Cat Ba Island. Cat ba island can be considered as the largest island in Halong bay (it is located south of the bay and is 260km²). It is generally left aside by the 1 or 2 day tours because it is located too far from Halong…. But believe us, Cat Ba has way more than nice beaches and stunning view to offer! Cat Ba is the largest island. There are around 387 islets or islands in the archipelago. Once a big fishing port with surrounding villages, the island is mostly natural and remains untouched. The island is now one departure point for cruises and trips around Lan Ha and Ha Long Bay. Tuan Chau – Cat Ba ferry is often described as a journey to connect the two heritage sites, and it is also the most popular way to get to Cat Ba Island from Halong Bay. This ferry has been operated by Tuan Chau Group since 2009. There are 5-7 ferries operating this Tuan Chau – Cat Ba sea route everyday. During peak season, this number might If you want to take a cruise tour, you should choose Halong. I find that Halong bay tours has quite a few cruise tours. However, Cat Ba is also very beautiful with unspoiled beaches and stunning landscapes. If coming Cat Ba, you may visit Lan Ha bay, Monkey island. Report inappropriate content azurest94 Berlin, Germany Level Contributor 68 posts Read about the 40 best attractions and cities to stop in between Beijing and Rawai, including places like Bangkok, Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho), and BTS Skytrain . Without a doubt, one of the most popular things to do in Vietnam is to take a Halong Bay cruise. And for good reason; the region is stunning. The views are incredible. You feel like you’re in the middle of a misty magical land away from it all. When you share your photos, everyone is jealous. It’s one of those special places you will never forget. Taking a cruise seems to be the most popular way to explore the area. You just need to show up and everything is taken care of for you. No need to plan anything! After my Halong Bay cruise I stayed at Cat Ba Island and realized it was better suited for me. I like to do things independently and it’s possible to explore Halong Bay using Cat Ba as a base. EXPLORE CAT BA ISLAND ON THESE SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES Cruising, Cat Ba style. Photo by Nicola Marshall. About Cat Ba Island It is the largest island in Halong Bay and there’s enough to keep you busy for days. If sustainable tourism is a concern, nearly half of Cat Ba is a national park. Both its land and the ecosystem in the water is a protected area. Here you’ll find the same small fishing villages tucked in the jagged limestone edges of the island and sandy beaches to welcome newcomers. That said, arriving in Cat Ba can be a bit overwhelming at first. It is the hub for the area, with lots of cheap hotels and tourist agencies selling boat trips and other tours. The city can be crowded with tourists who are on limited time to take one of the tours and move on. Don’t let this put you off. It’s easy to lose the crowds and explore more of the island and its waters. You can kayak the area and see Halong Bay from a completely different perspective, navigating its crevices. Swimming and snorkelling is incredible here. There’s also great hiking, and amazing seafood. GET WELL AND TRULY OFF THE BEATEN PATH ON OUR 11-DAY HIKE, BIKE & KAYAK SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE AROUND NORTHERN VIETNAM. FULL DETAILS HERE. My favourite things to do on Cat Ba Island 1. Hike in the National Park Jungle hikes. Photo by Stephane Bidouze. Half of Cat Ba Island was designated a park in 1986, and in 2004 it became a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. This ensures the flora, fauna and local wildlife will be protected, including an endangered monkey called the Cat Ba Langur. Don’t expect to see one on your hikes though. They are much like the elusive wild sloths in Costa Rica; almost impossible to spot. There are only 60 remaining on the island. Monkey spotting aside, there are great hikes for every fitness level, with well-marked paths so that travellers can explore independently. If you’re feeling adventurous and have head torches check out Trung Trang Cave, which has impressive stalactites. Looking for a big adventure? Trek through the park to Viet Hai fishing village, which has recently developed an eco tourism project. It’s a great way to support locals, the environmental efforts and help maintain traditional customs. RELATED THE CHANGING FACE OF TOURISM IN RURAL VIETNAM 2. Snap the best view of Halong Bay Kayaking around the bay. Photo by Nicola Marshall. If you’re looking for that Instagram-perfect photo of Halong Bay, it is not on a boat. Instead head straight up the lush island hillside to the Cannon Fort. It’s only a 30 minute walk from town but can take longer as you’ll want to stop to see the tunnels, cannons and gun emplacements from the various wars. At the top you’ll get a spectacular view overlooking the bay. If you go later in the day when the fishermen return you’ll also see the fishing boats in Halong Bay dotting the waters. At the top there’s a cafe and small museum. Nothing out of the ordinary, but much welcomed if you need a cool drink. RELATED WHY NINH BINH AND LAN HA BAY SHOULD BE PART OF YOUR VIETNAM TRAVEL PLANS 3. Spend the day on a deserted beach There are a few beaches on Cat Ba Island and which one you go to depends on how you want to spend your day. Tourist agencies sell day trips to busiest beaches, called Cat Bat Beach 1, 2 and 3. But if you came on vacation to escape it all, you can find that too. There are plenty of great beaches with few people on them just a short drive, kayak or hike away. 4. Visit the market Take a short walk outside the town core to reach the local food market. This isn’t a tourist-trap souvenir market but where locals on the island go to get their ingredients daily. 5. Explore the Hospital Cave You cannot visit the country without learning about the Vietnam American War. If you’ve grown up only hearing about it through American media it is fascinating to see the other side. The Hospital Cave is literally a hospital inside a cave that was in use until 1975. It’s best to hire a guide in advance to take you, as there isn’t much information on site with only mannequins throughout to give perspective. RELATED 5 BEAUTIFUL WAYS TO STEP OFF THE BEATEN PATH IN VIETNAM 6. Eat seafood, fresh off the boat If you want to eat pizza or pasta head to Nui Ngoc Street, where everything is in English and international food reigns. But who goes to Vietnam to eat pizza? Head off the main drag for a local dining experience. Photo by Nicola Marshall. Cat Ba is an island of fishermen. They are known for shrimp, clams, octopus and a variety of fish. If you get off the main strip, there are tons of great local spots where you’ll eat fresh Vietnamese seafood dishes for a fraction of the price. The closer you get to the fishing ports, the better the food will be. Curious about Cat Ba? Explore it now on a small group adventure in Vietnam with Intrepid. Check out our range of trips here. Feature photo by Stephane Bidouze via Shutterstock. Cat Ba IslandCat Ba Island VietnamRugged, craggy and jungle-clad Cat Ba, the largest island in Halong Bay, has experienced a tourism surge in recent years. The central hub of Cat Ba Town is now framed by a chain of low-rise concrete hotels along its once-lovely bay, but the rest of the island is largely untouched and as wild as ever. With idyllic Lan Ha Bay just offshore, you'll soon overlook Cat Ba Town's more sightsGuidebooksPurchase our award-winning guidebooks Get to the heart of Cat Ba Island with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance. Level Contributor 91 posts 22 reviews 4 helpful votes Halong Bay vs Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay 6 years ago Any thoughts or reccomendations as to which option I should go with on the next few days? Either an overnight junk in Halong Bay or stay at Cat Ba and organise Lan Ha cruise from there. I like the sound of Cat Ba but am torn as have always wanted to see the famous Halong Bay. Is Lan Ha Bay just the same in terms of scenery/activities to do as Halong Bay? Is Halong Bay still busier at this time of year compared to Lan Ha? Many Thanks Level Contributor 2,494 posts 120 reviews 48 helpful votes 1. Re Halong Bay vs Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay 6 years ago If you do overnight on boat some cruise still pass through Lan Ha Bay, it is small Bay. Overnight on boat is quite interesting, they do offer some activities as visiting famous caves, cooking class and kayaking. Cat Ba Island is worth to visit too, only crowed in summer holiday. If you stay in Cat Ba hotel, you can rent daily boat to Lan Ha Bay and do kayaking there. You can choose overnight on boat or stay at Cat Ba island, both are worth to visit 2. Re Halong Bay vs Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay 6 years ago This post was determined to be inappropriate by the Tripadvisor community and has been removed. Level Contributor 9 posts 28 reviews 10 helpful votes 3. Re Halong Bay vs Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay 5 years ago SelinaAlison Hello.....which cruise did you choose - and how was it? Lorraine 4. Re Halong Bay vs Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay 5 years ago Tripadvisor staff removed this post because it did not meet Tripadvisor's forum posting guidelines with prohibiting self-promotional advertising or are forum guidelines? Level Contributor 9 posts 28 reviews 10 helpful votes 5. Re Halong Bay vs Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay 5 years ago Level Contributor 13 posts 3 reviews 29 helpful votes 6. Re Halong Bay vs Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay 5 years ago If you would like to have the peace of mind and stay away from touristic Halong, it's much more better to start your trip in Catba island. Most cruises here include the visit to both Lan Ha and Halong bays as well Level Contributor 167 posts 175 reviews 168 helpful votes 7. Re Halong Bay vs Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay 4 years ago To have the peace of mind and stay away from the very crowded area, Lan Ha bay and Catba island are the best choice for now. All the best 8. Re Halong Bay vs Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay 4 years ago Hello Travelers, I am travelling to halong Bay for one night. I cannot decide if I should stay in CAT BA Island for Halong City? Level Contributor 15,919 posts 40 reviews 32 helpful votes 9. Re Halong Bay vs Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay 4 years ago Ankit, That would depend on what you plan/want to do, and also the time of your travel. Cat Ba is better off avoided during major holidays and summer weekends. Cheers, John 10. Re Halong Bay vs Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay 4 years ago Tripadvisor staff removed this post because it did not meet Tripadvisor's forum guideline limiting each user to a single forums screen are forum guidelines? Get answers to your questions about Halong Bay Recent Conversations Peony cruises 756 am Halong Bay - Full Day Cruise or Less? Jun 07, 2023 Does anyone know the site ' Jun 05, 2023 Hanoi & halong bay Jun 02, 2023 Nostalgia Cruises Jun 01, 2023 Best 8 hours day cruise halong May 31, 2023 Real 3 Days - 2 Night Cruises May 30, 2023 Halong Bay / Lan Ha 1 nt/2d cruise May 28, 2023 Halong bay cruise full day trip or more? May 25, 2023 1N cruise May 20, 2023 Day Tour Halong Bay - Day trip from Hanoi May 19, 2023 Sun world tips/ reviews pls May 18, 2023 Small boat tour in Cat Ba May 16, 2023 hanoi to Halong May 16, 2023 More Halong Bay Topics Taxi fare between Hanoi and Halong Bay? When is the best time to visit Hanoi and Sapa? A Class Cruise Company Imperial Junk Cruise - some lessons learnt the cheapest decent Halong bay cruise? Galaxy Cruise Ha Long Bay - Ginger Cruise Halong bay by end December Golden Lotus Cruise Halong Bay Cruise, budget backpackers Waking up in the tranquil morning and enjoying the fresh air and spectacular landscapes of the bay will make your day more exciting. Breakfast is then ready for you on that, our supporting boat will take you from the overnight boat and bring you to a sleeping water area of Cat Ba National Park, where you can grab the paddle and begin kayaking to discover parts of Lan Ha Bay. It is your time to explore labyrinth of limestone cliffs that rise out of the sea, paddle through floating houses and deserted lagoons as well as wild sandy beaches from our sleek ocean lunch BBQ lunch on beach is at tidal permission on boat, relaxing and swimming from your own private beach,you then continue kayaking to other parts of the bay and now you become pro kayakers. During kayaking time you may see other amazing limestone karts formations from the water up close and personal, in ways many people can only the afternoon, the boat will transfer you to Cat Ba Island. Our driver is waiting in the wharf to take you to the home-stay - an ideal place to experience the local culture, perfectly in tune with the surrounding environment. Level Contributor 1 post 5 reviews 5 helpful votes Ha Long Bay vs Cat Ba where to start 6 years ago Hi, I want to do the bay, not sure wether to do Cat Ba or Ha Long Bay. I'm going in september and heard it was prohibited to take a swim? Also, i;m with a motorcycle so I don't have to start in Hanoi which place should I ride to to book a tour? Level Contributor 1,585 posts 3 reviews 5 helpful votes 1. Re Ha Long Bay vs Cat Ba where to start 6 years ago Cruises on Halong bay is more well-equipped than those on Cat Ba island. Most cruises starts their program from Hanoi, so Hanoi is the best place to book a tour. Or you can book it online. Level Contributor 298 posts 11 reviews 5 helpful votes 2. Re Ha Long Bay vs Cat Ba where to start 6 years ago If you want to take a cruise tour, you should choose Halong. I find that Halong bay tours has quite a few cruise tours. However, Cat Ba is also very beautiful with unspoiled beaches and stunning landscapes. If coming Cat Ba, you may visit Lan Ha bay, Monkey island. Level Contributor 68 posts 4 reviews 3. Re Ha Long Bay vs Cat Ba where to start 6 years ago A cruise seems to be suitable with traveling Halong bay. If you want to travel with a motorbike, you can visit Cat Ba island. Drive to the ferry and bring your motorbike to this island, then you can discover Cat Ba island with it. 4. Re Ha Long Bay vs Cat Ba where to start 6 years ago This post was determined to be inappropriate by the Tripadvisor community and has been removed. Level Contributor 108 posts 18 reviews 10 helpful votes 5. Re Ha Long Bay vs Cat Ba where to start 6 years ago Hi, You have motobike so I think Cat Ba island is better! You may drive to Tuan chau then take ferry to Gia Luan harbor Or Drive to Dinh Vu port Hai Phong, then take speed boat to Cai Vieng harbor, drive to Cat Ba town. Now u can be free to explore Cannon fort, hospital cave, national park, beach then do Lan Ha bay boat tour with kayaking and snorkeling Hope this help Phuong HaiPhongTours 6. Re Ha Long Bay vs Cat Ba where to start 6 years ago This post was determined to be inappropriate by the Tripadvisor community and has been removed. Level Contributor 10 posts 8 reviews 3 helpful votes 7. Re Ha Long Bay vs Cat Ba where to start 6 years ago Really easy to book a tour on arrival on cat ba too, loads of options. We went a few weeks ago and the bay was pretty quiet, one area with a bit of rubbish but generally clear seas which was the two reasons we wanted to avoid ha long bay. Cat Ba would be pretty cool to explore on the bike too and should be easy enough on ferry which is cheaper than the hydrofoil. Not sure about not being able to swim in September, maybe email a tour company and take what they say with a pinch of salt bearing in mind they might say what you want to hear. 8. Re Ha Long Bay vs Cat Ba where to start 6 years ago Hi!! I'm going for Halong Bay from Hochiminh and will be dropping at Hai Phong Airport. Where's the place i should book my hostel at? Cat ba? or anywhere else? I'm confused..is haiphong = cat ba? 4 posts 9. Re Ha Long Bay vs Cat Ba where to start 5 years ago Hi, i have a question, I cant decide in between going on a cruise to Ha long or just going to Cat ba spend time on the island and from there take a boat to board around ha long, any suggestions? Thanks Sebastian Level Contributor 2 posts 4 reviews 10. Re Ha Long Bay vs Cat Ba where to start 5 years ago sebastianburd Did you get any information on this? Edited 5 years ago Get answers to your questions about Halong Bay Recent Conversations Peony cruises 0756 Halong Bay - Full Day Cruise or Less? 07 June 2023 Does anyone know the site ' 05 June 2023 Hanoi & halong bay 02 June 2023 Nostalgia Cruises 01 June 2023 Best 8 hours day cruise halong 31 May 2023 Real 3 Days - 2 Night Cruises 30 May 2023 Halong Bay / Lan Ha 1 nt/2d cruise 28 May 2023 Halong bay cruise full day trip or more? 25 May 2023 1N cruise 20 May 2023 Day Tour Halong Bay - Day trip from Hanoi 19 May 2023 Sun world tips/ reviews pls 18 May 2023 Small boat tour in Cat Ba 16 May 2023 hanoi to Halong 16 May 2023 More Halong Bay Topics Anyone heard or used "Et - Pumpkin Travel"? Weather July/August Booking with Indochina Junk Prince IV review IndoChina Junk Halong Bay Red Dragon vs Dragon's Pearl? Halong Bay to Hanoi Airport ???? When is the best time to visit Hanoi and Sapa? scuba diving in halong bay Ha Long Bay in February - kayaking Galaxy Cruise

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