Visit Cat Ba Island - Travel Blog 2020

This guide, exclusively dedicated to Cat Ba, provides you with practical information and advice to better prepare your first stay on Cat Ba Island. Take a look to learn all about Cat Ba and its wonders at sea and in the forest.

Guide to Cat Ba

Location of Cat Ba

The Cat Ba archipelago consists of 367 islands and islets, the largest of which is Cat Ba, located South of Halong. With its exceptional biodiversity, it is one of the world’s biosphere reserves recognized by Unesco.

Cat Ba is attached to the Cat Hai island district, Haiphong city. At an altitude of 70 metres, Cat Ba Island covers an area of ​​345 square kilometres, the heart of which is Cat Ba city, located 30 km from Haiphong to the East, Hanoi 150 km and Halong 25 km at the South-East. In addition, there are the six communes, Gia Luan, Hien Hao, Phu Long, Tran Chau, Viet Hai and Xuan Dam.

Climate of Cat Ba Island

Characterized by a tropical climate with monsoons, Cat Ba also experiences direct influences from the ocean climate. This gives it moderate temperatures varying on average between 15 - 20 degrees in winter and 25 - 30 degrees in summer. The rainy season in Cat Ba lasts during the months of July and August.

In particular, the place owes its great biodiversity to Cat Ba National Park, which spans 15,200 hectares, including 570 hectares of primitive jungle. There are limestone mountains measuring on average 150 metres high. The most important is the Cao Vong peak, 322 metres high. The road crossing the island is 27 kilometres long allows you to enjoy the loops in the forest and also the landscapes by the sea.

It’s 139 small beaches bordered by clean water invite you to spend hours of relaxation with small waves. The most famous sandy beaches of Cat Ba are the three Cat Co and the one nestled on Monkey Island.

Cat Ba is also known for housing the famous archaeological vestige of Cai Beo dating back to 6475 - 4200 years, classified as a national vestige in 2009.

Swimming, kayaking, trekking, climbing, visiting fishing villages and caves make Cat Ba a destination of choice in Vietnam in the North for lovers of the sea and nature.

Periods to visit Cat Ba Island

Avoid leaving for Cat Ba:

- during its peak season between May and August when the island is taken over by storm, especially on weekends and

- during Vietnamese public holidays from April 30 to May 1 and a few days around these dates.

In fact, the traffic jam at the Got pier leading to Cat Ba Island must actually spoil any plan with the long tail of vehicles before your eyes. Hotel reservations are also very difficult due to the excessive need and the exorbitant cost of services.

Notes:

Regarding security at Cat Ba, especially during cruise excursions, given the flights that still exist for certain cases, we strongly advise you to take good care of your personal belongings on board. Papers and valuables should be placed in your suitcases with a lock.

Getting to Cat Ba

      >> Here is a complete guide: Hanoi - Cat Ba: How to get to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi

Top things to do in Cat Ba

To see in detail the things to see in Cat Ba as well as practical advice on the best periods, how to get there and accommodation, here are the articles answering any question.

All articles to see before leaving for Cat Ba

>> Top 10 things to do in Cat Ba Island in Vietnam

>> Cat Ba, the pearl island in the Gulf of Tonkin

>> Excursion in Cat Ba in 2 or 3 days, what to see and do?

>> Trung Trang cave, a jewel of Cat Ba Island

>> Two must-see fishing villages on Cat Ba Island

>> Top 5 things to do on Cat Ba Island

>> How to transfer from Cat Ba island to Ninh Binh?

>> Adventure Activities in Cat Ba Island

>> Explore the pristine beauty of Cat Ba National Park

>> What to do in Cat Ba Island?

>> Best time to travel to Cat Ba Island

>> Top ten suggested hotels in Cat Ba island

>> Recommended overnight boats in Cat Ba Island

>> Where to eat in Cat Ba Island?