Why You Should Add Cat Ba National Park to Your Halong Day Trip

If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing through limestone islands that rise like emerald dragons from turquoise waters, you’ve probably heard of Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations. But just across the bay lies another treasure, quieter and wilder, where forested peaks meet hidden valleys and exotic wildlife thrives in lush greenery, Cat Ba National Park.

Most travelers rush through Halong Bay in a single day, never realizing that the perfect extension to their Halong day trip is just across the water. Adding Cat Ba to your itinerary transforms your day from a sightseeing cruise into an adventure that blends sea, forest and culture, a full taste of northern Vietnam’s natural beauty.

Halong Bay and Cat Ba — The Perfect Pair

How Halong and Cat Ba Connect by Land and Sea

Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island share the same UNESCO World Heritage limestone ecosystem, yet they sit in different provinces — Quang Ninh and Hai Phong. They’re connected by ferry, speedboat and scenic coastal roads, making it surprisingly easy to combine them in a single Halong day trip.

From Tuan Chau Pier in Halong, ferries run directly to Gia Luan Pier on Cat Ba (about 40–50 minutes).
Once you arrive, Cat Ba National Park is just 20 minutes by car or motorbike from the pier.

Many premium Halong day cruises now even include Lan Ha Bay, the southern extension of Halong Bay that surrounds Cat Ba Island, giving travelers the best of both worlds in one seamless route.

The Difference Between Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay

While Halong Bay is famous for its postcard-perfect scenery, Lan Ha Bay, technically part of Cat Ba, offers a gentler rhythm. Here, you’ll find floating fishing villages, quiet coves and far fewer tourist boats. If Halong is the grand symphony, Lan Ha is the soulful melody that follows.

Why Travelers Often Miss Cat Ba

Many visitors book their Halong day trip online or through a hotel desk, focusing only on the cruise. Few realize that just beyond the limestone towers lies a national park filled with wildlife, caves and panoramic hikes. By simply adding a few hours or an extra overnight, you open the door to an entirely new dimension of Vietnam’s beauty.

Halong bay day cruise - Cat ba island — Cat ba island

Perfect Deal: Halong Bay Day Cruise Tour with a Preferred Room at Marina Hanoi Hotel

What Makes Cat Ba National Park Worth Visiting

A UNESCO-Recognized Biodiversity Gem

Cat Ba National Park covers more than 26,000 hectares of limestone mountains, tropical forests, mangroves and marine zones. It’s home to over 1,500 plant species, 282 animal species and the critically endangered Cat Ba langur, one of the world’s rarest primates. UNESCO declared Cat Ba part of the World Natural Heritage expansion of Halong Bay in 2023, reinforcing its global importance.

Trekking and Viewpoints — The Adventure Side of Halong

While Halong Bay offers relaxation, Cat Ba gives you motion. The park’s most popular trek, the Ngu Lam Peak trail is short but steep, leading you to a spectacular viewpoint where endless green mountains roll like ocean waves. From here, you can truly grasp the scale and beauty of the entire archipelago. For the more adventurous, longer hikes to Ao Ech Lake or Viet Hai Village take you deep into the park’s jungle heart, where birdsong and rustling leaves replace the hum of boat engines.

Rare Wildlife and the Famous Cat Ba Langur

You may not spot one easily, there are fewer than 80 individuals left in the wild but just knowing you’re walking in their habitat makes the experience powerful. Other creatures include civet cats, hornbills and vibrant butterflies that float along forest paths.

A Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Alternative to Classic Cruises

Halong Bay’s growing popularity has led to crowding and pollution in some areas. In contrast, Cat Ba National Park represents Vietnam’s commitment to eco-tourism and sustainable travel. The local community actively promotes conservation and low-impact exploration, meaning your visit contributes directly to protecting the environment.

Reina Cruise – Small Group Halong Bay Experience

How to Add Cat Ba National Park to Your Halong Day Trip

Route Options: From Halong City or Tuan Chau Pier

If you’re already in Halong, the easiest route is by ferry or speedboat from Tuan Chau Pier to Gia Luan Pier on Cat Ba. From there, a short transfer takes you to the park’s entrance. The total journey from Halong city to the park is just about 1 hour. For travelers coming from Hanoi, you can also book combo tours that include both Halong Bay and Cat Ba National Park, saving time and ensuring smooth logistics.

Morning in the Park, Afternoon on the Bay — Sample 1-Day Plan

7:30 AM: Depart Hanoi via highway express transfer.
10:00 AM: Arrive at Tuan Chau Pier, ferry to Cat Ba.
10:45 AM: Trek to Ngu Lam Peak, explore Trung Trang Cave.
1:00 PM: Lunch in Cat Ba town (try seafood noodles or fresh crab).
2:30 PM: Join a Lan Ha Bay cruise for kayaking and swimming.
5:30 PM: Return to Hanoi via Got Pier.

This combination blends both mountain adventure and sea relaxation — a true “best of both worlds” day.

Travel Time and Costs

Ferry: ~100,000–120,000 VND per person.
Park ticket: 80,000 VND.
Day cruise (Lan Ha or Halong): 1.2–1.8 million VND.
Private car Hanoi–Halong–Cat Ba roundtrip: ~4–5 million VND.

Local Tips for Timing and Avoiding Crowds

Start early (by 8 AM) for hiking; mornings are cooler.
Avoid weekends or national holidays when locals visit in large groups.
Consider staying overnight if you prefer a slower pace.

Hidden Gems for Travellers in Vietnam: Beyond Halong Bay’s Iconic Beauty

Top Experiences You Can’t Miss in Cat Ba National Park

1. Ngu Lam Peak — The Iconic Hike

Just 3 km from the main entrance, the Ngu Lam Peak trail is perfect for day trippers. The short climb (about 2 hours round trip) rewards you with panoramic views over a sea of green limestone peaks, one of the most photogenic spots in northern Vietnam.

2. Trung Trang and Hospital Caves — History Meets Geology

Trung Trang Cave: A 300-meter-long cavern filled with stalactites and echoing chambers.
Hospital Cave: A hidden 3-story bunker used as a secret hospital during the Vietnam War. Walking through its cool tunnels gives a glimpse of wartime ingenuity.

3. Cycling Through Forest and Village Trails

Rent a bicycle in Cat Ba town and cycle toward the park’s entrance or through Viet Hai Village, a small rural settlement nestled between karst valleys. It’s quiet, scenic and offers a peek into local island life.

4. Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay

After your trek, reward yourself with an afternoon of kayaking among floating villages and limestone cliffs in Lan Ha Bay. It’s less crowded than Halong but equally spectacular and often part of combo Cat Ba–Halong tours.

You pay Superior double room price but you get Suite executive room.

Where to Stay If You Extend Your Day Trip

If your one-day plan feels too short (and it might!), consider spending the night on Cat Ba Island.


Category	Recommended Stay	Highlights
Luxury Resort	Hôtel Perle d’Orient MGallery	Beachfront infinity pool, private balconies overlooking Lan Ha Bay
Eco-Resort	Cat Ba Ecolodge	Sustainable wooden bungalows, near the park entrance
Local Homestay	Cannon Fort Homestay	Friendly hosts, great sunset view of Cat Ba town

Why stay overnight?
Because sunsets here are magical, golden light painting the limestone cliffs, the hum of fishing boats returning home and the tranquil rhythm of island life you’ll miss if you rush back to Hanoi.

What to Pack for a Halong + Cat Ba Adventure

Lightweight hiking shoes.
Refillable water bottle.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses).
Light rain jacket (especially May–August).
Camera or drone (licensed zones only).
Swimwear for kayaking.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time for a Halong day trip with Cat Ba is March–May or September–November, when weather is mild and clear. Avoid heavy rain months (July–August) if you plan to hike, though the park remains lush and green year-round.

10 Mistakes Travelers Make When Booking a Halong Day Trip

Why Cat Ba Completes Your Halong Day Trip

Halong Bay gives you the sea, the limestone cliffs and the legend. Cat Ba National Park gives you the forest, the heartbeats of nature and the spirit of adventure. Together, they tell Vietnam’s full natural story from ocean floor to mountain peak. Travelers who’ve combined both often describe it as “two worlds in one day”, cruising under karsts by morning, trekking above them by noon. If you’re a nature lover, photographer or traveler who wants more than a quick cruise, Cat Ba is the missing piece of your Halong experience.

Want a custom plan with transfers, lunch and a local guide? We’ll arrange your door-to-door Cat Ba National Park and Lan Ha Bay combo.