🚧 The 2025 Guide to Visiting Cat Ba Island 🏝 Amidst Construction : How to Avoid Disruptions and Still Have a Brilliant Trip 🌅

Introduction Cat Ba Island is getting a facelift in 2025, with new bridges, expanded roads, and a wave of resort developments. While this means smoother travel in the future, at the moment, you might find a few detours, some scenic cranes, and the odd symphony of construction noise. But don’t let that put you off! With a bit of planning, you can still have an amazing time exploring Cat Ba’s stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, and hidden gems.

Current Construction Updates & How to Dodge the Disruptions

🚧 Cat Ba Bridge & Road Expansion – Roadworks on the main Got Pier – Cat Ba Town highway may cause some frustrating traffic.

Top tip: Skip the traffic and take the Hai Phong to Ben Beo Port speedboat instead.

🏗 Resort & Hotel Developments – Expect some clatter in Cat Ba Town’s waterfront area and parts of Cai Beo fishing village.

Better option: Stay in Viet Hai Village or near Cat Co 2 Beach for a peaceful retreat.⛴ Ferry &

Speedboat Services – Work at Got Pier has made ferries a bit of a gamble.

Plan B: Use the Tuan Chau – Gia Luan ferry and drive from Gia Luan to Cat Ba Town.🛣

National Park Trail Upgrades – Ngu Lam Peak trail is off-limits for now. No worries! Check out Ao Ech Trail or Viet Hai Trekking Route instead.

💡 Stay Updated: Don’t get caught out—keep up with the latest on:

• 🏝 Cat Ba Travel Forum on TripAdvisor (link)

• 🌍 Vietnam Backpacker Travel Facebook Group (link)

• 🛶 Cat Ba Island Updates on Reddit (link)

• 📢 Ask your hotel or homestay for local news.

How to Travel Smart & Avoid the Chaos

🔹 Stay in Less Affected Areas – If you want a good night’s sleep, pick accommodation away from the dust and drills:

• 🏝 For a quiet escape: Eco-lodges in Lan Ha Bay or hotels near Cat Co 2 Beach.

• 🌿 For nature lovers: Homestays in Viet Hai Village or within Cat Ba National Park.

• 🛶 For adventure seekers: Floating bungalows in Lan Ha Bay, far from the noise.

🔹 Choose Alternative Transport Routes – Skip the bottlenecks:

• 🚢 Dodge Got Pier delays by hopping on the Hai Phong → Ben Beo Port speedboat.

• 🚘 Skip the roadworks and take the Tuan Chau – Gia Luan ferry instead.

🔹 Plan Around Construction Hours – Building work runs from 9 AM – 5 PM, so aim for early

morning or evening activities to enjoy the peace and quiet.

🔹 Find Hidden Gems – Give the busiest spots a miss and explore:

• 🏖 Tung Thu Beach and Ba Trai Dao Beach instead of Cat Co 1.

• 🛶 Lan Ha Bay’s quiet inlets for a peaceful kayak session.

• 🥾 Viet Hai Village trails instead of the closed Ngu Lam Peak route.

🔹 Stay Flexible – Some detours are unavoidable, so have a backup plan (and a sense of humour!).

Top Things to Do (That Aren’t Affected by Construction!)

🌊 Explore Lan Ha Bay – Paddle through secluded coves and floating villages.

🏝 Relax at Cat Co Beaches – Cat Co 2 is your best bet for fewer crowds.

⛰ Alternative Hikes – Try the Viet Hai Trek or Ao Ech Trail.

🦇 Visit Hospital Cave – A fascinating underground war hospital that’s fully open.

🐒 Spot the Rare Cat Ba Langurs – Join a guided tour to see one of the world’s rarest primates.

🤿 Snorkelling & Diving – Head to Ba Trai Dao Beach for crystal-clear waters.

Best Places to Stay for a Stress-Free Trip

🏨 Luxury & Quiet Resorts – Perla Dawn Sails (Lan Ha Bay) and Cat Ba Sunrise Resort (Cat Co 2 Beach).

🏕 Eco-Lodges & Homestays – Viet Hai Village Homestay and Green Mountain Bungalow (Lan Ha Bay).

🛏 Budget Hostels & Guesthouses – Little Cat Ba Hostel and Blue Lagoon Homestay (away from the hammering and drilling).

💡 Tip: Book in advance – everyone’s trying to escape the construction zones!

Getting to Cat Ba in 2025 (Without the Hassle)

✈️ From Hanoi – Bus + ferry combo (4–5 hours) or direct speedboat from Hai Phong.

🚢 From Ha Long Bay – Ferry or private boat tour.

🚗 Self-Drive from Hai Phong – Drive via the new expressway and take the Tuan Chau – Gia Luan ferry.

💡 Tip: Check ferry schedules – they’ve been a bit unpredictable lately.

Best Time to Visit (And Avoid the Worst of the Work!)

☀ March – May (Spring) – Less road disruption, great for hikes and kayaking.

☀ September – November (Autumn) – Fewer tourists, mild weather.

🌧 June – August (Summer) – Hot but perfect for island hopping.

🌧 December – February (Winter) – Quieter, but some trails may still be closed.

💡 Tip: Always check for real-time construction updates before finalising your itinerary.

Final Travel Tips

✅ Pack Light – You might be walking more than expected.

✅ Stay Updated – Construction schedules change, so keep checking.

✅ Book Early – Speedboats and quiet accommodations fill up fast.

✅ Plan Alternative Routes – Some ferries and roads may have delays.

✅ Keep an Open Mind – Yes, there’s construction, but Cat Ba is still absolutely worth it!

Conclusion

Alright, so Cat Ba is currently a bit of a work-in-progress—but don’t let that put you off! With some smart planning, you can still have an incredible trip. There are plenty of quiet spots to escape the noise, breathtaking scenery that isn’t under construction, and loads of adventures waiting. Dodge the disruptions, embrace the adventure, and make the most of Cat Ba in 2025!