Island in Hai Phong, Vietnam
Cat Ba
Hanoi's closest island escape, with Lan Ha Bay kayaking, limestone climbing and national park trails. Suits 3–7 day trips and sporty stays; it's quiet off-season and crowded with domestic holidaymakers in summer.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$578–925Comfortable, one person · ₫15M–24MDetails
- Value for money96/100Better value than 95% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Jul, 30°CDetails
- Internet301 MbpsFixed broadband, Vietnam medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; hostels offer refills.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$7.7–19.3Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundHanoi–Cat Ba bus-and-boat ticketWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards at hotels, hostels and many restaurants; cash for markets, small eateries, taxis and village homestays.Details
Where to stay in Cat Ba
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Cat Ba town | Hostels, restaurants, harbor and tour agents |
| Cat Co beaches | Short walk to small beaches and sea-view hotels |
| Viet Hai village | Quiet homestays inside the national park |
Apps that work in Cat Ba
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Zalo
- VeXeRe: Booking buses and sleeper coaches
- Taxis: No reliable ride apps; use metered taxis, electric shuttles or hotel-arranged drivers. Agree boat tour prices and inclusions in writing.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Vietnam.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards at hotels, hostels and many restaurants; cash for markets, small eateries, taxis and village homestays.
- Currency: Dong (VND). US$1 ≈ ₫25,953.96 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Foreign-card fees run roughly 20,000–110,000 VND per withdrawal and limits are low (often 2–5 million VND); compare banks.
- Tipping: Not expected; locals don't tip. Round up for drivers, and tip guides and spa staff for good service.
- Paying by phone: Apple and Google Pay work at contactless terminals; VietQR needs a Vietnamese bank account or a linked regional banking app.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Many nationalities need an e-visa: up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, US$25/US$50, applied for online.
- Look-alike agency sites charge several times the official fee; use only the government .gov.vn e-visa portal.
- Airlines may refuse boarding without an onward ticket dated within your visa or visa-free period.
Emergency numbers
Police 113 · Ambulance 115 · Fire 114
Plugs
Type A, C · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Viettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone airport kiosks sell tourist SIMs with big data allowances; passport required. City shops are cheaper. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Vietnam
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.