
Cat Co Beaches Cat Ba
A trio of beautiful beaches on Cat Ba Island, offering swimming, sunbathing, and stunning coastal views. Cat Co 1 is the most popular.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy calm waters

Cat Co Beaches Cat Ba
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy calm waters

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A trio of beautiful beaches on Cat Ba Island, offering swimming, sunbathing, and stunning coastal views. Cat Co 1 is the most popular.
"Beautiful beach with great views. Evening would be a good time to visit."

🌅 Early Bird Gets the Beach
Visit Cat Co 1, 2, or 3 early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best of the beach.
🚶♀️ Walkway Wonders
Utilize the walkway connecting Cat Co 1 and 3 for easy access and scenic views.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cat Co 1 Beach
Cat Ba Town
The most popular of the three, known for its soft sand, clear waters, and stunning mountain backdrop. Perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Cat Co 2 Beach
Cat Ba Town
A more serene option with slightly clearer water, though it has a rockier bottom. Offers a peaceful escape.

Cat Co 3 Beach
Cat Ba Town
Recommended for its beauty and amenities, this beach is connected by a walkway to Cat Co 1, offering a convenient experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Cat Co Beaches
Navigating Cat Ba's Coastal Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Early Bird Gets the Beach
Visit Cat Co 1, 2, or 3 early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best of the beach.
🚶♀️ Walkway Wonders
Utilize the walkway connecting Cat Co 1 and 3 for easy access and scenic views.
💰 Bike Parking Fee
Expect a small fee (around 10k VND) for parking your motorbike near the beaches.
🗑️ Be Mindful of Trash
While beautiful, some visitors note trash issues. Help keep it clean by disposing of waste properly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Early Bird Gets the Beach
Visit Cat Co 1, 2, or 3 early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best of the beach.
🚶♀️ Walkway Wonders
Utilize the walkway connecting Cat Co 1 and 3 for easy access and scenic views.
💰 Bike Parking Fee
Expect a small fee (around 10k VND) for parking your motorbike near the beaches.
🗑️ Be Mindful of Trash
While beautiful, some visitors note trash issues. Help keep it clean by disposing of waste properly.
🍜 Local Food Nearby
A nearby market offers great food options, and public shuttles can take you to the main market.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cat Co Beaches offer beautiful scenery and pleasant swimming conditions, with Cat Co 1 being a favorite for its soft sand. However, some visitors are disappointed by overcrowding and litter, suggesting a need for better upkeep. Despite these drawbacks, the beaches remain a popular spot for relaxation and enjoying the coastal charm of Cat Ba Island.
"Beautiful beach with great views. There’s a walkway that connects to the cat co 3 beach. Evening would be a good time to visit."
prajwal kulkarni
"As some other commented, beach destroyed by the mankind's greedy. Full of concrete and mixture of coloured buildings...
Beach full of plastic and small plastic particles.. expected something more.. stunning but got disappointed instead... Perhaps in used to other type of scenery more.. wild and better taken care.
Local government should take care of the trash and upkeep it.
If you park the bike there, fee is 10k VND."
Alberto Jiménez
"When we visited in mid-November, there was a small crowd. Entry is free and open to everyone, as the beach is not privatized. It is clean, with shallow water perfect for swimming. The sand here is softer and better than Cat Co 2, with no rocks at the bottom. While Cat Co 2 has slightly clearer water, it also has a rocky bottom. A nearby market within walking distance offers great food and shopping options. You can also use a public shuttle service to the main market for just 5,000 dongs PP. The big hotel in the back ruins the view. One can use loungers, shower or pay for food and drinks from these very hotels. I personally feel bathroom and shower can be used in these hotels. It is decently charged."
Flashes Pearlies
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cat Co Beaches are easily accessible from Cat Ba Town. You can walk along the coastal path or take a short taxi or motorbike ride. Many visitors enjoy the scenic walk, which connects Cat Co 1 and Cat Co 3.
While there isn't direct public bus service to the beaches themselves, you can use the public shuttle service to reach the main market area, and then it's a short walk or ride to the beaches.
Yes, renting a scooter is a popular way to explore Cat Ba Island, including the Cat Co Beaches. This gives you the flexibility to visit all three beaches and other attractions.
To reach Cat Ba Island, you'll typically take a bus from Hanoi to Hai Phong, then a ferry or speedboat to Cat Ba. Many tours also include transfers.
Entry to Cat Co Beaches is generally free as they are not privatized. You may pay for amenities like loungers or showers provided by hotels.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Cat Co Beaches are open to the public and do not require an entrance ticket. You can freely access Cat Co 1, 2, and 3.
The beaches are generally accessible throughout the day and into the evening. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
While beach entry is free, you can rent loungers and umbrellas, and use showers and bathrooms, typically from the adjacent hotels for a fee.
Many tours of Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay include stops at Cat Ba Island and its beaches. Booking through platforms like GetYourGuide can be seamless.
Following a typhoon, some areas might still be recovering, and beaches could be affected by debris. It's advisable to check local conditions if traveling immediately after severe weather.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on the sand. The waters are generally shallow and good for swimming. Some visitors also enjoy snorkeling.
Cat Co 1 is often cited as the most beautiful with softer sand, while Cat Co 2 offers clearer water but is rockier. Cat Co 3 is also recommended and connected by a walkway.
Cat Co Beaches, especially Cat Co 1, can get very crowded, particularly during peak season and midday. Visiting early morning or late afternoon is recommended for a less crowded experience.
Water quality can vary. While some reviews mention clear waters, others note issues with trash and plastic particles, suggesting it's not always pristine.
Yes, amenities like restrooms and showers are available, typically managed by the hotels adjacent to the beaches. These can be used for a fee.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There's a market within walking distance of the beaches offering a variety of food options. You can also find restaurants and cafes in Cat Ba Town.
Yes, you can purchase food and drinks from the hotels that manage parts of the beach amenities.
Seafood is a popular choice in Cat Ba. Look for fresh catches at local restaurants and markets.
Prices can vary. Eating at the local market or smaller eateries in Cat Ba Town is generally more budget-friendly than dining at hotel restaurants.
There are no explicit restrictions mentioned, but it's always good practice to be tidy and dispose of your waste properly if you bring your own food.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and golden hues. The coastal trail also provides great vantage points.
The walkway connecting Cat Co 1 and 3 offers scenic views. Drone shots can capture the beauty of the coastline and surrounding karst formations.
Expect beautiful beach scenes, coastal landscapes, and views of the limestone karsts that are characteristic of the Ha Long Bay area.
While crowds can be a challenge, focusing on details, using a wider lens, or waiting for moments when people move can still yield great shots. Early morning is your best bet for crowd-free photos.
While drone footage is popular, always check local regulations regarding drone usage in Vietnam, as restrictions can apply.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the beaches are accessible, be aware that some areas might have rocky bottoms, especially Cat Co 2. Bringing sand toys and snacks can enhance the fun. For a break from the beach, explore the nearby market for local treats or consider a family-friendly cruise around Lan Ha Bay, which often includes stops at calmer waters.
💰 Budget Travelers
While luxury cruises are popular, consider day trips or shorter boat tours in Lan Ha Bay for a more budget-conscious way to experience the stunning scenery. Renting a scooter is also an economical way to explore the island and reach the beaches independently.
couples
Consider booking a sunset cruise on Lan Ha Bay, which often departs from Cat Ba Island. These cruises provide breathtaking views of the karst landscapes bathed in golden light, creating a truly memorable experience. Enjoying fresh seafood at a local restaurant in Cat Ba Town after a day at the beach is also a perfect way to end a romantic day.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Cat Co Beach Trio
Cat Co 2 offers a slightly more serene experience with clearer waters, though its bottom is rockier. Cat Co 3 is also a great option, recommended for its beauty and amenities, and importantly, it's connected to Cat Co 1 by a scenic walkway. This walkway is a highlight, offering lovely views and easy access between the two beaches.
While these beaches offer a pleasant coastal experience, some visitors have noted that they can become quite crowded and, at times, affected by litter. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the peak crowds and enjoy a more peaceful visit.
Beyond the Beach: Cat Ba Island Adventures
Adventurous travelers can also explore Trung Trang Cave, a significant geological formation on the island. For a unique perspective, rock climbing is an option for experienced climbers. Renting a scooter is a popular way to traverse the island, allowing you to discover hidden coves and scenic routes at your own pace.
Many visitors also combine their beach time with cruises through Lan Ha Bay, which is often described as a less crowded but equally stunning alternative to Ha Long Bay. These cruises offer opportunities for kayaking, swimming in secluded bays, and enjoying the dramatic karst landscapes.
Understanding the Ha Long Bay vs. Lan Ha Bay Distinction
Lan Ha Bay, located to the south of Ha Long Bay and adjacent to Cat Ba Island, is often praised for being a less touristy and equally beautiful alternative. It features a similar landscape of limestone karsts but with more islands and a larger area for exploration. Many visitors recommend Lan Ha Bay for a more tranquil and authentic experience, often accessible via cruises departing from Cat Ba.
When planning your trip, consider whether you prefer the iconic, bustling experience of Ha Long Bay or the serene, less-trafficked beauty of Lan Ha Bay. Both offer incredible natural scenery and opportunities for boat tours and exploration.


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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit