journey, which takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, offers ample opportunities to marvel at the breathtaking scenery and take in the tranquility of the surrounding environment. The journey by road For those who prefer to travel by land, a combination of bus and ferry is available to take you from Cat Ba to Halong Bay. The journey involves a bus ride to the ferry terminal, a ferry crossing to the mainland, and another bus ride to Halong City. While the journey may be longer and less scenic than the boat option, it provides an alternative for travelers who wish to explore the mainland on their way to Halong Bay. Explore further Da Nang to Ha Long Bay Best Routes and Travel Tips Popular Halong Bay cruise - Paradise Vietnam Boasting over 16 years of experience operating cruises and hotels in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, Paradise Vietnam has gained a wealth of expertise in the field. As one of the few establishments in the Halong area chosen to ensure safety and hygiene standards during the Covid-19 pandemic, guests can feel secure and cared for during their visit. The culinary offerings at Paradise Vietnam's floating restaurants are prepared according to menus developed and trained by chefs well-trained by Michelin chefs, providing an unforgettable and exquisite dining experience for travelers. Beach Dinner Unique to Paradise Vietnam, our cruises feature private ports. Unlike other cruises requiring tender boats to transfer guests from the mainland, Paradise Vietnam enables passengers to directly board the moored vessels at the port, embarking on their exciting journey without delay. The Paradise Express high-speed ferry is well-known for its safety and comfort, offering passengers the fastest and most comfortable transportation option between Tuan Chau Pier and Gia Luan Pier on Cat Ba Island. The journey only takes 15 minutes, significantly shorter than traditional ferry trips. Notably, the Paradise Express is equipped with a camera system for the journey and can operate in harsh weather conditions, ensuring passengers' peace of mind. Recommended reading Memorable Experience Journey into Islands in Halong Bay Not only is it safe, but Paradise Express is also a luxurious and sophisticated high-speed ferry with 5-star service quality. From a distance, the vessel appears sturdy and stable. Its body is made of aluminum alloy, a lightweight and durable material that enables the ferry to move quickly. Inside, passengers can enjoy a large-screen TV throughout the journey. Additionally, all seats are covered with premium leather for the comfort of the elderly and young children. The Paradise Express high-speed ferry is perfectly operated with a double-hull structure. In Vietnam, quite a lot of passenger journeys use single-hull high-speed boats, which operate with high energy costs and are not safe and aesthetically pleasing. The appearance of a two-hull ship is the optimal solution because it can overcome all the above disadvantages. Paradise Express Tuan Chau Cat Ba Currently, Paradise Express high-speed ferry is in operation. Paradise Express has a seating capacity of 198 passengers. With 10 trips per day from Tuan Chau Pier and Gia Luan Pier, the diverse departure times cater to various schedules. The earliest departure from Tuan Chau Pier is at 8 AM, and the latest is at 4 PM. From Gia Luan Pier, the earliest departure is at 9 AM, and the latest is at 5 PM. Since Paradise Express does not have a round trip, there is only a trip from Ha Long to Cat Ba. If you want to return from Cat Ba to Ha Long, you will go by boat or by road. Popular Halong Bay cruise - Paradise Express Adventures in Halong Bay Rock climbing in Halong Bay Halong Bay is a haven for rock climbers, offering a variety of challenging routes set amidst the dramatic limestone cliffs. With experienced guides and well-maintained equipment, climbers of all skill levels can experience the thrill of scaling these majestic formations while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Rock climbing in Halong Bay Kayaking in Halong Bay Paddling through the emerald waters of Halong Bay, weaving between the towering limestone islets, is an unforgettable experience. Kayaking provides an up-close and personal encounter with the bay's mesmerizing beauty, allowing you to explore secluded beaches and mysterious caves that are inaccessible by larger boats. Guided kayaking tours are available, or you can rent a kayak and embark on a self-guided adventure. Kayaking in Halong Bay Swimming in Halong Bay The warm, inviting waters of Halong Bay provide the perfect setting for a refreshing swim. Many cruise operators and tour companies include stops at pristine beaches and tranquil coves, where you can take a dip and relax amidst the stunning surroundings. The clear waters also offer excellent snorkeling opportunities, allowing you to observe the vibrant marine life that calls the bay home. Learn more Experience Lan Ha Bay Cruise - A Hidden Gem of Vietnam Swimming in Halong Bay Exploring Cat Ba Island Cat Ba National Park Covering more than half of Cat Ba Island, Cat Ba National Park is a nature lover's paradise. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the critically endangered Cat Ba langur, as well as numerous bird and butterfly species. A visit to the park provides the opportunity to explore its lush forests, hike through its rugged landscapes, and trek to the summit of Ngu Lam Peak for breathtaking panoramic views of the island. Cat Ba National Park Cat Ba Island's beaches Cat Ba Island is blessed with numerous picturesque beaches, each offering a serene and idyllic retreat. The three most popular beaches, named Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, and Cat Co 3, are located within walking distance of Cat Ba Town and boast golden sands, clear waters, and spectacular views of the surrounding karst formations. For a more secluded experience, venture further afield to explore some of the island's lesser-known beaches and coves. Cat Ba Island's beaches Cat Ba's caves and grottos The island's unique geology has resulted in the formation of numerous caves and grottos, many of which can be explored on guided tours. Hospital Cave, a former secret bomb-proof hospital used during the Vietnam War, offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's history, while Trung Trang Cave and Hung Cuong Cave showcase mesmerizing natural formations and enchanting underground chambers. Hospital Cave - Cat Ba Island Conclusion The journey from Cat Ba to Halong Bay takes you through some of Northern Vietnam's most stunning landscapes, offering countless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and discovery. From the rich history and natural beauty of Cat Ba Island to the ethereal wonders of Halong Bay, this unforgettable journey is sure to captivate your senses and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. If you want to have a fast cruise experience from Ha Long to Cat Ba you can enjoy your visit to Cat Ba island to the fullest, please contact Paradise Vietnam for more information, we are pleased to serve you. Related articles Explore Cat Ba beauty Book Your Perfect Cat Ba Cruise today Level Contributor 1 post 5 reviews 5 helpful votes Ha Long Bay vs Cat Ba where to start 6 years ago Hi, I want to do the bay, not sure wether to do Cat Ba or Ha Long Bay. I'm going in september and heard it was prohibited to take a swim? Also, i;m with a motorcycle so I don't have to start in Hanoi which place should I ride to to book a tour? Level Contributor 1,585 posts 3 reviews 5 helpful votes 1. Re Ha Long Bay vs Cat Ba where to start 6 years ago Cruises on Halong bay is more well-equipped than those on Cat Ba island. Most cruises starts their program from Hanoi, so Hanoi is the best place to book a tour. Or you can book it online. Level Contributor 298 posts 11 reviews 5 helpful votes 2. Re Ha Long Bay vs Cat Ba where to start 6 years ago If you want to take a cruise tour, you should choose Halong. I find that Halong bay tours has quite a few cruise tours. However, Cat Ba is also very beautiful with unspoiled beaches and stunning landscapes. If coming Cat Ba, you may visit Lan Ha bay, Monkey island. Level Contributor 68 posts 4 reviews 3. Re Ha Long Bay vs Cat Ba where to start 6 years ago A cruise seems to be suitable with traveling Halong bay. If you want to travel with a motorbike, you can visit Cat Ba island. Drive to the ferry and bring your motorbike to this island, then you can discover Cat Ba island with it. 4. Re Ha Long Bay vs Cat Ba where to start 6 years ago This post was determined to be inappropriate by the Tripadvisor community and has been removed. Level Contributor 108 posts 18 reviews 10 helpful votes 5. Re Ha Long Bay vs Cat Ba where to start 6 years ago Hi, You have motobike so I think Cat Ba island is better! You may drive to Tuan chau then take ferry to Gia Luan harbor Or Drive to Dinh Vu port Hai Phong, then take speed boat to Cai Vieng harbor, drive to Cat Ba town. Now u can be free to explore Cannon fort, hospital cave, national park, beach then do Lan Ha bay boat tour with kayaking and snorkeling Hope this help Phuong HaiPhongTours 6. Re Ha Long Bay vs Cat Ba where to start 6 years ago This post was determined to be inappropriate by the Tripadvisor community and has been removed. Level Contributor 10 posts 8 reviews 3 helpful votes 7. Re Ha Long Bay vs Cat Ba where to start 6 years ago Really easy to book a tour on arrival on cat ba too, loads of options. We went a few weeks ago and the bay was pretty quiet, one area with a bit of rubbish but generally clear seas which was the two reasons we wanted to avoid ha long bay. Cat Ba would be pretty cool to explore on the bike too and should be easy enough on ferry which is cheaper than the hydrofoil. Not sure about not being able to swim in September, maybe email a tour company and take what they say with a pinch of salt bearing in mind they might say what you want to hear. 8. Re Ha Long Bay vs Cat Ba where to start 6 years ago Hi!! I'm going for Halong Bay from Hochiminh and will be dropping at Hai Phong Airport. Where's the place i should book my hostel at? Cat ba? or anywhere else? I'm confused..is haiphong = cat ba? 4 posts 9. Re Ha Long Bay vs Cat Ba where to start 5 years ago Hi, i have a question, I cant decide in between going on a cruise to Ha long or just going to Cat ba spend time on the island and from there take a boat to board around ha long, any suggestions? Thanks Sebastian Level Contributor 2 posts 4 reviews 10. Re Ha Long Bay vs Cat Ba where to start 5 years ago sebastianburd Did you get any information on this? Edited 5 years ago Get answers to your questions about Halong Bay Recent Conversations Peony cruises 756 am Halong Bay - Full Day Cruise or Less? Jun 07, 2023 Does anyone know the site ' Jun 05, 2023 Hanoi & halong bay Jun 02, 2023 Nostalgia Cruises Jun 01, 2023 Best 8 hours day cruise halong May 31, 2023 Real 3 Days - 2 Night Cruises May 30, 2023 Halong Bay / Lan Ha 1 nt/2d cruise May 28, 2023 Halong bay cruise full day trip or more? May 25, 2023 1N cruise May 20, 2023 Day Tour Halong Bay - Day trip from Hanoi May 19, 2023 Sun world tips/ reviews pls May 18, 2023 Small boat tour in Cat Ba May 16, 2023 hanoi to Halong May 16, 2023 More Halong Bay Topics Taxi fare between Hanoi and Halong Bay? When is the best time to visit Hanoi and Sapa? A Class Cruise Company Imperial Junk Cruise - some lessons learnt the cheapest decent Halong bay cruise? Galaxy Cruise Ha Long Bay - Ginger Cruise Halong bay by end December Golden Lotus Cruise Halong Bay Cruise, budget backpackers We asked specifically to be able to sit outside for all our meals which they were fine about and we almost always had the entire deck to ourselves as everyone wanted to eat in the air conditioned dining room - woop woop! So overall we were really happy with the boat itself and the scenery was needless to say fantastic. The offshore excursions though were pretty awful and crowded doesn’t even seem to convey just how packed they were. Here’s what else to expect from themSung Sot Cave - The cave itself is pretty enough, though nothing spectacular if you have seen pretty caves before, and certainly not comparable to those you’ll see if you are heading to Phong Nha. The walkways have not been done very sympathetically and it feels very artificial. There are plenty of bins there now so we didn’t find the trash situation to be too bad contrary to what we had read online. We also didn’t have the purple and green garish lights we heard about, it’s now ordinary lighting. Ti Top Island - Oh dear, this could be one of the most beautiful places in Asia with such a staggering view of the karsts from the lookout a few hundred steps up. But even at the path to the viewpoint had queues and the top was a human crush. Within half an hour, everyone had left. Why everyone was herded there at the same time made no sense! It also seemed to bring out the worst in people, with several groups bringing Bang & Olufsen speakers blaring out K-Pop. There were also those really annoying selfie takers who refuse to let anyone get close to the view until they’ve taken 50,000 photos of themselves. Ugh. What a area that we kayaked at is no longer on the itineraries and has been replaced by Tung Sau Pearl Farm. No, we don’t think it sounds very exciting either. Check the latest prices on

cat ba island vs halong bay