If you are planning a trip to Northern Vietnam, you are probably facing the classic dilemma: Ha Long Bay or Cat Ba Island You’ve seen the photos of Ha Long Bay on Instagram—it’s iconic, it’s UNESCO-listed, but you’ve also heard the rumors: overcrowded, polluted, and overpriced.
Then you hear whispers about Cat Ba Island. They say it’s cheaper, wilder, and less touristy. But is it really? Is Cat Ba worth visiting, or is it just a “budget version” of Ha Long Bay?
As someone who left the busy city to live and work right here on this island, I’m not going to give you a sales pitch. I’m going to give you the honest truth.
Here is why Cat Ba Island should (or shouldn’t) be on your 2026 itinerary.
3 Reasons Why Cat Ba Beats Ha Long Bay
1. Access to Lan Ha Bay (The “Clean” Twin)
This is the biggest secret. Cat Ba Island is the gateway to Lan Ha Bay. Geologically, Lan Ha Bay is identical to Ha Long Bay (same limestone karsts, same green water).
The difference? Lan Ha Bay is significantly quieter and cleaner. While hundreds of cruise ships jam into Ha Long Bay daily, Lan Ha Bay allows you to kayak in secluded lagoons where you are the only one there. You can jump off the boat and swim without worrying about boat oil or plastic waste.
Local Tip: Don’t just stay in the town. Book a 1-Day Boat Tour on Lan Ha Bay to see the real magic. It takes you deep into the areas that big ships from Ha Long cannot reach.
2. It’s Not Just About the Sea (The “Jungle” Factor)
Ha Long Bay offers water. Cat Ba offers Water + Mountains. Cat Ba is home to a massive National Park that covers more than half the island.
Trekking: You can hike to Ngu Lam Peak for one of the most breathtaking views in Vietnam.
Cave exploring: Visit Trung Trang Cave or Hospital Cave.
Wildlife: If you are lucky, you might spot the golden-headed langur—one of the rarest primates in the world.
3. Unbeatable Value for Money
Let’s talk about the budget between Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island:
Ha Long Bay: A decent overnight cruise can cost you $150 – $300 USD.
Cat Ba Island: You can find a nice hotel for $20, a delicious seafood dinner for $10, and a full-day boat tour for under $30.
If you are a backpacker or a smart traveler, Cat Ba is the clear winner.
The “Ugly” Side: What You Need to Know
I promised honesty, right? Cat Ba Town (the main center) is undergoing rapid development. You will see hotels under construction and concrete buildings. It’s not a quaint ancient town like Hoi An.
My advice: Don’t spend all day in the town center. Use the town as a base to sleep and eat, but spend your days out in the bay or in the national park. That is where the beauty lies.
How to Get to Cat Ba (The Smart Way)
Many travelers skip Cat Ba because they think it’s hard to reach (it’s an island, after all). Years ago, it was difficult. In 2026, it is super easy—if you know the right way.
From Hanoi: Take a direct bus (3.5 hours).
From Ninh Binh (Tam Coc): This is the most popular route for travelers heading south.
⚠️ WARNING: Avoid the local buses that drop you at the ferry terminal and make you walk across with your luggage. It is a nightmare in the summer heat.
Recommendation: Book a High-Quality Tourist Bus like Cat Ba Discovery.
✅ Direct service (The bus drives onto the ferry).
✅ No luggage transfer.
✅ Free hotel pick-up/drop-off.
✅ Cost: Only around 270,000 – 300,000 VND ($11-$12).
Final Verdict
So, is Cat Ba worth visiting? If you want to escape the tourist traps of Ha Long, immerse yourself in raw nature, and experience the perfect mix of jungle and ocean—YES.
Ready to explore? 👉 Check out our Bus Schedule from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba to start your journey hassle-free. 👉 See our top-rated Lan Ha Bay Cruises.
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