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I’ve been to Cat Ba Island a few times now. The first time, I just booked a standard hotel on the main drag in town. It was fine. Nothing wrong with it. But it was just a room. It could have been anywhere.
I kept hearing about homestays. I was skeptical. I figured it meant sleeping on a floor in someone’s living room. But after scrolling through Booking.com and Agoda for my second trip, I saw that a Cat Ba homestay could mean anything from a private bungalow to a room in a family guesthouse. It seemed like the better way to actually experience the island.
So I started trying them. I’ve stayed in a lot of them. Some were great. Some were… not so great (I’m not including those). This list is just the places I’ve personally stayed, paid for with my own money, and would tell a friend to book. This isn’t some scraped list from other blogs. It’s my actual experience. I’m writing this because finding good, honest information is hard, and I spent way too much time researching, so maybe this will save you some.
I know not everyone wants to read a novel, so here’s the quick list. You can scroll down for the full details.
- Stop searching and start planning your perfect trip to Cat Ba! This in-depth guide reveals my top 7 authentic Cat Ba homestay picks, complete with detailed insights, honest pros and cons, and a full itinerary to help you experience the best of the island.
- Lan Homestay: Located in Viet Hai Village inside Cat Ba National Park. Perfect for a quiet, nature-focused escape. Getting there requires a scenic boat trip or a hike. The rooms are simple but clean, and the hosts are a friendly local family who cooks all meals. It’s for travelers who want to disconnect.
- Cat Ba Central Homestay: Situated in a small alley right in Cat Ba Town. Ideal for those who want to be close to the action. It’s a no-frills, clean, and social spot with a very helpful host who can assist with booking tours, renting motorbikes (around 120,000 VND/day), and giving local tips.
- Cat Ba Spring Garden Homestay: A bit outside of town, about a 10-minute motorbike ride, but the main draw is the swimming pool. It’s a peaceful retreat with a nice garden, making it a great option for relaxing after a day of exploring. They also offer a simple free breakfast.
- Cat Ba Mystery Homestay: Tucked away on a quiet street, this is a great budget-friendly option for travelers seeking peace and quiet. The rooms are basic but clean, and the atmosphere is very calm and relaxed. The friendly owner can help with tour arrangements and motorbike rentals.
- Cat Ba Mountain View Homestay: Sits on a hill, offering stunning panoramic views of the mountains and bay, especially from the small rooftop pool. The rooms are more modern and comfortable than other homestays. It’s a great choice for those who prioritize a view and don’t mind a short uphill walk or a motorbike ride.
- An Homestay-Vietnamese Vegetarian Breakfast: This family-run homestay is famous for its incredible, delicious vegetarian breakfast. The hosts are exceptionally kind, and the rooms are spotless. It’s a bit of a walk from the main town (about 15 minutes) but the quiet atmosphere and amazing food are worth it.
- Cat Ba Rustic Homestay: A charming, back-to-basics homestay with a peaceful, rustic vibe and a lovely garden. It’s a great, budget-friendly option for travelers who want a simple, quiet place to relax without any extra frills. The staff is welcoming and helpful.
- Getting There: The easiest way is a tourist bus package from Hanoi (around $11.5-$15.5 USD) that includes the bus, speedboat, and island transport. From Ha Long Bay, you can take a ferry from Tuan Chau port to Gia Luan port.
- Things to Do: Don’t miss a Lan Ha Bay tour ($50-$60 USD), hiking in Cat Ba National Park (entrance fee 60,000 VND), or catching the sunset at Cannon Fort (entrance fee 50,000 VND).
- Where to Eat: For local food, check out Yummy Cat Ba or the local market. For a mix of Vietnamese and international cuisine, The Bigman Restaurant is a good choice.
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0 – 60syoutube1. Lan Homestay: An Authentic Escape in Viet Hai Village
If you want to feel like you’ve completely left the modern world behind, this is the place. Lan Homestay is in Viet Hai Village, a small community located deep inside Cat Ba National Park. You can only get there by taking a boat through Lan Ha Bay or by hiking a few hours through the jungle. I took the boat, and it was a stunning ride.
The homestay is a collection of traditional wooden houses with thatched roofs, surrounded by rice paddies and towering limestone cliffs. The rooms are basic but spotless. My room had a simple bed with a mosquito net and a small private balcony where I’d drink coffee in the mornings, listening to nothing but the sounds of the jungle. It’s a place for early nights and early mornings.
The family who runs it is incredibly kind and welcoming. They cook all meals for the guests, and everyone eats together at a large communal table. The food is all fresh, local, and delicious—things like stir-fried morning glory, fresh fish, and spring rolls. We all sat around talking about our day, sharing stories. It was a great way to meet other travelers.
They also offer tours directly from the homestay. I did a sunset boat trip with them into Lan Ha Bay. It was just a few of us, on a small, local boat. We went to a secluded beach and watched the sun go down. It was a million times better than the big, crowded tours from Cat Ba Town.
- My takeaway: This isn’t a party place or a luxury resort. It’s a genuine, peaceful Cat Ba homestay experience.
- What to know: You’re far from town. This means no nearby restaurants or bars. You’ll rely on the family for food. Getting to the village is part of the adventure. It costs about 400,000 VND for a round-trip boat ride.
2. Cat Ba Central Homestay
When I wanted to be in the center of everything, I stayed at Cat Ba Central Homestay. It’s located in a small alley just off the main road in Cat Ba Town. This means you can walk to the pier to catch a tour boat, find a restaurant, or go to a bar in minutes.
The rooms are basic but clean, with air conditioning and private bathrooms. Nothing fancy, but they get the job done. The real value here is the host. He’s super knowledgeable about the island and will help you with anything. He booked my Lan Ha Bay tour, rented me a motorbike for a good price, and gave me some great tips on where to eat cheap but good food.
There isn’t much of a common area or a social “vibe”. It’s not a place you hang out and meet people. It’s a functional base. You wake up, walk 30 seconds to get a banh mi for breakfast, and start your day. You’re within a 5-minute walk of dozens of restaurants, tour agencies, and the main waterfront.
The only negative is that it’s purely functional. It has no character. My window looked at a brick wall. But if you’re the kind of traveler who just needs a solid, clean, and safe place to crash in a great location, you can’t go wrong here. Great value for the money.
- My takeaway: A great, no-frills Cat Ba homestay for solo travelers and people who want convenience.
- What to know: It’s in the town, so it can be a bit noisy sometimes. Also, there are a lot of stairs to the rooms, so be prepared to carry your bags up.
3. Cat Ba Spring Garden Homestay: A Pool and Good Vibes
I was looking for a Cat Ba homestay with a pool but didn’t want to spend a fortune on a resort. Cat Ba Spring Garden Homestay was the perfect fit. It’s a bit outside of town, maybe a 10-minute motorbike ride, so it’s a lot quieter than staying in the center.
The homestay is set in a nice garden, and the best part is definitely the swimming pool. After a long day of hiking or kayaking, there’s nothing better than jumping in to cool off. They have lounge chairs around the pool, too, which is great for just relaxing.
The rooms are a decent size, clean, and comfortable. They offer a simple free breakfast every morning with eggs, toast, and coffee. The owners are really friendly and can help you arrange a motorbike rental (around 120,000 VND per day) or book tours.
The garden area is really well-maintained. It’s a very calm atmosphere. It’s not a party place at all; it attracts more couples and travelers who want to relax. This is a great example of a best homestay in Cat Ba that offers a bit more than just a room.
The obvious downside is the location. You need a scooter. You can’t just walk into town for dinner. It’s not a long ride, but it’s something to consider if you’re not comfortable on a motorbike, especially at night. For me, the trade-off of a short ride for the peace and the pool was easily worth it.
- My takeaway: This is an excellent Cat Ba homestay for couples or families who want a quiet place with a pool without paying resort prices.
- What to know: You’ll need to rent a motorbike or take a taxi to get to and from town, which is a small trade-off for the peace and quiet.
4. Cat Ba Mystery Homestay: Peaceful and Hidden Away
I found this place by chance. It’s on a little side street away from the main drag, and it feels like a total secret. Cat Ba Mystery Homestay is a very simple, rustic place with a lot of charm.
The rooms are basic but very clean. The beds are comfortable, and the rooms have fans and AC. It was clean, and for the price, that’s the most important thing. It’s the kind of place you book when you know your trip is about being out and exploring, not about lounging in a fancy room. This type of Cat Ba accommodation is perfect for backpackers and practical travelers.
The homestay is a simple guesthouse run by a friendly family. They were helpful, sorted me out with a motorbike rental quickly, and was happy to give directions. The vibe is very low-key and relaxed. There’s no pressure, no big social scene, just a quiet place to stay.
There’s not much else to say about it, which is kind of the point. It’s a mystery in that it’s just a simple, good place without a big reputation or flashy amenities. It does its job well. You get a clean room in a decent location for a good price.
The only real downside is that it’s unremarkable. It’s not a place you’ll write home about. It doesn’t have a great view or a pool or an amazing breakfast. It’s just a bed. But sometimes, that’s all you need, and it’s better to get a clean, quiet, basic room than a dirty, noisy one for the same price.
- My takeaway: A great budget Cat Ba homestay for people who value peace and quiet over luxury.
- What to know: It’s a short walk from the main street, which is why it’s so quiet. It’s very basic, so don’t expect a lot of amenities.
5. Cat Ba Mountain View Homestay: For the Views
I decided to splash out a little bit on one trip and booked this place. It’s well-known for its location, perched on a hill overlooking the town, the bay, and the mountains. And the view does not disappoint.
The best part is the small rooftop pool. It’s not huge, but sitting in that pool at sunset, looking out over everything, is an incredible experience. This is the main social hub of the homestay. People hang out here, have a beer, and watch the view.
The rooms here are definitely more modern and comfortable than most of the other places on this list. It felt more like a boutique hotel. My room was spacious, had a really comfortable bed, a nice modern bathroom, and strong A/C. If you’re tired of rustic and want a bit more comfort, this is a great Cat Ba homestay option.
The staff are young and professional and speak good English. It’s a well-run operation. Because of its reputation, it attracts a good mix of travelers, so it’s easy to meet people if you want to.
Now for the downside: the hill. To get to the homestay from the road, you have to go up a very short but very steep hill. Walking it is a workout. Riding a scooter up it can be a bit intimidating the first time. Also, because it’s more popular and a bit more like a hotel, it doesn’t have that intimate, family-run feel. You’re a guest, not a friend of the family. But for that view and the comfort level, it’s a trade-off many people (including me) are happy to make.
- My takeaway: If you want a great view and a bit of a more modern feel, this is the Cat Ba homestay for you.
- What to know: It’s up a hill, so walking is a workout. A motorbike is a good idea.
6. An Homestay-Vietnamese Vegetarian Breakfast
I’m not a vegetarian, but the breakfast here is famous, and for a good reason. The family that runs An Homestay serves the most incredible vegetarian breakfast. It’s a huge spread of fresh vegetables, rice, tofu, and other delicious dishes. I ate here every morning, and it was the best start to the day.
Every morning, they cook a huge, amazing Vietnamese vegetarian breakfast. I’m talking vegetarian pho that was rich and flavorful, banh cuon (steamed rice rolls), fresh fruit, amazing coffee. It’s not just a meal, it’s an event. It’s all cooked with so much care, and it was genuinely some of the best food I had in Cat Ba.
The rooms themselves are simple but they are spotlessly clean. Seriously, immaculate. The whole place is just so well-cared-for. You can tell the family takes immense pride in their home and in hosting guests. This is the definition of a true Cat Ba homestay experience – it’s all about the people.
The main potential downside for some is the location. It’s a bit of a walk from the main town center, maybe 15 minutes. It’s not a huge deal, but if you want to be right in the middle of the action, this isn’t it. For me, the walk was fine, and it meant the homestay was in a very quiet, residential area, which was a big plus. The quiet atmosphere and the incredible food and hospitality make it more than worth the short walk. I can’t recommend this place enough if you value kindness and good food.
- My takeaway: The best Cat Ba homestay for food lovers.
- What to know: It’s a short walk from the town center, so it’s not right in the middle of the action.
7. Cat Ba Rustic Homestay: Simple and Charming
For a simple, authentic feel, Cat Ba Rustic Homestay is a great choice. It’s a charming spot with a very chill atmosphere. Another good budget find. As the name suggests, it’s rustic. It’s not trying to be a hotel. It’s a simple homestay with a focus on providing a peaceful, natural environment without a big price tag.
The best feature is the garden. It’s not a huge, manicured thing, but it’s a lovely, green, and quiet space to sit in the morning or evening to do BBQ. It gives the whole property a very relaxed, countryside feel, even though you’re still not too far from town.
The rooms are basic, as you’d expect. A bed, a bathroom, A/C. They’re clean and functional. This is a place for travelers who are not fussy and just want a simple, quiet base. The staff were very welcoming and friendly, happy to help with anything I needed but mostly just letting me do my own thing.
It’s a great choice if your priorities are a low price and a quiet atmosphere. It’s more charming than the super-functional budget places like Cat Ba Central or Mystery, thanks to the garden setting. It feels a bit more like an escape.
The downside is that “rustic” can mean things are a little rough around the edges. It’s not a polished, modern place. It’s a simple, down-to-earth Cat Ba island homestay. If you need modern amenities and perfect finishes, this isn’t it. But if you like a place with a bit of simple charm and don’t want to spend a lot of money, it’s an excellent option.
- My takeaway: A great place if you’re on a budget and want a quiet, simple stay.
- What to know: This place is a bit more basic than some of the others, so don’t expect a lot of frills. It’s a good choice for budget travelers who want a peaceful setting.
Getting to Cat Ba Island
Getting to Cat Ba is pretty straightforward, but it can seem a little complicated if you haven’t done it before. I’ve done it a few ways, and here’s the best advice I can give you.
Most people come from Hanoi. You can book a tourist bus package that includes the bus ride from Hanoi to Hai Phong, the speedboat across the bay, and the bus on Cat Ba Island to your hotel. This is the easiest and most common way. The whole trip takes about 3.5 to 4 hours and costs around VND 300,000 to 400,000 (around $11.5-$15.5 USD). These are sold by most travel agencies and hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
If you’re coming from Ha Long Bay, you can take a ferry from Tuan Chau port to Gia Luan port on Cat Ba. This is a great option if you’re already in the area. The ferry ride is scenic and takes about an hour. From Gia Luan, a bus will take you to Cat Ba Town. A one-way ticket is about 80,000 VND (~$3 USD).
For getting around the island itself, renting a motorbike is the way to go. It’s cheap (around VND 120,000 per day ~$4.5 USD) and gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. If you’re not comfortable on a motorbike, taxis and electric cars are always available, especially in the main town.
My Cat Ba Tour Recommendations
Cat Ba is more than just a place to relax; it’s a place for adventure. My top recommendation is to do a Lan Ha Bay tour. It’s less crowded than Ha Long Bay but just as beautiful. You can book a full-day tour that includes kayaking through caves, swimming at secluded beaches, and visiting a floating fishing village. These tours usually cost around VND 1,500,000 to 1,700,000 per person (around $55-$65 USD), and they’re well worth the money.
For nature lovers, a trek in Cat Ba National Park is a must. You can do a half-day or a full-day hike. The hike to the top of Navy Peak is a challenging but rewarding climb with an incredible view. The park entrance fee is around VND 60,000 (~$2). Make sure you bring good shoes and plenty of water.
You should also check out Cannon Fort for a killer sunset view. The entrance fee is around VND 50,000 (~$2), and you can either walk or take a taxi up the hill. The view of Lan Ha Bay and the town is stunning, especially in the late afternoon. The fort itself is interesting to walk around as well.
If you are looking for more adventure, rock climbing is also a big thing in Cat Ba. There are some good rock climbing tours that take you to different spots. They’re a bit pricey but a lot of fun.
Where to Eat in Cat Ba
Cat Ba has a lot of good food, especially fresh seafood. You’ll find restaurants everywhere, from fancy ones to small local spots.
- The Bigman Restaurant: A great spot for a mix of Vietnamese and international food. The atmosphere is nice, and it’s a good place for a special dinner.
- Yummy Cat Ba: This place is known for its delicious Vietnamese food and great prices. Their spring rolls and pho are a must-try.
- The Local Market: For a truly local experience, head to the market in the morning. You can get fresh seafood and local snacks for very cheap.
My Recommended Cat Ba Itinerary: 3 Days, 2 Nights
Here’s a simple itinerary I’ve used on more than one trip that covers all the basics.
Day 1: Arrival and Town Exploration
- Morning: Take the bus/ferry from Hanoi or Hai Phong. Arrive and check into your chosen Cat Ba homestay.
- Afternoon: Rent a motorbike and drive up to Cannon Fort for a stunning sunset view over the bay.
- Evening: Explore Cat Ba Town, have a fresh seafood dinner at a local restaurant, and maybe grab a drink at a bar.
Day 2: Lan Ha Bay Adventure
- Morning: Book a full-day tour of Lan Ha Bay. These tours typically include a boat ride, kayaking, and swimming. Most tours leave between 8-9 AM.
- Lunch: Lunch is usually provided on the boat.
- Afternoon: Continue the tour with a visit to a floating village or a secluded beach.
- Evening: Return to town, have dinner, and relax.
Day 3: National Park and Departure
- Morning: Drive your motorbike to Cat Ba National Park. Do a hike to the top of a peak like Ngu Lam for a panoramic view of the island.
- Lunch: Grab a quick lunch near the park entrance.
- Afternoon: Head back to your Cat Ba homestay, pack up, and catch your bus/ferry back to the mainland.
Hope this guide helps you find the perfect Cat Ba homestay for your trip. Cat Ba is an incredible place, and staying in a homestay is a great way to experience its true charm.
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