What to know about Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba is the largest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago, located in northern Vietnam. This archipelago consists of 367 islands, covering 260 km2, with the island itself having a total area of 285 km2. Its terrain is just as dramatic and jagged as that of Halong Bay. The island is home to 6 communes with around 13,500 inhabitants. It is one of the few inhabited islands in Halong Bay because the islands here are often small and steep, unsuitable for habitation.
Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island is known for its two parts: the vibrant Cat Ba Town with a concentration of tourism services and the remote Cat Ba National Park with dense jungle and rich biodiversity. Surrounding the pretty Lan Ha Bay, a less known sister bay to Halong, this area is attracting more tourists with the booming of overnight cruises.
Cat Ba Town
Cat Ba Town has a decent range of services to meet tourism demand. It has been quite an attraction for domestic Vietnamese visitors. However, the infrastructure and facilities standard is still a concern for most Western travelers. The highlight of traveling here is a fair budget and a fun fusion living vibe. Night life is vibrant during July and August. The convenience to immerse in the nature is another good point.
Cat Ba National Park
Founded in 1986, Cat Ba National Park has a total land area of 109 km2 and 52 km2 of inshore waters and mangrove tidal zones. In 2006, the park boundaries were rearranged. It is the first national park to comprise both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
Source: The Global Alliance of National Park
The park and its surrounding area are nationally and internationally recognized for their importance to biodiversity conservation. Cat Ba Archipelago has been recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2004. There are about 1,400 vascular plants, including 23 endangered and critically endangered species, which have so far been recorded. The most noteworthy one is the Cat Ba Langur.
What are some travel options in Cat Ba Island?
Cat Ba is a paradise situated at the intersection of picturesque scenery and a wide variety of landscapes, making it an ideal place to spend a holiday. It offers a variety of travel options, from cruising around the island to trekking through its lush forests.
Cruising is one of the most popular activities on Cat Ba Island. There are many boat tours that will take you around the island and its stunning coastline, giving you an opportunity to admire its beauty from a different perspective. With a two-day-one-night itinerary onboard Capella Cruise, guests will have the chance to get some sneak peaks of Lan Ha Bay while enjoying all the luxury facilities. Visiting Dark & Bright Cave in the morning has always one of the most exciting experiences.
If having more time, we highly recommend passengers to choose the three-day-two-night itinerary instead. This is when the signature charm of Lan Ha Bay will make sense for guests will be able to immerse more deeply in every corner of the bay. Three Peach Beach is stunning with crystal clear water and smooth white sand beach. Viet Hai Village always takes a special place in every visitor’s heart for its authentic and tranquil vibe.
Trekking is another popular option for travelers looking to explore many sides of Cat Ba National Park’s natural beauty. There are several trails that take you through the island’s lush forests and give you an up-close look at its unique wildlife.
Finally, if you’re looking for some leisure time with a budget, there are plenty of opportunities to relax on Cat Ba Island. You can enjoy a beach day or explore some of the local markets and restaurants for a true taste of Vietnamese culture.