Cat Ba Market – Dive into fresh seafood and island culture

1. Introduction to Cat Ba Market

If you’re looking to experience the local way of life, shop for fresh seafood, or pick up some regional specialties to take home, Cat Ba Market is definitely a place you shouldn’t miss. Nestled in the heart of Cat Ba Town, this bustling market captures the authentic spirit of island life. From the lively morning fish stalls to friendly local vendors selling handmade goods and dried delicacies, Cat Ba Market is more than a shopping spot, it’s a vibrant glimpse into the rhythm of everyday life on Cat Ba Island.

Cat Ba Market 

2. Where is Cat Ba Market?

Location: Cat Ba Market is located right in Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City.
Its central location makes it easy to reach, only about 400–500 meters from Cai Beo harbour, so visitors can easily walk there in just a few minutes. This is the largest market on the island, where locals gather to trade seafood, produce, and daily essentials, while tourists come to shop and explore.

Fresh seafood at Cat Ba Market

Opening hours: 05:00 am – 6:00 pm

The market opens very early, around 5:00 am, and remains active until late afternoon. The best time to visit is between 5:30 and 8:00 am, when fishing boats have just arrived and stalls are packed with freshly caught seafood at reasonable prices. After 9:00 am, the market becomes quieter, and some seafood stalls may close early once they sell out.

Cat Ba Market entrance

How to get there:

• On foot: If you’re staying in the town center, it’s just a 5–10 minute walk.
• By motorbike: Great for young travelers who prefer flexibility.
• By electric shuttle: A convenient and eco-friendly option, especially for families, seniors, or groups. Electric cars operate frequently across the island and are easy to hail at affordable rates.

With its convenient location, friendly atmosphere, and wide variety of local products, Cat Ba Market is a must-visit stop in your Cat Ba itinerary.

3. Must-try experiences at Cat Ba Market

Cat Ba Market is divided into three main areas, each offering its own charm and excitement.

Fresh seafood area

3.1. Fresh seafood area

This is the most vibrant section of the market — where you’ll find stalls overflowing with freshly caught seafood such as:

• Crabs, mantis shrimp, tiger prawns, squids, groupers, geoducks, and more — all still alive and splashing in water tanks.
• Prices are generally reasonable, especially in the early morning.
• Many reputable vendors also offer vacuum-packing and foam box services, making it easy for you to take your seafood back to the mainland or send it by bus.

Dried specialties area

3.2. Dried specialties area

If you’re looking for souvenirs or local delicacies to take home, this is the perfect place. Popular items include:

• Cat Ba rice crackers, shrimp paste, Cat Hai fish sauce, dried anchovies, dried squid, and dried sea worms (sá sùng).
• Prices range from 30,000 VND to several hundred thousand, depending on type and size.
• Choose products that are properly packaged and labeled to ensure quality and freshness.

Food corner

3.3. Food corner

The small food court inside Cat Ba Market is a local food lover’s paradise, where you can enjoy authentic island flavors:

• Must-try dishes: crab noodle soup (bánh đa cua), fish noodle soup, shrimp vermicelli, seafood porridge, and crab spring rolls (nem cua bể).
• Most eateries are clean, casual street food stalls frequented by locals, with prices ranging from 30,000–50,000 VND per bowl.

4. Tips for buying seafood at Cat Ba Market

To get the freshest seafood at the best price, keep these handy tips in mind:

• Visit early in the morning (5:30–7:30 am) — that’s when fishing boats return and the seafood is at its freshest. The market is lively, vendors are friendly, and you’ll have plenty of options.
• Check freshness carefully: Look for bright colors, shiny shells, and firm texture in shrimp, crabs, and mantis shrimp.
• Buy seasonal seafood: Each season offers different specialties, shopping in season ensures better flavor and lower prices.
• Compare prices among stalls and confirm weight before purchase.
  

Local rice buffet inside Cat Ba Market

If you’re buying dried seafood (like dried squid or anchovies) as gifts, remember to:

• Check packaging and expiry dates.
• Choose branded or vacuum-packed products from reputable stores.

With a bit of timing and attention, you can easily bring home the best seafood and local specialties from Cat Ba Market without worrying about overpaying.

5. Conclusion

Cat Ba Market is not just a place to buy seafood or souvenirs, it’s where you can truly feel the island’s pulse. From the sounds of early morning trading to the aroma of freshly cooked noodles, every corner reflects the vibrant, down-to-earth life of Cat Ba’s people. If you want to experience the real Cat Ba — lively, authentic, and full of coastal charm, make sure to stop by this bustling market on your trip!

If you’d like to explore Cat Ba Island, feel free to contact Cat Ba Du Ky Travel at +84 989 745 338 for travel advice. You can also check out our full-package Cat Ba tours below:

• Lan Ha Bay - Ha Long Bay 1 Day Boat Tour From Cat Ba
• Night Kayaking Tour With Bioluminescence Plankton On Lan Ha Bay
• Cat Ba National Park - Trung Trang Cave Half Day Trekking Tour
• Lan Ha Bay - Ha Long Bay 2 Days 1 Night Cruise From Cat Ba Island
• Ha Long Bay - Lan Ha Bay - Cat Ba Island 3 Day 2 Night Tour From Hanoi