Cat Ba Beaches: Cat Co 1, 2, 3 and Beyond

Cat Ba's beaches are small, sheltered coves rather than long resort strips, and that's part of their appeal. The three Cat Co beaches sit a short walk from Cat Ba Town, while quieter sand lies a short ride away or out on Lan Ha Bay. This guide to Cat Ba beaches covers each one, when the water is warm and how to get there.

Updated October 2026.

1. Where are the beaches on Cat Ba?

The main beaches are the three Cat Co coves, about a 10 to 15-minute walk southeast of the center of Cat Ba Town. Tung Thu Beach is a short motorbike or taxi ride from town. The prettiest swimming spots in Lan Ha Bay, such as Ba Trai Dao, Van Boi Beach and Monkey Island, are reached by boat from Ben Beo Pier.

2. The Cat Co beaches

Cat Co is the name for three neighboring coves split by rocky headlands. They're the closest sand to town, and each has a different feel.

You can walk to all three from the center, either over the hill by road or along a path cut into the cliffs. Kayaks and other water sports can be rented on the beaches in season, usually priced by the hour.

2.1. Cat Co 3

Cat Co 3 is the smallest of the three and the one closest to Cat Ba Town. It has soft sand, clear water on calm days and a rocky islet sitting about 100 meters offshore, which makes a good target for strong swimmers.

Rental stands and changing rooms with freshwater showers line the back of the beach. Because it's so close to town, Cat Co 3 fills up quickly on summer weekends. Come before 9:00 a.m. or late in the afternoon if you want space to spread out.

2.2. Cat Co 1

Cat Co 1 is the largest of the coves, with fine pale sand and a wide view across the bay. It's a favorite with families. At high tide the water creeps up the beach and the sand narrows noticeably, so check the tide if you plan to spend the day.

In summer the waves can be livelier here than in the other coves, so keep an eye on conditions. Flamingo Cat Ba Sea & Sand Resort rises just behind Cat Co 1 and Cat Co 2, and its in-house guests find sun loungers waiting on the sand.

2.3. Cat Co 2

Cat Co 2 is the pick for many visitors: a wide sweep of white sand with limestone headlands on either side. A rocky outcrop divides it into two sections. The outer stretch has softer sand, while the inner part has more pebbles and catches more wind in summer.

Weekdays are noticeably quieter than weekends. Sand Bar & Cafe sits right on the beach, serving coffee and cold drinks from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

See also: Cat Co 1 & 2 Beaches

2.4. The cliff path between the coves

A walking path cut into the cliff winds from Cat Co 3 around the headland to Cat Co 1 and on to Cat Co 2, with wide sea views along the way. Walking all three beaches takes around 20 to 30 minutes without stops.

Wear proper shoes, because the path can be slippery after rain. Cliff paths like this can close for repairs after storms, so if the way is shut, take the road over the hill instead. Avoid the path after dark.

3. Tung Thu Beach

Tung Thu is a crescent of golden sand facing Lan Ha Bay, framed by cliffs and usually quieter than the Cat Co coves. It's around 10 to 15 minutes from Cat Ba Town by motorbike or taxi, which is enough to thin out the crowds.

Entry to the beach is free, but showers, changing rooms and parking are charged. The area has seen new development in recent years, so conditions can change from season to season.

4. Beaches you can reach by boat

Some of the best sand around Cat Ba sits on small islands in Lan Ha Bay. Join a day trip from Ben Beo Pier or hire a private boat; most day trips pair one or two of these beaches with kayaking and lunch.

4.1. Ba Trai Dao

Ba Trai Dao is a cluster of three tiny islets with small beaches surrounded by karsts, and it's one of the most photographed spots in Lan Ha Bay. The water is shallow and warm at low tide. At high tide the beaches almost disappear, so timing matters.

Expect company at peak times, since many day boats stop here. There are no facilities, so bring water, sun protection and a bag to take your rubbish back.

4.2. Van Boi Beach

Van Boi Beach is a regular swimming stop on Lan Ha Bay day trips. It's a small strip of sand backed by limestone cliffs, with clear water on calm days.

Facilities are minimal or nonexistent, which is part of its charm.

4.3. Monkey Island

Monkey Island, also called Cat Dua, lies about 2 km southeast of Cat Ba Town, around 10 minutes by boat from Ben Beo Pier. Its main beach has white sand and clear water, and a short, steep trail climbs to a viewpoint over the bay.

The island is named for its wild macaques, which are bold and quick to snatch food, bags and sunglasses. Don't feed them, keep your belongings zipped and leave valuables on the boat.

See also: Lan Ha Bay Kayaking and Boat Trips: A Practical Guide

5. When can you swim at Cat Ba beaches?

The main swimming season runs from May to October, when the sea is at its warmest.

Average sea temperatures by season:

• January–March: Around 19–20°C on average. Fine for a paddle, too cool for most swimmers.
• April: Warming up, at around 22–23°C.
• May–October: The main season, with average sea temperatures of about 27–31°C.
• November–December: Around 22–25°C, with fewer people on the sand.

Summer also brings the highest chance of storms, most often from June to September, when boat trips can be canceled at short notice.

See also: Best Time to Visit Cat Ba: Weather Month by Month

6. Beach safety and etiquette

A few simple habits make a beach day on Cat Ba safer and easier for everyone.

• Water conditions: Waves can pick up in summer, especially after storms. Swim where others are swimming and stay out of the water when it looks rough.
• Tides: Small beaches like Cat Co 1 and Ba Trai Dao narrow at high tide, so keep bags well up the sand.
• Jellyfish: They can appear in the warmer months. Ask locally before swimming and get out if you see them.
• Monkeys: On Monkey Island, keep food out of sight and give the macaques space.
• Litter: Many island beaches have no bins. Take everything you bring back with you.

7. Good to know

• Getting there: All three Cat Co beaches are walkable from Cat Ba Town, while Tung Thu needs a short ride and the island beaches need a boat.
• Crowds: Summer weekends are busiest, especially at Cat Co 3 and Cat Co 1. Go early or midweek.
• Cash: Small rental stands, showers and drinks stalls usually take cash only.
• Sun: Shade is limited on the island beaches, so bring a hat and plenty of water.
• Footwear: Water shoes help on pebbly stretches and around rocks.

8. FAQs about Cat Ba beaches

Cat Ba beaches are small but varied, from the walkable Cat Co coves to boat-only sand among the karsts of Lan Ha Bay. Swim from May to October, go early on weekends and save a boat day for Ba Trai Dao or Van Boi.

Flamingo Cat Ba Sea & Sand Resort sits right on Cat Co 1 and Cat Co 2, so the beach is a short stroll from your room. In-house guests use the beach and sun loungers free of charge, along with the Charm Pool and Shell Pool for days when the sea feels cool. Start with coffee at Sand Bar & Cafe on Cat Co 2 and end the evening at Lan Ha Sky Bar on the 17th floor.

Photo: Cat Co beach, Flamingo Cat Ba Sea & Sand Resort.