Cat BaCát Bà

The questions people ask first about Cat Ba, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?VND in small notes (10k–100k) for stalls, markets, xe ôm and tips at spas.Vietnam-wide
• SIM or eSIMViettel, Vinaphone and Mobifone sell tourist SIMs at airport arrivals; passport and a face photo are required for registration.Vietnam-wide
• Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.Vietnam-wide
• TippingSit-down restaurant: Round up or 5–10% if no service charge is on the bill.Vietnam-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets A/C/F. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Vietnam-wide
• SafetyCat Ba is generally safe for tourists; the real risks are boat and ferry ticket scams, unmetered taxis…

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• CoffeeCoffee or fruit smoothie₫25,000–50,000 (≈ US$1–2)
• Sit-down mealSeafood dinner at the marketAgree the price per kilo before cooking.₫150,000–350,000 (≈ US$6–14)
• Street or quick mealNoodle soup or rice plate₫40,000–90,000 (≈ US$2–4)
• Beerdraught in a bar / can at a shop₫20,000–40,000 (≈ US$1–2)₫15,000–25,000 (≈ under US$1)
• SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week₫150,000–350,000 (≈ US$6–14)
• Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person₫120,000 (≈ US$5)
• Mid-range bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per room₫700,000 (≈ US$30)
• High-end bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per room₫1,500,000 (≈ US$60)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₫600,000 (≈ US$25) · Mid ₫1,200,000 (≈ US$50) · High ₫2,500,000 (≈ US$100)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

HPH Cat Bi International (Hai Phong) (About 1 h by road to Got pier, then ferry and bus to Cat Ba town; total 2.5–3 h.) · HAN Noi Bai International (Hanoi) (Most travellers come by direct bus-and-ferry from Hanoi, 3.5–4 h door to door.)

Phrases

Vietnamese phrasebook

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

₫600,000–1,000,000 (≈ US$25–40) excl. bed

Mid

₫1,000,000–2,000,000 (≈ US$40–80) excl. bed

High

₫2,000,000 (≈ US$80)+ excl. bed

• Meter taxis in Cat Ba town frequently cover the meter; agree a price first. Town to Cai Beo pier should be about ₫50,000 (≈ US$2), but drivers ask ₫200,000 (≈ US$8).
• Some ferry ticket sellers quote inflated prices or sell printed tickets above the official fare; buy at the pier counter.
• Boat tours sold in town vary widely in quality and group size — confirm the route, kayak inclusion and group size in writing before paying.
• Cat Ba town is a domestic resort strip: expect karaoke, touts and construction noise, especially Jul–Aug.
• The national park peak trail is slippery and muddy after rain; wear shoes with grip.
• Monkeys near Monkey Island and some beaches are habituated to food and will grab bags.