The Vietnam Guides
Ha Long Bay travel guide

Best Hotels in Ha Long Bay 2026: Cat Ba Island and Ha Long City

· 2 min read City Guide
Ha Long Bay accommodation

Contents

  1. Cat Ba Island hotels
  2. Ha Long City hotels
  3. Resort options
  4. Practical notes

Most Ha Long Bay visitors sleep on cruise boats rather than in hotels — that’s the point. But for those staying on Cat Ba Island or passing through Ha Long City, here are the best onshore options.

Cat Ba Island hotels

Cat Ba Town is small and most accommodation is clustered along the waterfront and the streets immediately behind it. The town has expanded significantly since 2015 but still has a manageable scale.

Cat Ba Sunrise Resort: At the quieter southern end of Cat Ba Town’s beach area. Bungalow-style rooms, garden setting, good pool. The location means you need a short taxi or bike to reach the town centre but it’s worth it for the quiet. ₫900,000–2,000,000 ($36–80).

Whisper Nature Boutique Hotel & Spa: A mid-range boutique option in Cat Ba Town with mountain-view rooms and a rooftop. Better service standards than most options at this price point. ₫700,000–1,500,000 ($28–60).

Cat Ba Dream Hotel: A reliable mid-range option on the main Cat Ba waterfront. Sea-view rooms are worth the slight premium. Restaurant downstairs is functional. ₫500,000–1,200,000 ($20–48).

Nam Phuong Hotel: A budget guesthouse option in Cat Ba Town. Clean rooms, basic facilities, helpful owner. What you’d expect at the price. ₫250,000–500,000 ($10–20).

Ha Long City hotels

Ha Long City has a range of hotels targeting the cruise departure market. They’re generally functional rather than characterful.

FLC Halong Bay Golf Club & Luxury Resort: The premium option in Ha Long City — a large resort complex with a golf course and multiple pools. The location on the Halong Bay waterfront is good but the scale makes it feel more like a self-contained complex than an entry point to the bay. ₫2,500,000–6,000,000 ($100–240).

Halong Plaza Hotel: A mid-range city hotel near the cruise departure points. Clean, functional, adequate breakfast. The location is practical for early morning cruise departures. ₫500,000–1,200,000 ($20–48).

Halong Dream Hotel: Budget option near the main bus station. No frills, correct price. ₫250,000–500,000 ($10–20).

Resort options

Cat Ba Island Resort and Spa: On the quieter east side of Cat Ba Island, accessible only by boat from Cat Ba Town (10 minutes). Beach, pool, bungalows set in gardens. Genuinely secluded. ₫1,500,000–4,000,000 ($60–160).

Heritage Binh Chuan Cat Ba (managed by Heritage Line): A boutique property on Cat Ba with heritage-style design and good service. Access by boat from Cat Ba Town. ₫2,000,000–5,000,000 ($80–200).

Practical notes

Cat Ba accommodation fills up quickly in peak season (July–August, October–November). Book at least 2 weeks in advance in these periods.

Most Cat Ba Town guesthouses will arrange day trips into Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay — the local tour desk is often the most efficient way to organise kayaking and cave visits without paying Hanoi operator prices.

Travelling on a budget? We also have a dedicated guide to the best hostels in Ha Long Bay.