Located in Ha Long Bay, in northern Vietnam, Cat Ba Island spans 354 km² – of which 280 km² belong to the national park (designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve). Outdoor activities, visit to Monkey Island, boat excursions and exploration of caves: here's what to do in Cat Ba!

Outdoor activities to enjoy in Cat Ba

Discover the richness of the National Park on a trek

Flora and Fauna

Cat Ba Island is home to rare species protected by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Among them? The tiger gecko and the golden langur – a stunning small primate among the 25 most threatened primate species worldwide. The national park also boasts over 800 plant species!

Hiking

Cat Ba National Park is equally prized by trekkers. Thanks to its numerous trails, it's accessible to all, regardless of hiking level. The key is choosing your route based on difficulty level…

- Climbing Ngu Lam Peak: a fairly quick trek (between 1 and 2 hours of walking through the jungle) but quite steep. Once at the summit? You'll enjoy a 360° view of the surrounding nature!

- Trek from Ao Ech to Viet Hai: very popular, this circuit requires approximately 4 hours of walking (and a boat excursion). It allows you to observe splendid landscapes, including limestone mountains, as well as the picturesque fishing village of Viet Hai.

- Climbing Navy Peak: starting from Viet Hai village, embark on a discovery of the Navy Peak, rising over 300 metres in altitude. After 4 hours of hiking, you'll be rewarded with a sublime panorama. The hike is quite steep (and slippery) and requires good physical fitness.

Depending on your starting point, there are numerous route variations. Choosing your circuit? It all depends on how much time you want to spend on your excursion.

Kayaking

Ha Long Bay is also an ideal playground for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts! This activity lets you discover the island from a different perspective… to admire its karst chains from the open water, as well as its entire atypical landscape, shaped by crustal movements. Kayaking in Cat Ba is also a way to enjoy Ha Long Bay away from the crowds!

To rent equipment? You'll find numerous dedicated agencies in the bay. Kayaking is an activity that can be done year-round. However, note that the best periods are March-May and September-November – with temperatures around 25°C and drier weather.

Rock Climbing

Cat Ba's exceptional geology is also conducive to stunning rappelling excursions (the island is considered one of Asia's best climbing destinations). It boasts around ten climbing sites with varying difficulty levels. Among the most popular? Tien Ong Island (located in Ha Long Bay) and Liên Minh Valley (located south of Cat Ba Island).

Explore the Island by Motorcycle or Bicycle

Cat Ba Island can easily be explored by motorcycle or bicycle (you'll find numerous rental spots on-site). In addition to offering great freedom, these two modes of transport allow easier access to certain attractions – and thus more time to visit them. Cycling also allows you to go on bike tours or scenic rides that will lead you to small villages…

Monkey Island

At the far south of Cat Ba, you'll find Monkey Island, a small isle located one kilometre off the main island. To get there? You'll need to take a boat from Beo Wharf, then enjoy a short crossing of about ten minutes…

Once there, you'll be greeted by charming little primates in their natural state – watch your belongings, as monkeys love to snatch visitors' items! A tip? Don't leave without reaching the small summit overlooking the beach, to enjoy the panoramic view (beware slippery path, remember to bring hiking shoes).

Ha Long Bay and Its Beaches

Taking a Cruise

Spanning 1,553 km², Ha Long Bay is a paradise for cruising! It's divided into two zones: Halong and Lan Ha (the choice between the two bays depends on your departure point from Cat Ba Island).

Similarly, the type of boat differs depending on which bay you're navigating… In Halong Bay, you'll sail aboard a cruise ship, while you'll board a traditional junk in Lan Ha Bay.

Discover Its Most Beautiful Beaches

Coves, long stretches of white sand, beaches overlooking cliffs: Cat Ba's coastline offers postcard-perfect scenery… The must-see beaches? Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2 and Cat Co 3 (all three located near Cat Ba town centre and renowned for their atmosphere), as well as the coves of Thinh Linh and Hang Vem (located northeast of the island and appreciated for their beauty and tranquility).

Visit Cat Ba's Iconic Landmarks

The Caves

Visit the "Hospital Cave"

About ten kilometres north of the island lies Hospital Cave. Why this name? Because the cave served as a hospital between 1963 and 1965, to welcome victims of bombing during the war between Vietnam and the United States.

Today? The site bears witness to this era, through 17 chambers and operating theatres, preserved within this cave-bunker. To learn more about the history of Vietnamese resistance, don't hesitate to opt for a guided tour.

Explore Trung Trang Cave

At the entrance to the national park, you'll find Trung Trang Cave. Inside this stunning natural cavity? Concretions dating back six million years and numerous bats!

Fishing Villages

The Fishing Village of Viet Hai

From the national park, set out to discover Viet Hai village. Long isolated from the rest of the island, Viet Hai retains an authentic soul. There, you'll see traditional houses, rice paddies… and cyclists (the village is developing ecotourism to preserve the authenticity of the place).

The Floating Village of Cai Beo

With over 7,000 years of history, Cai Beo is the oldest fishing village in Cat Ba… It's also a wonderful lacustrine city, boasting approximately 300 stilt houses! To reach it? Head to Ben Beo port.






Audrey Denjean