Cat Ba Island

★ 5.0 (200+ reviews) • 2K+ booked
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Cat Ba Island Reviews

5.0 /5
200+ reviews
Read all reviews
Klook User
2 Nov 2025
The tour was well planned and managed by the team. There were absolutely no concerns around anything. Everything was on time and as scheduled, and really a wonderful experience exploring the “Cac Ba” and “Lan Ha Bay”. Big shoutout to Billy the tour guide. He has an amazing sense of humour and a very great story teller. He builds the interests and educates you about the place you visit and the Vietnamese culture in a fun and engaging way. He was very helpful throughout the tour with details and help where required.
2+
Klook User
28 Oct 2025
It was really a great and enjoyable and relaxing one day cruise. Would highly recommend, the Guide Bhin is very friendly and funny. Keeps you engaged throughout the trip. The cat ba/lan ha bay is much more calmer and peaceful. Must try the cruise !
1+
Hayley ******
28 Oct 2025
Such an amazing experience! The whole day was very well organised and made the experience all the better. Our guide was very helpful, informative and made sure that everyone in the group was looked after. The cruise boat was much more luxurious than I expected and the team onboard were all so wonderful. The itinerary really catered for everyone. I was travelling solo but there were groups of families as well. They even had children’s bikes for cycling around Cat Ba Island. the food was good and well presented. I personally prefer to eat local dishes so it would have been good to include some Vietnamese dishes to the lunch menu. Overall a really great day!
1+
Klook User
24 Oct 2025
I absolutely loved every moment of this cruise! From the very start, the staff coordinated everything perfectly. The bus pickup was on time, comfortable, and spotlessly clean. Our guide, Binh, was exceptional—friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. He shared fascinating facts, explained all the rules clearly, and made sure everyone felt comfortable. The cruise itself was beautiful, well-maintained, and sparkling clean. The crew onboard were warm, welcoming, and genuinely caring. They took extra care of us during kayaking, making it both safe and fun. With two lovely pools and a water slide, there was never a dull moment! Every detail—from organization to hospitality—was handled with care. This experience exceeded all expectations, and I would highly recommend this day tour to anyone looking for a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and world-class service! 🌊🚢✨
2+
Klook User
22 Oct 2025
Our Serenity Cruise tour to Cát Bà Island was absolutely incredible! From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized and well-coordinated. The scenery was breathtaking — emerald waters, majestic limestone cliffs, and peaceful hidden lagoons that truly live up to the name “Serenity.” A huge thank you to our tour guide, who made the experience even more special. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and full of positive energy — sharing fascinating stories about the bay, local life, and the islands. They always ensured everyone felt comfortable, safe, and included. The activities were well planned — kayaking through calm waters, exploring the caves, and enjoying a delicious lunch with fresh Vietnamese food on board. Every moment felt smooth, relaxed, and memorable. Highly recommend Serenity Cruise for anyone visiting Cát Bà Island! It’s the perfect blend of nature, adventure, and genuine hospitality. 🌿🚤💚
2+
Klook-Nutzer
22 Oct 2025
We were very happy with the tour! This day trip was a great alternative to Ha Long Bay. The organization was excellent from start to finish, the tour guide was super friendly, and the itinerary was interesting and varied. We would do it again in a heartbeat and highly recommend it.
Isabella ******************
20 Oct 2025
Wow, what an amazing day. I am so glad we booked this tour on the amazing Serenity. The tour starts from the well organised pick up. Our incredibly knowledgeable guide Bihn (Billy) kept us engaged from the moment we stepped on the bus, it didn’t even feel like a 3 hour ride. Billy shared the history of Vietnam on the way there and the knowledge was more specific to Cat Ba and the Village as we got closer. I was in awe at the Serenity Cruise, the facilities were clean and luxurious. the staff were incredibly friendly and we were served the freshest seafood and buffet lunch. I am happy that we chose the Serenity Granduer Cruise instead of going to Ha Long Bay, if you want something a little less touristy, this is the cruise for you. We enjoyed riding bikes around the village and then kayaking and swimming. Billy kept everything running so smoothly, there is just enough amount of time allocated for travel, eating, play and relaxing without it feeling rushed. Wish I could come back again!
2+
Klook User
18 Oct 2025
It’s same as what’s shown in pictures, It’s a new cruise, so it’s clean and all. Would prefer this over Ha Long bay as it’s more calmer and less crowded

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FAQs about Cat Ba Island

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What to know about Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island, Vietnam, is the largest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago, just south of the world-famous Ha Long Bay. Known as a beautiful island with easy access from Hai Phong, Cat Ba Island is right between Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay, making it perfect for both adventure and relaxation. You can visit Cat Ba Island for scenic hiking trails in Cat Ba National Park, climb to Ngu Lam Peak for amazing views, explore the historic Hospital Cave and Trung Trang Cave, or relax on Cat Co beaches. Many travelers join a Halong Bay cruise or cruise Lan Ha Bay for a day trip or overnight cruise to see sea caves, secluded beaches, and dramatic rock formations. The best part? Watching the sunset from Cannon Fort, with sweeping views over boats moored in the bays and nearby Monkey Island—a truly unforgettable highlight of visiting Cat Ba.
Cát Bà Island, Trân Châu, Cát Hải, Hai Phong, Vietnam

Things to do in Cat Ba Island

Cruise Around Lan Ha Bay

Exploring Lan Ha Bay by boat is one of the most relaxing and scenic experiences when visiting Cat Ba Island. This peaceful neighbor of Ha Long Bay is filled with limestone islets, hidden coves, and emerald waters. Most Cat Ba cruises include visits to floating fishing villages, swimming or snorkeling in quiet lagoons, and a fresh seafood lunch on board.

Kayak Through Scenic Sea Caves

Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay gives you a close-up look at the bay's beauty. Paddle through calm waters, slip under limestone arches, and explore sea caves like Dark & Bright Cave, where sunlight filters into the turquoise water. Along the way, you'll find hidden beaches and mangrove forests that bigger boats can't reach. Calm conditions make this perfect for beginners and families, with safety gear and guides usually included.

Trek in Cat Ba National Park

Visiting Cat Ba National Park is a must if you love nature. Spanning over 26,000 hectares, it's home to rare wildlife, including the endangered Cat Ba langur. You can take short walks, hike the Ngu Lam Peak trail for sweeping views of jungle and limestone peaks, or tackle longer, more challenging routes into the park's rugged interior. Along the way, watch for birds, butterflies, and colorful orchids.

Relax on Van Boi Island

Hidden in Lan Ha Bay, Van Boi Island is a peaceful getaway from the crowds. Its clear waters, soft sand, and shallow coral reefs make it great for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing. With little development, it's the perfect spot for a quiet picnic or reading by the beach.

Explore Cat Ba's Caves

Cat Ba Island is home to an impressive network of caves. Trung Trang Cave runs 300 meters through dense forest and is lined with dramatic stalactites. Hospital Cave, used as a secret field hospital during the Vietnam War, offers a unique look at the island's past. For a different experience, try kayaking into Dark & Bright Cave, where water and rock create a stunning natural scene.

Popular Attractions Near Cat Ba Island

Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay, just off the coast of Cat Ba Island, is a quieter alternative to Halong Bay with the same stunning limestone cliffs and emerald waters. You can kayak through hidden lagoons, swim at secluded beaches, or take a boat cruise to explore floating villages. It's only about a 10--15 minute boat ride from Cat Ba Island, making it an easy and scenic day trip.

Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park is a green, peaceful spot in the middle of Cat Ba Island. You can hike trails, see rare animals like the Cat Ba langur, and enjoy views from Ngu Lam Peak. It's only about a 20-minute drive from the island's main town, making it an easy place to explore.