Cat Ba Beach Travel Guide: The Gateway to Halong Bay Bliss

Cat ba

Cat Ba Beach can be found on Cat Ba Island, the largest island in Halong Bay and a UNESCO-recognized gem. This enchanting destination boasts diverse ecosystems, teeming wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage. But Cat Ba Beach is not just one idyllic stretch of coastline, it's a trio of wonders known as Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, and Cat Co 3. Each of these beaches possesses its distinct allure. Yet, they all share the same captivating features — crystal-clear waters beckoning you for a refreshing swim, powdery sands perfect for lounging, and an ambiance that effortlessly encourages relaxation, leaving your worries behind.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with essential information on the following topics:

• How to reach Cat Ba Beach
• The top 6 beautiful Cat Ba Beaches that you should not miss
• A wide range of activities you can participate in
• Insights into the best times to visit
• Insider tips to ensure your journey becomes an unforgettable adventure.

Let's dive in!

Read more: What to do Cat Ba Island: Your ultimate adventure guide

Top 6 beautiful Cat Ba Beaches that you should not miss

With a rugged coastline, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery, Cat Ba offers a paradise for beach lovers. Here are the top six beautiful Cat Ba beaches you should not miss when visiting this idyllic island:

Cat Co Beach 1,2,3 - The most attractive trio beaches in Cat Ba

This one is the most famous spot on Cat Ba Island. It comprises three nearby beaches: Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, and Cat Co 3. You can easily reach them from Cat Ba Town. These beaches offer crystal-clear water, soft white sand, and a peaceful ambience. Additionally, you can take a lovely stroll along the Rock Trail, connecting Cat Co 3 and Cat Co 2 for some scenic views.

The trio of Cat Co Beaches on Cat Ba Island offers a haven for sunbathers, swimmers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Cat Co Beach 1

Cat Co Beach 1 is the largest and most crowded beach among the three. It's perfect for those who love enjoying a lively and bustling atmosphere. This beach boasts clear blue waters, soft white sand, and a laid-back feel. 

Visitors can swim, soak up the sun, or even rent a kayak or a jet ski to discover nearby islands and caves. The beach is open from 6 AM to 6 PM and charges a small entrance fee of 10,000 VND (approximately 0.4 USD) per person.

Sunset at Cat Co Beach 1 is a breathtaking spectacle, painting the sky with vibrant hues.

Cat Co Beach 2

Just a short walk from Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2 Beach is a quieter and less crowded option. The peaceful ambience makes it perfect for relaxation and enjoying the tranquility of the sea. The surrounding cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop for this serene beach.

Cat Co Beach 2 is a hidden paradise featuring crystal-clear waters that invite you to take a refreshing dip.

Cat Co Beach 3

Only 2 kilometers from the bustling center of Cat Ba shopping area lies a hidden gem: a stunning, pristine white sand beach that many tourists are unaware of. While most Western tourists pass through Cat Ba without discovering this hidden gem, it remains the town's best-kept secret.

Cat Co Beach 3, the 3rd gem in the trio of Cat Ba beaches, beckons travelers with its postcard-perfect beauty.

To reach it, you can simply grab a taxi to the "Pearl of the Orient Front entrance." Right across from this entrance, you'll find a public pathway leading to this untouched, beautiful white sand beach, with sun umbrellas and lounges along its shore.

Here is for you: Indulge in Halong Bay boat trip overnight

Tung Thu Beach - A Hidden Oasis of Tranquility

Tung Thu Beach is one of the four man-made beaches on Cat Ba Island, found in Cat Hai district, Hai Phong City. It's about 2 kilometers away from Cat Ba town and was created in 2010 as part of the Cat Ba Amatina project. Tung Thu Beach is often called the “green pearl” of Cat Ba Island because of its beautiful emerald water and lush green surroundings.

Surrounded by nature and its pristine sands, Tung Thu Beach is a lovely place for peace and quiet.

This beach is a peaceful and serene spot that provides visitors with a calm and enjoyable experience. It's less crowded than the more popular Cat Co beaches, yet it still has all the amenities and services you'd need for a comfortable stay. Travelers can conveniently get to Tung Thu Beach by either biking or taking a taxi from Cat Ba town or a boat from Ben Beo pier.

This hidden gem, Tung Thu Beach, is a calm and serene place that offers a break from the noise and chaos of daily life.

Ba Trai Dao Beach ("Three Peach" Beach) - An ideal place for relaxation

Ba Trai Dao Beach, also known as Three Peaches Beach, is a small and tucked-away gem near Cat Ba Island. It's part of Lan Ha Bay, a quieter and more pristine spot in Halong Bay. To visit this beach, you'll need to plan your trip carefully as it's only accessible for a limited time each day during low tide, so be sure to check the tide schedule before you head out.

Ba Trai Dao Beach is a serene place, great for those who want to unwind.

Read more: Discovering Ba Trai Dao beach

Monkey Island Beach – An adventure destination to explore for tourists

Cat Dua Beach, or Monkey Island Beach, gets its name from the small island it's nestled on, home to many friendly monkeys. You can quickly get there by boat or kayak ride from Cat Ba Town or Ben Beo Pier. It's less crowded than other beaches on Cat Ba Island, yet it provides all the amenities and services for a comfortable visit.

Monkey Island Beach is the perfect destination for those seeking an adventurous escape.

The beach is surrounded by impressive limestone formations that beautifully contrast with the clear blue sea. Don't miss the chance to hike up to the island's highest point, which stands around 100 meters above sea level, offering a breathtaking view of Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay.

Monkey Island Beach is an ideal spot for adventure seekers, with hiking and wildlife encounter opportunities.

Additionally, visitors can interact with the friendly monkeys on the island, but be careful not to feed or touch them, as they may bite or scratch you.

To know more: Exploring Monkey island in Vietnam

How to get to Cat Ba beaches?

To reach Cat Ba beaches, you'll first need to make your way to Hai Phong City, which is the nearest major city to Cat Ba Island. You can either take a flight, a train, or a bus from other cities in Vietnam to get to Hai Phong. Once you're in Hai Phong, there are two ways to reach Cat Ba Island by boat:

• High-Speed Boat from Ben Binh Harbour: This is the quickest and most convenient option, but it's also the pricier one. The journey takes only 50 minutes, and the ticket costs around 250,000 VND (approximately 10.25 USD) per person.
• Ferry from Dinh Vu Pier: This option is more budget-friendly but takes a bit longer, approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. The ticket price is around 100,000 VND (about 4.1 USD) per person. And to reach Cat Ba Island via this route, you'll need to take two ferries: one from Dinh Vu to Ninh Tiep and another from Ben Cat to Cai Vieng.

Which other activities should you experience on Cat Ba Island

There are many activities you can do on Cat Ba Island, depending on your preferences and interests. Here are some of the most recommended ones:

Hiking in Halong Bay - Poem Mountain hike

If you're a fan of adventure and breathtaking scenery, don't miss the chance to hike up Poem Mountain (also known as Bai Tho Mountain) in Halong City, Vietnam. Although not a long trek, it presents a bit of a challenge, but the rewards are worth it. You'll need to cross a fence, pass through a local house, and navigate a steep and sometimes slippery path to reach the summit.

On the Poem Mountain hike, you'll walk through forests and rocks, getting fantastic bay views.

As you ascend, you'll be treated to the awe-inspiring sights of Halong Bay, featuring its emerald waters and limestone karsts. The view from the peak is even more spectacular, offering a panoramic vista of the entire bay and the city below. Along the way, travelers can also discover the legend and history of Poem Mountain, named after a poem carved into a rock by King Le Thanh Tong in the 15th century.

While hiking up Poem Mountain, you can spot all the beautiful cliffs and the bay's green water.

For the best experience, plan your hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the lighting is more enchanting, and the temperature is more relaxed.

Here is a useful tip: Summary of information about Halong Bay Beach for you to travel

Visiting Fishing Village

To truly immerse yourself in the local culture and way of life on Cat Ba Island, pay a visit to one of its charming fishing villages. Cat Ba Island boasts four main fishing villages: Cai Beo, Viet Hai, Ben Beo, and Van Gia. Each village has its unique appeal but offers the same warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Visiting a fishing village allows you to experience authentic coastal life and learn about the age-old traditions of the sea.

Here, you can engage with the fishermen and their families, gain insights into their everyday routines and customs, and savor the delightful flavors of their freshly prepared seafood dishes.

Cruising along Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay, situated at the southern fringe of Cat Ba Island, is a picture-perfect haven within Halong Bay. This unspoiled region boasts a collection of mesmerizing islands, inviting beaches, and tranquil lagoons, making it an idyllic spot for cruising, swimming, snorkeling, and unwinding. A fantastic way to enjoy Lan Ha Bay's beauty is by embarking on a cruise with Paradise Grand Cruise, a luxury cruise known for its exceptional service and top-notch amenities in Vietnam.

Paradise Vietnam takes you on a peaceful journey through Lan Ha Bay, where you'll see amazing limestone cliffs and clear green waters.

To know more: Booking Cat Ba island cruise tour

Paradise Grand Cruise, the largest and newest cruise in Lan Ha Bay, features 39 spacious and elegant cabins, accommodating up to 80 guests. Each cabin comes with its private balcony, Jacuzzi bathtub, and contemporary comforts. Onboard, you'll also find a restaurant, a piano lounge, a spa, and a sundeck that treats you to sweeping bay vistas.

From the comfort of your cruise ship, you can witness the sunrise and sunset over Lan Ha Bay, creating moments of serenity and wonder.

A typical voyage with Paradise Grand Cruise spans two days and one night, packed with a delightful array of activities and sights to help you savor the best of Lan Ha Bay. So, don't miss out! Your adventure awaits! Click to explore Paradise Grand Cruise Vietnam.