Lan Ha Bay
Lying south and east of Cat Ba Town, the 300 or so karst islands and limestone outcrops of Lan Ha are just as beautiful as those of Halong Bay and have the additional attraction of numerous white-sand beaches. Lan Ha bay is located at the East of Cat Ba island and borders Halong Bay. The bay measures 7000 ha, of which 5400 ha are under management of the Cat Ba National Park. This smooth area with a curvy shape counts around 400 large and small islands. The islands and islets of Lan Ha Bay are all covered with green lush nature.

Due to being a fair way from Halong City, not so many tourist boats venture here, meaning Lan Ha Bay has a more isolated appeal. Sailing and kayak trips here are best organised in Cat Ba Town.

Geologically, Lan Ha is an extension of Halong Bay but sits in a different province of Vietnam. Around 200 species of fish, 500 species of mollusc, 400 species of arthropod, and numerous hard and soft coral live in the waters here, while larger marine animals in the area include seals and three species of dolphin.

Monkey island: Monkey Island is 1km far from Cat Ba Town. It takes about 10 minutes from Ben Beo harbour to reach it. On the way, you will be passing by Cai Beo fishing village and some small islands. Monkey island has over 20 monkeys and some goats running around. The monkeys often go to the beach to play with the visitors, and looking for food. Be careful with your belongings ! The bay's admission fee is often incorporated into the cost of tours.

Cat Ba island
Rugged, craggy and jungle-clad Cat Ba, the largest island in Halong Bay, has experienced a tourism surge in recent years. The central hub of Cat Ba Town is now framed by a chain of low-rise concrete hotels along its once-lovely bay, but the rest of the island is largely untouched and as wild as ever. With idyllic Lan Ha Bay just offshore you'll soon overlook Cat Ba Town's overdevelopment. Cat Ba is the largest of the 367 islands spanning 260 km² that comprise the Cat Ba Archipelago, which makes up the southeastern edge of Ha Long Bay in Northern Vietnam

Almost half of Cat Ba Island (with a total area of 354 sq km) and 90 sq km of the adjacent waters were declared a national park in 1986 to protect the island’s diverse ecosystems. Most of the coastline consists of rocky cliffs, but there are some sandy beaches and tiny fishing villages hidden away in small coves.

Lakes, waterfalls and grottoes dot the spectacular limestone hills, the highest rising 331m above sea level. The island’s largest body of water is Ech Lake (3 hectares).