Things to do in  Cat Ba

Remote Lan Ha Bay, near Cat Ba Island, is an idyllic spot and quieter alternative to the popular and very busy Ha Long Bay. The area features hundreds of karst islands and limestone outcrops, as well as caves, coves, and sandy beaches. Active travelers come here for swimming, rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, squid fishing, and more. Much of the bay now falls within the Ha Long Bay UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A national park made up of dense jungle encompasses much of mountainous Cat Ba Island, the largest island in the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Ha Long Bay area. Known for its golden sand beaches, the park is home to an extraordinary array of animals, including the critically endangered Cat Ba langur. Other attractions on the island include Hospital Cave (a Vietnam War–era medical facility) and a range of fishing villages.

One of a cluster of islets to the south of Cát Bà Island in Lan Ha Bay, Monkey Island (Đảo Cát Dứa takes its name from the wild macaques that play in beaches and bush alike. Many Lan Ha Bay cruises stop by here, for a swim on a golden beach, a photo with the monkeys, or to capture the ocean views from the island’s mountainous spine.