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Monkey Island (Cát Bà)
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Monkey Island, also known as Cat Dua Island, is a prominent destination located within Lan Ha Bay, adjacent to the more famous Ha Long Bay. The island earned its name from the resident population of approximately 30 to 50 macaques that frequently roam the beaches. It features two primary sandy shores, Cat Dua 1 and Cat Dua 2, which are separated by rugged limestone cliffs typical of the region's karst topography. A challenging trekking path leads to the island's summit, offering visitors a panoramic view of the emerald waters and numerous limestone islets in the archipelago. Accessible only by boat from Ben Beo harbor on Cat Ba Island, the trip takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes. The island serves as both a wildlife sanctuary and a key site for sustainable tourism, drawing hikers and kayakers from around the world.
- Location: Vietnam
- Top sights: Dark cave, passage to lagoon on low tide · Tien Ong Cave · Cửa Vạn
- Nearby: Ha Long (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 16 | 18 | 21 | 24 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 25 | 21 | 17 |
| Rain mm | 39 | 25 | 50 | 69 | 168 | 213 | 302 | 338 | 240 | 122 | 51 | 28 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
Visiting during the drier and slightly cooler months from October to April usually ensures much safer boat crossings in Lan Ha Bay and significantly clearer weather for observing the island's free-roaming wildlife without interruptions.
Best time of day
Arriving in the quiet early morning or late afternoon typically provides the best possible opportunities to see the macaques actively foraging along the shores, while also completely avoiding the intense midday sun and peak tourist crowds.
Etiquette
Visitors must consciously maintain a very safe physical distance from the semi-wild monkeys, absolutely refrain from attempting to touch or feed them, and stay strictly on established paths to help protect the fragile island environment.
What to bring
Sturdy, non-slip hiking footwear is absolutely essential for safely navigating the rocky and notably uneven terrain on the island, and a high-quality dry bag is highly recommended for protecting important electronics during the bay boat ride.
Getting there
The small island is generally accessed via specially organized day boat tours or independently chartered local ferries that regularly depart from the main Cát Bà Island, traversing the spectacularly scenic waters of the surrounding limestone bay.
What to expect
While the curious macaques are often immediately visible near the main landing beaches, spending extra time quietly observing the surrounding forest canopy can frequently reveal much more natural and uninhibited behaviors away from the noisy crowds.
Geography
Facts
- Location: Lan Ha Bay, part of the Cat Ba Archipelago
- Wildlife: Home to a colony of approximately 30-50 macaques
- Beaches: Features two main sandy areas, Cat Dua 1 and 2
- Access: Reached exclusively by boat from Ben Beo harbor
- Activities: Hiking to the summit for 360-degree bay views
- Travel time: Approximately 10-15 minutes from Cat Ba town
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.
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Sights in the town Monkey Island (Cát Bà) (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Monkey Island?
Best by boat tour from Cát Bà.
Are the monkeys aggressive?
They are used to people but may beg for food.
Are there beaches there?
Yes, there are beautiful, quiet sandy beaches.
Should I bring food?
Better not, so as not to feed the animals.
Can we stay overnight?
There are some simple accommodations right on the beach.
Monkey Island (Cát Bà): where is it located?
Monkey Island (Cát Bà) is located in Vietnam.
Monkey Island (Cát Bà): what is there to see?
Highlights include Dark cave, passage to lagoon on low tide, Tien Ong Cave, Cửa Vạn.
Monkey Island (Cát Bà): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
Monkey Island (Cát Bà): why is it worth visiting?
Monkey Island, also known as Cat Dua Island, is a prominent destination located within Lan Ha Bay, adjacent to the more famous Ha Long Bay.
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The largest island in Ha Long Bay, known for its rugged and wild beauty.
Ha Long Bay
A UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests.
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Nature
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Red River
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Cô Tô Island
An archipelago in Quảng Ninh province, known for its pristine beaches, rocky cliffs, and clear blue waters.
