Cat Ba- Vietnam
Cat Ba Island is the largest island in the archipelago of over 300 islands.
The lush scenery offers a mix of natural wonders, sporty activities; such as hiking, climbing, kayaking, and local culture. We found 3 days enough time to explore, especially when we hired two wheels.
How we got to Cat Ba?
It made sense to arrive to Cat Ba from Hanoi by car. We were just happy to have a smooth journey at a cost of $98/ £77 for private car. A total travel time of around 3 hrs split – 1 1/2 to 2 hour drive from Hanoi to Ben Got ferry terminal, then a 20 min wait (as we were early) for the 1pm speed boat; which took 7 minutes, and finally a half hour to the hotel in Cat Ba town. It was a great door to door service with no messing about.
Alternative modes of transport are with bus companies and using either the speedboat or ferry (30 mins) these can cost between $12 to $19 each person depending on the transport chosen. For these, check Good Morning Cat Ba, Cat Ba express, or others.
The terminal was a simple, ramshackled cafe, waiting area, where you could use the toilet facilities at your own risk.
From the ferry terminal, the 7 minute speed boat costs a few dollars. For us, it was included in the price.
Initially, we were informed it took a half hour and the larger ferry, 45 mins to an hour. The confusion on other websites made me research more and it seemed that the port had moved recently. Makes life easier.
Where we stayed in Cat Ba?
The Moon Boutique hotel was pleasing to the eye. It was fresh, modern and covered in moon design. Right up our street! It was a small boutique consisting of only 15 rooms, which offered that more personal experience.
Little touches, like the painted elevator doors really set the place off.
We paid £46 / 1502000 VND per night.
Unfortunately, with no fault of Moon Boutique, a massive project was undergoing for a huge complex developed by the Sungroup right along the whole waterfront. This is a great disruption for all hotels and their guests along the promenade.
How to get around Cat Ba?
Certain sights are walkable. However, we found hiring a moped far more convenient to go further afield. The roads a very easy going and there isn’t much traffic. Just watch out for the dogs, cats, goats and chickens on the road!
Cost of hire was 150k VND about £4.50.
What to do in Cat Ba
There is plenty of nature around, cultural sightseeing, fun activities to do, and chilling on the beach. A very easy going place.
Hospital cave
Approximately 30 minutes drive from Cat Ba town, you will find the cave at, Hai Son village, Tran Chau ward, Cat Hai island district.
Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm daily.
It’s approx £1.50 per adult / or 50,000 vnd.
As well as the natural beauty of the cave.
It was converted into a field hospital during the American war in Vietnam.
The bomb proof shelter made it a perfect hiding place for leaders.
There are many rooms in the cave, such as a weapon room, meeting room, hospital / surgery room and general living quarters. They offered a guided tour or you can wander around yourself.
Trung Cave
Trung Trang Cave in Hai Phong area.
It is a natural cave of stalagmites and stalactites and runs through the mountain.
It is a length of approximately 300 metres, making it the largest cave in Vietnam, and is the top highlight for thousands of tourists each year.
If you’re lucky you may even see some birds, reptiles or bats. As you move throughout the cave, the top gets lower, so watch that head!
The cave has three main entrances and exits on its eastern side near Gia Viet Village and is accessible through boats which can be found at Halong & Lan Ha bays. The entrance fee for Trung Trang cave is 120k VND / £3.70 and includes entrance fee for the National park.
National park
The cave it also part of the national park. Where you can climb to the Ngu Lam peak which is 322 metres above sea level. The climb is easy to moderate and takes about 2 hours depending on your level of fitness.
Cat Co Beaches
Cat co 1, 2 and 3 beaches are separated by hills. The beaches are small but pretty, with white powdery sand and surrounding lush greenery.
There are some big hotels situated right on the beach, including the dominating Flamingo, which seemed to me like it was about to topple over.
Saying that it’s plants covering the man-made structure, made it blend in with it’s surroundings a tad.
You can take some ariel view pictures after climbing the steps.
Boat trip around the Cat Ba archipelago
Taking a boat trip is a must to do in Cat Ba, especially to experience the ‘floating village’, Cai Beo.
Additionally, the hundreds of small islands make it a unique experience
Since it was off season, we went down to the port on the same day to negotiate a price. It wasn’t long before a young guy spotted us driving up on the moped. Negotiations were quick with a price given and a counter offer. The cost was relatively cheap at 1 mil VND / around £30. We could have haggled more as it was off season but we were happy enough.
A quick form was filled in, bizarrely asking our age, and then a small government levee for entrance in to the archipelago.
Little Cat Ba boat was ready, with our captain Mr Mystic (sounded like that anyway 😁) waiting for us aboard. We were lucky as the simple boat would be full in the high season, so we’re thankful it was only us and captain.
Cai Beo Floating village
Cai Beo is closest to Cat Ba Island. It is a fishing village of houseboats, with the residents living mainly on seafood farming and fishing, as well as a bit of tourism. It’s a hard and simple life. It’s very different to our life and we don’t pretend to understand. Moreover, as a tourist, one only gets a glimpse. It’s interesting to catch the moment.
We took our spot on the deck and breathed in the magnificent surroundings that we were dreaming of seeing years before.
The archipelago
Captain Mystic, on occasion, stopped the boat and came running out of the wheel house to point out some top sights.
He was especially excited to tell us about the rock formation which looked like a turtle. Of course, he was trying to tell us this all in Vietnamese, which we understood none off. However the universal language of pointing, and understanding the shape of Hon Rua, helped us get the picture.
Captain mystic was also a keen photographer. 123 he would shout as he happily snapped away at us.
We passed a handful of private little sandy beaches.
Some tourists were attempting to do some rock climbing after arriving via kayak.
Overnight cruises around Cat Ba
We chose a couple of hours in the bay. However, one can get longer sailings, including overnight stays on larger cruisers.
Floating with the village
On the return, Captain Mystic stopped at the floating village. We were the only out of towners. This didn’t matter, the villagers are so used to tourism now, they don’t bat an eye lid. They’re happy to serve refreshments before returning to their daily life of fishing or cooking etc.
It was great to see some well loved pets on the other boats.
We were ushered off the boat by captain Mystic, as he pointed to a cafe. We bought the 3 of us a cold Hanoi beer.
Captain Mystic went to try some fishing for dinner, which unfortunately he wasn’t successful with, while we took in the village life scenery.
We made a quick exit after the owner of the ‘cafe’ started to spread a pinky substance on a plastic sheet.
The stench was horrific. He laughed as we both made the sound of throwing up.
We would highly recommend Cat Ba little boat tour, especially with Captain Mystic. Go buy him a beer.
Monkey Island
Cat Ba Monkey Island is protected by Cat Ba national park because of the rare monkeys and primitive beauty of the island.
We were excited, especially about the monkey’s as reading reviews on TripAdvisor, it seems visitors have been in some funny/ scary situations with them. It brought memories back of the cheeky monkeys in Gibraltar.
Unfortunately, this time we didn’t have a game of chase with some monkeys, as a flying visit, but it was great to see all the same. 
Eating and drinking
Chang Bakery 
After reading the reviews online we decided to give it ago to satisfy our pastry cravings. The Christmas decorations were inviting and the croissants delicious.
Address: 176 Đường 1/4, TT. Cát Bà, Cát Hải, Hải Phòng
Moon boutique hotel
We were lucky enough to have a complimentary al a carte breakfast here. The food was fresh and delicious.
Big Man Restaurant/ bar
Friendly staff. A tourist haunt. Food and booze. A lively bar up stairs.
Celery Vegan restaurant
Great wee find. Delicious vegan food and great choice. So good we ate here twice. After seeing the many poor fish and crustaceans on death row in small fish tanks, we really wanted to frequent a restaurant that understands the vegan / vegetarian philosophy.
The owner / staff helped create a calm and welcoming atmosphere.
Would we recommend Cat Ba?
Absolutely. Cat Ba island is one of the must do attractions in the north of Vietnam. It’s easily accessible from Hanoi and definitely better air to breathe.
