The largest island in Halong Bay, Cat Ba is covered in jungle, fringed by small beaches and provides a base from which to explore the limestone islands of Halong Bay on a day trip. You’ll find an array of restaurants, bars and generic three-star hotels. As Halong Bay’s popularity has grown increasingly, so has Cat Ba, though if you venture out of the town, you can uncover its true beauty.
Head out into Halong Bay on a day trip, or perhaps kayak around Lan Ha Bay, stopping at quiet beaches and coves as you wish. Hike up to the Ngu Lam Peak viewpoint, a short walk providing you with views out over Cat Ba’s wilderness, or watch the sunset from Canon fort, an old defence base looking out over the islands below. If you’re interested in the history of Vietnam, pay a visit to the Cave Hospital where injured soldiers were treated during the war.
