Walking Routes in Hon Gai, Bai Chay and Cat Ba
These walking routes cover Ha Long city and Cat Ba island. They are ordered from the easiest, a flat seafront stroll, to the hardest, a forest climb. Prices are in Vietnamese dong (VND), about 26,000 to the US dollar.
Route 1: Hon Gai promenade (easy, 4 km)
Begin at the Cho Ha Long 1 market, where fish and squid are sold, and continue to the foot of Bai Tho mountain. You will pass Chua Long Tien, a pagoda from 1941, and Den Tran Quoc Nghien, a temple for Tran Hung Dao’s eldest son. Both are active shrines, so dress with covered shoulders and knees, and take off hats and shoes at the sanctuary doors. After them, the Tran Quoc Nghien promenade is paved, flat and breezy, and it leads to Quang Ninh Museum. Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours in total.
Museum details: adults 40,000 VND, students 20,000 VND, children 10,000 VND. Open 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 17:00, and you should ask about Monday closing.
Route 2: Bai Chay seafront and market (easy, evening)
Walk the promenade beside Bai Chay beach, which charges nothing for entry. Do not count on lifeguards. Then go inland to the night market for dried seafood, pearl jewellery and street snacks. Hours vary, so arrive in the evening. The cable stayed Bai Chay Bridge has pedestrian walkways for a view of the strait.
Route 3: Cannon Fort, Cat Ba (short climb)
The fort on Cat Ba is open and charges an entry fee of a few tens of thousands of dong. You can climb or ride an optional electric cart. The VnExpress Cat Ba guide describes the island’s sights.
Route 4: Ngu Lam peak, Cat Ba National Park (moderate, 3 km return)
From the park headquarters the trail runs through the Kim Giao forest and climbs limestone to the summit. Plan on 1.5 to 2.5 hours there and back. Tree roots serve as steps in places, and the rock can be sharp, so wear sturdy trail shoes. Take at least 1 litre of water.
Getting to Cat Ba from the city means the Tuan Chau to Gia Luan ferry, about 45 to 60 minutes, then 25 km by road to Cat Ba town.
Do not climb Bai Tho
Bai Tho mountain has been closed since November 2017, after a forest fire. A climber died there in March 2026, and people who charge to guide visitors up are offering an illegal and dangerous route. The mountain looks best from the street below.
Weather and timing
In May to November storms can arrive quickly, and wet limestone is slippery. In summer, walk at dawn or dusk. In January and February, fog and drizzle at 12 to 15 degrees Celsius are common.
Read more: Sightseeing in Ha Long lists the sights these walks pass.
Walking tours with a guide can be searched on Viator .