Travel Budget for Cat Ba Visit Cat Ba on a Budget or Travel in Style

Cat Ba, Thanh Pho Hai Phong, Vietnam
Asia / Vietnam / Northern Vietnam /
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Cat Ba is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Cat Ba?

A typical traveler spends $45 (d1,176,046) per day on a trip to Cat Ba. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Cat Ba based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $15 (d388,704) on meals
  • $10 (d264,293) on local transportation
  • $46 (d1,208,603) on hotels

A one-week trip to Cat Ba for two people costs, on average, $624 (d16,464,644). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $45
    d1,176,046
  • One Week Per person
    $312
    d8,232,322
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $624
    d16,464,644
  • One Month Per person
    $1,337
    d35,281,380
  • One Week For a couple
    $624
    d16,464,644
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $1,248
    d32,929,288
  • One Month For a couple
    $2,675
    d70,562,760
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Cat Ba cost?

A one week trip to Cat Ba usually costs around $312 (d8,232,322) for one person and $624 (d16,464,644) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Cat Ba on average costs around $624 (d16,464,644) for one person and $1,248 (d32,929,288) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Cat Ba will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Cat Ba on average costs around $1,337 (d35,281,380) for one person and $2,675 (d70,562,760) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Cat Ba expensive to visit?

In Cat Ba, budget travelers spend $20 (d514,507) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $45 (d1,176,046) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $85 (d2,247,283) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Cat Ba.

Cat Ba is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

Cat Ba has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by looking for discounts and coupons.

Within Asia, Cat Ba is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Luang Prabang, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Similan Islands.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cat Ba Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Cat Ba?

The average Cat Ba trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cat Ba travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cat Ba cost?

Cat Ba on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$10
(d264,375) 		$23
(d604,301) 		$44
(d1,154,748)
Local Transportation1 $4
(d115,625) 		$10
(d264,293) 		$19
(d505,032)
Food2 $6
(d170,054) 		$15
(d388,704) 		$28
(d742,767)
Entertainment1 $3
(d89,063) 		$8
(d203,577) 		$15
(d389,011)
Alcohol2 $2-7
(d61,350-184,050) 		$5-16
(d140,232-420,697) 		$10-30
(d267,967-803,901)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting Cat Ba. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.

What is a budget traveler, anyway?

Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $20 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.

For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.

Are You Considered an Average Traveler?

Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Visitors to Cat Ba typically prioritize the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks during their stay. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $45 per person, per day.

What Luxury Travel Looks Like

If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $85 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the destination with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget.



Accommodation Budget in Cat Ba

Cat Ba has a wide range of hotel prices. Luxury hotels come with higher price tags and better amenities, and prices are much steeper during peak season. On average, a room costs $ in the off-season and averages $ during peak season. Overall, you can expect prices from $ to $. Hostels, especially dorms, are cheaper alternatives. You can save by traveling in the low season, booking in advance, or looking for special offers.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Cat Ba for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $46 (d1,208,603). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $23 (d604,301) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $23
    d604,301
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $46
    d1,208,603

Hotels in Cat Ba

Looking for a hotel in Cat Ba? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Cat Ba

If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid ), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.



Transportation Budget in Cat Ba

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $10 (d264,293) per person, per day, on local transportation in Cat Ba. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cat Ba is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $10
    d264,293

Cat Ba is accessible from Hanoi, Ha Long, and Hai Phong via a combination of buses, ferries, and speedboats. The most popular route from Hanoi involves taking a bus to Hai Phong or Tuan Chau, followed by a ferry or speedboat to Cat Ba Island. Companies like Cat Ba Express offer direct transfers that include both bus and boat tickets, making the journey hassle-free.

Once on the island, getting around is relatively easy. Motorbike rentals are widely available and provide the best way to explore Cat Ba at your own pace. Taxis and electric shuttle cars are also an option for those who prefer not to drive. Many accommodations offer bicycle rentals, which are ideal for shorter trips around the town and nearby beaches.

Many visitors arrive on the island on a multi-day boat tour through Ha Long Bay. Many of these tours make stops on Cat Ba island for one night, or more, to see the sights, eat a meal, and stay the night.



Flights to Cat Ba
How much does it cost to go to Cat Ba? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Cat Ba
The price of renting a car in Cat Ba will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Cat Ba

Food is a major attraction for travelers, so make sure you don't miss out on the local culinary delights.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Cat Ba can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cat Ba is $15 (d388,704) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $15
    d388,704

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cat Ba is around $15 (d388704) per person, with previous travelers spending from $6 to $28. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Cat Ba are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $1 to $4
  • Lunch: $2 to $6
  • Dinner: $4 to $10
  • Coffee: $1
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $2

Cat Ba is known for its fresh seafood, and there's no shortage of excellent dining options offering everything from traditional Vietnamese cuisine to international dishes.

A must-try dish is grilled squid, a local specialty that's best enjoyed with a cold beer by the waterfront. Fresh seafood hotpot is another popular option, often made with locally caught fish, crab, shrimp, and squid.

For an authentic local dining experience, visit The Good Bar, a laid-back spot known for its seafood dishes and relaxed atmosphere. Quan Cat Ba Family Restaurant is another excellent choice, offering a mix of Vietnamese and Western cuisine with generous portions and reasonable prices. For those craving Western food, Like Coffee serves excellent coffee, breakfast options, and sandwiches.

Food & Dining Tips

Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.

Keep a water bottle with you to cut down on drink purchases. It's also better for the environment.

If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cat Ba

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cat Ba typically cost an average of $7.72 (d203,577) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $7.72
    d203,577

One of the island's top attractions is Cat Ba National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that covers nearly half of the island. Home to diverse wildlife, including the rare Cat Ba langur, the park features dense jungles, limestone peaks, and scenic hiking trails. The most popular trek leads to Ngu Lam Peak, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

For those interested in history, Hospital Cave is a fascinating wartime relic that served as a secret hospital and bomb shelter during the Vietnam War. Hidden inside a limestone mountain, this three-story structure is an intriguing glimpse into Vietnam’s past.

Lan Ha Bay, located just south of Ha Long Bay, is a must-visit for its breathtaking scenery and crystal-clear waters. Less crowded than its famous neighbor, Lan Ha Bay offers towering limestone karsts, hidden beaches, and floating fishing villages, making it a stunning alternative to Ha Long Bay's busier areas.

Cat Ba's beaches are another major draw, with Cat Co 1, 2, and 3 being the most popular. These small, sandy coves are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the coastal scenery. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the beaches are less crowded.



One of the most popular activities on Cat Ba is taking a boat tour through Lan Ha Bay. These tours often include kayaking through hidden lagoons, exploring sea caves, and visiting floating fishing villages. Many tours also stop at Monkey Island, where visitors can hike to a viewpoint overlooking the bay.

For outdoor enthusiasts, rock climbing is a thrilling way to experience Cat Ba's dramatic limestone cliffs. Companies like Asia Outdoors offer guided climbs for all skill levels, with routes available on the island and in Lan Ha Bay.

Kayaking is another fantastic way to explore the island’s waters. Paddling through the tranquil waters of Lan Ha Bay allows visitors to get up close to towering karsts, secluded beaches, and hidden caves that larger boats cannot reach.

Cycling through the island's scenic countryside is a great way to explore Cat Ba's interior. The ride from Cat Ba Town to Viet Hai Village, a small traditional village nestled within the national park, is a particularly popular route.



Nightlife Budget in Cat Ba

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $11 (d280,464) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Cat Ba per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $11
    d280,464
Nightlife Tips

Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.



Travel cost data last updated: Aug 8, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Cat Ba

  • Traveling at a more relaxed pace can save you money while you take in the stunning beauty around you. When you fill each day with activities, your expenses can soar. But by slowing down and enjoying the journey, you usually spend less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Cat Ba has limited options for public transportation. You might want to have a prearranged form of transportation available, such as a tour or private driver. This may cut into your budget elsewhere.
  • There aren't many hostels in Cat Ba, so if you're hoping for a budget dorm, it's best to rethink your plans. Instead, look for inexpensive hotels or an apartment rental.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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