Central Backpackers Hostel

Cat Ba Island


One of a new breed of modern hostels, this well-run and spotlessly clean place on the western edge of town has dorms and a few comfortable private rooms. The garden area and small pool provide a social hub, or take the evening shuttle bus to party in town (returning at 1am).

Rates include breakfast and a free evening beer. Motorbike rental and tours available.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cat Ba Island attractions

1. Cat Ba Market

0.95 MILES

The market at the northern end of Cat Ba Town's harbour is a scruffy local affair with twitching crabs, jumbo shrimp and pyramids of fresh fruit.

2. Ho Chi Minh Monument

1.21 MILES

This monument stands up on imaginatively named Mountain No 1, the hillock opposite the pier in Cat Ba Town.

3. Cannon Fort

1.44 MILES

For one of the best views in Vietnam, head to Cannon Fort, where there are astounding panoramas of Cat Ba Island's jungle-clad hills, the harbour and the…

4. Cat Co Cove

1.66 MILES

A 10-minute walk southeast from Cat Ba Town, the three Cat Co Cove beaches boast the nearest sand to town, though all are being developed with hotel…

5. Cat Co 2

1.66 MILES

By far the nicest beach in Cat Co Cove is Cat Co 2 with a pretty swathe of white sand.

6. Cat Co 1

1.7 MILES

Cat Co 1 has a decent stretch of beach but is dominated by a rather ugly resort. Don't expect much peace and quiet here during the summer months as it's…

7. Cat Co 3

1.77 MILES

Cat Co 3 is the closest beach to Cat Ba Town but its blink-and-you-miss-it sliver of sand isn't really worth stopping for. Head here just to take the…

8. Hospital Cave

2.47 MILES

Hospital Cave served both as a secret bomb-proof hospital during the American War and as a safe house for Viet Cong (VC) leaders. Built between 1963 and…