I want to stay on Cat Ba island for 3 days and explore independently. No boat tours, no cruise. Is it possible? And suggestions on what I can do? I was thinking hiking in the park. Anywhere nice to kayak or to cycle? I've been on tours for 2 weeks over Vietnam and want some Independence now ☺️ Thanks

I do not understand why you would go to Cat Ba and not take a cruise, which is the reason people go there. The island has nothing special to offer an not taking a cruise makes no sense. Anyway, the 2-star Dream Hotel is perfect

https://www.booking.com/hotel/vn/cat...ailability_msg

You can reach Dong Bai ferry station by bus, and from there, take a ferry to the island, which is a 45-minute ride. Once on the island, you can stay at Hôtel Perle d'Orient Cat Ba - MGallery, an affordable yet pleasant hotel. For exploring, you can rent a bicycle or motorbike. Activities include trekking in Cat Ba National Park, hiking to Cat Ngu Lam peak or Navy peak, and visiting Trung Trang Cave. For kayaking, it's best to join a day cruise offered by local providers in Ben Beo. Hope this helps!

Sang

Again, going to Cat Ba without taking a cruise in Lan ha Bay does not make much sense. Nice island with a few things to visit, but it is essentially the departure point of fantastic cruises in beautiful Lan Ha Bay If you take a cruise, the rates include the round-trip transfer Hanoi-Cat Ba

If Cat Ba only, train or bus Hanoi-Haiphong + boat Haiphong-CB; The 2-star hotel DREAMS is perfect (facing the bay + excellent restaurant for little money).

Coming to Cat Ba if you explore on your own, it only takes about 2 days for you to explore all the places you can go on your own, and for 3 days, you will be very comfortable to explore slowly. Rent a motorbike to go around the town, go to the national park to climb to Ngu Lam peak, go to Trung Trang cave, Quan Y cave, explore coastal roads, the road to the national park is also quite beautiful. My experience is to wake up early and rent a motorbike to go straight to Cat Ba National Park, climb Ngu Lam peak when it's not too sunny to relieve fatigue, and when you get down and return, go to the other points on the way back. Wandering around town in the evening, trying the snacks is quite ok