Plizio Visual Lab
Cat Ba
Cat Ba Island is the largest of the 367 islands in the Cat Ba Archipelago, situated on the southwestern edge of Ha Long Bay. Nearly half of the island is designated as a National Park, which serves as a sanctuary for the critically endangered Cat Ba Langur, one of the world's rarest primates. The island's interior is a rugged landscape of dense jungle and limestone peaks, with the hike to Ngu Lam Peak offering dramatic views over the emerald canopy. The island's greatest draw is the adjacent Lan Ha Bay, which provides the same impressive limestone karst scenery as Ha Long Bay but with far fewer crowds and a more pristine feel. Travelers can explore floating fishing villages, hidden sea caves, and secluded white-sand beaches by boat or kayak. For thrill-seekers, the island is a world-class destination for rock climbing and deep-water soloing over the turquoise sea. Getting to Cat Ba is easy via a combined bus and ferry trip from Hanoi or Hai Phong. The best time to visit is from April to June or September to November when the weather is well-suited for outdoor activities. History buffs should visit Cannon Fort, built during World War II, for its historical tunnels and what are arguably the best sunset views in northern Vietnam. Culinary life centers on the waterfront, where night markets and floating restaurants serve incredibly fresh seafood, especially crab and squid. Cat Ba provides a great balance of active land adventure, historical exploration, and the magical sea-karst scenery that has made Vietnam a bucket-list destination.
- Location: Vietnam, Vietnam
- Top sights: View on the bay · Cat Ba Bay Viewpoint and Monument · Bãi biển Tùng Thu
- Nearby: Ha Long (8 km)
- Population: ~30.000 (2025)
Geography
Facts
- The largest island in the entire Ha Long Bay region.
- The only place on Earth where the Cat Ba Langur survives.
- Nearly 50% of the island is a protected National Park.
- Main gateway to the serene and beautiful Lan Ha Bay.
- Home to the historic Cannon Fort with 360-degree views.
- A world-class spot for rock climbing and kayaking.
- Features three main swimming beaches: Cat Co 1, 2, and 3.
- Famous for its ancient floating fishing communities.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Cat Ba (9)
Frequently asked questions
Cat Ba: where is it located?
Cat Ba: what is there to see?
Cat Ba: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
