Those backpacking Vietnam and seeking picturesque turquoise waters will find paradise in Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island. These two popular Vietnamese destinations are a must-visit for travelers, offering stunning natural beauty and adventure.
Cat Ba Island, located in the Cat Hai district of Hai Phong City, can be reached via both water and land transportation from Ha Long Bay. While Cat Ba Island is accessible by day tour, many visitors choose to stay overnight.
Before booking one of the best hostels in Cat Ba Island, we’ll give you the steps to reach this captivating destination from Ha Long Bay.
Backpacking Vietnam? Here are the best hostels in Vietnam.
Our favorite hostels in Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay are:
- Secret Garden Cat Ba - best for solo travelers
- Luna's House Hostel - best for backpackers
- Republic Hostel - best for female solo travelers
- Extra: Cat Ba Freedom Island Retreat - best for social butterflies
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Secret Garden Cat Ba
2. Luna's House Hostel
3. Republic Hostel
About Ha Long Bay:
Located in northeastern Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is a captivating UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see destination in Vietnam. Its blue-green waters, limestone karsts, and numerous islets make it truly remarkable. Whether you’re kayaking among the karsts or simply taking in the breathtaking scenery, the bay offers a peaceful haven for travelers. Explore the fishing villages, discover secret caves, and get lost in the lush landscapes of Ha Long Bay.
About Cat Ba Island:
Cat Ba Island, in northern Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, combines natural beauty with a vibrant culture. Its deep jungles, breathtaking cliffs, and pristine waters make it ideal for nature and adventure enthusiasts in Vietnam. Visiting the UNESCO-protected Cat Ba National Park, hiking many of the forest trails, and getting lost in Cat Ba Town’s markets are just a few of the many ways visitors to Vietnam can make the most of their time on the island, which is unquestionably a bucket-list Southeast Asia destination.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay costs around $10 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average of around $39 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Best time to visit Cat Ba: The months of March to May and September to November have drier weather and lower temperatures, making them ideal for visiting Cat Ba. June and July are the busiest months.
Rent a motorbike: The best way to get around the island is on a motorbike for the most freedom. Taxis and public transportation are adequate for most destinations on the island for non-drivers.
Don’t drink tap water: In most of Vietnam, tap water is unsafe to drink. Always drink bottled water or water filtered through a water filter.
Getting from Ha Long Bay to Cat Ba Island
1. Getting to Cat Ba Island by Speedboat: From Ha Long Bay, take a speedboat to Cat Ba Island. This is the quickest option, taking you there in about 20-30 minutes. They are available at various piers throughout Ha Long Bay and cost between 10 and 15 USD.
2. Getting to Cat Ba Island by Ferry: You can also take a ferry from Ha Long Bay’s Tuan Chau or Gia Luan piers to Cat Ba Island. Ferries run regularly, with a 45-minute ride, and cost roughly 5 USD.
3. Getting to Cat Ba Island by Bus: Alternatively, you can take a bus from Ha Long City to Hai Phong and then a ferry from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island. The ferry from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island is 5-8 USD.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay.
- Secret Garden Cat Ba – best for solo travelers
- Luna's House Hostel – best for backpackers
- Republic Hostel – best for female solo travelers
- Extra: Cat Ba Freedom Island Retreat - best for social butterflies
These are our favorite hostels in Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Secret Garden Cat Ba
2. Luna's House Hostel
3. Republic Hostel
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Secret Garden Cat Ba |
| 🙎♀️ Female Solo Traveler: | Republic Hostel |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Republic Hostel |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Cat Ba Freedom Island Retreat |
| 👫 For Socializing: | Cat Ba Freedom Island Retreat |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | Luna's House Hostel |
1. Secret Garden Cat Ba
A beautiful hostel serving as a sanctuary in a beautiful, artsy-designed garden is Secret Garden Cat Ba one of the best hostels in Cat Ba for those seeking a soothing atmosphere away from the chaos of Cat Ba. Located near the Cannon Fort, Secret Garden guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant and bar, which serves as a great place to meet other travelers.
The hostel’s swimming pool is a guest favorite, providing a sandless way to unwind after a day of exploring Cat Ba. You might even catch some live music performances on some days, adding to the overall social atmosphere.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
The friendly front desk staff can arrange Lan Ha Bay tours, National Park tickets, motorbike rentals, and any other services you need during your stay in Cat Ba.
The hostel has two mixed dorm rooms that sleep six and eight people each. A private room with a double bed is available, so couples should book ahead of time.
There is also another private room with one double bed for two and a single bed. Unfortunately, there is no shared kitchen; however, the private double room includes a small kitchen for those who have reserved it. Secret Garden is the place to book if you want a social hostel in Cat Ba without the loud parties.
This hostel comes with the following:
- Free Wi-Fi
- On-site restaurant and bar
- Tour desk services
- Swimming pool
Location: Secret Garden is centrally located in the southern part of Cat Ba. Cat Co Beach 1 is a 17-minute walk.
The best choice in Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay for:
- Solo travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Luna's House Hostel
This laid-back Luna's House Hostel has a soothing atmosphere to help you escape the city noise. Luna’s House Hostel, in essence, a backpacker’s hostel, is ideal for those looking for a good night’s rest while still having a bit of an ambiance.
This hostel is loved by all types of guests– and it mainly attracts more mature travelers, so don’t expect loud parties and lots of noise after hours, thankfully. This hostel is close to many restaurants and shops, as well as the Cannon Fort, so you’ll have plenty of options for how to spend your afternoons.
All of the nearby beaches are about a twenty-minute walk away.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Luna’s House offers three private rooms: a twin room that sleeps two, a double room that sleeps couples, and a 3-bed family room that sleeps one couple and one individual.
One mixed 6-bed dorm is available. Female dorms are not available. The hostel does not have a kitchen, but there is a free breakfast served daily.
This hostel comes with the following:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Rooftop terrace
- On-site restaurant and bar
- Free breakfast
- Tour desk services
Location: Luna’s House Hostel is centrally located in the south of Cat Ba. It is a 17-minute walk to Cat Co Beach 1.
A great choice for
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Republic Hostel
Republic Hostel is a new modern, and trendy hostel located outside of the city center, toward the upper southwest of the island. This hostel in Cat Ba is a favorite among all types of travelers. With a swimming pool and a lovely garden, travelers will find this hostel away from the hectic pace of Cat Ba to be peaceful and worthwhile.
Travelers should come here if they want to get away from the tourist traps, so plan on renting a motorcycle if you want to get around quickly, which is recommended because there isn’t much in the area.
Social travelers will enjoy this hostel because they can always meet new people at the hostel’s bar, which serves some delectable cocktails! The hostel also hosts the occasional family dinner, adding to the homey atmosphere. Spend the early evenings relaxing in the shared lounge or playing pool with other travelers at the pool table.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Despite the distance, the hostel’s staff can always arrange tours around the island.
Apart from its new design, the hostel has a variety of rooms to choose from. Three mixed-bed dormitories sleep eight and six people.
There is also one female-only dorm with six beds. Private rooms include a family suite that sleeps up to seven people, two triple rooms that sleep three to four people, and a single room that sleeps one. Couples and groups of friends enjoy this hostel because of its variety of room options.
However, because Republic Hostel lacks a kitchen, guests must order food from the hostel’s restaurant. Every day a free is served. This hostel is the best choice in Cat Ba for female travelers.
This hostel comes with the following:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Swimming pool
- On-site restaurant and bar
- Free daily breakfast
- Balcony
- Tour desk services
Location: This hostel is located far from the center of Cat Ba. The Cannon Fort is about a thirteen-minute drive away. It takes ten minutes to get to Xuan Dam Beach. There is not much to do or see in the area.
This is one of the best hostels in Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay for
- Solo female travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
4. Cat Ba Freedom Island Retreat
Cat Ba Freedom Island Retreat, a simply stunning hostel in Cat Ba, combines pleasure with the traditional backpacker spirit. The coolest thing about this hostel is that it is located on its own private island and beach, which will give you peace and an air of exclusivity while staying in Cat Ba.
Travelers should plan to stay here for a few days due to the effort necessary to get here (but don’t worry, the hostel offers free pick-up from the Cat Ba center).
This hostel stands out in terms of decor, service, amenities, and ambiance. Travelers to Cat Ba will get the honeymoon feeling by staying at Freedom Island Retreat, which offers stunning views of Cat Ba from its balconies and rooftops, a private beach, and free kayaking.
Check prices at:
Booking.com | Hostelz.com
This hostel’s hardworking staff is praised for the time and effort they put in to ensure all guests’ needs are met, such as hosting daily activities such as party boats, fishing, sunset watches, karaoke, BBQ nights, and so much more.
The hostel has an 8-bed mixed dorm, a couple’s bungalow, a triple room with a single and double bed, and a quadruple room with two double beds. The hostel does not have a kitchen, so it is recommended that you bring your own snacks and water from the mainland before arriving.
This hostel comes with the following:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Private beach
- Free kayaks to use
- On-site restaurant and bar
- Hostel pick-up
- Ferry service
- Balcony
- Shared lounge
Location: Freedom Island Retreat is on its own island between Lan Ha Bay and Cat Gia Bay. The hostel offers its own ferry service for travelers coming from Cat Ba, which must be arranged in advance.
This is one of the best Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay hostel for:All Posts
- Social butterflies
- Couples
- Groups
Check prices at:
Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay for Solo Travelers?
We think that the best hostel in Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay is Secret Garden Cat Ba. It has all the facilities you’d need as a solo traveler as well as caring staff and a great warm atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Party Hostels in Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay
The best party hostel in Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay is Republic Hostel. It has a super social atmosphere and it will be very easy for most people to meet awesome fellow travelers and easily make new friends.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
More Hostels worth a mention
At the moment, we think you are all set with the hostels we just shared with you. We always try to keep our guides super fresh and up to date. We might add more hostels worth a mention here in the future if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.
What about the cheapest hostels in Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
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How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
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Our Favorite Hostels in Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay put on a map + sights
We’re listing all the three best Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay hostels on a map to give you an idea of the location and distances between them.
This beautiful island in Ha Long Bay has a variety of things to do you might never want to leave. Here are a few of the top things to do and see in Cat Ba.
Visit the Cat Ba National Park: Cat Ba National Park, spanning across a large area of the island, is a verdant sanctuary that is home to numerous mammal, bird, and reptile species. Follow along the park’s many hiking trails, encounter a diverse array of plant and animal life, and take in the breathtaking views from the majestic mountain peaks.
Relax at Cat Co Beaches: The three stunning beaches of Cat Ba, all simply named “1”, “2”, or “3”, are known for their golden sands and blue waters. They can be reached from any of the central hostels in the south of Cat Ba.
Go Rock Climbing: Cat Ba is a popular rock climbing destination in Vietnam, with several climbing routes suitable for climbers of all levels. Whether you’re a new or a seasoned climber, admiring the limestone cliffs from above will provide you with a fresh perspective on Cat Ba.
Visit Monkey Island: Take a ferry from the south to the famous Monkey Island. Monkey Island, as the name implies, is home to a large population of monkeys. Observe them in their natural environment and capture some iconic images of these intelligent primates!
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FAQs
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Flights to Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay?
The nearest airport to Cat Ba (Station) is Haiphong (HPH) Airport, conveniently located just 35.2 km away.
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More handmade Guides for you
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Cat ba Island, Ha Long Bay.
We did the leg work for you and brought you more hostel guides to destinations in Vietnam:
- best hostels in Vietnam
- best hostels in Saigon
- best Hostels in Hanoi
- best Hostels in Da Nang
- best hostels in Hoi An
- best hostels in Hue
- best hostels in Dalat
- best hostels in Ninh Binh
- best hostels in Nha Trang
- best hostels in Ha Giang
- best hostels in Sapa
- best hostels in Phu Quoc Island
- coolest party hostels in Hanoi
- coolest party hostels in Ho Chi Minh
You can find all our new and updates articles for Best Hostels in here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list and more.
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
