Last updated: 31 July 2026

We have been running boats out of Cat Ba since 2017, and in that time we have seen the island at both extremes. We have watched the 7am ferry queue stretch back a kilometre on a public holiday, and we have had the whole of Lan Ha Bay to ourselves on a grey Tuesday in November.

This Cat Ba Island travel guide is written from that side of the water rather than from a desk in Hanoi.

Last updated: 30 July 2026

Quick Summary: Lan Ha Bay is a calm, island-studded bay south of Ha Long Bay, with around 400 limestone karsts and far fewer boats. Beka Travel runs a day tour ($30), a 2D1N cruise ($99), and a 3D2N cruise ($239), all departing from Cat Ba. Best visited March-June and September-November for warm, calm days on the water.