Cat Ba island Lan Ha Bay

Explore Cat Ba Island and Halong Bay: A Paradise for Adventure Seekers

Cat Ba Island and Halong Bay are two of the most mesmerizing destinations in Vietnam, attracting adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers from around the world. With their pristine landscapes, unique geological formations, and abundant opportunities for exploration, these two places offer unforgettable experiences for travelers.

Cat Ba Island – A Gem of Northern Vietnam

Cat Ba Island, the largest in Halong Bay, is known for its enchanting caves, lush jungles, and rich cultural heritage. Half of Cat Ba Island is a National Park, home to beautiful hills, tranquil lakes, and two remarkable caves: Hospital Cave and Hang Trung Trang Cave. Hospital Cave, constructed during the Vietnam War, is a fascinating historical site with 17 rooms, an operating room, and even a cinema. The island boasts a variety of flora, with up to 745 plant species, making it a haven for trekking enthusiasts.

The southern part of the island offers accommodation and services, with options scattered around the town. While you can find ATMs, it’s recommended to carry some cash, as there are only a few on the island.

Lan Ha Bay – A Hidden Paradise

For a more secluded and less touristy experience, visit Lan Ha Bay on the southeast side of Cat Ba Island. Just a 30-minute boat ride from Cat Ba Town, this pristine bay is home to approximately 300 islands, featuring 200 species of fish and 500 species of mollusks. Lan Ha Bay offers untouched nature, deserted islands, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. You can enjoy swimming and kayaking on the deserted beaches, escaping the crowds of Ha Long Bay. Ask for information on trips in the city or at your hotel in Cat Ba Town.

How to Reach Cat Ba Island

There are several ways to reach Cat Ba Island:

1. From Hanoi to Cat Ba Island by bus and ferry: The fastest and most comfortable way is to take a bus that crosses the longest sea-crossing bridge in Southeast Asia, the Tan Vu – Lach Huyen bridge. The bus journey from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island takes about 3.5-5 hours.
2. From Tuan Chau Island to Cat Ba Island: Boats and ferries operate between Tuan Chau and Cat Ba Island, with the fastest and shortest option taking approximately 1 hour. You can even bring a motorcycle with you.
3. From Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island: Boats and ferries run from Ben Binh Harbour and Dinh Vu Pier, with some routes provided by Hoang Long company. The journey is longer and more expensive, but it brings you directly to the town on Cat Ba Island.

Halong Bay – The Jewel of Vietnam

Halong Bay, known as the “Bay of the Descending Dragon,” is an iconic natural wonder with a mystical origin story. Legend has it that a dragon carved the bay’s valleys with its tail before plunging into the sea, creating the majestic islets and rock formations that we see today. This enchanting bay is home to nearly 2,000 limestone islands of various shapes and sizes, many of which are inhabited by local fishermen.

Visitors flock to Halong Bay for the opportunity to embark on 2-3 day cruises and immerse themselves in the unique beauty of this place. You can explore the bay by joining one of the many cruise ships that offer tours through the islands. The accommodations in Halong Bay vary from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts, making it accessible to all kinds of travelers.

Caves and Hidden Wonders in Halong Bay

Halong Bay is not just about its picturesque limestone karsts and emerald waters; it’s also famous for its mesmerizing caves. Some of the must-visit caves in the area include:

• Dau Go (Wooden Stakes Cave): This large cavern is comprised of three underground halls, each with its own stunning rock formations.
• Thien Cung Cave: One of the most beautiful caves in the bay, Thien Cung boasts a 130-meter-long passage adorned with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
• Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave): Located on Bo Hon Island, it’s the most visited cave in Halong Bay, featuring three chambers with awe-inspiring formations.
• Trong Cave (Drum Cave): Named after the sound of distant drums that the wind creates, this cave is a unique and fascinating visit.
• Luon Cave: Located about 3 kilometers northeast of Sung Sot Cave, this cave is a serene spot for kayaking and swimming.
• Trinh Nu Cave: Also known as the “Romantic Cave,” this is close to Trong Cave and has an interesting legend attached to it.

Weather in Halong Bay

Halong Bay experiences a humid subtropical climate with two main seasons:

• The region has a monsoon climate, which means it has two seasons: a dry season and a rainy season.
• Before you arrive to Ha Long, you should check ➜ Current weather in Ha Long Bay.
• The dry season in Halong Bay lasts from November to April, and this period is considered the best time to visit.
• During this season, the weather is sunny and dry, and the temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C.
• The skies are generally clear, and the bay is calm, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as kayaking, swimming, and hiking.
• The rainy season in Halong Bay lasts from May to October, and it is characterized by high humidity, heavy rainfall, and occasional storms.
• The temperature during this season ranges from 25°C to 35°C, and the humidity levels can be quite high.
• The rainfall peaks in July and August, and it’s not uncommon for typhoons to hit the region during this time. While the rainy season in Halong Bay can be a bit challenging for travelers, it also has its advantages. The rainfall makes the

Accommodation in Ha Long Bay:

Halong Bay is oen of the most visited popular tourist destination, and there are many accommodation options available to suit different preferences and budgets.

There are cheap and also luxury very expensive facilities, modern hotels, guesthouses, hostels or bungalows on the islands. Cruise ships: One of the most popular ways to explore Halong Bay is on a cruise ship.

These Cruise vary in size and amenities, from basic to luxury. Some of them offer day cruises, while others offer multi-day cruises with overnight stays on board.

These cruises offer an opportunity to explore the bay’s many islands, caves, and beaches while enjoying the comfort of a floating hotel. Hotels and Resorts:

There are many hotels and resorts located around Halong Bay, ranging from budget to luxury. Many of these accommodations offer scenic views of the bay and come equipped with amenities like swimming pools, spas, and restaurants.

Homestays: For those who want to experience local culture and hospitality, there are many homestay options available around Halong Bay. These homestays offer a chance to stay with local families, enjoy home-cooked meals, and learn about local customs and traditions.

 How to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay + Hai Phong?

1. Bus from Hanoi to Ha Long town (buses from various bus stations) there are various buses, minivans and minibuses between Hanoi and Ha Long bus tickets from Hanoi to Ha Long cost about 9-18 USD/pp (depends on the type of bus) buses arrive to various bus stations (Bai Chay, Tuan Chau…) travel by bus from Hanoi to Ha Long takes about 2-3.5 hours

Book and buy bus e-tickets from Hanoi to Ha Long

2. Bus from Hanoi to Hai Phong there are various cheap buses from Hanoi to Hai Phong travel by bus from Hanoi to Hai Phong takes about 1.5-2 hours bus tickets from Hanoi to Hai Phong cost about  9-17 USD/pp

Book and buy bus e-tickets from Hanoi to Hai Phong

3. Train from Hanoi to Hai Phong there is a train from Hanoi to Hai Phong train tickets from Hanoi to Hai Phong cost about 5-15 USD/pp travel by train from Hanoi to Hai Phong takes about 2.5 hours

From Hai Phong you can take a boat/ferry to Cat Ba Island Read this article:

How to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay?

How to travel from Sapa to Halong Bay? from Sapa to Ha Long you can travel by tourist bus, minivan, car or bus+train via Lao Cai, Hanoi there is no flight and no direct train from Sapa to Ha Long bus tickets from Sapa to Ha Long cost about 15-19 USD/pp travel by bus from Sapa to Ha Long takes about 8-9 hours read this article:

How to reach Ha Long from Sapa? –  Have local bus , but you need come to bus station local bus , we recoment tranfer to Hanoi and from Hanoi at 21Pm you go by tourist bus to sapa .

How to travel from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh from Ha Long is accessible by bus, private car, minivan or train via Hanoi there is no flight and no direct train from Ha Long to Tam Coc , Trang An in Ninh Binh Ha Long Bay and tourist bus , Limosine bus pick up from your Hotel or in Port  price from 12-20 usd/1way/person,

How to travel from Halong Bay to Ha Giang ? from Halong Bay to Ha Giang you can travel by bus, minivan or private car Ha Giang has no airport, so it is not possible to travel by plane travel by bus from Halong Bay to Ha Giang via Hanoi costs about 14-25 USD/pp travel by bus from Halong Bay to Ha Giang , But all local bus not tourist bus so difficul to you tranfer to Bus station and local people can’t speaking englisgh , so that why can you tranfer to Hanoi and HA long bay to Hanoi 4pm , from Ha noi to Ha Giang departure at 7Pm same night.

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