Cát Bà

April to June and September to November are the best months. The air is warm and the sea is calm. Summer from June to August is hot, busy and humid, with the beach season at its peak. Winter from December to February is cool and misty, and boats may be cancelled in rough weather.

• Lan Ha Bay is a quieter bay of limestone islets, beaches and floating villages, south-east of the island.
• Cannon Fort is a hilltop fort with large guns from the war and a view over the bay.
• Hospital Cave is a large cave used as a hospital during the war.
• Fisher Valley and Squanch Wall are climbing areas on the island's limestone walls.
• Lighthouse is a lighthouse on the coast.

Cát Bà National Park has hiking trails to Ngự Lâm peak and Kim Giao forest. See the park's own guide for details.

• Kayak in Lan Hạ Bay: Quiet water between limestone islets.
• Climb at Fisher Valley: Sport climbing on limestone walls, with local guides.
• Hike to Ngự Lâm peak: A forest trail in the national park.
• Visit Hospital Cave: A walk through a large war-time shelter.
• Eat seafood at the harbour: Squid, crab and grilled fish are on every menu.

• Cat Ba National Park: hiking in the national park and the viewpoint at Ngự Lâm.
• Ha Long Bay: Hạ Long Bay is a boat trip north from the island.
• Hai Phong: the port city of Hải Phòng is where ferries leave from.
• Ninh Binh: a longer trip south for Tràng An and Tam Cốc.

• Park: Cat Ba National Park covers the protected forest on the island.
• North: Ha Long Bay has the most famous limestone bay.
• West: Hai Phong is the gateway city.
• South: Ninh Binh is another karst region.

• From Hanoi: Buses with a ferry or speedboat link run to Cát Bà in about 3 to 4 hours. This is the easiest option.
• From Hải Phòng: Fast boats leave from Bến Bính and Đình Vũ. The crossing takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Ferry crossing: A car ferry runs between Gia Luận and Tuấn Châu. Tuấn Châu is the main mainland terminal.
• By air or train: Cát Bà has no airport or railway. Hải Phòng is the nearest hub.

• Motorbike hire: The best way to reach beaches, forts and the park.
• Taxi and electric buggy: Short rides around the town.
• Boats: Needed for Lan Hạ Bay and nearby islets.
• Walking: The town and harbour front are walkable.

• Is a car worth it? Not really. A motorbike or taxi is enough on the island.
• Roads: Main roads are paved but narrow in places, and hilly.
• Ferry: Cars cross by ferry. Queues grow on summer weekends.

Cát Bà food is about seafood. Try grilled squid, steamed crab, sea snails and fish hotpot. Local seafood is sold at the harbour and in the night market. Choose a restaurant that shows prices on the menu.

Vegetarian and western food are available in the main town.

Cát Bà is safe, but the sea needs respect.

• Boat trips may be cancelled in strong wind or storms. Check with your operator.
• Wear a life jacket on boats and kayaks.
• Motorbike roads are hilly and wet after rain. Wear a helmet.
• Agree the price of boat trips and seafood before ordering.
• Summer beaches get crowded. Watch your belongings.

Cát Bà has been home to fishing communities for centuries. In the French period and the war years, the island was a defensive position. Caves such as Hospital Cave were used as shelters and hospitals, and forts were built on the hills.

Tourism grew from the 1990s. In 2004 UNESCO named the Cát Bà archipelago a biosphere reserve.

Quick practical facts for Vietnam at a glance: