Why You Should Visit Cát Bà Island: Alternative to Ha Long Bay
Everyone talks about Hạ Long Bay cruises, but almost no one talks about Cát Bà Island—and honestly, that needs to change. If you want dramatic limestone karsts, peaceful beaches, incredible vegetarian food, and one of the best national parks in northern Vietnam, Cát Bà absolutely belongs on your itinerary.
Beautiful Beaches & Endless Karst Views
Cát Bà offers the same iconic scenery as Hạ Long Bay—towering limestone karsts, emerald water, and dramatic cliff lines—without the crowds. You can spend the day relaxing on quiet sun-soaked beaches or cruising along the coast on your moped with stunning views in every direction.
Hiking in Cát Bà National Park
One of the highlights of the island is hiking in Cát Bà National Park, home to lush jungle trails and some of the most impressive viewpoints in northern Vietnam. On a clear day, the views stretch endlessly across mountains and karst formations.
If you're really lucky, you might spot the golden-headed langur, one of the rarest primates on Earth and native only to this region. Unfortunately, we did not see one.
Where We Stayed: Cát Bà Eco Lodge
We chose to stay at Cát Bà Eco Lodge, tucked into a peaceful area of the island surrounded by nature. We booked one of the more affordable rooms—which was very rustic—but the hospitality was truly next-level. This was one of our cheapest hotels on our trips & what the room lacked in amenities... the hosts made up in charm! We did notice they had several nicer rooms to choose from and we would come back!
The hosts felt like family. One evening, they even cooked dinner for all the guests. We spent our mornings drinking coffee while surrounded by butterflies, birds, and quiet forest views.
The lodge also makes exploring easy—you can rent a motorbike directly from them to cruise around the island. Even though the room was simple, the warmth of the hosts and the setting made the stay memorable.
If you are going to Cat Ba (especially if on a budget) - i'd check them out!
Surprisingly Incredible Vegetarian Food
One of our biggest surprises was how good the vegetarian food is on Cát Bà. Our favorite spot was Buddha Belly, where even the monks come to eat. It’s peaceful, delicious, and serves some of the best plant-based dishes we had in Vietnam.
Sunset at the Rock Trail
No day on Cát Bà is complete without hiking the Rock Trail for sunset. Watching the sky change colors over karst formations and jungle hills was one of the most beautiful moments of our time in Vietnam.
How to Get to Cát Bà
Getting to Cát Bà is easier than you might think—and can vary depending on which route you take.
Our Trip There
We took a shared sprinter-style shuttle van that picked us up from our hotel. It drove us to a small pier where we transferred onto a small boat that took us directly to Cát Bà Island. From there, we hopped on a large shared bus to our accommodation.
It was seamless, affordable, and pretty scenic.
Our Trip Back
On the way back, our bus took a different route. Instead of using a small boat, the bus simply drove directly onto a car ferry. After crossing the water, the bus continued straight to Ninh Binh. Super easy.
Most companies sell combined “bus + boat” tickets, making the whole process smooth and stress-free.
If you are looking for a good alternative to Ha Long Bay with less crowds, beautiful beaches, great hiking and good food... check out Ha Long Bay!
