Top best things to do in Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island is a beautiful destination in Vietnam, with many attractions and activities to enjoy. Here are some of the things to do in Cat Ba Island Vietnam.
Kayaking around Lan Ha Bay: Lan Ha Bay is a part of the larger Halong Bay, but less crowded and more pristine. You can rent a kayak and paddle around the stunning limestone karsts, coves, and islands. You might even spot some monkeys, dolphins, or sea turtles along the way
Hiking in Cat Ba National Park: Cat Ba National Park covers most of the island and offers a variety of trails for different levels of difficulty. You can hike to the highest peak of the island, Ngu Lam, and enjoy a panoramic view of the forest and the bay. You can also explore the diverse flora and fauna of the park, including the endangered Cat Ba langur.
Visiting the caves: Cat Ba Island has many caves that are worth exploring, such as Trung Trang Cave, Hospital Cave, and Thien Long Cave. Each cave has its own history and features, such as stalactites, stalagmites, rock formations, and even a secret hospital from the Vietnam War.
Relaxing at the beaches: Cat Ba Island has several beaches where you can swim, sunbathe, or enjoy the sunset. Some of the most popular beaches are Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, and Cat Co 3, which are connected by a scenic coastal road. You can also take a boat to some of the more secluded beaches, such as Monkey Island or Tung Thu Beach.
Seeing the Cai Beo Floating Village: Cai Beo is one of the oldest floating villages in Vietnam, dating back to thousands of years ago. You can take a boat tour to see how the locals live on the water, fishing, farming, and trading. You can also learn about their culture and history, and try some of their fresh seafood.
What is the best time to visit Cat Ba Island Vietnam
The weather in Cat Ba Island is cloudy and 25 degrees celsius right now. The island has a tropical monsoon climate and has warm temperatures throughout the year, with an average high of around 30°C in the summer and an average low of around 15°C in the winter. The island also sees occasional rain showers and thunderstorms, especially during the summer months. You can check the 10-day weather forecast for Cat Ba Island.
How to get to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi
There are several ways to get to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi, depending on your budget, time, and preference. Here are some of the options:
Bus and speedboat: This is the most popular and convenient option, as you can book a direct ticket from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island with a private company that will arrange the bus and speedboat transfers for you. The journey takes about 3 to 3.5 hours and costs around $11 to $13 per person.
Train and boat: This option involves taking a train from Hanoi to Hai Phong, and then a ferry or speedboat from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island. The train takes about 2 hours and costs around $3 to $5 per person, and the bus and boat takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes and costs around $9 to $12 per person.
Taxi and ferry: This option is the fastest and most comfortable, but also the most expensive. You can hire a taxi or a private car from Hanoi to Got harbour, and then take a ferry to Cat Ba Island. The taxi or car takes about 2.5 hours and costs around $120 to $180 per car, and the ferry takes about 25 minutes and costs around $1 per person.
You can book and buy your tickets online or at the bus or train stations in Hanoi old quarter.
What is the cost of living in Cat Ba Island
The cost of living in Cat Ba Island is relatively high compared to some other places in Vietnam, as most goods and services need to be imported from the mainland or abroad. This includes food, housing, utilities, transportation, and entertainment. However, the island also offers a lot of natural beauty and outdoor activities that can make up for the higher expenses. Here are some of the average costs of living in Cat Ba Island:
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 50,000 VND ($2.16)
A liter of milk: 28,000 VND ($1.21)
A dozen eggs: 30,000 VND ($1.30)
A kilogram of rice: 20,000 VND ($0.87)
A kilogram of chicken: 100,000 VND ($4.33)
A one-way ticket on local transportation: 10,000 VND ($0.43)
A liter of gasoline: 20,000 VND ($0.87)
A monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment: 3,000,000 VND ($130)
A monthly utility bill for electricity, water, and garbage: 500,000 VND ($21.65)
A monthly internet bill: 300,000 VND ($13)
A movie ticket: 80,000 VND ($3.46)
These are just some of the examples of the cost of living in Cat Ba Island. The actual costs may vary depending on your lifestyle, preferences, and location. I hope this helps you get an idea of how much money you would need to live comfortably on the island.
Cat Ba Island is a wonderful destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts. It offers a variety of activities and attractions, such as kayaking, hiking, caving, beaching, and cruising. It also has a rich history and a diverse ecosystem that make it a unique and fascinating place to visit.
Cat Ba Island is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, and a great way to experience the beauty and charm of Vietnam, Here are some of the things you do on Cat Ba Island in 2024.
