An Introduction to Cat Ong Island

Cat Ong Island is a charming, intimate isle nestled within the Cat Ba Archipelago in Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City. It has become a magnet for both domestic and international travelers, drawn by its pristine, rustic allure. The island’s name is inextricably linked to Cat Ba. According to local folklore, “Cat Ba” (meaning ‘Ladies’ Island’) refers to the place where women handled the logistics to support the war effort, while “Cat Ong” (meaning ‘Gentlemen’s Island’) served as the station for the men engaged in battle. The names are modern adaptations of these historical terms.

Cat Ong Island

Cat Ong Island boasts a raw, untouched natural landscape characterized by poetic mountains, lush greenery, and rolling peaks that reflect beautifully upon the crystal-clear waters. The climate here is cool, temperate, and refreshing. A visit to Cat Ong allows travelers to immerse themselves in a serene, romantic atmosphere, providing a perfect sanctuary for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life in favor of total peace.

How to reach Cat Ong Island

Cat Ong Island is a stunning, small island within the Cat Ba Archipelago, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong. It offers visitors unforgettable experiences, blending the untamed beauty of its forests and sea with a variety of engaging activities. To reach Cat Ong Island, visitors must first arrive in Cat Ba.

How to get to Cat Ba

To arrive at Cat Ong, travelers must first travel to Cat Ba Island, typically by speedboat, which is the primary mode of transport to Cat Ba Town. Speedboats depart from two main piers: Ben Binh in Hai Phong or Tuan Chau Harbor in Quang Ninh. Both ports offer multiple daily departures, with varying travel times and fares. From there, you will need to transfer to a boat.

If departing from Hai Phong, head to Ben Binh, where frequent speedboats travel to Cat Ba between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM. The journey from Ben Binh takes approximately 45 minutes. Ticket prices range from 250,000 VND to 300,000 VND per person, depending on the vessel type and the season (holiday surcharges may apply). We recommend booking your tickets in advance to secure your seat and avoid long waits.

If departing from Quang Ninh, you can travel to Tuan Chau Harbor, which features two daily speedboat departures to Cat Ba at 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. The journey takes about 60 minutes, with tickets ranging from 150,000 VND to 200,000 VND per person. Advance booking is also highly recommended to save both time and money.

Travelers should choose the pier that best suits their itinerary. If traveling from Hanoi, you can take a bus to either Hai Phong or Quang Ninh before transferring to a speedboat. For those arriving from the Central or Southern regions, fly into Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong and take a taxi or shuttle to the pier to catch your boat to Cat Ba.

How to explore Cat Ong

From Cat Ba, visitors can explore Cat Ong via a Lan Ha Bay sightseeing tour (Route 4) as a day trip, or by choosing an overnight cruise in the bay.

Itinerary: Cat Ba Tourist Center Pier – Cat Ong Island – Thien Ung Pagoda – Cat Ba Tourist Center Pier.
Half-day (4-hour) Lan Ha Bay charter rates:
– Groups of 10 – 20 guests: 2,500,000 VND – 3,500,000 VND/boat/session.
– Groups of 25 – 50 guests: 3,800,000 VND – 5,500,000 VND/boat/session.

What to do on Cat Ong Island?

Spanning a mere 45 hectares, Cat Ong Island possesses a majestic and enchanting allure. Here, you will behold towering limestone karsts cloaked in lush greenery, perfectly mirrored in the turquoise, crystalline waters below. Beneath the surface, you are invited to explore vibrant, kaleidoscopic coral reefs that serve as a sanctuary for a myriad of rare marine species.

Cat Ong Island

Upon arriving at Cat Ong Island, you will immediately be embraced by its pristine, refreshing atmosphere. Wander along the silky white sands, listening to the gentle murmur of the waves and the rhythmic whispering of the ocean breeze. You might also find yourself gathering glistening seashells along the shore—perfect keepsakes or thoughtful gifts for your loved ones back home.

For those seeking a stay that balances comfort with an intimate connection to nature, the island’s charming bungalows are an ideal choice. Crafted from locally sourced, sustainable materials such as wood, bamboo, and thatch, these dwellings appear as delightful, rustic accents against the sweeping backdrop of the beach.

Charming bungalows on Cat Ong Island

Cat Ong Island is also a magnificent destination for recreation and discovery. Whether you wish to swim in the azure sea, snorkel among the reefs, or paddle a kayak through hidden coves, the options are endless. For the adventurous, hiking and rock climbing trails offer breathtaking panoramic views of the entire island.

As one of the few islands that has remained largely untouched by mass tourism, Cat Ong retains its original, rugged beauty. A visit to Cat Ong offers a rare opportunity to experience a serene and simple way of life, profoundly connected to the natural world. It is an unmissable destination for any traveler exploring the Hai Phong region.