48 Hours in Cat Ba: Trekking and Island Escapes
Cat Ba Island quiets down in autumn and early winter—fewer tourists, cooler weather, perfect for trekking through the national park and exploring Viet Hai Village deep in the forest. This 2-day itinerary skips the resort beaches and heads straight into the interior.
Cat Ba Island transforms between seasons. Summer brings crowds to the main beaches; autumn and early winter bring cool air, empty trails, and a slower rhythm. This itinerary, drawn from a VnExpress reporter's visit and advice from Son, an official at Cat Ba National Park, suits active travelers departing from Hanoi or Hai Phong for a long weekend.
Day 1: Trekking to Viet Hai
Morning: Ferry and Breakfast
From Hanoi, got Ferry Terminal takes about two hours to reach; from central Hai Phong, 30 minutes. Eat breakfast in Hai Phong—"banh da cua" (crab noodle soup) at a cafe in the city center or at a rest stop on the expressway.
During the off-peak season, the ferry crossing is fast. Tickets are cheap; you board immediately or wait under 30 minutes. From Cat Hai side: first ferry 5:30 AM, last 6:30 PM. From Cat Ba side (Cai Vieng terminal): 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM, every 30 minutes.
After landing, the drive to the island's center runs along one of Vietnam's most scenic island roads—a coastal route worth watching from the car window.
Midday: National Park Trek
Cat Ba National Park entrance fee is 80,000 VND per person (often bundled into all-inclusive tours). You can start around 8:30 or 9:00 AM.
Son recommends choosing a route by fitness level. The shortest is 2 km to Ngu Lam Peak and Trung Trang Cave—about two hours round trip. But skip that. The 10 km route is worth the effort.
The 10 km trek winds through primary tropical humid forest, mangrove sections, and mixed terrain—mostly flat or gentle uphill on rock faces, only a few steep pitches. You'll pass May Bau Peak and Ao Ech (Frog Pond), arriving at Viet Hai Village after four hours at a moderate pace. Wear non-slip shoes. Bring light snacks and water.
Afternoon: Viet Hai Village
Viet Hai is a fishing village of about 400 residents, tucked deep in the national park. It has homestays, simple restaurants, and a few small shops. Late lunch features local seafood and vegetables—often pre-ordered, simple and fresh.
After eating, book a fish massage (50,000 VND per person per session) to ease your legs. Rent a bicycle (free if you're staying overnight; 50,000 VND if just visiting) and cycle around the village or walk to watch the sunset. The village hosts international tourists regularly; locals are used to Western guests.
Evening: BBQ and Sleep
Several homes offer BBQ dinner services. Enjoy a cool evening with grilled meat and wine. Long Phuong Bungalow is one of the larger guesthouses, with private rooms for 2–4 people: 500,000–700,000 VND per room. Budget homestays run 200,000–300,000 VND.
Image by Vyacheslav Argenberg via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Day 2: Lan Ha Bay and Departure
Morning: Breakfast and Boat Trip
Wake to fresh air. A simple village breakfast—instant noodles or vermicelli with fresh seafood—costs 20,000–25,000 VND.
Head to the pier for a boat trip into Lan Ha Bay. The route passes Cai Beo Floating Village, Hon Rua (Turtle Islet), and Hon Mo (Tomb Islet). Stop 1–2 hours at Tay Keo Beach, a quiet stretch. In summer, tourists swim; in autumn and winter, kayaking is ideal.
Afternoon: Lunch and Ferry Home
Floating restaurants no longer operate in Lan Ha Bay, so you return to Ben Beo Port around noon for lunch on the island. Try Hai Yen, Lau Nuong Huyen Beo, Vien Duong, or Lang Chai—seafood, beef, pork, various hotpots.
Before leaving, drive across Cat Ba to see the island's quieter side. Aim to reach Cai Vieng Ferry Terminal between 3:00 and 4:00 PM to catch your ferry back to the mainland. Don't cut it close to the last departure; ferries can fill up on weekends.
Image by Jakub Hałun via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Practical Notes
This itinerary bypasses Cat Ba's main town and resort areas entirely. If you prefer hot springs and beach lounging, stay at Cat Co Beach instead—Perle d'Orient Cat Ba-MGallery or Flamingo Cat Ba both offer thermal pools. Alternatively, book an overnight cruise in Lan Ha Bay.
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