Halong Bay is the number one tourist attraction in Vietnam. Most people who visit the country have this destination at the top of their itinerary, and there are good reasons. It’s beautiful.
It’s so popular that in 2023, over 6.8 million people visited this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Halong Bay is dreamlike, with over 200 rainforest limestone islands scattered around the emerald bay. There could be no place like it.
Cruising On Halong Bay
The most popular way to visit Halong Bay is by taking a cruise. There are hundreds of cruise boats to choose from, which can be daunting. One and two-night cruises are very popular. If your itinerary doesn't allow that much time, day trips from Haiphong are also available.
However, like many highly touristed locations today, Halong Bay is no exception to the environmental impact of tourism. The area is developing a reputation for plastic pollution, and the challenges of balancing tourism and nature are at stake in the region.
Cat Ba Island - An Alternative To A Cruise Ship
If you love to travel independently and are willing to do a little more planning, making Cat Ba Island your home base to explore Halong Bay may be your answer. Staying on the island also has advantages if you want to become a more sustainable traveler and leave a smaller footprint.
Other islands in Halong Bay offer accommodations, but Cat Ba Island is the most popular. Many cruise ships also bring travelers to Cat Ba Island to explore the region.
Affordability-wise, a cruise on Halong Bay can get pricey. However, Cat Ba Island offers a wide range of accommodations for any budget, from hostels to beautiful 5-star resorts.
Even more enticing, staying on Cat Ba Island will give you a more authentic Vietnam experience. There are so many great things to do on the island, and being with the local people makes it a more cultural journey.
Initially, the island can feel overwhelming, but once you settle in and get a feel for the place, it’s a great way to explore the region more deeply.
Where Is Cat Ba Island & How Do I Get There?
To reach Cat Ba Island, you first need to get to Hanoi. Halong Bay is about a two-hour drive from Hanoi and is located on the Gulf of Tonkin.Â
Once you arrive in Hanoi, several options to get to Cat Ba Island are available.
1.       For the ultimate authentic travel experience, take the train from Hanoi to Vietnam. It typically takes about 4 hours and costs around $10.
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2.       Buses are another great option. The Cat Ba Express leaves daily from Hanoi to Cat Ba, as does the Good Morning Cat Ba and Cat Ba Discovery bus lines. All of these options are under $15.
3.       Travelers wanting more luxury or privacy hire a private car. We have used Vietnam Private Car Service throughout our Vietnam travels and have always had a great experience. There are many car services in Vietnam from which to choose.  A trip by private car can range from $125 - $150 one way.
Once you arrive at the Tuan Chau ferry terminal, you will take the ferry to Cat Ba Island. The ferry ride is about 45 minutes.Â
Upon arrival on the island, you will need a taxi to Cat Ba Town. The drive is beautiful and 30-45 minutes long. We rented a local taxi, which cost us around $20.
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What To Do on Cat Ba Island
Here are a few reasons to spend time in Halong Bay on Cat Ba Island.
1)Â Â Â Â Â Take a day trip through Halong Bay From Cat Ba Island
A day trip from Cat Ba Island through Halong Bay will give you the same viewing experience as an overnight cruise of the region. The day tours will take you into the fishing villages along the limestone islands, and some will even have meals prepared for you on the boat.Â
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Two-hour to all-day cruises are available from Cat Ba Island. Depending on how much time you want to spend exploring the area, this can give you much more freedom and flexibility.Â
Your local hotel, TripAdvisor.com, or a tour agency in Cat Ba Town are all a great way to discover the day trips available from Cat Ba Island.
 2. Explore Cat Ba National Park
Cat Ba National Park was established in 1986 and covers nearly half of Cat Ba Island. It's great to know that this region's conservation is being protected.
This national park offers vast landscapes and isolated beaches on Lan Ha Bay. You can hike through rain and mangrove forests and explore the local culture. Whether you are looking for a challenging or easy hike, you can find one in Cat Ba National Park.
3. Visit Hospital Cave
Hospital Cave served as a secret bomb-proof hospital during the American/Vietnam War. It's easy to find on your way to the National Park. The Cave is about 10km from Cat Ba Town.
4. See The Floating Fishing Villages
The Cai Beo Floating Village on Lan Ha Bay is a famous tourist spot on Cat Ba Island. It is one of the oldest fishing villages in Vietnam. It is also a deep history and is a primary archaeological site.
Cai Beo Floating Village is home to 400 families that earn their living from fishing and fish farming. The village is supplied with electricity from the mainland.
Most day and overnight cruises pass this village without stopping. Cai Beo Floating Village is about 1.5 kilometers southeast of Cat Ba Town. You can rent a scooter or schedule a tour from Cat Ba Town or your hotel.
5. Hang Out In Cat Ba Town
Most travelers stay in Cat Ba Town at the southern end of the Island. The town offers hotel accommodations for every budget and lifestyle.
The town is nestled on the emerald waters of Halong Bay and offers a perfect blend of "authentic Vietnam," adventure, and relaxation. You can rent a motorbike, book a kayak or day trip, relax on the local beaches, and enjoy the local cuisine.
Make sure to take advantage of the electric taxi service in town. You will find yellow vehicles everywhere!
If you are a seafood lover, this is your place! Cat Ba Town is a fishing village, and the daily catch is served in restaurants throughout the town. Look for the fresh seafood tanks; they will happily cook it up for you!
6. Visit Cannon Fort
If you are a history buff, visiting Cannon Fort is a must. It also offers excellent viewpoints of the region.
Cannon Fort is an old military base on the top of a hill in southern Cat Ba Island. It's a great place to explore tunnels and bunkers and learn about the island's war history.
7. Take A Walk Along The Coastline
If you are staying in Cat Ba Town and are looking for a scenic morning walk, this path follows the steep rocky cliffs at the island's southern tip. It offers spectacular views of the sea. You can start at the Flamingo Grand Cat Ba Hotel and walk to the Perle d' Orient Hotel.
Where To Stay
Most people stay in Cat Ba Town in the southern part of the Island. This small town has a little something for everyone and is a charming destination that welcomes travelers worldwide.
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Best Time To Visit Cat Ba Island
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 The best time to travel to Cat Ba is Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May). During these times, the weather is more tolerant and calm, and fewer tourists are on the island.
My Hope
Halong Bay is a beautiful and unique part of the world. Like so many precious locations worldwide, I hope that through awareness and a move toward more sustainable travel and local practices, our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will be blessed to enjoy all that nature has blessed us with.
Cat Ba Island is worth visiting if you ever travel to this part of the world.
All my best to you,
Marla
Visit my Art Shop for fine art prints from Vietnam.