Cat Ba Island Day Cruises

About Cat Ba Island

Located 25 km to the South of Halong Bay and 100 km from Hanoi, Cat Ba Island is the biggest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago which was recorded as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2004. Thanks to the picturesque landscape of sandy beaches, poetic bay, and a rich ecosystem, Cat Ba has become one of the most sought-after attractions in Northeastern Vietnam. Moreover, Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago was recognized by UNESCO as the first inter-provincial and municipal World Heritage Site in Vietnam in September 2023.

Spanning a large area of approximately 262 km2, Cat Ba Island boasts a series of natural artworks such as Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba National Park, dense mangrove forests, etc. Nature lovers can immerse in plenty of fun activities such as swimming, kayaking, visiting caves, hiking, climbing, or discovering flora and fauna. Besides, biking or strolling around rustic villages is a great chance to learn about the local life and history of the island.

How to visit

Travelers can take a ferry or speedboat from Ben Binh Pier in Hai Phong or Tuan Chau Pier in Halong, Quang Ninh to access Cat Ba Island and stay on the land to start the adventure. Due to the constant recognition of travelers worldwide, the area is more and more developed in infrastructure and facilities, catering to both budget-minded travelers and upscale ones. A wide range of modern services and facilities are available on the island, from cost-saving guest houses to luxurious resorts, from no-frills eateries to fine dining restaurants.

On the other hand, Lan Ha Bay cruising is a superb alternative for Cat Ba Island exploration. Lan Ha Bay is the only route combining a cruise tour with a trip to Cat Ba Island without staying overnight there. These cruises vary in type (day cruise or overnight cruises), price range (budget, mid-range, or luxury), styles (traditional or modern), or sizes (under 10 cabins, 10 - 30 cabins, or over 30 cabins). If you have a limited time and want to experience both the cruise and the island, cruising is the answer for you.

Why cruising to Cat Ba Island?

Impeccable nature of the 3rd largest island in Vietnam

Cat Ba Island boasts rich marine ecosystems, tropical forests, and limestone ecosystems, creating an ideal habitat for many rare flora and fauna species. It is not only a feast for your eyes but a haven for nature lovers. Wonderful coral reefs, diverse species of birds, monkeys, or even endangered white-head langurs in the Red Book can be found here.

Diverse activities both on land and water areas

Cruising to Cat Ba Island offers a great diversity of activities. Day-long journeys usually take you to Lan Ha Bay - one of the most alluring bays on the planet, where you can do water activities like kayaking, swimming, or taking a sampan boat trip around majestic limestone islands. For longer journeys with access to the island, visitors have a chance to leisurely cycle around the ancient village, explore Cat Ba National Park with ancient caves, or unwind on tranquil sandy beaches.

Local experiences with rich culture and history

Although renowned for its blessed nature, Cat Ba is also a great attraction for history and cultural exploration. Some iconic spots remind us of the Vietnam Wars like Quan Y Cave where soldiers used to treat their wounds, Cat Dua Island - a shelter for many soldiers, and Cat Ba Cannon Fort. Discovering fishing villages will give you a glimpse of the local culture and friendly people here.

Is a day cruise good for Cat Ba Island?

To explore as much of Cat Ba Island, visitors can spend days or even weeks. However, if its alluring beauty can't stop you, a day cruise is totally worth it.

Unlike overnight cruises, day cruises include fewer activities and attractions but all the things you see are also highlights of the area. Cruising to Cat Ba Island usually does not include a trip to the land but only to Lan Ha Bay in the East of the area. You have a chance to feast your eyes with hundreds of limestone islands and islets and majestic mountains with rich plants, swim on the calm bay with crystal clear water, kayak or take a sampan boat to explore hidden lagoons and caves and discover lively marine life.

Day tours provide multiple services to ensure a care-free journey like pick up/drop off service from Hanoi center, meal(s) onboard, activities, onboard travel insurance, in-house English-speaking tour guide, etc. Just pick a favorite program matching your schedule and cruise category matching your budget, the organizer will make sure you are assisted from start to finish.

Best things to do

Immerse in idyllic beauty of Lan Ha Bay

Your trip to Cat Ba is incomplete without exploring Lan Ha Bay - an adjacent part of Halong Bay. Lan Ha shares the distinctive scenic beauty of Halong Bay, but it features less touristic and more untouched scenery. If Halong is famous for its majestic giant caves and large artificial beaches for swimming, Lan Ha is engaging with many small natural sandy beaches and tranquil lagoons and caves. Lan Ha's idyllic beauty will be the highlight of your Cat Ba adventure.

Explore diverse ecosystem of Cat Ba National Park

Established in 1986, Cat Ba National Park consists of about 11,000 hectares of forests and 6,500 hectares of sea surface. Located at the heart of Cat Ba Biosphere, the park is the home of many unique ecosystems like tropical forests, mangroves, coral reefs, caves, etc. While exploring breathtaking landscapes and seascapes, visitors can discover the rich flora and fauna and may encounter many rare species of plants and animals here.

Unwind at Cat Co beaches

Cat Co Beach 1, 2, and 3 are the 3 most popular beaches on Cat Ba Island. Each features its own beauty but a bunch of activities are available such as swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, jet-skiing, surfing, etc. Cat Co 1 is the largest and most vibrant beach with large sand, crystal clear water, and calm sea. Meanwhile, Cat Co 2 is a bit difficult to access so it is less touristy and more tranquil, best for privacy seekers. Cat Co 3 is closest to Cat Ba Town but has big waves, suitable for thrilling games like banana boat riding, water motorbikes, windsurfing, and more.

Cycle around Viet Hai village - a traditional rustic village

Established around 100 years ago, Viet Hai Village is a small village of only around 70 households but has a rich culture and picturesque landscapes. Located amidst verdant forests and majestic mountains, the village is a tranquil haven where you can leisurely wander or cycle around rustic paths, admire traditional houses, mingle with locals, watch farming activities, and discover the rich biodiversity of the island.

Discover natural and historical caves

Cave enthusiasts cannot ignore mystical caves on Cat Ba Island. Hiking through Trung Trang Cave and Quan Y Cave, visitors can witness stunning stalactites and learn about the history of the area. Besides, visitors may not refuse the Bright Cave on Lan Ha Bay - an arch-shaped half-submerged cave with exciting kayaking and sampan boating activities. Enjoying the serenity, admiring rich greenery, and discovering wild animals and marine life will be a unique experience you will remember for a lifetime.

Best day cruises to Cat Ba Island & prices

Although most land exploration is not included in the day cruises, some still take you to Lan Ha Bay in the East of the island where you can also capture the stunning view and experience the diverse ecosystem of Cat Ba Island.