Compare Cat Ba and Ha Long Tours: What is best Choice?

Northern Vietnam travel is incomplete without mentioning Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island – two of the most iconic destinations in the region. Both boast dramatic limestone karsts, emerald waters, and rich marine ecosystems. But the big question remains: Should you choose a Cat Ba tour or a Ha Long tour? Which destination is more beautiful, better value for money, and more suitable for your travel style?

Cat Ba island

This article provides a detailed comparison of Cat Ba tours vs Ha Long tours, based on key criteria such as scenery, itinerary, tour prices, travel experiences, crowd levels, accommodation, activities, and accessibility — helping you make the most informed decision for your trip.

Hạ Long city 

1. Overview of Cat Ba Tours and Ha Long Tours

1.1. Ha Long Tour – The Icon of Vietnam Tourism

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, famous for its more than 1,900 limestone islands and islets rising spectacularly from the sea. It is one of Vietnam’s most internationally recognized destinations, frequently featured in global travel campaigns.

Ha Long tours are known for:

• Professional services
• Modern, luxury cruise ships and hotels
• A wide range of options from budget to ultra-luxury

Popular Ha Long tour packages include:

• 1-day Ha Long Bay cruise tour
• 2 days 1 night (overnight cruise or hotel stay)
• 3 days 2 nights luxury retreat (1 night hotel + 1 night cruise)

1.2. Cat Ba Tour – Untouched Nature & Diverse Experiences

Cat Ba is the largest island in the Lan Ha Bay archipelago, located in Cat Hai District, Hai Phong. Compared to Ha Long, Cat Ba is often considered more unspoiled, peaceful, and closer to nature. What makes Cat Ba special is its unique combination of sea – forest – limestone bay landscapes in one journey.

Cat Ba tours often include:

• Lan Ha Bay sightseeing
• Kayaking
•  Swimming
• Trekking in Cat Ba National Park
• Overnight stay on cruise, homestay, or seaside hotel

2. Detailed Comparison: Cat Ba Tour vs Ha Long Tour

To answer the question, “Should you visit Cat Ba or Ha Long?”, let’s break down each important factor below.

3. Comparison of Natural Scenery

3.1. Ha Long – Majestic and World-Famous

Ha Long impresses with its grandeur and polished tourism infrastructure. Ha Long Bay offers breathtaking, grand-scale landscapes. If you prefer dramatic scenery, easy accessibility, and globally recognized beauty, Ha Long is a top choice, featuring:

• Famous cave systems: Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Luon Cave
•  Beaches: Titop Beach, Bai Chay Beach, Hon Gai Beach, Tuan Chau Beach
•  Floating fishing villages: Cua Van, Vung Vieng
• Iconic islets: Fighting Cocks Islet, Frog Islet
• Onshore attractions: Bai Tho Mountain, Sun Wheel, Bai Chay Bridge

Kissing Rocks on Ha Long Bay

3.2. Cat Ba – More Peaceful and Natural

If you love raw nature and prefer destinations that feel less commercialized, Cat Ba stands out. Lan Ha Bay (part of Cat Ba) features hundreds of limestone islands similar to Ha Long but offers:

• Fewer tourist boats
• Quieter atmosphere
• Clearer water in many areas
• More secluded, natural beaches

Beyond Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba also offers:

• Cat Ba National Park – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
• Rich mangrove ecosystems
• Natural island beaches: Cat Co 1, 2, 3; Tung Thu Beach; Chu Tit Beach
•  Famous photo spots: Lien Minh Butterfly Valley, scenic coastal road, “Love Trail” connecting Cat Co 1 & Cat Co 3

Cát Cò Beach 

3.3. Scenery Verdict

• Want iconic, world-famous landscapes? → Choose Ha Long
•  Prefer peaceful, untouched nature? → Choose Cat Ba

4. Comparison of Crowd Levels

This is a crucial factor when choosing your destination.If you want beautiful photos and fewer crowds, Cat Ba has the advantage.

Ha Long:

• Extremely crowded during peak season (May–August)
•  Popular with both domestic and international tour groups
• Long queues at famous attractions

Cat Ba:

• Less crowded on Lan Ha Bay
•  Town center busy on weekends
• Easier to organize private tours

Cat Ba Jetski Show

5. Comparison of Travel Experiences

5.1. Activities in Ha Long

Ha Long focuses more on luxury cruise experiences and high-end relaxation:

• Cave exploration
• Kayaking
•  Overnight cruise stays
• Sunset parties on deck
• Night squid fishing
•  Vibrant nightlife: beach bars, night markets, fireworks

Dolphin Ha Long cruise

5.2. Activities in Cat Ba

Cat Ba offers more adventurous and nature-based activities:

• Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay
•  Swimming and cliff jumping
•  Trekking in Cat Ba National Park
•  Rock climbing, forest cycling
• Visiting floating fishing villages
• Beach swimming
• Jetski fireworks performance show – “Symphony of the Green Island”
• Night kayaking to exlore Plankton

5.3. Experience Verdict

• Prefer luxury relaxation? → Ha Long
• Prefer adventure and exploration? → Cat Ba

6. Tour Price Comparison: Ha Long vs Cat Ba

Ha Long Tour Prices (Reference)

• Ha Long bay 1-day on 5–6 star cruise: 900,000 – 1,500,000 VND
• 2D1N hotel stay (3–5 stars): 2,500,000 – 3,000,000 VND
• Ha Long Bay 2D1N overnight cruise: 3,500,000 – 4,000,000 VND

 

Ha Long bay 5 star Overnight cruise

Cat Ba Tour Prices (Reference)

• 1 day Cat Ba – Lan Ha Bay cruise tour: 600,000 – 1,000,000 VND
•  Cat Ba 2D1N tour - hotel stay: 1,800,000 – 3,500,000 VND
• Lan Bay Bay - Ha Long bay 3 days 2 night cruise: 4,000,000 – 6,000,000 VND

Price Verdict

Cat Ba is generally more budget-friendly. If you have a limited budget, Cat Ba is the more economical choice, while Ha Long offers a clearer high-end luxury segment.

7. Accommodation Comparison

If you’re planning a honeymoon or luxury retreat, Ha Long has the advantage.

Ha Long:

• Wide range of 3–6 star hotels
•  Luxury resorts
• International-standard 5–6 star cruises

Cat Ba:

• 2–4 star hotels (only 2–3 properties meet 5-star standards)
• Sea & Mountain-view homestays

Vin Pearl Ha Long Resort

8. Food & Seafood Comparison

Both destinations are famous for fresh seafood: Lobster, mantis shrimp, geoduck clam, crab, horseshoe crab… However: Ha Long features larger, professionally managed restaurants. Cat Ba offers more local eateries with better prices. If you want affordable seafood dining, Cat Ba is generally more budget-friendly.

9. Transportation Comparison

Although transportation to Cat Ba has improved significantly, Ha Long remains more convenient for faster travel.

Getting to Ha Long:

• Hanoi – Ha Long Expressway (2–2.5 hours)
• Limousine buses available
•  Well-developed infrastructure

Getting to Cat Ba:

• Ferry, high-speed boat, or cable car
•  Longer travel time, especially on peak weekends (May–August)
• More scenic journey compared to the highway to Ha Long

Costal road to Cat Ba

10. Should You Choose Cat Ba or Ha Long Based on Your Travel Style?

10.1. Families with Young Children

→ Ha Long is more suitable: Professional services, easier transportation, fewer physically demanding activities.

10.2. Young Adventurous Groups

→ Cat Ba is ideal: Kayaking, free swimming, trekking & hiking, bay camping, more affordable pricing.

10.3. Honeymoon Couples

→ A 5-star overnight Ha Long cruise offers a more romantic experience.

10.4. Nature Lovers Seeking Tranquility

→ Cat Ba clearly stands out.

Viet Hai fishing village (Cat Ba) 

11. Conclusion: Cat Ba or Ha Long – Which Should You Choose?

There is no absolute right answer. Choosing between a Cat Ba tour and a Ha Long tour depends entirely on your travel goals. Both destinations showcase the spectacular limestone bay landscapes of Northern Vietnam. If Ha Long represents international prestige and luxury tourism, Cat Ba charms visitors with its authenticity, tranquility, and closer connection to nature.

If you want	Choose
Luxury retreat	Ha Long
Untouched natural experience	Cat Ba
Premium cruise	Ha Long
Budget-friendly trip	Cat Ba
Fewer crowds	Cat Ba
World-famous icon	Ha Long

We hope this detailed guide helps you confidently decide between Cat Ba and Ha Long for your next adventure. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed unforgettable experiences surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Northern Vietnam’s limestone bays.