There are 367 islands in the stunning archipelago southeast of Lan Ha Bay, but one stands out for its size and popularity: Cat Ba Island.
Limestone rocks surround the town of Cat Ba in northern Vietnam with multiple ferry ports to whisk you away from wherever you wish. Most of the island’s 13,000 inhabitants live in the town, where most hotels tower over the main road and overlook the harbor in the distance.
These are where most domestic and international visitors choose to stay due to their proximity to the ferry terminal and seafood restaurants. But the best accommodation options arguably are found further afield.
Flamingo Cat Ba Resort
Though only opened two years ago, Flamingo Cat Ba Resort has already become the most famous hotel in the area. Pictures of the enormous site are displayed wherever you go, from giant electronic billboards to smaller posters at the pier.
The resort perfectly matches the surrounding landscapes and is easily comparable to the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. There is a beautiful blend of nature and sea as the green resort overlooks two of the most stunning beaches on the island.
 |
| The beach at Flamingo Resort. Photo by Darren Barnard |
Besides, suppose you are willing to pay high-end prices. In that case, you will be rewarded with a room overlooking these blissful beaches with a uniquely designed jungle walkway connecting your room with other hotel parts such as the infinity pool, bar, gym, and restaurants.
If you aim not to lift a finger and achieve peak relaxation in Cat Ba, I suggest you look no further than this one.
Hotel Perle d’Orient Cat Ba – MGallery
Just a few minutes up the road from Flamingo, you will find another hotel that also boasts views of the bay from an enticing infinity pool and lies along the ever-popular beach 3. Hotel Perle d’Orient has more elegant rooms than Flamingo, so if extravagance and instaworthy photos are what you desire, this is a good option.
The hotel oozes charm but is arguably a less family-friendly option than others, focusing on sophistication and class.
If you want to avoid the extravagant price but still crave luxury and relaxation by the pool, I would suggest paying a small daily fee of around VND200,000 ($8.70) to access the pool and bar areas.
Le Pont Hotel & Bungalow Hostel
Next is a more affordable option with various rooms to suit couples, families, and backpackers. However, it still offers a relaxing view of the traditional blue fishing boats in gorgeous Lan Ha Bay.
 |
| The sun sets over the fishing boats alongside the road leading to Le Pont Hotel. Photo by Darren Barnard |
The terrace also has a billiards table to keep you entertained while its restaurants whip you up a reasonably priced meal that you can enjoy while taking in the views of the sea and delightful flowers on the rocky hill the hotel is situated on.
This hotel may be the best option for you if you travel solo and want to meet people over breakfast to explore the island.
Lan Homestay
Now for something different: a paradise in the middle of the jungle with stilt houses you would usually associate with mountainous places like Sa Pa and Mai Chau. This homestay in Cat Hai village offers an alternative option for visitors to Cat Ba island.
Tranquility awaits you amid the jungle in Cat Hai. Though the place is not as easily accessible as the earlier ones, it will reward if you seek stillness and an escape from the masses who overrun the island.
You can take the adventurous route to reach the village by embarking on an 8km trek through the national park. Those with less time or the energy needed to climb cliffs and gorges can take a boat from Ben pier southeast of Cat Ba Town.
The village comprises around 80 houses made of bamboo, wood, and leaves, and locals live off fishing, farming, and livestock breeding.
Monkey Island Resort
 |
| Monkey Island’s private beach with kayaks available to guests. Photo by Darren Barnard |
The final place is reachable by boat from Cat Ba, but do not be deterred by this; instead, see it as another opportunity to see the beauty of Lan Ha Bay as you make your way from Ben pier.
On arrival, you will be greeted by monkeys enjoying life and outnumbering guests on the resort as they frolic in the spacious area. But the monkeys are not the only entertainment here; you can also kayak, play volleyball or take a hike to view the bay from the same perspective as the enormous eagles that soar overhead.
Until recently, the island was one of the popular day trips available to tourists, but now you can only access it if you are a guest. This news is excellent if you seek serenity while sipping a cocktail during your stay.
