1. Overview of Money Island
Cat Ba Monkey Island is a popular tourist attraction. (Photo: Collected)
Cat Ba Monkey Island is one of the well-known attractions in the Cat Ba Archipelago, drawing visitors with its pristine scenery, refreshing marine environment, and groups of monkeys living naturally on the island. The island was formerly known as Cat Dua Island because wild pineapple plants grew in abundance around the area. It later became widely known as Monkey Island due to the monkeys that frequently appear there and have become one of its defining features.
Monkey Island is located in Lan Ha Bay, about 10 km from Cat Ba Town by water. Visitors usually reach the island by boat or as part of a bay exploration tour. With its soft white sandy beach, clear blue waters, and limestone mountains surrounding the area, the island is an ideal place to relax, swim, kayak, and enjoy Cat Ba's natural scenery.
The main attraction of Cat Ba Monkey Island is the groups of monkeys living on the island, which can often be seen around the beaches and visitor areas while searching for food. In addition to observing the monkeys, visitors can climb to higher points on the island to enjoy panoramic views of Lan Ha Bay, take photos, and appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding seascape.
Monkey Island is not only a popular stop on Cat Ba sightseeing tours but also suitable for a wide range of visitors, including families, couples, groups of friends, and nature lovers. The combination of beautiful coastal scenery, a distinctive ecosystem, and opportunities to observe wildlife up close makes Monkey Island a popular destination for visitors to Cat Ba.
2. Latest Cat Ba Monkey Island Entrance Fee
Latest Cat Ba Monkey Island entrance fee information. (Photo: Collected)
The cost of visiting Cat Ba Monkey Island depends on your transportation method and type of tour. The most common option is to join a Lan Ha Bay tour from Cai Beo Pier, which takes around 10–15 minutes to reach the island. Alternatively, visitors can hire a private boat or speedboat. According to updated rates from service providers, the Monkey Island entrance fee is around VND 50,000–80,000 per person. The following are reference prices for different options.
2.1. Cat Ba Monkey Island Group Tour Prices
For first-time visitors to Cat Ba, a Lan Ha Bay group tour that includes Monkey Island is a popular option because it is convenient and saves time. Reference prices generally range from VND 650,000–900,000 per person, depending on the itinerary, boat quality, and included services.
These tours typically include several services, such as a Lan Ha Bay sightseeing boat, tour guide, onboard meals, kayaking, visits to smaller islands, and a stop at Monkey Island. Choosing an all-inclusive tour means you do not have to arrange transportation yourself while also allowing you to explore several notable destinations in a single day.
However, before booking, check the itinerary carefully to make sure Monkey Island is included as a stop. Not every Lan Ha Bay tour visits the island, so confirming this in advance will help ensure that the itinerary matches your expectations.
2.2. Cost of Hiring a Private Boat or Speedboat to Monkey Island
For families, larger groups of friends, or visitors who want greater flexibility, hiring a private boat or speedboat from Cai Beo Pier is an option worth considering. This allows you to arrange your own schedule, choose how long to spend at each destination, and combine Monkey Island with other attractions in Lan Ha Bay based on your preferences.
The cost of hiring a private boat to Cat Ba Monkey Island from some service providers is around VND 1.5–3.5 million per boat, depending on the number of passengers, rental duration, and itinerary. Some reference rates for boat trips by session range from around VND 1.5–1.6 million per boat, while half-day private boat rentals may cost around VND 2.3–3.5 million per boat.
For private speedboats to Monkey Island or around Lan Ha Bay, prices generally depend on the type of boat, passenger capacity, and rental duration. Reference rates at Cai Beo Pier include around VND 550,000 per hour for a six-seat speedboat, VND 800,000 per hour for a 12-seat speedboat, and VND 1.2 million per hour for a 26-seat speedboat. For rentals of 4–6 hours, the cost may range from around VND 3–6.2 million per speedboat, depending on the type of boat and itinerary.
These prices are for reference only, as actual costs may vary depending on the number of passengers, rental duration, sightseeing route, type of boat or speedboat, and additional destinations included. Some services may charge separately for Lan Ha Bay entrance fees, Monkey Island admission, kayaking, meals, or other additional expenses. Before booking, discuss the departure time, number of passengers, itinerary, included services, and additional charges clearly with the boat operator or transportation provider so you can manage your budget more effectively.
2.3. Additional Costs When Visiting Monkey Island
In addition to entrance fees and transportation, ask in advance about the cost of a transfer boat if low tide prevents the main boat from approaching the island directly. This fee may be charged separately or included in the tour price, depending on the operator. Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, or resting services may also arise.
When booking a tour or renting a boat, check carefully which services are included in the quoted price, particularly entrance fees, transportation to the island, and transfer boats if required. Confirming these details in advance will help you estimate your budget more accurately and avoid unexpected surcharges.
3. What Makes Cat Ba Monkey Island Attractive?
Cat Ba Monkey Island is a popular stop for many visitors. (Photo: Collected)
Cat Ba Monkey Island is a popular stop on Lan Ha Bay sightseeing routes, known for its beaches, limestone mountain scenery, and natural surroundings. Here, visitors can swim, walk around the island, observe the monkeys, and enjoy views of the bay from higher points.
3.1. Swimming at Cat Dua Beach 1 and Cat Dua Beach 2
One of the highlights of visiting Cat Ba Monkey Island is stopping at Cat Dua Beach 1 and Cat Dua Beach 2. The two beaches are surrounded by the characteristic scenery of Lan Ha Bay, with small stretches of sand, clear water, and limestone mountains. Compared with the beaches around central Cat Ba, these spots offer a closer connection with nature and are suitable for relaxing after traveling by sea.
Cat Dua Beach 1 is often included as a stop on Monkey Island sightseeing trips. Visitors can swim, relax on the beach, or take photos against the backdrop of the sea and mountains. Cat Dua Beach 2 is generally quieter, making it suitable for those who want to spend more time enjoying the scenery rather than taking part in numerous activities.
The two beaches are often included in Cat Ba Monkey Island–Lan Ha Bay tour itineraries, combined with activities such as kayaking, visiting smaller islands, or exploring the bay's natural scenery. When choosing a tour, consider an itinerary that allows enough time to stop at Monkey Island rather than making only a brief visit.
If you plan to swim, pay attention to designated swimming areas and follow the safety instructions at the attraction. This is also a good time to relax, take photos, and enjoy the scenery before continuing your journey around the bay.
3.2. Observing Monkeys in Their Natural Environment
The groups of monkeys living naturally on the island are the defining feature behind Monkey Island's name. During your visit, you may see monkeys moving through the trees, around the beaches, or along paths on the island, creating an interesting experience that sets it apart from many other coastal destinations.
However, visitors should keep a safe distance when observing the monkeys and follow safety guidelines. Do not feed or tease them or take any actions that could provoke them. You should also keep food, bags, phones, and other personal belongings secure, as the monkeys may become curious and approach when they spot food.
Responsible sightseeing not only helps protect visitors' safety but also contributes to preserving the animals' natural habitat on the island. It is also a simple way for visitors to help protect the distinctive ecosystem of the Lan Ha Bay area.
3.3. Enjoying the Scenery and Taking Photos at Monkey Island
Beyond swimming and observing the monkeys, Cat Ba Monkey Island is also an attractive viewpoint for photography enthusiasts. From the beach or trails leading to higher points on the island, you can enjoy panoramic views of Lan Ha Bay, with hundreds of limestone islands and islets scattered across the emerald-green water.
The natural scenery of Monkey Island combines the sea, mountains, and greenery, creating plenty of attractive photo opportunities. Many visitors choose this spot to capture memorable moments from their Cat Ba trip, particularly on clear days with little cloud cover.
If your itinerary allows, consider visiting in the early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and take photos in natural light. The combination of scenic seascapes and pristine natural beauty makes Monkey Island a worthwhile stop when exploring Lan Ha Bay.
4. Factors Affecting the Cost of Visiting Cat Ba Monkey Island
The cost of visiting Cat Ba Monkey Island depends on several factors. (Photo: Collected)
The cost of visiting Cat Ba Monkey Island depends not only on the entrance fee but also on the group size, length of the trip, and services used throughout the day. As a result, the total budget can vary significantly from one visitor to another, even when visiting the same destination. Identifying these factors in advance will help you estimate your expenses more accurately based on your actual needs.
4.1. Group Size
The number of people in your group is one of the factors to consider when calculating the cost of a trip to Cat Ba Monkey Island. For smaller groups, fixed expenses such as private transportation are divided among fewer people, resulting in a higher average cost per person. In contrast, families or larger groups of friends can spread some shared expenses across more people, making the overall budget easier to manage.
The number of visitors can also affect your choice of transportation and the amount of space needed during the trip. Therefore, before calculating the total cost, determine the exact number of participants, including children if applicable, so you can choose a suitable option.
4.2. Length of Stay on the Island
The amount of time spent on the island can also affect the total cost of your trip. If you only stop briefly for swimming, photography, and monkey watching, your personal spending will generally be lower than on a longer itinerary that combines several activities.
For trips lasting several hours, you may incur additional expenses for drinks, food, resting services, or other water-based activities. Therefore, deciding in advance how much time you want to spend on Monkey Island will help you plan your budget more effectively.
4.3. Number of Combined Attractions
Monkey Island is often combined with other destinations during Lan Ha Bay sightseeing trips. When an itinerary includes more stops, travel time and the number of services used during the trip may also increase.
If your main goal is simply to visit Monkey Island, you can create a shorter itinerary focusing on key activities such as swimming at Cat Dua Beach 1 and Cat Dua Beach 2, observing the monkeys, and enjoying the scenery. Adding more activities or destinations will change the total budget but can also give you a more varied itinerary.
4.4. Food and Personal Spending
In addition to fixed expenses, the cost of visiting Monkey Island also depends on each visitor's personal spending needs. Drinks, snacks, meals during the trip, and other incidental purchases can all increase the actual budget.
For family trips with young children in particular, it is advisable to set aside an additional amount for drinking water, snacks, and other essentials. Allocating a separate budget for these expenses can help prevent your actual spending from exceeding your planned daily budget.
4.5. When You Book Services
The time when you book a tour or transportation can also affect the actual cost. On weekends, public holidays, or during Cat Ba's peak travel periods, demand for services tends to increase, while transportation options may become more limited.
If your itinerary is already confirmed, booking services in advance will help you know the applicable price for your travel date and give you time to compare different options before making payment. This can also help minimize additional expenses caused by having to arrange services close to your departure date.
4.6. Services Included in the Tour Price
Another important factor is what is included in the tour price. Two tours with similar listed prices may have different actual costs if one includes meals, entrance fees, or activities while the other charges for these services separately.
Therefore, when comparing Cat Ba Monkey Island tour prices, do not look only at the initial listed price. Check the full itinerary to see which services are included and which ones require additional payment. This will give you a more accurate picture of the total trip budget rather than relying on a single advertised price.
5. Tips for Visiting Monkey Island
Book your tour or transportation early to plan your Cat Ba Monkey Island itinerary with greater flexibility. (Photo: Collected)
To make your visit to Cat Ba Monkey Island smooth and enjoyable, prepare carefully in terms of your itinerary, transportation, and essential items. The following tips will help you explore the island safely and comfortably while making the most of the natural beauty and distinctive ecosystem of Lan Ha Bay.
Book your tour or transportation early to plan your itinerary with greater flexibility: Booking in advance helps avoid sold-out services and makes it easier to choose an option that suits your needs, such as a Lan Ha Bay group tour, private boat rental, or an itinerary combining several attractions in one day. For families or larger groups of friends, advance booking also gives the service provider more time to arrange suitable transportation and itineraries.
Check the weather before your trip for the best conditions: Before departure, monitor the weather forecast to choose a time when the sea is calm, rainfall is limited, and outdoor activities are more convenient. Sunny weather not only makes boat travel more comfortable but also offers better opportunities to enjoy the limestone islands, clear blue waters, and distinctive natural scenery of Cat Ba.
Bring essential personal items for a seaside trip: When visiting Monkey Island, bring essentials such as sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, a light jacket, and a waterproof bag for your phone or camera. These items can help protect you during extended outdoor activities while minimizing the effects of sunlight and sea wind on electronic devices.
Keep a safe distance when observing the monkeys: Visitors should not feed or tease the monkeys or attempt to get too close to them to avoid unwanted situations. Keep a suitable distance and secure your phone, camera, bags, and personal food, as the monkeys may become curious and approach when they spot belongings or food.
Combine your visit with other attractions in Cat Ba: After leaving Monkey Island, you can continue kayaking in Lan Ha Bay, take the Sun World Cat Ba Cable Car, enjoy panoramic views of the archipelago from Cannon Fort, relax at Cat Co Beach, or explore the lively nighttime atmosphere at VUI-Fest Cat Ba.
Book your Cat Ba Cable Car tickets here!
Monkey Island is an ideal stop for those who want to connect with nature and explore the distinctive scenery of Lan Ha Bay. Learning about costs, transportation options, itineraries, and important visiting tips in advance will help you prepare more proactively, manage your budget, and enjoy a smoother trip. Hopefully, the information on Cat Ba Monkey Island entrance fees will help you plan your itinerary more easily, combining the island with popular destinations such as Lan Ha Bay, Cannon Fort, and Cat Co Beach, as well as food and entertainment activities in Cat Ba for a memorable trip.