Cat BaIsland & Lan Ha Bay guide

05Things to do

Cat Ba after dark

Cat Ba is no party island, but summer evenings are lively. Families stroll the harbour, karaoke echoes from hotels and backpackers gather in a few bars. Here is how to spend your evenings.

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Fact sheet

Main area
Harbour front
Bars close
Around midnight, later in summer
Backpackers
A few social bars and hostels
Local favourite
Karaoke
Evening activity
Squid fishing
Quietest
Winter weekdays

Short answer

Start with seafood on the harbour, wander the night market, then have a drink at a waterfront or backpacker bar. In summer, try squid fishing.

01Where to go

  • Harbour front. Restaurants and bars with views of the bay and the town lights.
  • Backpacker bars. A few social spots in the streets behind the harbour, with games and cheap drinks.
  • Night market. Food, souvenirs, games and live entertainment in season.
  • Hotel rooftops. Some high-rise hotels have rooftop bars with views.

02Evening ideas

  • Squid fishing on a summer night
  • Sunset at Cannon Fort, then dinner in town
  • A massage after a day on the water
  • Stargazing from the Cat Co beaches on a clear winter night

03Safety

Cat Ba is generally safe at night. Watch your drinks, avoid riding scooters after drinking and agree taxi prices in advance.

?Questions people ask

Is there a nightlife on Cat Ba?

Yes, low-key: bars, karaoke and night markets, busiest on summer weekends.

Read next

  1. Food & drinkSeafood by the kilo, Hai Phong specialities, night markets and how to order.
  2. Squid fishingAn evening on a boat with lights, lines and your catch cooked on board.
  3. Cat Ba TownThe harbour town: promenade, market, seafood, night market and viewpoints.