Cat ba or halong bay reddit. Answer 1 of 9: Hello.
- Cat ba or halong bay reddit. You can get to cat ba from Haiphong, but if you leave from the Halong side the ferry ride is much nicer and you get to see the karsts. Could we book a cruise from Cat Ba to Bai Tu & Ha Long Bay that would pick us up on Cat Ba island and drop us off in a different place? We would like to spend 2 nights on the cruise to see more. Wherever I've been myself (Ha Long, Cat Ba, Phu Quoc, Ninh Binh etc) and saw people littering in front of my eyes, it was always Chinese or Vietnamese themselves. I traveled to Cat Ba on my own and then just did a daytrip on a boat out into the bay, and I thought that was great. r/Vietnam sử dụng cả hai ngôn ngữ tiếng Việt và tiếng Anh. Halong Bay on the other hand you can kayak, hike, enjoy great fresh food, see beautiful sites. Has anyone being on a Ha Long Bay Cruise recently It's quite beautiful. Skip staying in Ha Long Bay itself. Cat Ba is somehow incredibly underrated as a whole experience. If price is not so much of a problem then go and do a tour in Halong bay its self from Halong city, NOT Cat Ba. Doing Halong bay on a budget is actually as simple as going to Cat Ba island. I'm looking to book a cruise tour of Ha long bay in Vietnam, preferably 2days/1 night to explore the scenery/caves/cat ba island but I hear alot of people having issues such as the boat being different to what was shown and supposed 2 day tours starting at 12am and finishing at 11am the next day so really it's less than 24 hours. Here are a couple of things we did. Book a cruise to cat ba from Tuan chau port and you’ll be able to see the bay, plus you can do a tour from cat ba. It's important to have reasonable expectations and recognize Halong Bay's distinctive qualities. Feb 19, 2025 · Forget the busy waters of Ha Long Bay—the Gulf of Tonkin has a quieter side where you can paddle through turquoise seas, explore hidden lagoons, and hike jungle trails teeming with life. Chào mừng bạn đến với ngôi nhà trên Reddit của Việt Nam. Any recommendations will be helpful. As the largest island in Halong Bay, Cat Ba is known for its lush national park, tranquil beaches, and relaxed vibe. I'm currently working full time online. Seems to be a lot chiller than Halong Bay (plus it’s in Halong Bay) and there’s great hiking here in the National Park with amazing views. Halong Bay cruise without Party packers and completly drunken 18 year olds? Good luck finding that! I'd suggest you go and stay on Cat Ba Island, the Island is beautiful to explore itself and from there you can do Kayak und boat day Trips which are far better and cheaper than the overpriced booze cruises. A 2D1N thing. Its ok, but honestly id skip it and spent the time on Cat Ba island instead, you can take a boat trip while there and still tour the island. Part of Halong Bay's Cat Ba Island provides an alternative viewpoint. It’s a fun little island too just zipping around on a scooter, good hikes and climbing if you’re into it. It's definitely too good to miss, therefore most people go on cruise this explore this magnificent places however, I won't probably be able to afford it. This is the global dual-language Reddit home of the country Vietnam. Afterwards I spent 2 days on Cat Ba and loved it. In this post, we share what we learned from our experience on Venezia Cruises 3-day 2-night Lan Ha Bay itinerary and from extensive research on HaLong Bay. Much more of a cultural experience, plus it's cheaper & better. It’s better to book anything in Halong Bay from Cat Ba Island. The thing is, me and my girlfriend have been travelling around Vietnam and we are planning to go to Lan Ha Bay but we don’t know what would be better : book a hotel in Cat Ba or in Ha Long. Cat Ba has some nice beaches (although the water quality is average), and some nice national parks to explore. Any and all advice is welcome and appreciated, seen Orchid and Peony mentioned a few times but wanted to hear from you guys re: your experience on any of these cruises. The bay right next to Ha Long Bay looks pretty much the same and it's nearly empty. While looking for the best places to stay during raining season I came across Cat Ba Island. Jan 3, 2024 · Estimated reading time: 12 minutes Get ready to escape the mundane and embark on a journey to one of Vietnam’s best-kept secrets – Cat Ba Island. It has over 300 karst islands that are just as beautiful as those of Halong Bay making it one of the best travel destinations in Vietnam. Currently in Ninh Binh after visiting Ho Chi Minh and Hoi An. I would’ve done a boat tour but found an amazing house boat airbnb with kayaks for you to explore. Flying out of Hanoi end of the month like you and was going to do Halong Bay / Cat Ba but decided to skip it for another time and just stay in Hanoi for longer. While traveling through Vietnam I am making a video about my trip and I am personally very interested in the fishing traditions of the Vietnamese. My family is not into climbing. Plus, you get to explore Cat Ba a bit, which is an amazing island. Same tour, same bus, same day, different agent. Lan Ha Bay lies south and east of Cat Ba Bay. These two destinations are ideal for nature lovers, history buffs and travelers seeking authenticity. Here, we round up 6 of the region’s best destinations to discover besides Halong Bay. This year it's especially bad here (I work over in Cat Ba). Nov 2, 2024 · Lan Ha Bay is a stunning, less-crowded alternative to Ha Long Bay, with its serene waters and dramatic limestone landscapes. Also while itll be warmer than home itll still be pretty cold on the water in February. Just enough for me. I’m posting We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. For anyone else who’s gone, how does staying on Cat Ba island and doing a day cruise of Lan Ha bay compare to a multi day Ha Long bay cruise? I’ve been told Ha Long can be super crowded and touristy, I’m not sure Cat Ba/Lan Ha is much better but I’d prefer something quieter. The regulations on who can go where change weekly, sometimes tours from Cat Ba are not allowed to enter Ha Long Bay and vice versa, other times they are, and even then it can vary by company. It has a great landscape, but that's pretty much ruined by the immense number of tourists and increasingly prominent tourist based infrastructure, as well as even increasing amounts of garbage. If you’re feeling extra adventurous you could do a homestay with a local floating fishing village. Lan Ha The more frugal and likely still quite enjoyable option would be to stay in Cat Ba for a few days and do a day cruise to Ha Long Bay from there. What would your recommendation be for accommodation and quality of cruises in this situation? I will be traveling with my family and then solo. 4 ppl, but 1 won't do boats due to severe motion sickness, so overnight cruise not an option. Will be skipping Sapa due to heavy rainfall and my flight back home is going from Hanoi. Ha Long and Sapa used to be beautiful and peaceful, but overtourism has changed those places into something unrecognizable. BONUS: MAP Dec 5, 2023 · Cat Ba Island, located in Vietnam’s Lan Ha Bay, offers rich biodiversity, stunning beaches, and exciting adventures, making it a top destination for nature lovers. Also, looking for recommendations for which cruise to see Ha Long & Bai Tu - is it possible to see both on the same trip if we do 2 nights? Cat Ba Island is the largest of the 366 islands that comprise the Halong Bay archipelago in Northern Vietnam and the only one that hosts a substantial settlement. I am landing in Hanoi on 20th October and am immediately heading to Cat Ba for 3 days. I think a lot of people spend the night there with their tour package, but not many people stay and take the time to check it out. It's a great stop for anyone considering Vietnam, incredibly beautiful with lots of fun activities. All the research I did, plus consulting with local family, led me to believe there werent any really good cruises of Ha Long Bay, although there may have been some confusion on budget. Jun 2, 2025 · Yet, how easy is it to book day tours around the bay if staying in Haiphong? As it's less touristy, I guess it might be more complicated to find a reasonably priced day tour from there as most of them depart either from Halong, Hanoi, or Cat Ba 🤔 Sep 20, 2023 · The landscape is truly magical and it can be explored from either Cat Ba Island or Halong Bay. Initially I wanted to do Halong Bay for obvious reasons, but after researching it, I settled on Cat Ba for more freedom and a less busy experience. I chose this option, staying in a floating house and taking a day excursion in Ha Long Bay. I did it with Cat Ba ventures Hi everyone. If you choose a cruise Ha, Long Bay is a crucial experience as a destination in Vietnam, and I'm excited to hear that you're planning a trip there. Nice but not thrilling. Roughly equidistant from two of northern Vietnam’s largest industrial cities – Hai Phong (to the west) and Ha Long (to the north) – Cat Ba Island is, nonetheless, one of the country’s star natural attractions, and part of the world-famous Halong Bay. Also interested in deep water soloing :) Thanks in advance! I'm planning on visiting the Hà Long Bay area in a couple weeks and most people online recommend Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay over Ha Long due to over-tourism in the area. Xin Chao moi nguoi! Does anyone know a rock climbing guide I could pay to go climbing in Ha Long / Cat Ba next week? One tour agency said that Cat Ba is closed due to COVID but I am unsure. Making our third journey to Vietnam. Apr 9, 2020 · But there are great options for hiking, swimming, and rock climbing in the area. Beautiful area, less touristy then Halong Bay while still having plenty of restaurant options and other things to do. It offers a quieter atmosphere compared to Halong City, making it ideal for nature lovers and adventurers alike. I'm somewhat experienced at climbing- can sport lead 5. Mar 14, 2025 · Discover how to enjoy Cat Ba Island in 2025 despite ongoing construction. When traveling I really value meeting with locals and properly experiencing the places I visit rather than going through the regular tourist route. Find out the best time to visit, what to see and do, where to stay and how to get there. You can book boat tours/hiking/kayaking in Ha Long Bay via most of the hotels and hostels for very cheap (about 20usd per person). Dec 2, 2024 · Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Cat Ba and the Halong Bay share a tropical climate, lush vegetation and invaluable cultural wealth. me finds it), i Mar 17, 2025 · "I’m taking a 2 day 1 night cruise to Halong bay, after i’m planning on spending another full day in Cat ba to also do Lan Ha bay cruise " In order to do what you are considering it would take another additional day. Less scams, better quality, closer, cheaper, and it’s a nice place to be and easy to get to from Hanoi. Second one we took the ferry to Cat Ba (quite cheap I think it was 150k Dongs for 2 with moped), drove on the island until the national park and hiked up to Dinh Ngu Lam. However, the more I see and read about Cat Ba, the more I think it will be just as crowded and touristy. Choosing between Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island is challenging due to the unique offerings of each destination. Thinking of doing 3 nights in Hanoi and doing a 2 day 1 night Ha Long Bay Cruise. compared to the northern portion, closer to Ha Long city, the difference in night and day. And honestly the views you get by taking the ferry from Cat Ba to Ha Long are almost the same as during the Ha Long Bay cruise. I would really recommend doing a 3d/2n - yes, the second day you will not spend on the main boat, but on a day boat, but in our case, that boat went into Lan Ha bay in the morning, and the cruise there was nothing short of breath taking. Sep 9, 2024 · Additionally, staying on Cat Ba Island, where many travelers base themselves for Lan Ha Bay excursions, is generally less expensive than staying in Halong City. We did the full day kayaking trip with Asia outdoors and had a really good time. Go for Lan Ha Bay . I ended up staying on Cat Ba Island (which is not Bai Tu Long but is Lan Ha bay. Skip Ha Long Bay Vietnam travel hack: Skip Ha Long Bay completely and stay on Cat Ba island. Jan 1, 2025 · You can expect to pay around $40-60 for a Ha Long Bay day cruise, and even more, if you want an overnight cruise, whereas a Lan Ha Bay day cruise only cost me just over $25 (600k VND). When comparing Cat Ba or Halong Bay, it’s essential to consider what kind of experience you’re looking for. Hello! This is the global dual-language Reddit home of the country Vietnam. The scenery is as breathtaking, but much fewer ships, much fewer crowds and I'm visiting Northern Vietnam at the end of the month and will be based in Hanoi. Halong City and Cat Ba town offers lots of historical and cultural sights, as well as excellent seafood markets and restaurants. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. We are in Hanoi next week and want to know whether to spend a night in cat ba or Halong bay? They both looking beautiful and are keen on trekking in cat ba but am concerned we might be missing out if we don't go to Halong bay. No need to book in advance, just ask at reception when you check in. 11M subscribers in the travel community. Ha long City Is this a nice destination for a night or two? What is there to do there? Is it a big, ugly city? I am thinking of 1 night in the city, a cruise in Halong Bay and then 2 nights on Cat Ba. When I went it was the low season and very quiet. I've been to Ha Long Bay a few times myself, and I can tell you that the best way to experience it is by taking a cruise. It was nice to enjoy the scenery. Jan 8, 2015 · Cat Ba Island is a great doorway to Vietnam's number 1 attraction, Ha Long Bay and a great budget travel destination. Looking for the best Cat Ba Island tours? Check out the top-rated activities: All-Inclusive 2 Day/1 Night Cruise with Meals, Kayaking, Caving, Beach in Halong Full-Day Boat Tour: HaLong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Natural Beach and Full Moon Party Lan Ha Bay Boutique Cruise 2D/1N: Kayaking, Swimming at the A few of my favorite photos I took from Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island & a peaceful night in Hanoi city (Vietnam 2017) When you say Halong Bay, I'm presuming you mean you're getting dropped off in the city. If this is a possible option for you let me know and I can give you more info. So much less crowded, massively fewer tourist boats around. Either Halong Bay or Cat Ba is ok but I suggest you take a overnight cruise Halong Bay- Cat Ba island to see both. We can connect and talk more about it in DM. Dec 1, 2022 · Want to experience an affordable trip to Halong Bay and avoid paying hundreds of dollars? Then you need to visit Cat Ba Island! Can you see ha long Bay in 2 days or is it best to go for a 3 day cruise to get the full experience? Dec 2, 2024 · Would you like to include Ha Long Bay in your Vietnam trip but are looking for an alternative to the crowds and expensive cruises that dominate this breathtaking bay with its incredible limestone formations? Cat Ba Island is the answer! Located in Lan Ha Bay, the southwest section of Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba is an island well-connected to the mainland. Can anyone tell me the likelihood of finding a good cafe/ restaurant to work We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Vietnam's unspoiled nature and lesser-known cultural gems. In this comprehensive guide by Pioneer Sail Travel, we will walk you through all the ways to explore Lan Ha Bay from Cat Ba Discover the beauty and history of Cat Ba Island, the largest island in Halong Bay and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Some of them are free! comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment tiendatscorpy • Additional comment actions Dec 16, 2023 · Dive into "ha long bay reddit" and explore authentic experiences, tips, and tales of this UNESCO marvel. 1 night on board probably enough in Ha Long Bay. To do my job, I need good wifi, access to electrical outlets, and prefer a place I can stay for a few hours at a time with food/ coffee etc. Answer 1 of 9: Hello. [EDIT part 3] It's been a few days since our trip to Ha Long Bay with Genesis Cruise and we still feel like it was a high point in our trip. Do you think it's worth it to visit if I'm not doing the cruise or should I skip it? Hello! I am a videographer and world traveller from Canada currently visiting Cat Ba. I ended up staying on Cat Ba Island for a few nights and did a boat day trip around Lan Ha Bay and into southern Ha Long Bay and it was perfect. Do not go for Ha Long Bay. The rest is called Bai Tu Long Bay, which encompasses a total area of 158 km2, takes up ¾. Feb 9, 2024 · Bus to Tuan Chau Port (near Halong Bay Port) and then ferry to Gia Luan on Cat Ba, there is a local ferry for 60,000 VND (walker fare). As the journey to Vietnam keeps getting closer, I still haven't figured how to approach Ha Long Bay. I want to go to a nice place for hiking/beach and cat ba seemed like a good opportunity. I also recommend Lan Ha Bay. My and my gf are based in Shanghai and are planning a trip to Vietnam and thought it would be cool to bring our bikes and cycle from Hanoi to Cat Ba island then taking 2 days there for climbing / deep water solo and cycling back to Hanoi. I have booked a day tour from Cat Ba Island after researching many cruise ships and its pros/cons. How is the climbing scene in Vietnam? I am debating if I should bring any gear like shoes and a harness or just rent them. I think technically that part near Cat Ba is not actually called Halong Bay, but it looks still absolutely stunning. 6K subscribers in the tourism community. Including some cycling through luscious nature and the stunning views of the UNESCO site ha long bay were truly incredible. We have been to Cat Ba the day before, so we had to take the ferry to get to Ha Long. Ninh Binh and Ha Long, or if you wanted food tour, then Hai Phong would be better than Ha Long. Oh, about Cat Ba and Halong Bay, I can't say much as I really didn't check much! I spent like 5 hours watching the sunset and 5 hours watching the sunrise at this point! Apr 8, 2024 · Wondering how to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba? We took this Cat Ba Express bus and highly recommend it. Ha long was my least favorite part of my ENTIRE south east Asia trip. Turns out we could have rented it for a few What I’m doing is going to cat ba island for a night and maybe doing a day tour of Halong and then going to lan ha bay instead. Hi. I’ve been to over 30 countries and several UNESCO world heritage sites including plenty of nature sites. A cheaper way to see Halong Bay is to get to Cat Ba island on your own (bus/ regular ferry or with a small boat), and then when on Cat Ba, take a day cruise on a boat out to Halong Bay. This is primarily because Ha Long Bay presents a wider range of attractions and activities. So I'm Solo traveling in Vietnam during week 1 of Nov and wanted to explore Halong Bay in a cruise. It is, but the parts of Cat Ba that border the main part of Ha Long Bay are off limits to anyone but the rangers and my conservation team. The 2nd night you can spend on Cat Ba island. Apr 9, 2025 · I specifically said it about Ha Long Bay because of how the overtourism is destroying a world heritage site. The other bay, whose name escapes me, is virtually identical and at some points you can see Ha long bay too anyway. I have 7 days left to spent, and wanted to do 4 days cat ba and 3 days Hanoi. How bad can it be? Will it really be raining and 0 sun all day? Should I postopne visit to Cat Ba? I can postopne it by 2-3 days but it will cost me money. Cat Ba Island is the best option to experience Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. However all I see are extremely expensive options and I'm unable to find a budget one. Mar 3, 2019 · Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island are two essentials on any Vietnam travel itinerary, floating villages, hospital caves, stunning views you'll find them all here Hi Guys, I am trying to work out where to stay around ha long. Dec 16, 2024 · Cat Ba Island offers an excellent alternative for visiting Ha Long Bay. Pro Tip: when on Cat Ba Island go up the green ladder at sunset (Maps. As for booking a cruise, I highly recommend you research beforehand. Hello everyone, Im thinking of spending about a week on Cat Ba Island, in Ha Long Bay. Ces deux destinations sont idéales pour les amateurs de nature, les passionnés d’histoire et les voyageurs en quête d Jan 2, 2023 · 10 unmissable things to do when visiting Cat Ba Island in Vietnam, including empty paradise beaches, kayaking around Lan Ha Bay, epic viewpoints, a stunning hike and a little bit of history. I am pretty devastated as mid October supposed to be great time for Ha Long/Lan Ha Bay. The bay was really calm, so I didn't get seasick, and we did alot of kayaking and swimming to shore on to beaches as well so I didn't have to stay on a still, rocking boat. Your pictures, questions… Hey me and my wife from Mumbai have a similar itinerary for Vietnam starting from 3rd November. In Sapa the children being forced to beg money from tourist and the nature in Ha Long has been heavily polluted. Can easily do small cruises from there if you’re really worried about the bay. Most tours from cat ba don't go to have long bay and instead go to another bay directly next too it. These are a few photos from the area off of Hanoi called Halong Bay & Cat Ba Island. . My sister really wanted to meet my family there and she was dead set on seeing halong Bay. If you get dropped in Halong city (not a body of water), then it's a ₫150,000 taxi to the ferry, ₫70,000 for the ferry (its slow but only about 1-1. So, we instead opted for Cat Ba with a private tour of the water mixed with some hiking and caves. Join the conversation and start planning your adventure! May 1, 2025 · 3 COOLEST Hostels in Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay 2025 . When thinking about the heritage site - Ha Long Bay, most of us might imagine the central part. I'm not planning on doing a cruise at Halong Bay (not a big fan of cruises) but was wondering whether it would be worth it to do a day trip there regardless. First time posting here. Ha, no. But I’m also To explore Ha long bay, you’re right, staying on Cat Ba is better. Even the areas with many tourists is beautiful, there are just a lot of From Cat Ba you can easily get day trips into the southern portion of Ha Long bay, Lan Ha bay. In this article, we will have a look at Halong City, Cat Ba Island and the cruise options to the surrounding islands. Our guide offers tips on avoiding disruptions, finding peaceful spots, and making the most of your trip to this beautiful island. Jan 26, 2025 · Lan Ha Bay 1 day tour from Cat Ba Town Lan Ha Bay is endowed with unspoiled and magnificent nature beauty. If you can spend a couple of nights there, on a longer tour so that you get away from the main tourist areas (my tour took in Cat Ba island for example) then it’s so stunning. Advice needed on Hanoi to Halong Bay (Cat Ba), Vietnam quick trip. I would definitely go with the 2 night trip for the bicycle ride in Cat Ba. Taking a cruise from Cat Ba is a very similar experience to Ha Long bay, but less tourists and you don't see some of the caves. I would recommend going to Cat Ba island, renting a kayak and just cruising around for a day or two. Would stay either on Cat Ba, or near Ha Long Bay area and do day tour. We left around 9am, did a nice tour that included lunch and you could buy beers for about $1 each, and we got back to Cat Ba around sunset. The question is what to do with the remaining nights. The boats leaving from CatBa are not able to actually go up into Halong bay as I understand it, tho the scenery is similar. Go straight from Hanoi to a night on a boat, then Cat Ba Island or another island. Taking a tour tomorrow that is all day, lunch, snorkeling, swimming and kayaking, for $16. Even though Vietnam isn’t expensive, prices do rack up in popular spots like Halong Bay. I booked through my hotel and they had options for 2 day cruises if you wanted to spend more time on the water but for me personally the day trip was enough. Nevertheless, many travelers find Ha Long Bay to be a more worthwhile destination compared to Cat Ba Island. Cat Ba Island can be visited independently, but to see Ha Long Bay, you have to take a cruise. A multitude of towering limestone islands, mesmerizing cave system, and the shimmering shores of Halong Bay entice a lion’s share of local and foreign sun seekers. While the vast majority of Halong Bay's islands are uninhabited vertical rocks, Cat Ba has a few fishing villages, as well as a fast-growing town. They also took us to a floating house that the operator owned. Once visiting Cat Ba, you can not skip its famous destinations such as Lan Ha Bay, Monkey Island, Cat Ba National Park. 3. What is the best value for your money and time on a HaLong Bay cruise? These are our tips and full HaLong Bay cruise review to help you make the best choice. There's a lot of outdoor activities, like rock climbing on the karsts in the bay, kayaking, etc. Our Halong Bay cruise ( 2 nights) included a few hours on Cat Ba island where a bus took us to see a cave. Most of the trips here seem to be geared to doing stuff rather than passive booze cruises. Does anyone have tips for travel to and from Hanoi for a one-night or two-night stay on the island? Cat Ba is one famous tourist destinations in the North of Vietnam. From Hanoi I have the option of going to Ninh Binh or to Cat Ba for a total of 3 days. 1K votes, 92 comments. Or do we go to an island somewhere - perhaps Cat Dec 17, 2022 · Qu’ont en commun Cat Ba et la baie d’Halong ? Situées dans le golfe du Tonkin, Cat Ba et la baie d’Halong partagent un climat tropical, une végétation luxuriante et une richesse culturelle inestimable. For those looking to escape the tourist crowds, starting your journey from Cat Ba Island provides a more intimate way to explore the bay. Articles about tourism We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Or better still, get the cruise to Cat Ba Island and spend a night there, because that way you kill two birds with one stone - you see the beautiful bay, and then get to explore the beautiful island of Cat Ba. However, when looking at the weather forecast for august it says there could be monsoons and very heavy rain. Imagine kayaking through hidden lagoons surrounded by towering cliffs We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The timetable for this ferry is the following: 7h30, 9h00, 11h30, 13h30, 15h00. Lan Ha Bay is another alternative to Halong). I've heard that the bay, although beautiful, is heavily littered etc. Located to the south in the neighboring Lan Ha Bay, this large island offers a quieter and more authentic vibe, without sacrificing the views of We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Halong Bay has cemented itself as one of the prominent tourist destinations in northern Vietnam. I stayed in Cat Ba for a couple nights and then did a day cruise through Lan Ha & Ha Long Bay that left from there. Trash, money grabs, and pollution so bad you can’t even see anything anyways. There was an excursion to Cat Ba island at 3pm which includes a bike ride (roughly 4 miles round trip) and a short walk through the little town. If you want to enjoy the beauty of Ha Long Bay with fewer crowds, check out Bai Tu Long Bay. Additionally, it has white sandy beaches that are just as attractive. Tourist trap poop show. We are going in July which is. Come to Cat Ba Island. 11 and boulder ~V2/3 but I don't have any gear with me. It’s also much cheaper to stay on Cat Ba Island (Lan Ha Bay) than it is to stay in Halong town. It offers an untouched, adventurous, and budget-friendly experience. r/travel is a community about exploring the world. A beautiful landscape with thousands of jutting rock faces coming out of the water, and fantastically relaxing islands with bungalows and beaches!! The boat trip from cat ba to halong was really cool though. But that's not even a half of the bay. Recommendations for Cat Ba Island visit? Hi, we are interested in visiting Cat Ba to try avoiding an overly touristy visit to Halong Bay and hopefully being able to do some walking or hiking to take in the natural sights this month. For instance, you can take a ferry or bus from Halong Bay, a Limousine car and a public bus from Hanoi and Hai Phong city to the island. Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay day tour from Cat Ba Island (Cat Ba boat tour – Lan Ha Bay day cruise) start pick-up at hotel at 07:30 AM and finish at 15:30 or 17:00 in Beo harbor and drop-off in hotel at Cat Ba town. First day we drove along the bay. As you can read by my title, I am doubting to go to Cat Ba. Cat Ba Express offers high-quality buses to Cat Ba island from various locations including Hanoi, Sapa, and Ninh Binh. It's on Lan Ha bay, pretty much the less crowded version of Ha Long Bay. Situated only 50 km from Hai Phong Center, Cat Ba island is the largest island of 366 islands which lies within the larger area of Ha Long Bay. No-one is allowed on land in those areas, let alone climb up to any of the peaks. However, the weather forecast looks no good. I won’t make a recommendation for you, but I was in Vietnam about 2 years ago and took a day tour of Halong Bay out of Cat Ba Island and I absolutely loved it. Any advice Alternatively, we are super down to leave from Cat Ba port and do a Lan Ha Bay tour as well if people thing it’s worth the longer transit time because of overcrowding in Halong. You can easily book tour at hotel or any other tourist agency in the old quarter in Hanoi. I did a day cruise from Cat Ba and it was fantastic. Basically peak tourist season and so I'm looking for a less "commercialized"bay tour. Top Choices for Backpackers, Parties, Solo-Travel. Much less crowded, you can go at your own pace and much cheaper. 5hours at most), then a ₫25,000 bus from the ferry to cat ba city (if you get there at specific times, theres only a few buses each day). Definitely check out Cat Ba if you want to save a bit. However, due to Covid there will very few tourists anyway. You can rent a motorbike/scooter and ride around the island, discover hidden beaches, etc. Even though Halong Bay may not have the same unspoiled beauty as places like Krabi or Palawan, it nevertheless has a certain allure. Overview and route map Whether you are in Hanoi, Halong Bay, or Hai Phong city, Cat Ba island can be easily accessible with the availability of different means of transportation. Alternative for Halong Bay cruises? Advice on cat ba or specific cruises that were kid friendly. We compare 2 night and 1 night cruise itineraries as well as HaLong Bay vs. Best Cat Ba Island Cruises Discover the enchantment of Cat Ba Island with our selection of the finest cruises. This might also be because I'm traveling alone and cruises don't have single rooms. You also can go on boat tours that cover the exact same area of Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba is still developing for tourists so you get to ride through quiet countryside roads with phenomenonal views. I liked Cat Ba a lot - it was a nice calm break after the chaos of Hanoi haha. Do we spend a couple of days in Halong City itself - not sure if there is much there to do. Much quieter and secluded feeling, but with equally amazing landscapes. Jan 30, 2024 · Our list of alternatives to Ha Long Bay for a tranquil escape. You’ll find a detailed report and useful information in my article dedicated to Cat Ba. Tucked away in the heart of Halong Bay, this island paradise is a haven for adventure-seekers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking an off-the-beaten-path travel experience. We travel to Hanoi for 10 nights at the start of April. Many of the beaches are artificial or 'enhanced' by I enjoyed cat ba island ha long bay i havent been back in so long but when i went it was okay but that was a long time ago not sure how much it has developed and changed but they r both good i liked cat ba cuz its a small island n feels nice to stay n hang out n go around on the island and yes 3 day there is plenty enough. Cat Ba Island is the wilder little sister of Halong Bay. I also feel like the route we took was less supposed to be the real tropical paradise stop with beaches and swimming. I did a similar sort of trip and booked from a little agency on Ma May st, it was years ago so probably gone now but most travel agencies will have some sort of package situation you can book a few days before. Then we continued through Cat Ba, visited some caves, and hopped on the ferry again around 4pm back to Ha Long. Is it easy to meet other climbers or get good climbing guides? I am not looking to climb anything specific, just want to get out and climb in a different country. They also provide tours and cruises on Halong Bay, combining exploration with affordable packages. Definitely worth it! I went in December and had your same doubts. nnwsbzm ncxo laacr aiu readuy nweb ogkymzs ikytf ngafn wblz