Things to Do on Cat Ba Island 2026: Climbing, Kayaking and the National Park

Cat Ba has more to do than most Ha Long Bay visitors expect. A 3-day stay is easily filled.

Rock climbing (the signature activity)

Cat Ba’s limestone karst towers are among the best sport climbing venues in Asia. Deep Water Soloing (DWS) is the activity most associated with Cat Ba — climbing routes above the sea, with the ocean below as the landing zone when you fall. No ropes, no harness, no experience required for beginner routes.

Asia Outdoors (the main operator, international certification standards) runs half-day and full-day climbing trips from Cat Ba Town. Half-day DWS session: ₫800,000–1,000,000 ($32–40) per person, equipment and boat included. Suited to complete beginners upward. Groups limited to 8–10 for quality.

For multi-pitch trad climbing, more demanding sport routes, and technical climbing development, Asia Outdoors also runs multi-day courses. The climbing season is year-round — the karst dries quickly after rain.

Lan Ha Bay kayaking

The bay south of Cat Ba Island has dramatically less boat traffic than Ha Long Bay proper and cleaner water. Sea kayaks from Asia Outdoors or any Cat Ba tour desk allow access to:

• Dark Cave (Hang Tối): Paddle through a low water entrance into a beach in near-darkness. One of the most unusual experiences in the bay area.
• Bright Cave (Hang Sáng Tối): An enclosed sandy beach inside the cave, accessible only by kayak.
• Ba Ham Lake: A tidal lagoon accessible only at specific tidal windows through a submerged gap — go with a guide who knows the tide.

Guided kayaking day trips from Cat Ba: ₫700,000–1,200,000 ($28–48) per person. Independent kayak rental from ₫200,000/hour ($8).

Cat Ba National Park

The park covers 17,000 hectares of primary tropical forest. The main trail system from the park gate (7km from Cat Ba Town by xe om or bicycle) leads to viewpoints, the forest interior, and the Hospital Cave.

Hospital Cave: A Viet Cong military hospital hidden inside a limestone cave during the American War. Three levels of operating rooms, recovery wards, and storage — completely hidden from aerial reconnaissance. Well-preserved with explanatory signs. Entry included with park admission. A fascinating and sobering piece of war history.

Viewpoints: The main trail summit (Ngu Lam Peak) provides 360° views over Cat Ba, the bay, and on clear days toward mainland Vietnam. 5–6 hours round trip.

Park admission: ₫150,000. Guides available at the gate for ₫200,000–400,000 ($8–16) additional.

Cat Ba beaches

The island’s own beaches are secondary to the bay kayaking and rock climbing but useful for a swimming afternoon. See the beaches guide.

Boat trips to Ha Long Bay proper

From Cat Ba Town, day trips into the main Ha Long Bay (north of the island) are available — the big caves (Thien Cung, Dau Go), fishing villages, Ti Top Island. These cost ₫200,000–400,000 ($8–16) per person for a shared boat. The advantage: Cat Ba means you avoid the 3.5-hour bus journey from Hanoi while still accessing the main Ha Long Bay sights.