Discover Cat Ba: Top 7 Highlights for One-Day Itinerary
Known as the “jewel of the Gulf of Tonkin,” Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong never fails to charm visitors with its stunning natural beauty, diverse attractions, and vibrant local culture. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of the island’s famous seafood, this green pearl indeed has it all.
In this blog post, we will guide you through the must-see spots and top experiences to make the most of your short visit. Let’s explore what makes this island a perfect getaway – even if you only have one day!
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ToggleWhy visit Cat Ba Island?
Cat Ba Archipelago (Hai Phong) consists of 367 small and large islands, among which the central and also the biggest island is a privileged island by nature, with great potential for tourism development. Despite being well-known for a long time, this green pearl still retains its natural beauty thanks to its isolation.

Cat Ba Island
Especially, Cat Ba Island has been honored to be recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. Moreover, besides the extremely proud title, when you come to this green pearl, you will be truly welcomed by incredibly perfect natural landscapes with a rich ecosystem. In addition, the interconnected beaches linked by a small road along the mountainside give you the feeling as if you have just stepped into a new sky, separated from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.
Although you only explore for 1 day, we still need a detailed itinerary to have a perfect day of fun, right? That’s why let’s refer to The Perfect One-Day Itinerary to Explore this Island with Cat Ba Local!
Perfect One-Day Itinerary for Cat Ba Island
8:00 AM – Meet at Cat Ba Town
First of all, gather at the office located at 229 1/4 Street, Cat Ba Town, to get ready for an exciting day ahead. Make sure to arrive a few minutes early to check in and meet your guide.
8:30 AM – Boat Cruise through Lan Ha Bay
Next, embark on a mesmerizing boat cruise through the peaceful waters of Lan Ha Bay. Along the way, marvel at the ancient Cai Beo Fishing Village and the countless karst formations.
Interestingly, each rock shape is uniquely charming—some look like chopsticks, others resemble seals.

Boat Cruise Through Lan Ha Bay
10:30 AM – Kayak Exploration
Then, hop into a kayak to explore the hidden corners of the bay. Paddle through peaceful lagoons, mysterious tunnels, and natural archways.
You’ll also visit K.A Cave and Bats Cave, both offering a closer look at Cat Ba’s untouched beauty.

Kayaking Experience
12:30 PM – Lunch at Ong Cam Islet, Cat Ba
After that, drop anchor at Ong Cam Islet for a delightful traditional Vietnamese lunch. Meanwhile, enjoy a well-deserved break. Moreover, take advantage of free time to relax, swim, jump off the boat, sunbathe on deck, or socialize with fellow travelers.

Traditional Vietnamese Lunch
1:30 PM – Journey Through Southern Ha Long Bay
After lunch, continue your scenic journey through Southern Ha Long Bay. During this leg, pass by striking landmarks like Dau Be Island, Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Le Virgin Arch, and The Kita Arch. Each stop reveals more of the bay’s charm.

Vung Vieng Fishing Village
2:30 PM – Visit Ba Trai Dao Beach, Cat Ba
Later, take a refreshing dip at Ba Trai Dao Beach, one of Cat Ba’s most tranquil and untouched spots. At the same time, explore nearby hidden gems such as Temple Beach – Screaming Island, and discover more secluded lagoons and arches as well.

Ba Trai Dao Beach
4:00 PM – Sunset Views
As the day winds down, enjoy the magical sunset as your boat gently sails back to the harbor. This is the perfect moment for photos and reflection.

Sunset Views On Cat Ba Island
5:00 PM – Return to Central Town
Finally, arrive back at the harbor and transfer by bus or taxi to the central town. It’s the end of a short yet unforgettable Cat Ba adventure.
Plan Your Trip Today with Best Tours in Cat Ba!
- Lan Ha Bay – Ha Long Bay Full Day Cruise and Kayak
- Sunset & Night Kayaking with Glowing Plankton
- Perfect 2 Days 1 Night on Floating Homestay and Discover Beautiful Lan Ha Bay
That’s why you should experience the perfect itinerary for a day on Cat Ba Islandl! Although it’s a quick trip, it definitely promises a fun and meaningful adventure tailored to your interests. This green pearl Island truly has something for everyone – whether you’re a food lover, thrill-seeker, shopping enthusiast, history fan, or simply looking for peaceful downtime, you’ll eventually find plenty to enjoy here. Thus why wait? Start planning your adventure today and travel with local experts from Cat Ba Local for an authentic and unforgettable experience!
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Ready to adventure and enjoy natural
Meet Our Team
Tùng Phạm
Lâm Điệp
Tiến Đạt (Drake)
Tú Quỳnh (Judy)
Hà Bùi (Hana)
Huy Hòang (Ryan)
Hoàng Nguyễn(Luffy)
Ngô Toàn (Tony)
Việt Hưng (Rio)
Mr Quang
Exotic Day Tours & Things to Do in Cat Ba
Experience the Magic: Sunset & Night Kayaking with Glowing Plankton
What our travelers say about us
EXCELLENT Based on 768 reviews Jona2025-01-02Verified Magical Experience in the Water and under the Stars It was a excellent experience. Swimming in the water with the glowing plankton around you and the stars in the sky was just magical. The guide Kevin was so full of energy and very nice. Jenny S2024-12-28Verified Great experience We did not have the best weather and therefore did not get a sunset but the kayak experience with the bioluminecent plankton was very cool! I have no comparison as this was my first time seeing this phenomena but we really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, it seemed hard to photograph or film with our limited equipment. Our guide, Ryan was friendly and knowledgable and made sure we enjoyed our experience. Also we had a great dinner (and they were able to provide some additional gluten free options). Kristof2024-12-21Verified Perfect day on the water I can only echo the other reviews here. 12+ hours on the water with the most amazing views. Small group, good vibes and somehow they manage to avoid the bigger groups. Just perfect. Highly recommended! Mathilde C2024-12-21Verified Wonderful cruise ! Wonderful tour! Little group, intimacy, with a very nice guide, professional and joking ! We can take time to jump and swimming ! The kayak was really nice. We recommend 😁 Tamara V2024-12-20Verified Amazing day! It was an amazing day! Ha Lan Bay is so beautiful. The boat we were on was great and big! You can enjoy the tour from the deck in the sun. Sometimes it felt like we were the only ones! A tour from Cat ba Local is recommended. From Ha Long is super crowded. Our guide Luu was telling us about the bay and about Cat ba with a lot of passion! renata f2024-12-18Verified Great day Great day. Wonderful places, the opportunity to admire scenic spots and to moove inside, swimming or by kayak. Loo is a very professional guide, who works with heart for his country, for nature, and for people who travels with. Thanks to the captain and his wife elena m2024-12-18Verified Amazing tour and great guide Amazing tour with great guide! We visited many places, enjoyed our time kayaking and swimming and eat good food.Luu was very friendly, helpful and well prepared!Thanks for this great experience Shana C2024-12-11Verified Go for it Excellent! Lovely your guide (I don’t remember his name, sorry). He was the best so far, and finally someone who is not begging for a 5 stars review! Totally deserved it, go with it you won’t be disappointed. Thanks a lot






Most frequent asked questions
By choosing Cat Ba Local, you are not just booking a tour; you are investing in an authentic, hassle-free, and enriching travel experience led by locals who are passionate about sharing the beauty and culture of their homeland. Here are the key reasons:
1. Authentic experience
Our tour guides possess a unique understanding of indigenous cultures and the local history. Their deep knowledge and passion for the region ensure that you get an authentic and immersive experience. By booking with Cat Ba Local, you gain access to hidden gems and local secrets that typical tours might miss. Our guides are locals themselves, offering the warm of a family and and sincerity that make you feel at home while discover new perspectives of life.
2. A seamless experience
We keep our high standard for all of your touchpoints. We partner with the best service possible for any need of yours, from transportation, accommodations , and best restaurant for all destinaions. This guarantees a reliable and seamless experience for you.
3. Convenience and Time Saving
We handle all the arrangements, from flights and hotels to transfers and activities. This saves you significant time and effort, allowing you to relax and enjoy your vacation without the stress of planning. With everything pre-arranged, you can avoid the hassle of contacting multiple service providers. Our streamlined process ensures a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
4. Socialize Opportunities
Our tours are designed to foster social interaction, allowing you to meet and connect with people who share your interests. Whether you prefer family-friendly tours or adult-only experiences, we have options that cater to your social preferences.
5. Best Price Guarantees
By having an excellent logistic chain, we deliver you the best experience in a price that
We offer competitive pricing due to our ability to bulk buy package deals, passing the savings onto you. This allows you to enjoy a cost-effective travel experience without compromising on quality. Our packages often include all meals and trips, reducing uncertainty about additional costs. This helps you budget accurately for your trip, avoiding any unexpected expenses.
Travel with Local Experts” it is about the authentic local experience that make us different.
Our tour guides are natives with an intimate knowledge of the local culture, history, and landscapes. This local insight ensures that you experience the true essence of Cat Ba, beyond the typical tourist spots.
They also share unique perspectives; personal stories and cultural nuances that you won’t find in guidebooks, offering a deeper understanding of the region. One more thing, you will have a playful local friend after the trip.
Yes, we always trike towards to give you the best possible exprience contact us to design your vacation together for free
Yes, our tours are designed to be suitable for both children and older adults. We have several special offers for children as follows:
– Infants (under 2 years old): Free
– Kids (From 2 to 4 years old): just must to pay 25% tour value
– Child (From 5 to 9 years old): just must to pay 50% tour value
– Teenagers (From 10 to 13 years old): just must to pay 75% tour value
We are ready to provide special diets that suit your needs if you inform us when booking your tour. Most of our meals include seafood and local cuisine, so if you are vegetarian or have any allergies, please let us know in advance. This way, we can ensure your dietary requirements are met throughout your journey.
You have 2 options to pay: Online & Offline
For your convenience, we offer multiple payment options. You can pay in cash or by credit card (with a 3% service charge). Alternatively, you can use applications like PayPal or WISE, and we will cover the service fees for these apps – less fees transfer.
Please let us know your preferred payment method. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out.
In the event of weather-related issues, such as storms or heavy rain preventing boats from setting sail, we have the following policies:
– If the tour needs to be rescheduled due to adverse weather conditions and you’re still on Cat Ba Island during the rescheduled period, we will postpone the tour to the following day. If you’re no longer on Cat Ba Island during the rescheduled period, we will provide a full refund of the tour cost if you’ve already made payment.
– In the case of unexpected events originating from guests: If you cancel before 7 days prior to the tour, you are eligible for a refund. If you cancel 5 days before the tour, we will refund 80% of the deposit; if you cancel within 3 days, a 50% refund will be provided. Cancellations made after this period will result in forfeiture of the deposit.
In other special cases, our customer service department will provide individualized support to guests.
No, accommodations are not included in the experiential tours. However, our sales staff will assist you in booking accommodations if you provide them with clear descriptions of your room preferences, budget, and other requirements. Additionally, you will receive a discount voucher for accommodations when booking our experiential tours.
No, international flights are not part of the experiential tour package. However, our sales team will aid you in arranging international flights upon receiving clear descriptions from you.