Discover the enchanting allure of Cat Ba Island with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage in this itinerary.
We learned this might not have been the best destination with a baby, although we still enjoyed our time there. I was originally excited to visit Cat Ba and we hoped to do more than we did. Unfortunately, renting a scooter is the most common way to explore, we had hoped to take tours, but guides informed us that once we did one, we had done it all!
Visiting Cat Ba Island in Vietnam is an unforgettable experience that combines stunning natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. As the largest island in Halong Bay, Cat Ba offers breathtaking landscapes, including rugged limestone cliffs, lush forests, and pristine beaches. One of the fascinating aspects of the island is its name, which is derived from the local Cat Ba langur, an endangered primate species found only in this region.
Cat Ba Island is set on Lan Ha Bay, the less famous, but more tranquil bay. Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned worldwide for its mystical beauty. With over 1,600 limestone islets and islands, the bay's landscape seems like a scene from a fairytale. Visitors can cruise through the bay's maze-like formations, explore awe-inspiring caves, and marvel at the panoramic vistas from vantage points such as Ti Top Island. Lan Ha Bay, located to the south of Halong Bay, boasts a more tranquil atmosphere with fewer tourists, making it a hidden gem for those seeking a quieter escape. Its emerald waters are dotted with limestone karsts, small sandy islets, and floating fishing villages, creating a picturesque scene that captivates visitors.
When to visit Cat Ba?
The best time of the year to visit Cat Ba Island is during the spring and autumn seasons. In spring (from March to May), the weather is mild and pleasant, with blooming flowers and lush vegetation creating a vibrant and colorful atmosphere. The temperatures are comfortable, and the humidity is relatively low, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like trekking and exploring the island's natural beauty.
Our trip happened to coincide with the wet season, it’s just how it lined up with our parental leave and missing the worst of winter in Canada. The benefits to traveling at this time is less people and lower rates.
How to get to Cat Ba?
We went to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi which involved a bus, a ferry and then another bus. The bus ride to Hai Phong City was quite scenic, and the nearest major city to Cat Ba. From here we were able to get the ferry to Cat Ba Island. If you get motion sick, I highly recommend taking some medication in advance - we found the boat warm and bumpy. The ferry ride offers breathtaking views of the surrounding waters and the imposing limestone karsts that characterize the area. Once we got to Cat Ba, we did have to catch another bus into the city itself, the driver asked everyone's address in advance and then dropped us right at our hotel.
How to get around Cat Ba?
Getting around in Cat Ba Island offers various options that allow visitors to explore the island's beauty and attractions. One popular choice is renting a scooter, which does provide flexibility and independence, but has a security risk if you're not used to it. Renting a scooter is relatively easy and cost-effective, and it allows travelers to navigate through narrow roads and access secluded beaches at their own pace. There is the responsibility of safe driving, and travelers should be cautious, especially if they are not accustomed to driving in Southeast Asia.
On the other hand, Cat Ba town itself is relatively compact, making it easily walkable. Travelers can stroll along the picturesque streets, discovering local eateries, charming cafes, and souvenir shops. Most restaurants and the night market are within walking distance from the main tourist areas, making it convenient for visitors to sample delicious Vietnamese cuisine and experience the vibrant night market atmosphere. Exploring the town on foot also allows travelers to interact with friendly locals and soak in the island's laid-back ambiance.
What to do in Cat Ba?
Day 1: Explore By foot
If you take the ferry to Cat Ba, chances are you will arrive while all the tours are already happening. We chose to walk around and explore to get a feel for the area and find a tour for the next day. We were able to enjoy the waterfront and try out a restaurant and fresh smoothies.
We got to enjoy the sunset on the water and check out the night market before heading to bed early so we'd be ready and rested for our tour. To pick a tour in Cat Ba, you only need to walk along the streets by the water. You will see many little tour shops with signs advertising their tours. We had originally hoped to take multiple tours here, only to learn that they are all the same. All the guides we spoke to told us we only needed to do one.
Day 2: Boat Tour
Our boat tour started off coasting through the limestone karsts and seeing the floating villages. Cai Beo is known as one of the oldest floating villages in Vietnam - estimated at 2000 years old, this unique place is a must visit. There are currently hundreds of houses here, with families primarily making a living off fishing and fish farming. Restaurants and guest houses are now a common feature as well thanks to growing popularity of the area.
Our next stop was to kayak through the limestone caves. The water is quite calm in this area thanks to all the limestone islands and their bays. We had no worries about taking Kymani in the kayak with us as we always bring his life jacket with us on boats. Kayaking with a young child might not be for everyone, but having safe adventures with our son is important to us. If you're considering kayaking with your child, keep these in mind.
Use a double kayak and have the stronger or non-primary parent sit at the back (they'll have to do most of the paddling).
Practice in the baby's life jacket before going! The more comfortable they are in it, the less fussing there will be.
If you are breastfeeding, leave your life jacket undone for easy access.
Consider taking a course or lesson before your trip. The more comfortable and safe you are, the easier it will be.
After kayaking, we were served one of the most delicious lunches we have had on this trip. There was a whole fresh grilled Red Snapper, vegetarian spring rolls, papaya salad, tuna and of course rice. The boat remained at anchor near a limestone karst after lunch so everyone could relax and have a swim. The day wasn't the warmest, it was a little overcast and drizzling, but it was enjoyable being on the water.
Our last stop of the boat tour was visiting a fish farm to learn about the traditional practice. These fish farms are a very interesting place to visit since they are part of the floating villages. Walking on the structures was nerve wracking as they are narrow and wobbly. Thankfully, we were able to leave Kymani on the dock with a friend while we explored.
Bonus:
Cat Ba National Park, situated on Cat Ba Island in Vietnam, is a natural paradise that mesmerizes visitors with its awe-inspiring landscapes and diverse ecosystems. We had hoped to spend a day here while on Cat Ba Island, unfortunately the locals recommended against it with Kymani. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the park covers a vast area full of lush forests, rugged limestone karsts, and numerous freshwater streams.
One of the park's main attractions is its remarkable biodiversity, hosting a wide array of plant and animal species, some of which are endemic and endangered, like the Cat Ba langur. Trekkers and nature enthusiasts are drawn to the park's extensive network of hiking trails, leading to panoramic viewpoints that offer breathtaking vistas of the surrounding sea and neighboring Lan Ha Bay. The rich flora and fauna, including rare orchids and diverse wildlife, make it a haven for nature photographers and researchers alike. Cat Ba National Park's pristine beauty and conservation efforts make it an essential destination for eco-tourism, providing a unique opportunity to experience Vietnam's natural wonders and contribute to preserving this ecological treasure for generations to come.