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The bay in front of Cat Ba town seen from the hills, boats moored among limestone islands

Cat Ba travel guide

Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba National Park, the sea-crossing cable car and transfers from Hanoi. Things to do we sell, with real people to help 8:00–22:00 (GMT+7).

16 things to do

Overview

Cat Ba is the largest island in its archipelago, just south of Ha Long Bay. The town sits on the south-east tip next to the Cat Co beaches, Lan Ha Bay spreads out in front of it, and most of the island is national park forest.

Best time

April to October: sunshine, swimming and Lan Ha Bay trips; June to August is busy, with storms. November to March is cool, quiet and often misty.

Getting there

About 3 hours from Hanoi: expressway to Hai Phong, the Tan Vu – Lach Huyen bridge, then cable car or ferry to the island. Nearest airport: Cat Bi.

How long

For 2–3 days: stay in town or at Cat Co beaches; one day on Lan Ha Bay, one in the national park, plus a night on a cruise if you like.

Getting around

Town to Cat Co beaches is about a 10-minute walk; boats to Lan Ha leave from Beo pier; the national park is about 20 minutes by car.

Hotels in Cat Ba

Hotels in Cat Ba: message us for a quote for your dates, group size and budget.

Cat Ba tours

There are no Cat Ba group tour departures with seats right now.

Travelling as a family, group of friends or company? We plan private tours around your dates, group size and budget, including meetings, gala dinners and team-building.

Things to do

Day and overnight cruises on Lan Ha Bay, national park treks, the Cat Hai – Phu Long cable car, Hanoi – Cat Ba transfers and a Cat Bi Airport lounge. Prices include taxes and fees. Open a ticket to see prices by date and send a request.

Prices updated 4 Nov 2026 · incl. taxes & fees

Why book with Happy Vivu

Licensed international tour operator

International travel licence no. 01-1719/2022/TCDL-GP LHQT. Global Wings Viet Nam, founded 2018.

5 offices in Vietnam

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Dong Nai.

Real people on duty

Help by WhatsApp and phone, 8:00–22:00 (GMT+7) every day, before and during your trip.

Clear prices

Prices include taxes and fees, charged in VND, shown before you pay.

Companies that have travelled with Happy Vivu:

Bangkok BankTPBankBIDV Hà NộiNgân hàng MBVinsmartTổng công ty Quản lý bay Việt NamMiền Nam PetroDược phẩm Mastertran

FAQ

How do I get from Hanoi to Cat Ba?

Most people drive the Hanoi – Hai Phong expressway, cross the Tan Vu – Lach Huyen bridge to Cat Hai Island and then take the Cat Hai – Phu Long cable car or the ferry to Cat Ba; the whole trip takes about 3–4 hours. Shared limousine vans, buses with a cable car or speedboat ticket, and door-to-door private cars are listed under things to do.

How is Lan Ha Bay different from Ha Long Bay?

Lan Ha lies to the south-east of Cat Ba Island, with the same limestone islands as Ha Long but more small sandy beaches, floating fishing villages and usually calm water, ideal for kayaking and swimming. You can visit on a day trip from Cat Ba or spend a night on a cruise.

Do I need a visa for Vietnam?

Most visitors need a Vietnam visa or e-visa; some passports can visit without one for a set number of days. Check the latest rules for your passport with your airline or the official e-visa site before you travel.

How do I pay?

By card through OnePay, charged in VND, with 3-D Secure. Prices on this page include taxes and fees.

Destination photos: Wikimedia Commons — Christophe95 (CC BY-SA 4.0, top photo) · Christophe95 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Thu Hà Nội (CC BY 3.0) · Christophe95 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Bình Giang (Public domain) · Viethavvh at vi.wikipedia (Public domain) · Tycho (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Caitriana Nicholson from 北京 ~ Beijing, 中国 ~ China (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Velvet (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Tuyencabr (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Christophe95 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Christophe95 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Christophe95 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Shyamal (CC0) · Christophe95 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Christophe95 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Christophe95 (CC BY-SA 4.0). Other service photos are provided by the service operators.

Cat Ba travel: Lan Ha Bay cruises, cable car and Hanoi transfers | Happy Vivu