1. Cat Co Beaches (1, 2, and 3): The Quintessential Cat Ba Experience

Conveniently located just a short distance from Cat Ba Town, these three beaches offer a variety of experiences. Their accessibility makes them a prime example of how to get to Cat Ba beaches with ease – often just a quick motorbike or electric car ride away.

• Cat Co 1: As the largest and most popular beach. Cat Co 1 boasts soft, golden sand and moderate waves, making it perfect for a refreshing swim.
• Cat Co 2: Cat Co 2 offers a quieter and more intimate experience than Cat Co 1. With its calmer waters, it is an excellent choice for families with young children, providing a tranquil environment perfect for those seeking family-friendly beaches on Cat Ba Island.
• Cat Co 3: With slightly stronger waves, Cat Co 3 is ideal for more confident swimmers. While still easily accessible, it often feels more secluded than Cat Co 1, offering a convenient yet private experience.

Cat Co Beach is among the most popular and beautiful beach destinations on Cat Ba Island

2. Tung Thu Beach: Serenity Just Minutes Away

When someone asks you about the top beaches near Cat Ba town, you should recommend Tung Thu Beach. It's just a 10-minute drive from Cat Ba town center, making it very accessible. Framed by limestone karsts and coconut palms, this location boasts a picturesque setting for your relaxing days. Tung Thu Beach is ideal for those seeking relaxation, providing ample space for sunbathing, swimming in its inviting waters, and taking a quiet nap under the shade of a tree.

An view of Tung Thu Beach reveals a breathtaking landscape

3. Cat Dua (Monkey Island) Beach: An Encounter with Wildlife

If you're wondering how to get to Monkey Island Cat Ba, it's just a 20-minute boat ride from Cat Ba town, you can visit Cat Dua Beach, more famously known as Monkey Island Beach. This unique destination provides an opportunity to interact with the island's playful inhabitants – the monkeys! Cat Dua is home to two distinct crescent-shaped beaches:

• Cat Dua 1: You'll find restaurants, drink stalls, and rental services for essentials like swimwear and kayaks here. This area is more lively, with visitors often feeding the resident monkeys (though caution is advised).
• Cat Dua 2: This more tranquil section belongs to the Monkey Island Resort, offering a peaceful retreat with bungalows for those wishing to extend their stay overnight.

A view of Monkey Island Beach from above

4. Ba Trai Dao Beach: A Secluded Paradise

Located approximately 22 km southeast of Cat Ba Pier, Ba Trai Dao Beach, also known as Three Peaches Beach, is a truly unique destination. It has peach-shaped mountain peaks that emerge from the emerald waters. To reach this picturesque area, you'll need to go by kayak or as part of a Halong Bay cruise tour that ventures into this region.

A secluded beach with clear water, only accessible by boat

5. Van Boi Beach: Lan Ha Bay's Peaceful Gem

Where are the hidden beaches in Cat Ba that you must visit? Van Boi Beach, with its quiet ambiance, is perfect for low-impact water activities such as kayaking and snorkeling. It's clear, calm waters provide excellent visibility for exploring the underwater world. This area also features nearby caves to discover, adding an element of adventure. Access to Van Boi Beach is typically by boat or yacht, often included in Halong Bay or Cat Ba Island tours.

Peaceful Van Boi beach, clear waters, surrounded by stunning karsts

6. Tiger Beach: An Adventurer's Playground

Situated in the southern reaches of Lan Ha Bay, Tiger Beach is a mecca for thrill-seekers and rock climbing enthusiasts. This beach is famed for its towering limestone cliffs that plunge dramatically into the sea, offering a variety of climbing routes for different skill levels. While not primarily known as one of the best Cat Ba beaches for swimming in a traditional sense, its appeal lies in its adventurous spirit.

Rock climbing at Tiger Beach Lan Ha Bay is a famous activity

7. Nam Cat Island Beach: Group Fun and Serenity

Located approximately 5 km southeast of Cat Ba pier, Nam Cat Island Beach is a charming small beach perfect for both relaxation and social activities. With gentle waves and calm waters, it's an ideal spot for swimming and kayaking, with rentals readily available on the island. The beach often transforms into a lively hub for group gatherings, including bonfires, BBQ parties, karaoke sessions, and volleyball games.

Nam Cat Island is covered with a huge, green vegetation

8. Moody Beach: Deep Water Soloing and Exploration

Just a short swim or boat ride from Tiger Beach, Moody Beach offers another fantastic playground for adventure lovers. This beach is particularly renowned for its opportunities for rope climbing, deep water soloing (climbing without ropes above water), kayaking, and swimming. The stunning natural formations around Moody Beach provide a dramatic backdrop for these exhilarating Cat Ba beach activities, and tips here would include ensuring you have appropriate gear and guidance if you're attempting any climbing.

Rock climbers scale towering limestone cliffs near Moody Beach

9. Castaway Island Beach: The Ultimate Private Escape

This small, private island near Cat Ba boasts its own secluded beach, a pristine 300m² stretch of sand surrounded by lush mountains. The island is exclusively home to the Castaway Island Resort, an eco-friendly retreat featuring beautiful bamboo, which offers a truly unique stay. Access to Castaway Island is typically by boat from either Hai Phong port (approximately a 2-hour journey) or Ben Binh port.

A private island in Cat Ba

How to Get to Cat Ba Beaches: Your Transportation Guide

Understanding how to get to Cat Ba beaches is key to planning your perfect trip. The accessibility varies depending on whether the beach is near the main town or further out in the bay.

• From Cat Ba Town: Cat Co 1, 2, and 3, and Tung Thu Beach are incredibly convenient. You can easily walk to the Cat Co beaches (a pleasant 10-20 minute stroll along the scenic coastal path). For Tung Thu, which is a bit further, an electric car or taxi is recommended, with fares typically ranging from VND 10,000 – 15,000 (USD 0.5)
• To Further Islands and Beaches: For more remote beaches like Nam Cat Island, Tiger Beach, Moody Beach, Cat Dua (Monkey Island), Ba Trai Dao, Van Boi, and Castaway Island Beach, you'll need to arrange boat transportation. You can either charter a private boat from Beo Wharf or Cai Beo Fishing Village, or join an organized day tour that includes multiple stops, meals, and snorkeling or kayaking activities.

Tips for Visiting Cat Ba Island Beaches

To ensure your visit to the Cat Ba Island beaches is as enjoyable and seamless as possible, keep these practical tips in mind.

• The ideal time to explore the beaches on Cat Ba Island is from April to October, similar to the best time to go to Ninh Binh, when weather conditions are most favorable for outdoor adventures. These months offer the most reliable weather, with sunny, warm days and a calm sea that's just perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and all your favorite water activities. You can also combine it with a hiking adventure in the lush, protected forest of Cat Ba national park, home to one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in northern Vietnam. It’s recommended to avoid the rainy season in Phu Quoc (July - August) as unfavourable weather can result in a bad experience on this beautiful island.
• Pack essentials like high-SPF sunscreen to protect your skin, remember to drink water to stay hydrated. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are also recommended for added sun protection. For walking on rocky areas or exploring caves, beach sandals or water shoes can be very useful.
• For your safety in the water, stick to designated swimming areas. Watch out for flags or signs about currents, and always listen to locals who know the beach conditions best.
• To help preserve the island's pristine beauty, we encourage you to use eco-friendly products, minimizing your environmental footprint and ensuring a sustainable experience for all.
• Many beaches offer readily available rentals for water sports like kayaking and snorkeling. Prices are generally consistent, allowing for easy, on-the-spot rentals and hassle-free aquatic adventures.

From the bustling shores of Cat Co to the secluded serenity of Castaway Island, Cat Ba offers a beach experience for every traveler. Whether you're seeking family fun, thrilling adventure, or a peaceful escape into nature, these 9 Cat Ba Island beaches promise unforgettable moments. With convenient access options and practical tips on hand, your dream tropical getaway is within reach.

To visit Cat Ba beaches, book your Flight to Hai Phong with Vietnam Airlines today! For more details on flights, baggage policies, and travel itineraries, contact Vietnam Airlines via their hotline at 1900 1100, or through Fanpage or Zalo for expert advice.