What to do in Cat Ba

Wherever you visit in Vietnam there are reminders of the war that ravaged the country in the sixties and Cat Ba is no exception.
During the war the Vietnamese built a hospital / command base into a cave with a secret entrance on the island. Not a great deal left inside apart from tunnels and a big cave but an interesting 15 minute side trip.

Spend some time walking the forest looking for monkies

In the centre of the island is Cat Ba National Park, forest walks including a hike up to a viewpoint and the possibility to spot the Langurs (excluding the caged ones at the entrance).
A nice way to stretch the legs and see some island scenery.

Morning and evening views over Halong Bay islands

Overlooking Cat Ba town is the old fort with gun emplacements set up to protect the island from sea attack during the war, now a great morning and evening viewpoint over the island and views out into Halong bay. A must visit.
There is a small cafe, museum and three viewpoints.