Cat Ba island, which can be found tucked away in Northern Vietnam, is a veritable treasure trove of varied landscapes that promises an adventure around every bend and a picture-perfect view around every corner.

This place is located 25 kilometers from the city of Ha Long and 30 kilometers from the bustling city of Hai Phong. It is easy to reach by land, sea, and even air thanks to its excellent connectivity.

If you are looking for things to do in Cat Ba Island, this essay will assist you in locating the most enjoyable activities that Cat Ba Island offers.

Discover the wonders of Cat Ba National Park.

One of the things to do in Cat Ba Island that enable you to lose track of time for an entire day is the Cat Ba National Park, which is also a UNESCO-recognized World Biosphere Reserve. When I’m there, I don’t even realize how quickly the day has gone by.

Every person who has a passion for nature is guaranteed to have their heart rate quickened in response to the energizing combination of hiking trails, the opportunity to watch wildlife, and the breathtaking vistas that can be found in this natural wonderland.

Cat Ba National Park accommodates tourists with a wide range of fitness levels and levels of desire for adventure by providing a wide choice of walks and excursions of diverse lengths and difficulty levels. You will go around the park on a variety of trails, one of which is the well-known 1.8-kilometer track.

This trail is a nice stroll that provides a sampling of the area’s rich range of flora and animals. Other trails will take you through the park. Although it is a rather difficult trail, the 16-kilometer walk that goes to the scenic fishing village of Viet Hai is a wonderful hike for those who have a higher tolerance for danger.

The park is home to several species that are exclusive to this park, but the Cat Ba langur is without a doubt the park’s most well-known inhabitant. Your hike will take on a whole new level of excitement if you manage to come across a member of this species, which is one of the primates that is considered to be in the most critical of danger across the globe.

Always be sure to remember to bring adequate amounts of water and snacks, in addition to the appropriate boots for hiking or trekking. If you intend to embark on one of the longer hikes, it could be useful to hire a local guide to accompany you on the journey.

They are not only well familiar with the routes, but they also provide information that is both interesting and entertaining about the numerous species that can be found in the park.

Cat Ba’s beaches are great for catching some rays.

Lounging under the warm sunshine on pristine beaches is one of the things to do in Cat Ba Island. This island has many beautiful beaches, you can choose from Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, and Cat Co 3. All are a few minute’s walk or a quick bike ride from the town center.

The beaches are all tucked away in the shadows of the surrounding mountains, making for a serene and quiet getaway. Early in the morning, when the beaches are less busy, you can relax and unwind in peace. Instead, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll down the connecting path as the sun rises and paints the sky in a rainbow of hues.

The scenic mountain trail, an excursion in itself, leads to all three beaches and connects them easily.

You should get up early, grab your camera, and head to these beaches to watch the sunrise; it’s a sight you won’t want to miss.

Keep in mind that the quickly increasing tides after 6:30 p.m. make swimming more dangerous. Find out when the tides are and consult locals for advice on how to proceed.

If you’re looking for a quieter, less crowded beach experience, look no further than Monkey Island, Tung Thu Beach, or any of the other tranquil beaches in Lan Ha Bay. Less people will be at the beach, giving you more time to unwind and enjoy yourself.

Explore the Island on two wheels.

Renting bicycles and riding them around Cat Ba Island is things to do in Cat Ba Island to a great way to see the sights. Biking is a great method to travel around the island because it’s not too vast and the roads are in decent shape.

You can take in the island’s natural splendor at your speed while cycling about. You can take a dip in the water, drink a cup of Vietnamese coffee at a local cafe, or just relax and take in the sights and sounds of the area.

Just a heads up that it can become quite warm throughout the day, so you might want to schedule your bike rides for the wee hours of the morning or the late hours of the day. Bring some water, a hat, and sunscreen just in case!

See More: Transfer from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island

Discover the underground caverns.

Exploring the cave system is one of the things to do in Cat Ba Island.

Located close to the Cat Ba National Park headquarters, Trung Trang Cave and Hospital Cave are two of the park’s most popular caverns.

The beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations at Trung Trang Cave, which have been growing for thousands of years, will have captured you. Nearly 300 meters in length, the cave features a labyrinthine network of rooms for explorers to explore. Simply carry a flashlight or other source of illumination with you at all times.

On the other hand, the island’s military history is on display at the Hospital Cave. It served as a secret medical facility and hiding place for senior Viet Cong officials during the American War. It’s humbling and disturbing to visit a place that was previously humming with hidden activity.

It’s well worth your time to check out Hoa Cuong Cave and Thien Long Cave, both of which have fascinating histories in addition to their impressive geological features. Shoes that grip well in a cave environment are recommended.

Explore the underwater world of Monkey Island on a snorkeling expedition.

Monkey Island is more than simply a pretty place with nice beaches; it’s also one of the best things to do in Cat Ba Island to explore a portal to a marine life refuge beneath the waves.

There’s a whole new world waiting to be explored below the waves, full of dazzling coral reefs, exotic sea life, and fish of every hue imaginable. At Monkey Island Resort, you may do scuba diving for about 1 million VND ($50) for 30 minutes with a certified instructor, or you can snorkel for about 600,000 VND ($30) on your own. Keep in mind that prices are subject to change.

In addition to its excellent snorkeling, the island also boasts beautiful beaches from where visitors may take in sweeping vistas of the island’s unique limestone and karst landscape. You can also reach the peak by hiking up.

Take a trip to the floating village.

Visiting the Cai Beo Fishing Village is one of the top recommendations for things to do in Cat Ba Island. It is one of the most historically significant floating communities in the country and dates back to prehistoric times.

Imagine that more than 300 households are living on the water’s surface and that the primary means of subsistence are fishing and aquaculture. When you visit Cat Ba, you just must take the time to learn about and participate in this one-of-a-kind way of life.

The complicated network of boat houses, floating cottages, and fish cages that are all interconnected is something that will captivate your attention. It is a pleasure to simply stroll from one house to another in the village, taking in the atmosphere of daily life there and striking up conversations with the locals.

The seafood served at these floating eateries is guaranteed to be some of the best and freshest you’ve ever had. In addition, the pictures you’ll want to take of your trip will have a magnificent backdrop with the bay views and the everyday lives of the locals.

Finding one’s way to the Cai Beo Fishing Village is not too difficult. When visiting Lan Ha Bay, you will remember to go on a guided tour, and part of the itinerary always involves a visit to the Cai Beo floating hamlet. In addition, the port of Ben Beo offers the opportunity to lease a fishing boat.

Enjoy some fresh seafood

Cat Ba has some of the freshest seafood so it is one of the things to do in Cat Ba Island, and I travel the world in search of it.

The restaurant is located close to the water, which ensures that the seafood is always served at its freshest. Cat Ba town is a wonderful location to spend a few nights and sample the local cuisine, which features a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes, such as spicy sea snails, grilled mackerel, and steamed clams with lemongrass. When the temperature begins to drop, get together with your friends and family for a warming lunch of local hotpot.

You should purchase seafood from the local fisherman at the floating town for a more authentic experience. Don’t be afraid to haggle over the price.

Try climbing rocks.

One of the things to do in Cat Ba Island is rock climbing. Dau Be Island and the Ben Beo Mountain Cliff are two popular destinations not far from the downtown area. Though located further south, the cliffs of Ba Trai Dao Island provide an exceptional climbing experience with breathtaking ocean vistas.

Keep your safety as your top priority at all times. Climbing equipment can be rented on the island, but if you’re a novice, it’s advisable to hire a guide.

Attend a class on how to cook.

One of the things to do in Cat Ba Island is enrolls in a cooking lesson. It is a seafood lover’s dream, and you can get to know this island and its bounty. This is more than just a matter of following instructions; it’s a chance to experience the island’s culture and cuisine firsthand.

Learn from a knowledgeable local guide how to choose the best seafood in the market while you’re there. The fish market is a fascinating location, a microcosm of the island’s thriving culinary culture in all its sensory manifestations.

The class itself is a lot of fun, and you’ll learn how to make a bunch of different Vietnamese foods. Making dinner from scratch, especially using ingredients you picked up at a local market, is a rewarding experience.

Take in the wild splendor of Lan Ha Bay.

You must spend at least one day exploring Lan Ha Bay on Cat Ba Island. After declaring its independence from Ha Long Bay, this breathtaking region has become something of a hidden gem, drawing far fewer tourists than its more well-known neighbor.

You can take a guided tour of the bay if you’d rather have an organized trip. It’s a great way to take in the sights and sounds of Lan Ha Bay and all the fun things to do there.

A guided tour of the bay can be arranged if you’d rather have a structured outing. It’s a great way to see all that Lan Ha Bay has to offer, from the breathtaking scenery to the exciting activities.

The beautiful limestone structures and karsts in the area are a highlight of these tours, along with kayaking, swimming at the white sand beaches, and a stop at Monkey Island.

And if you happen to be in Hanoi, rent a taxi Hanoi to Ha Long with a private driver to experience the untamed beauty of Lan Ha Bay.

Cannon Fort overlooks the city.

Cannon Fort is one of the things to do in Cat Ba Island because it is more than just a picturesque setting to take photos. This 177-meter-high landmark is a tumultuous historical relic of Vietnam when it was once a strategic outpost against the French and Americans.

The underground tunnels and gun emplacements have been kept remarkably well, providing a chilling glimpse into recent history.

However, not everything in Cannon Fort is solemn. Cat Ba town, the rolling hills, the faraway beaches, and the magnificent bay all form a lively picture from the summit.

You can go there in the evening to watch the sun go down, turning the sky a beautiful shade of pink and orange. This is a scene surely you will never tire of seeing.

Go to the Village of Viet Hai

Your trips to Viet Hai Village are like time travel and things to do in Cat Ba Island. Located in the Cat Ba National Park and framed by verdant mountains, this sleepy fishing community provides a tranquil respite from the island’s hectic pace.

You will fall in love with Vietnam when you experience the peaceful environment of the village and see the typical Vietnamese homes that are scattered across the countryside.

A mandatory activity in the village is riding bicycles around. The picturesque path through the lush countryside is more than just a visual treat; it’s also a great way to learn about the culture of the area. The friendly inhabitants, out in their fields or with their fishing nets, are a big part of what gives the community its special atmosphere.

You should climb Hai Quan Hill when you visit Viet Hai Village. The ascent may be strenuous, but the reward of seeing the entire landscape and the blue sea at the summit is well worth the effort.

Staying the night is a must if you’re up for a cultural immersion experience. Homestays in the village provide clean, simple lodging and an opportunity to eat like a local. Viet Hai Village is a highlight of each trip to Cat Ba because of the personal ties its visitors create with the locals and the environment.

Even though Cat Ba Island is not a bustling tourism hotspot, it is nonetheless a wonderful attraction for both domestic and international tourists thanks to its one-of-a-kind qualities, which include towering limestone mountains, lush mangrove forests, and pristine sandy beaches. In addition to that, there is an abundance of exciting activities that you should attempt while you are on the island.