Holiday in Cát Bà
Island in Vietnam — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇻🇳
Country
Vietnam
Type
Island
Best time to travel
September to November (dry, warm, best visibility) and March to May
Budget/day
40-70€: Sea view hotel, Lan Ha Bay boat tour (30$), restaurants
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Hanoi (approx. 11h), bus + ferry to Cát Bà (4h) or speedboat from Hai Phong (1h).
Deals for Cát Bà:
What makes Cát Bà special as a destination?
Cát Bà is the largest island in Ha Long Bay and the relaxed, cheaper alternative to the classic Ha Long cruises. The national park covers half of the island with jungle, limestone caves, and the endangered Cat Ba Langur. Lan Ha Bay to the east of the island offers the same spectacular limestone cliffs as Ha Long Bay, but with fewer tourist boats and clearer water for kayaking and swimming.
What are the top highlights in Cát Bà?
The top highlights in Cát Bà include Lan Ha Bay, Cát Bà National Park, Hospital Cave, Climbing (Deep Water Soloing).
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Lan Ha Bay
The less touristy 'sister' of Ha Long Bay offers 400 limestone cliffs, secluded beaches, and perfect kayaking conditions.
Cát Bà National Park
The national park features jungle trekking, viewpoints, and the rare Cat Ba Langur (only 70 specimens!).
Hospital Cave
The hidden hospital in the mountain from the Vietnam War offers a fascinating journey back in time.
Climbing (Deep Water Soloing)
Climbing over the water on the limestone cliffs of Lan Ha Bay — if you fall, you land in the sea.
Hotels in Cát Bà
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Reise-SIM für Cát Bà
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Cát Bà?
The best time to visit Cát Bà is September to November (dry, warm, best visibility) and March to May. Hot and humid, 28-35°C, rainy season May-August In winter: Cooler, 15-22°C, foggy and gray, but few tourists
Recommended travel time
September to November (dry, warm, best visibility) and March to May
Summer
Hot and humid, 28-35°C, rainy season May-August
Winter
Cooler, 15-22°C, foggy and gray, but few tourists
How much does a holiday in Cát Bà cost?
Budget travellers: 15-25€: Hostel, Pho restaurants, public ferry (2$)/day, mid-range: 40-70€: Sea view hotel, Lan Ha Bay boat tour (30$), restaurants/day, luxury: 120€+: Boutique hotel, private boat tour, kayaking + climbing/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
15-25€: Hostel, Pho restaurants, public ferry (2$)
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
40-70€: Sea view hotel, Lan Ha Bay boat tour (30$), restaurants
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
120€+: Boutique hotel, private boat tour, kayaking + climbing
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Cát Bà?
Flight to Hanoi (approx. 11h), bus + ferry to Cát Bà (4h) or speedboat from Hai Phong (1h).
Book a package holiday to Cát Bà
Compare thousands of package holidays to Cát Bà and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Cát Bà?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Book Lan Ha Bay instead of Ha Long Bay — same cliffs, fewer boats, clearer water
Deep Water Soloing is unique: climbing over turquoise water without a rope — nerves needed!
The island is accessible via a new bridge — easier than before by ferry
Vietnamese tourists come in masses on weekends — better during the week
What should you eat in Cát Bà?
Typical specialities in Cát Bà: Bún Chả — Grilled pork with rice noodles and fresh herbs, a specialty of Northern Vietnam, Seafood — Fresh crabs, shrimp, and squid at the harbor, incredibly cheap, Bánh Cuốn — Steamed rice flour rolls filled with pork and mushrooms, Bia Hoi — Freshly tapped Vietnamese beer at the harbor for 20 cents.
These specialties you must try!
