Cat Ba Tours: Complete Itineraries, Prices, Tips, and the Hottest Attractions for 2025

A Cat Ba tour is the ideal choice for travelers who want to explore this stunning island at a reasonable cost with a clear, well-organized itinerary. This guide provides everything you need to know—from tour prices and how to choose the right package, to must-visit attractions such as Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba National Park, and Cat Co Beach, along with essential tips for booking a reliable tour. Perfect for groups of friends, families, and couples seeking relaxation or a memorable adventure.

Cat Ba has long been one of the most attractive destinations in northern Vietnam thanks to its pristine natural scenery, the poetic Lan Ha Bay, and a rich ecosystem. In recent years, Cat Ba tours have become increasingly popular with travelers because they are convenient, cost-effective, and suitable for families, groups of friends, and couples looking for relaxation.

In this article you’ll find the most comprehensive information about popular tour types, ready-made itineraries for each package, updated tour prices for 2025, must-see attractions, and essential tips to ensure a smooth trip.

If you’re looking for an ideal short itinerary to fully experience this island gem without the planning hassle, this guide is the complete resource you need.

What is a Cat Ba tour? An overview of exploring the island gem

A Cat Ba tour is a packaged travel program that typically includes transportation, entrance fees, meals, a guide, and an optimized itinerary to discover Cat Ba’s top spots such as Lan Ha Bay, Cat Co Beach, Cat Ba National Park and the small islets around the bay.

Tours available today are diverse, including:

1-day Cat Ba tours

2-day 1-night Cat Ba tours

3-day 2-night Cat Ba tours

Lan Ha Bay cruise tours

Trekking tours in Cat Ba National Park

These tours are especially suitable for travelers from the northern region of Vietnam, notably Hanoi, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, etc., helping to save both time and cost.

Benefits of choosing a Cat Ba tour vs. traveling independently

Reasons why packaged tours are increasingly favored:

Time-saving: Itineraries are pre-optimized, no need to plan every detail.

Cost-effective: Package rates are often cheaper than self-organized trips because providers buy tickets and services in bulk.

Convenient transport: Pick-up and drop-off services remove the hassle of booking boats or buses.

Cover the must-see spots: The schedule is designed so you won’t miss the highlights.

Safety and a guide: Ideal for families, children, or first-time visitors to Cat Ba.

 Current situation of Cat Ba tourism

In recent years, visitor numbers to Cat Ba have grown rapidly, especially on weekends and in summer. This has occasionally resulted in overcrowding, fully-booked rooms, and higher service prices. Many independent travelers face challenges such as sold-out boat seats, complicated transfers, and difficulty planning an efficient route.

Therefore, full-package Cat Ba tours have become a reliable, economical solution that ensures a smooth experience even during peak season.

Popular Cat Ba tour types – detailed itineraries

1-day Cat Ba tour – quick, tidy, hits the highlights

Suitable for: busy travelers or those coming from Hai Phong or Hanoi who want a day trip.

Sample itinerary:

07:30 – Depart from Hanoi / Hai Phong

10:00 – Arrive at Cat Ba, board the boat to explore Lan Ha Bay

11:00 – Kayaking around Dark and Bright Caves (Hang Sáng – Hang Tối)

12:30 – Lunch on board while enjoying the bay

13:30 – Beach time and snorkeling

16:00 – Return to the pier and depart back to Hanoi

2-day 1-night Cat Ba tour – the most popular option

Suitable for: families, friend groups, and couples.

Brief itinerary:

Day 1: Transfer – Cat Ba Prison (Museum) – Cat Co Beach – Sunset by the beach

Day 2: Lan Ha Bay – Kayaking – Lunch – Return to finish the tour

H3: 3-day 2-night Cat Ba tour – the full experience

Itinerary example:

Day 1: Central island exploration – beaches – Cat Ba market

Day 2: Lan Ha Bay cruise – Cai Beo fishing village – beach time

Day 3: Trekking in Cat Ba National Park – explore Trung Trang Cave

Notable attractions included in Cat Ba tours

Lan Ha Bay

A green paradise made up of about 400 small islets — quieter and more tranquil than Halong Bay.

Cai Beo fishing village

One of Vietnam’s oldest fishing villages, offering a chance to experience local fishermen’s daily life.

 Cat Ba National Park

Home to the rare Cat Ba langur, and ideal for trekking and wildlife spotting.

 Cat Co Beaches 1–3

Clear water beaches perfect for swimming and photos.

 Tips for joining a Cat Ba tour – what to know before booking

Book early if traveling in summer or on weekends.

Bring comfortable walking shoes — many tours include light trekking.

Pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Travel light for 1– or 2-day tours.

Confirm exactly what’s included / excluded before booking.

Cat Ba tour services – suggestions for choosing a reputable operator

When selecting a provider, pay attention to the following criteria:

Guided tour with a licensed guide on the group

Safe and certified boats and vehicles

Clear, transparent itineraries

Positive reviews from past travelers

A Cat Ba tour is an ideal choice for travelers who want to discover the island’s natural beauty without worrying about itinerary details or unexpected costs. With many options from 1 to 3 days, you can easily pick a program that fits your schedule and needs.

If you’re looking for a convenient trip that’s rich in experiences and reasonably priced, consider booking a full-package Cat Ba tour today to enjoy a memorable holiday on one of northern Vietnam’s most beautiful islands.