A trip to Monkey Island Cat Ba is often a major highlight for travelers exploring the beautiful archipelago in northern Vietnam. Located just a short 20-minute boat ride from the main town, this unique spot offers beautiful beaches, a challenging viewpoint hike, and unpredictable wildlife encounters. If you are planning to visit, knowing exactly what to expect from the famous resident monkeys will ensure a safe and memorable experience.
Last updated: July 24, 2026
Last updated: July 16, 2026
Quick Summary: Bioluminescent plankton glow in the water when disturbed by a paddle or a passing fish, and Lan Ha Bay near Cat Ba is one of the best places in northern Vietnam to see it on a night kayak. Sightings are most likely on dark, moonless nights, and never guaranteed.
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.
