DWS Cat Ba Vietnam

Cat Ba climbing is a little slice of island paradise.

Beaches, great weather, and excellent climbing. What’s not to like.

In 2018 I had the opportunity to spend the majority of a month there. I quickly found myself falling in love with the place.

Before going there I really didn’t know what I would encounter. But after arriving I quickly discovered that I wished I would’ve planned to stay longer.

Cat Ba’s climbing is great. Though pound for pound it can’t compete with the shear quantity or diversity found at some of the other SE Asia climbing spots like Thakhek or Tonsai, it has its own charm which sucks you in. 

Don’t get me wrong, the climbing at Cat Ba is good. It just hasn’t been developed yet to be what I would consider “world class”.

When compared to Tonsai, Cat Ba has a great range of climbing style and grades which haven’t become super polished yet. Not to mention, with Tonsai’s recent closures, Cat Ba has now become the spot in SE Asia for DWS.

Ha Long Bay Boat

Besides the climbing, the island itself has a relaxed vibe, a great change of pace compared to your average city.

There are also some other fun things to do on your rest days such as visit the national park, visit the islands beautiful beaches or go kayaking.

Cat Ba has a relatively small but devout climbing community. If you’re looking for partners, the Cat Ba Climbers page makes it easy to find one.

Also if you’re looking for free rent, Cat Ba is probably the most convenient place in SE Asia to stay and volunteer in the climbing shops. It also has great wifi so it is a great place to settle down and work remote for all those digital nomads out there.

I’ve assembled this guide to give you everything you need to know to go climbing at Cat Ba Island!

In this guide you will find:

Overview of the Rock Climbing at Cat Ba 

Cat Ba Climbing Vietman
Racking Up At “The Cave”

There is a range of climbing on Cat Ba, but it can be generally divided into two types, sport climbing at various crags around the island, and DWS in Ha Long Bay.

For the sport climbing, there are a few thing you need to know.

For one, you’re going to need a scooter (or taxi) to get to the crags. Lucky, they can be rented nearly everywhere around the island, and for really cheap.

A full day rental is around 80,000 VND (3.50$). No paperwork or license required, gotta love Vietnam!

If you’re looking to find climbers, head on over to our BRAND NEW FB GROUP and drop a post with your dates!

Another thing to know is that you need to get ‘safety checked’ before you can go to most of the crags around the island.

The safety checks can be completed at Cat Ba Climbing. Depending on what crag you choose to go to determines which place you need to get safety checked.

Previously to climb at Butterfly Valley, you had to get safety checked at Asia Outdoors. Unfortunately as of 2019, Asia Outdoors has been closed. Go to Cat Ba Climbing for up-to-date information on access once you arrive.

Climbing – Butterfly Valley

Butterfly Valley Rock Climbing
Butterfly Valley Has Some Of Cat Ba’s Best Climbing

Butterfly Valley is the biggest crag on the island in terms of routes and arguably  the best crag at Cat Ba. A must visit!

Its exact location can be found here. It takes about 35min from Cat Ba Town to arrive on scooter.

The roads are all well maintained, and once you get close there are signs to direct you towards the correct parking lot.

The climbing here is featured limestone, with a lot of pockets and cracks to use for holds. There is a mix of vertical to very overhung routes to choose from.

The rock is superb quality, though at times the less popular routes are a little dirty. A helmet is essential. Holds break frequently here (same as everywhere else in the island).

The setting itself is extremely pretty, surrounded by local farms and green mountains. Once you’ve arrived you feel like you have truly escaped the chaos which normally dominates SE Asian towns.

Suggested Routes:

Mother Butterfly (6a+) – A great warmup.

Elephant Man (6b+) – The best 6b+ you’ll ever climb. A pocketed crack that gives you lots of hands, but your feet are a different story. Super.

Buffalo Love (7a+) – A Dihedral crack leads to a slabby face up top. Excellent.  

Prayer of the Mantis (7b) – Arete climbing at its finest. Thin and technical.

Climbing – Hidden Valley

The second biggest crag on Cat Ba. This has a nice range of climbing suitable for everyone. Make sure to get your pass from Mr Zoom at Cat Ba Climbing!

The climbing here is characteristic of the rest of Cat Ba, featuring vertical faces and powerful overhangs.

Bring your bug repellent because the mosquitos can be oppressive, especially after a rainstorm.

Suggested Routes:

Green Lungs (5c+) – Probably the best warm up around. Very fun.

Monocle Man (7a+) – Starts vertical with the technical crux down low, finishes with a steep pumpfest!

The Shampoo Effect (7b+) – Nails. Slabby start leads to a merciless pumpfest.

Climbing – Ben Beo Harbour

Is it just me or are these routes all sandbagged? I’m sure it’s not last night’s beer talking.

Great climbs on surprising polish rock. Expect to have a few locals stop to watch you throw yourselves at the wall.

This place has its own charm because it is overlooking the Ben Beo Harbour, so you get some cool views for pictures.

Not a bad day out, especially if you’re looking to get your confidence crushed.

Suggested Routes:

Egyption Submission Position (7a+) – Good climbing with a few different cruxes

Animal (7b) – Thin climbing to start leads to a nice rest, then punch out of the cave.

Climbing – The Cave

Climbing the Cave Cat Ba Island
A View From The Top Of “Love Handles”

The Cave is a small crag, great for a rainy day as the routes are mostly protected. And only about a 5 min drive from Cat Ba Climbing.

The cave is on private property, so you’ll have to pay the landowner around 10,000 VND. He’ll point you in the direction of the path.

There are a nice mix of climbs here, a few fun warm ups and a couple hard roof routes if you’re keen. It’s a relatively small crag so you could probably try most of the routes in a day. The routes are very fun so I would highly suggest trying it out.

Suggested Routes:

Love Handles (6a+) – A great warmup.

Don’t Bite the Hand That Feeds (6c+) – Vertical climbing leads to a steep finish on good holds. Very fun.

Fistfull of Stalagtite – (7a+) – The king line of the crag, an absolute must try. Swarming wasps cost me my onsite, but I’m sure they’re gone by now…

Essential Gear For Cat Ba

Travel Insurance

For those of your coming from western counties, be aware that 99% of your health insurance plans will not cover you in Vietnam. 

Couple this with adventurous activities like rock climbing, risk of lost baggage or theft, and the all too common food and waterborne illnesses, makes a recipe for disaster. 

Furthermore, many travel insurance say that they cover “adventure” sports like climbing, only to discover that once you read the fine print they add in special inclusions like requiring you to climb with a certified guide to be covered.

The fastest, easiest and most respected travel insurance in the world which covers rock climbing is World Nomads

Be sure to select the “Explorer Plan” on the next page so that you’ll be covered for outdoor rock climbing

Go here to read more about travel insurance and you can’t travel without it!

Vietnam Climbing Guidebook

Check Price and Reviews On Amazon

The newest guide book in Vietnam!

Vietnam Climbing covers all of the best sport climbs, boulders and DWS spots throughout the country, with its main focus being on on the climbing around Cat Ba Island.

It is an expansion on the previous “Ha Long Bay Climbing”, which was outdated, lacking new development and re-bolting information.

It is a must have for anyone climbing Cat Ba.

Copies of the book are very difficult to come by in Cat Ba. When I was there the only available book to be found was a community copy stored at Asia Outdoors.

Due to Asia Outdoor’s permanent closure, I can only assume that it is even more difficult to find now.

I’d suggest picking up a copy before you arrive to be safe.

Bug Repellent

Check Price and Reviews On Amazon

As with many places in SE Asia the mosquitoes at Cat Ba can be oppressive, especially once you go off of the beach and head to the more inland crags (which most are at Cat Ba).  

Other than the obvious annoyance, there are many mosquito borne diseases you need to be careful of in Cat Ba, the most notable of which is Dengue Fever. 

In addition, the only bug spray you can find in Cat Ba is overpriced 95% DEET which literally burns your skin when you apply it and probably caused about 15 types of cancer. 

For this reason, I highly suggest stocking up on non-DEET products beforehand such as Sawyer Insect Repellent

Its active ingredient Picaridin is made from black pepper, and is equally as effective as DEET without the drawbacks.

Are The Bolts At Cat Ba Safe?

Floating House Cat Ba Island

The climbing at Cat Ba was in the past divided between Asia Outdoors and Cat Ba Climbing.

Asia Outdoors was in charge of Butterfly Valley, the Cave and Ben Beo. Cat Ba Climbing was in charge of The Farm and Hidden Valley.

In 2019, Asia Outdoors decided to permanently close their doors. For that reason Cat Ba Climbing is now the Island’s authority for climbing.

The bolts in these sectors where overseen by these organizations when then were installed, and for that reason they are generally very high quality.

There are some areas which were originally bolted with expansion bolts and now need to be replaced. For that reason there are some ongoing reporting efforts.

This is especially the case for areas close to the ocean.

how to arrive to cat ba island?
The Only Way to Get To Cat Ba Is By Boat

If you are concerned with the bolting, feel free to inquire at Cat Ba Climbing.

Though at a similar latitude as Tonsai, the climate at Cat Ba is much more mild. In addition, much of the climbing is located inland aware from the saltwater.

For these reasons, Cat Ba does not have the same issues as Tonasi does for bolting.

If you are climbing some of the less common routes, or if you’re traveling to an obscure crag overlooking the sea, such as The Face, it is possible that you will still find some original expansion bolts.

For these areas I highly suggest inquiring at Cat Ba prior to attempting to climb.

If you plan on sticking to the popular areas such as Butterfly Valley or Hidden Valley, you do not have to worry about bolt quality.

Deep Water Solo (DWS) at Cat Ba

Deep water solo, DWS Cat Ba
DWS Cat Ba Syle!

Cat Ba has quickly become the best place in Southeast Asia for deep water soloing, and for a good reason.

There are hundreds of established routes, thousands of possibilities and one of the most beautiful settings you’ll ever see, what’s not to like?

To go, book a tour through Cat Ba Climbing. Tours run every day the tide is over 2m, and cost around 830,000 VND (36$) as of July 2018.

Though it is possible, I highly advise against going without a guide.

The DWS here is a unique experience you are unlikely to experience anywhere else in the world. I highly suggest it.

The crag you go to will vary depending on tides, weather, and experience level of the climbers in your boat.

How To Get To Cat Ba Island

To get to Cat Ba, first thing you’ll need to do is take a flight to Hanoi.

Lucky Hanoi is large airport, where you can get directly flights from anywhere the county and many places throughout the region.

From Hanoi, you will have to take a bus to Cat Ba. It takes about 4hrs to arrive from the city. 

I used Good Morning CatBa and found that they were very professional. They picked me up on time from my hostel, and dropped me off in front of my accommodation at Cat Ba.

You can go to one of their offices directly to book, or if you’re planning on spending a day or two in Hanoi you can book it through your hotel.

I paid 250,000VND for the way there, and 180,000VND for the way back. Your best strategy is to ask around and haggle because there is a lot of competition.

Usually the cost is more if you book from your hotel/hostel vs visiting the office themselves (about 100,000VND).

When Is the Best Time To Go To Cat Ba?

Cat Ba Weather

Most people don’t know this, but it actually gets relatively cold in North Vietnam in the winter. For that reason it has some of the best climbing temperatures in SE Asia.

The highs in the winter range between 18-20 degrees, and in the summer they go up to 30-35.

The summers are not only hot, but wet. Expect rain most days, though the rocks dry very fast. The winters on the other hand, see little rain.

This lack of rain coupled with low temperatures make it prime climbing season Dec-Feb.

Compared to other places nearby, such as Thakhek and Tonsai, the climbing season is actually quite long.

You can climb here year round if you want, which certainly isn’t the same case for most other SE Asia climbing destinations.

One very nice thing about Cat Ba, is that it just doesn’t see the crowds at the crags like the other locations do. It is unlikely that you’ll have the crags to yourself, however, I wouldn’t expect to queue up much.

Too Many Climbers Railay Beach
Compare that to Railay

Prices go up in the summer months as this is when the island sees more Vietnamese travelers. The ‘high season’ generally starts somewhere in late May or early June. Even more reason to go in the winter.

Where to Stay in Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba is a popular spot for non-climber backpackers and Vietnamese tourists. For that reason there is an abundance of cheap accommodation available.

Hostels range anywhere from 3-7 USD per night. Hotels can be found starting at 6 USD a night.

Keep in mind that usually the very cheap hostels/ hotels charge extra for AC, which is absolutely essential in the summer months.

If you’re looking for a budget option, the Luna’s House Hostel is solid choice.

They have a good location, only a few minute walk from the main strip of restaurants and shops. It was clean, relatively quiet and the staff where helpful.

With dorm beds less than $5 a night, and privates under $15, it is out-of-this-world value for your money.

If your budget allows it, you can absolutely ball out at Cat Ba at a fraction of the price of what it would be in many places in west or even in Asia.

I stayed a few nights at the Cat Ba Bay Vision Hotel.

For 25$ a night I got the top floor suite, with an ocean view, super fast wifi and free breakfast.

Not bad.

With so many options to choose from, you can pretty much pick from any type of price point, style and amenity imaginable here.

I’d highly suggest booking your reservation at least for the first few nights before hand, as prices go way up on the weekends as the town gets flooded with Vietnam tourists from nearby Hanoi.

Sneaky Dirtbag Beta: Cat Ba Climbing has a dorm room with 8 beds they rent out. I was paying 50,000 VND a night (2019). It is a great place to go meet climbers if you’re traveling solo.

Where to Get Essential Supplies

Butterfly valley Cat Ba
There Is a Small Restaurant At Butterfly Valley

First, if you don’t have your own gear, it can all be rented at Cat Ba Climbing no problem.

They have plenty of high quality gear, but it gets expensive if you’re climbing more than a few days.

The guide book is currently out of print, though it is available online, there are printed copies available at Cat Ba Climbing.

If you ask, they let you take pictures of the topos, so there is no need to buy one yourself.

Food at the restaurants is very cheap. For a more basic meal, ie fried rice or noodles, expect to pay 25,000 – 30,000 VND.

More ‘expensive’ food such as the fish costs closer to 80,000 VND. The seafood at Cat Ba is amazing. All of it is fresh caught, cheap and tasty.

If you’re looking to find climbers, head on over to our BRAND NEW FB GROUP and drop a post with your dates!

There are a few markets in town, but they raise their prices so dramatically for tourist, you almost end up paying the same as you would at a restaurant.

The way they intended it, to be sure. The biggest one near the town can be found here. Go and test your negotiating skills.

The beer in Vietnam is in general laughably cheap. Expect to pay 10,000 – 20,000 VND per bottle.

But what’s even cheaper is the local brew called ‘Bai Hoi’ (fresh beer), which can be found for around 5,000 VND. For that reason, Vietnam is generally referred to as having the cheapest beer on the planet.

Bai Hoi can be found in a few spots on the island. The best place I found was located only a few minutes from Like Cafe. Look for the yellow chairs!!

Food, Water and Restaurants in Cat Ba Island

Climbing Vietnam, The Cave
Stalactites of “The Cave”

Cat Ba has a range of small mini-marts and markets where you can buy food. The problem is that if you’re a foreigner, they usually charge you anywhere between 3-10x the local price for food.

Normally I would say that you can negotiate the price down, but they vendors all have an agreement to charge foreigners a certain price, meaning that they will never drop the price anywhere near the local one.

This generally means that it is about the same price to purchase food at the market as it is to simply go to one of the many restaurants in town (which was the intention to be sure).  

In that regard there is no shortage of options. The food at Cat Ba is absolutely delicious. The seafood is particularly good here. You can get fish, clams, oysters and shrimp at a fraction of the price you would find in any western country.

Here were a few of my favorite places, but just about anywhere on the island is good!

Buddha Belly – Delicious vegetarian and vegan food. The hot pot is the way forward.

Like Cafe – Some of the best coffee and fastest internet in town. A perfect place for the digital nomads to get some work done.

Yummy – The are two ‘Yummy’ cafes in town, aptly named Yummy 1 and Yummy 2. Good cheap and fast food.

The water at Cat Ba is not advisable to drink. You can buy large jugs or water or water bottles all over town.

Wifi and Power At Cat Ba Island

Unlike some other climbing spots in SouthEast Asia such as Tonsai, Cat Ba has power 100% of the time, and has wifi at every single restaurant and cafe.

For that reason, Cat Ba is a perfect place for digital nomads, looking to get some work done before or after going climbing for the day!

My favorite cafe to work at was Like Cafe. It has good wifi and fast internet. It can get busy during the days however, so I would suggest checking out Casa Bonita or Kayak Cafe.

The Climbing Community at Cat Ba

Deep water solo cat ba island
DWS Solo Trip with Cat Ba Climbing

The climbing community at Cat Ba is strong but constantly growing. During the fall-spring season, you should expect to find climbers quite easily.

However, the community is in no way as large as Tonsai for instance. So if you’re unlucky, you may need to ask around. A very good way to find climbers is to leave up notes at Cat Ba Climbing, or post on the Cat Ba Climbing FB group.

What To Do On Your Rest Days At Cat Ba

 

Lan Ha Bay Tour Vietnam
Lan Ha Bay Tours Are Very Popular

Lan Ha Bay

At Lan Ha Bay, towers of rocks shoot up out of the ocean seemly out of nowhere. This otherworldly landscape is what first made Cat Ba Island famous for tourists.

This is most likely the most popular tourist attraction on Cat Ba island. There are daily boat trips which head out to Lan Ha Bay. There are single day or multiple-day trips available.

This is one of the highlights of Cat Ba, and definitely worth checking out. The landscape is very similar in Lan Ha Bay to what you’ll see if you do a DWS solo trip. So I wouldn’t do both if I was you.

Cat Ba Beach(s)

There are a ton of beaches around Cat Ba, but the three most popular are Cat Ba Beach 1, Beach 2 and Beach 3. Located only about a 15-20min walk from Cat Ba Climbing, they make for a nice day out.

Pro Tip: There are literally dozens of other beaches to choose from on Cat Ba. If you have a motorbike, you can take a quick ride out of town and not find another person!

The only tricky thing is that many times it is on private property, so ask at Cat Ba Climbing or your hotel for recommendations.

Explore the Island on MotorBike

One of my favorite things I did at Cat Ba was rent the motorbikes. This might sound scary to those of you without much riding experience. The roads on Cat Ba are for the most part very calm, and therefore serve for a great place to practice riding!

To rent the bike for the day only costs between $4-$7 in addition to about $3 of fuel you have to buy on your own.

Pro Tip: Only buy fuel from official gas stations around the island, or you will be charged anywhere from 2-10x more.

Vietnam is also ridiculously relaxed with it comes to rental policies. Simply ask as just any hotel/hostel in town, and they will bring the bike to you a few minutes later.

No paperwork, or proof of license required. Love it. 

Cat Ba National Park

Another highlight of Cat Ba. About half of the island is a national park. In 2004, it was designated as a UNESCO land reserve. Lucky you can enter for a day hike, or even camp and spend the night if you choose!

The park is home to a range of endangered animals, the most notable being the small monkey the Cat Ba Langur. There are only thought to be about 60 of them remaining in the world, so if you would be very lucky indeed to see one!

And don’t forget to purchase travel insurance for Vietnam to protect you against illness, injury, and theft. This is a super important thing to have on hand. I use and recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance and you can get your custom quote above!

Final Thoughts

Cat Ba is a must visit. It has one of the best mixes of any climbing destination I’ve gone to. Not to mention, it is the spot to go for a budget traveler.

You can live here for 10$ a day without breaking a sweat.

It is a place that a lot of people show up expecting to stay a few days, but instead stay much longer.

You’ll actually find a pretty large group of expats at the climbing shops who have lived here for years.

And really, I don’t blame them. Life is good on Cat Ba. Cheap living, great food, beautiful scenery, and enough climbing to keep you busy for years. Vietnamese paradise.

For more reading see our articles on the rock climbing in Laos and the climbing in Thailand.

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Article last updated October 2019. 

Published by The Wandering Climber

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