Must See in Cat Ba Island

TOUR ALONG THE BAYS

The most popular activity is the boat tour along the bays. The drowned limestone karst landforms display spectacular pillars eroded by the sea, creating arches, caves, and lagoons that form a unique natural scenery.

You have several options, and depending on your planning, you can decide to spend one day or several days on a boat trip. Here you have a table with the prices that Cat Ba Vision offers:

Among the activities that the tour features you can find:

• Cruising along the bays. 
• Kayaking through caves and secluded lagoons. 
• Swimming and jumping from the boat. 
• Sunbathing on a remote beach and on the boat’s deck. 
• Bioluminescent plankton watching. 
• Local and fresh food tasting. 
• Visiting a fishing village and a fishing farm. 
• Hike in the jungle.

We recommend spending one night, either in the homestay or on the boat. The one-day tour is great if you are short on time, but you won't be able to visit as many spots as you would on the two-day trip. Moreover, the two-day trip offers a higher chance of favorable weather conditions. Keep in mind that the landscape undergoes significant changes when the sun illuminates the islets.

You can check our post talking about the 2 days / 1 night trip here:

VISIT THE FINE-GRAINED SAND BEACHES: CAT CO 1, 2 & 3

If you enjoy sunbathing, the beaches Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, and Cat Co 3 are the most accessible and convenient for you. They are located consecutively on the southeast part of the island. Additionally, the promenade has beautiful views of the bay.

In case you want further information, you can check our post here:

HIKE ALONG THE CAT BA NATIONAL PARK

Cat Ba National Park features several hikes in nature that lead to incredible viewpointsYou have options for beginners as well as for hiking enthusiasts. Have a look here:

DISCOVER THE HOSPITAL CAVE

This trail combines history with nature. It leads to the Hospital Cave, a fascinating underground hospital used during the Vietnam War. The Hospital Cave itself is a network of tunnels and rooms built inside a limestone mountain. Exploring the cave provides a glimpse into the wartime history of the area. It’s located here and the entrance fee is 40.000 VND.

EXPLORE TRUNG TRANG CAVE

The cave is 300 meters long. You will have to go up and down some steps, crawl to avoid hitting your head with the low ceilings, and get used to the high humidity level in the cave. If you want more information, you can have a look here:

BIKING AROUND HAI VILLAGE

Hai Village is a small village primarily inhabited by the Cao Lan ethnic minority, who have their own distinct culture and lifestyle. They live in houses made of bamboo, wood, leaves, and soil.

You can reach it either hiking (10-12 km one way), or by boat. Once there biking and trekking are popular activities so you will reach viewpoints and caves.

In case you are too tired, the way back can also be done by boat.

TASTY MILKSHAKES FOR 40 VND IN YUMMY 2

For only 40 VND you can enjoy a natural fruit milkshake at Yummy 2 (here). Besides, the food is great, local, homemade, and delicious. Don’t miss the mango rice either!