Cat Ba Island

Haiphong Holiday Weather today


Date/time of update: April 27, 2024, 3:07 am, Timezone: GMT+7
Clear Sky

Temperature: 29.98°C
Temperature feels like: 36.98°C
Minimum Temperature: 29.98°C
Maximum Temperature: 29.98°C
Atmospheric pressure: 1003hPa
Humidity:84%
Visibility: 10000m
Wind speed: 3.6m/sec
Wind Direction: 120 degrees
Cloudiness: 0%
Sunrise: 2024-04-26 10:25:54
Sunset: 2024-04-27 11:16:25

Cat Ba Island is the largest island in Halong Bay and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam. Located to the south of Halong Bay, Cat Ba is under the administration of Hai Phong, not that of Halong City or Quang Ninh Province.

Cat Ba offers stunning natural beauty with several islands, amazing deserted beaches, an interesting national park with primeval forest, and a variety of outdoor activities.

Weather and Climate, Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Cat Ba Island is from March to May during which time it is pleasant temperatures, no typhoons, no boring long-lasting rain, lovely sunshine mostly. It is not Vietnamese tourist season either.

Floating villages near the Cat Ba Island
Floating villages near the Cat Ba Island

It starts to get busy from May through August when the Vietnamese are on summer holidays. It is hot and there are occasional typhoons which may disrupt services on the Cat Ba Island.

From August through October, it is mostly beautiful autumn. But during this time there may also be typhoons which may disrupt services on the island. The Vietnamese do not travel much during this period.

From November through January, it is winter time and the Northeasterly Wind may be strong some time. It may get cold but mostly dry and there are rarely typhoons during this period in the area of Hai Phong. Unless it is public holiday occasions, the Vietnamese do not travel much during this period.

Tourist Attractions, Adventure Travel, Things To Do

1/ Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park covers a large part of the island and offers a few hiking trails through forest, some wildlife, and stunning views of the bay. The park is home to a variety of endangered species, including the endemic Cat Ba Langur (Golden Headed Langur), which is one of the rarest primates in the world.

Two most popular trekking routes through the forest the national park:

+ Half a day hike to the top of the Ma Yen Mountain which takes a few hours and which offers panoramic views of Cat Ba Island as well as the Lan Ha Bay (and part of Halong Bay).

+ A day trip through the primeval forest of Cat Ba National Park to Viet Hai Fishing Village which requires a local guide and quite some physical exertion.

2/ Boat Trips on the Lan Ha Bay

Taking a cruise around the Lan Ha Bay is one of the must-do activities when visiting Cat Ba Island. You can choose from a variety of cruise options, from day adventure boat trips to multi-day luxury cruises that include kayaking, swimming, and exploring the caves.

How to get there

Cat Ba Island (from the Cai Vieng Pier) is 30km east-southeast of Hai Phong City; and it is 25km from Cai Vieng to Cat Ba Town. There are speedboats between Hai Phong and Cat Ba every day. Alternatively, you can travel by private car to Cat Ba from Hai Phong.

1/ By road

The easiest way to get to Cat Ba Island is by taking a bus or a private car from Hanoi. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, including a 30-minute ferry ride from the Cat Hai Island to the Cat Ba Island. Alternatively you can also take a direct bus from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island.

The car trip Hai Phong – Cat Ba requires:

- A trip via the longest sea bridge in Vietnam Tan Vu – Lach Huyen with stunning views of the landscape;

- A ferry crossing between Cat Hai Island (Got Ferry Pier) and Cat Ba Island (Cai Vieng Ferry Pier);

- A stunning waterfront road on the Cat Ba Island (25km) from Cai Vieng Pier to Cat Ba Town.

2/ By rail

There are a few commuter trains between Hanoi and Hai Phong everyday and a train trip takes 2 hours. The train conditions are good, yet the times may not be too convenient to all travelers.

3/ By air

If you're coming from other cities/provinces in Vietnam, you can take a flight to Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong City and then take a taxi to the ferry terminal of Pha Got, cross the ferry and you are on the Cat Ba Island.

4/ By speedboat

There are several speedboats commuting Hai Phong City and Cat Ba Island. A one way trip takes slightly more than 1 hour.

How to get around

The best way to explore Cat Ba Island is by renting a motorbike or bicycle. You can also hire a taxi, a motorbike taxi, or take a bus to get around the island.

Hai Phong Average Monthly Rainfalls and Temperatures


Vietnam Adventure Travel