Cat Ba Island: Day Trips and Tours from Hanoi

Hanoi is brilliant – it's exploding with energy, it's a melting pot of cultures (Vietnamese, French and Chinese, to name a few), it's a foodie hotspot, and it boasts a historical significance few places can match.

But it can also be crowded and a lot to handle – so, sometimes, you simply need a break from the hustle and bustle.

And that's where a Cat Ba Island Day Trip from Hanoi comes in! Full of greenery, with white-sand beaches, exotic wildlife and a go-slow pace of life, Cat Ba Island – and the Lan Ha Bay which surrounds it – is the perfect escape from the big city.

Here's all you need to know about Cat Ba Island, one of the most exciting day trips from Hanoi.

How to get to Cat Ba Island From Hanoi?

Cat Ba Island is nestled in the northeastern region of Vietnam, just off the coast of Hai Phong City. It’s the largest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago, which forms the southeastern edge of Ha Long Bay.

Despite its relatively remote location, it's easily accessible from Hanoi, which sits about 150 kilometers away.

From Hanoi to Cat Ba Island by car

To get to the island, you can drive east for around 2 hours, to either Ha Long Bay (at the Tuan Chau ferry terminal) or the city of Haiphong. Several boats run daily from both locations to Cat Ba Island, usually taking around 30 minutes by speedboat.

From Hanoi to Cat Ba Island by bus/public transport

There are a few private buses, such as the Sapa Express, that run from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, usually taking around 2.5 hours. The bus will generally drop you off at Tuan Chau Harbour, where you can then board a boat to Cat Ba.

Guided tour to Cat Ba Island From Hanoi

Easily the most popular and hassle-free option out there is to take a guided day trip from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island. Most tours include round-trip transfers in comfortable air-conditioned cars, boat rides, lunch and a friendly local guide as part of the package.

Tours last at least 12 hours but can be multiple days long for combination packages.

What is the typical itinerary?

Every tour package is slightly different, so it's best to double-check with the tour operator before you book. That said, most tour packages do share a few similarities.

Firstly, you can expect to be picked up from your Hanoi hotel in the morning, before setting off on a two-hour drive to the coast. From here, you'll board a boat and sail around the region — seeing places like Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay, and Lan Ha Bay — before cruising back to the mainland.

Some boat tours will give you kayaks to use, while others will allocate time for snorkeling in the warm waters around the islands.

If you do take time to stop on Cat Ba island, you'll have plenty of time to explore its beaches. Depending on where your tour package takes you, you could take a  hike up to Monkey Mountain for a stunning view of the bay, or visit the Hang Trong or Trinh Nu caves.

If you opt for a longer tour, you'll usually sleep on the boat and then have more time to explore places like the famous Ha Long Bay the following day.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Cat Ba Island?

There are several kinds of tours that offer day trips (and multi-day trips) from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island. The most popular options are listed below.

Guided day tours to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi

Single-day tours usually are centered around a cruise of Lan Ha Bay. With companies like La Pandora or La Regina Legend, you'll have time to explore the Trung Trang cave on Cat Ba Island, relax on the beach and take in the stunning views of the towering limestone structures.

This style of tour is suited for people who want to see as much of the area as possible in a single day.

2-day tour to Cat Ba Island plus Halong Bay from Hanoi

Combining two days of sightseeing, this tour shows off the best of Cat Ba Island, Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. You'll spend a night sleeping on the boat, sail around these areas and have plenty of time for kayaking and exploring the caves.

This tour is great for those who want to take their time and get a better feel of what the coastal region has to offer.

3-day tour to Cat Ba Island plus Halong Bay from Hanoi

If you wanting to truly relax and take in the sights without a worry in the world. With a 3-day tour you'll spend more sightseeing, but you'll also have more time for trekking, swimming, exploring Cat Ba's caves, and seeing the off-the-beaten-track attractions in Lan Ha Bay.

How much does a day trip to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi cost?

The cost of a day trip to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi can vary depending on the type of tour you choose. Single-day tours typically cost around US$90 per person, while two or three-day trips can cost anywhere between US$130 and US$500 per person, depending on the level of luxury you desire.

What will you see and do?

On Cat Ba Island day trips from Hanoi, you'll usually see the island itself as well as a few nearby attractions. The staple attractions include:

Cat Ba Island

Home to verdant rainforests, golden beaches — like Tung Thu Beach and Cat Dua Beach — and limestone karst mountains, Cat Ba Island offers both relaxation and adventure.

You'll likely check out the Ancient House in the Viet Hai village, the Trung Trang Cave and the Cai Beo floating village, and take a hike through the Cat Ba National Park (where you might spot Cat Ba langur monkeys).

Halong Bay

Postcard-perfect Halong Bay consists of thousands of limestone islands and caves, which you'll usually explore as part of a boat tour. The are boasts Clearwater lagoons, secluded beaches, and towering cliffs. If you're lucky, you may even spot some of the area's wildlife, such as monkeys and birds.

Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay is a peaceful alternative to Halong Bay, with calm waters, but just as stunning of a karst limestone landscape. You can go swimming or snorkeling in its waters or take a peaceful kayak ride through one of its many lagoons.

When is the best time to visit Cat Ba Island?

Spring (April to June) would be the best time in terms of pleasant weather and vibrant tourist activity.

Are there any tours to the Cat Ba Island from other cities in Vietnam?

Yes, there are day trips to the Cat Ba Island from Hạ Long.

Travel tips

• Don’t miss out on the fresh seafood.
• While there are ATMs on the island, it’s a good idea to carry some cash with you, especially if you plan to explore more remote areas.
• When trekking, swimming, or engaging in any other activities, make sure to minimize your environmental impact.
• If you’re visiting during the peak season, book your accommodation and any specific tours in advance to secure your spot and potentially get better rates.