Monkey Island Cat Ba: What to Know Before You Go

Monkey Island Cat Ba is a small island in Lan Ha Bay, about 20 minutes by boat from Cat Ba town. It has two sandy beaches, a steep viewpoint hike and a group of wild monkeys that live close to visitors. Many travelers visit on a Lan Ha Bay cruise, and knowing how the monkeys behave keeps the stop safe.

Where Monkey Island is and how to reach it

Monkey Island is located in Lan Ha Bay, about 20 minutes by boat from Ben Beo pier on Cat Ba Island. There is no road access, so visitors arrive on an organized boat trip or a privately chartered boat. Many Lan Ha Bay tours include a stop of 1 to 2 hours.

Ben Beo pier is the main departure point for tourist boats. No public ferry runs to the island on a fixed daily schedule, so travelers join a boat trip or charter a private speedboat.

A private wooden boat or speedboat allows a flexible departure time. A guided group trip remains the most popular and lowest-cost way to visit the island.

What the monkeys are actually like

The monkeys on the island are macaques that are used to people and often approach visitors on the beach. They are quick to check anything that looks like food. These macaques are a different species from the rare Cat Ba langur, which lives in remote limestone areas of the archipelago.

Travelers should watch personal belongings at all times. The monkeys often grab plastic bags, water bottles, sunglasses and loosely held phones. Keep everything zipped inside a backpack while on the island.

Visitors should never feed the monkeys on the beach or trails. Feeding is dangerous and disrupts their natural foraging behavior.

Keep a respectful distance from the animals. Avoid direct eye contact and smiling with teeth showing, as monkeys read this as a sign of aggression. Wildlife is unpredictable, so sightings are never guaranteed.

Climbing to the viewpoint

The viewpoint trail is a short climb with wide views over Lan Ha Bay. The path is not paved. It crosses sharp limestone rocks that need careful footing and basic climbing skills.

The climb takes about 15 to 20 minutes each way, with moderate to high difficulty near the summit. Sports shoes or hiking boots are needed, and flip-flops or sandals are not suitable. The top gives a wide view of green water and limestone islands.

The beach and swimming

Monkey Island has two sandy beaches with calm green water. The sea floor is mostly sandy and free of sharp rocks, which makes it suitable for a short swim. Another beach often paired with Monkey Island on Lan Ha Bay trips is Ba Trai Dao Beach.

Facilities are basic, with no resort standards. A quick-dry towel, drinking water and swimming gear are worth bringing.

Best time of day to visit

Early morning is the best time for the beach and trails, with fewer crowds and more active monkeys. In the late afternoon the sun is harsher and the area gets busier.

Which Beka tours stop at Monkey Island

The Lan Ha Bay 2 Days 1 Night Adventure combines active exploration with relaxing stops at places like Monkey Island.

The Lan Ha Bay 3D2N Peaceful Journey & Hidden Beaches is the longest option, combining Monkey Island with other remote spots in the bay.

The Lan Ha Bay Day Tour From Hanoi does not stop at Monkey Island. All routes and prices are listed under Lan Ha Bay tours.

Monkey Island and Viet Hai village

Many multi-day itineraries combine Monkey Island with a visit to Viet Hai village. The two stops offer different experiences. Monkey Island focuses on beaches, wildlife and the viewpoint climb.

Viet Hai is a quiet village inside the jungle of Cat Ba National Park. It is known for old stone houses, cycling routes and a traditional farming lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions

Is Monkey Island safe for children?

Yes, it is generally safe if parents supervise children at all times. Secure all loose belongings and make sure kids do not touch or feed the animals. The sandy beach suits younger children better than the sharp viewpoint climb.

Do you have to pay to enter Monkey Island?

Yes, there is usually a small environmental entrance fee. On an organized boat trip this fee is often included in the ticket price, so check with the tour operator what is covered.

How long do tours stay at Monkey Island?

Most boat trips stop for about 1 to 2 hours. That is enough for either the viewpoint hike or a swim, depending on the itinerary and daily tide.

Can you visit Monkey Island without a tour?

Yes. A private wooden boat or speedboat from Ben Beo pier gives full control over the schedule, though it costs more than a shared trip.

What should you bring to Monkey Island?

Bring sports shoes with good grip for the limestone viewpoint, a reusable water bottle, reef-safe sunscreen and a zip bag to protect valuables from the monkeys.

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