Monkey Island (known locally as Cat Dua or Pineapple Island) stands as the premier wildlife and adventure hub of the Cat Ba Archipelago. Under the new Hai Phong Tourism Regulations effective January 12, 2026, the island has solidified its role as a sustainable sanctuary, offering a “raw” alternative to the more manicured stops in central Ha Long Bay. At Vietnam Story, we recommend Monkey Island for Indian travelers who prefer the tranquil, boutique atmosphere of Lan Ha Bay but still desire the pulse-raising hikes and panoramic vistas that define Northern Vietnam.
The famous Monkeys of Cat Dua: A guide to your wildlife interaction
The island, of course, owes its popular name to a lively troop of over 20 wild macaques that were reintroduced here to return to their natural habitat. Seeing these monkeys is a highlight for many visitors, but it is very important to interact with them safely and respectfully. These monkeys are smart, curious, and can be a little mischievous! Here is what you need to know.
The macaques here are generally intelligent and have become habituated to seeing humans. You will often see them roaming the beaches and the beautiful pineapple groves. However, they are also highly opportunistic and can be very “sly” little thieves!
For a safe and positive experience, please follow these important rules:
- Keep your distance: Please maintain a safe 2–3 meter gap between you and the monkeys at all times.
- Secure your belongings: You must secure all of your loose items – especially sunglasses, phones, hats, and snacks – inside a zipped backpack. They are very quick and are known to snatch things!
- Do not feed them: This is strictly prohibited. While some older guides might suggest feeding them for a photo, the current 2026 sustainability rules forbid it. Feeding them can make them aggressive and dependent on humans, which is not good for their well-being.
NOTE: Please do not confuse these common macaques with the critically endangered Cat Ba Langur (also known as the Golden-headed Langur). There are only about 60 of these incredibly rare primates left in the entire world, and they are strictly protected within the “forbidden zones” of the Cat Ba National Park. You will rarely, if ever, see one on Monkey Island.
A tale of two beaches and the beautiful marine biodiversity
Monkey Island is a small, 0.2 square kilometer gem, but it is blessed with two very distinct and beautiful white-sand beaches that are separated by a dramatic mountain spur. Each beach offers a different kind of experience.
READ MORE: Ba Trai Dao Island: The Hidden Paradise of Lan Ha Bay
Cat Dua 1 (The social hub)
This is the primary landing area where most of the boats will arrive. It features beautiful, shallow, emerald-green waters that are ideal and very safe for families to swim in. You will also find facilities here like beach chairs for rent, a small beach bar, and volleyball nets.
Cat Dua 2 (The quiet eco-escape)
Tucked away behind a large rock formation called Tai Meo (the “Cat’s Ear” Rock), this beach is a true paradise. It is surrounded by beautiful white apple trees and wild pineapples and offers a much more private and secluded “private island” feel. It is also home to a quiet and lovely eco-resort.
The rich marine life
The waters around Monkey Island are teeming with life and are home to over 150 different species of beautiful coral.
- Snorkeling: The best time for snorkeling is from May to October, and the best spot is off the quieter Cat Dua 2 beach.
- Kayaking: You can rent a kayak for about 50,000 – 100,000 VND per hour and paddle to the nearby hidden coves and beautiful rock arches.
The rewarding summit hike: The stunning “Cat’s ear” panorama
For the adventurous at heart, the hike to the summit of the Tai Meo Rock is an absolute must-do. The climb is shorter than the famous hike on Titov Island, but it is significantly more rugged, natural, and “wild.” This is a true scramble to one of the best viewpoints in the entire archipelago.
The journey to the top is a thrilling 15 – 20 minute scramble over sharp and jagged limestone crags. The hike is of moderate to challenging difficulty. Unlike the concrete steps you will find in Ha Long Bay, this path is completely natural and can be very slippery after the morning mist or a brief rain shower.
Your effort will be rewarded with a breathtaking, 360-degree unobstructed view of Lan Ha Bay’s 400+ beautiful islets. It is often cited by photographers as the absolute best spot for sunset photography in the entire archipelago.
TIP: You absolutely must wear high-quality sneakers or proper trekking sandals for this climb. Please avoid attempting to climb the summit if it has rained within the last 2 hours, as the rocks become dangerously slippery.
Vietnamstory’s tailored tips for Indian travelers
At Vietnamstory, we are experts at making sure every experience is perfectly comfortable, safe, and enjoyable for our cherished Indian guests. Here is how we tailor the Monkey Island experience for you.
- The “crowd-skip” advantage: While Ha Long’s famous Titov Island can sometimes feel as crowded as a stadium, Monkey Island maintains a wonderful, boutique, and peaceful feel. Most of the main tour boats will depart by 4:00 PM. If you visit via a private speedboat, the beautiful 4:30 PM “Golden Hour” on the summit can be yours, and yours alone.
- A note on vegetarian food: The small restaurants on the island primarily serve fresh seafood. We highly recommend that our vegetarian guests pack a light, Indian-style snack from your hotel in Cat Ba Town, as the kiosks on the island mostly sell processed snacks like chips and biscuits.
- Commitment to sustainability: In line with our 2026 “Green Tourism” pledge, we always encourage our guests to use reef-safe sunscreen and to bring reusable water bottles. The island’s waste management is very strictly monitored by the archipelago’s Management Board, and we must all do our part to help.
READ MORE: Lan Ha Bay Caves: Your 2026 Guide to the “Secret Gallery” of Wonders
A quick comparison: Monkey Island and Titov Island
To help you understand the different experiences, here is a simple comparison between the two most famous island viewpoints.
| Feature | Monkey Island (Lan Ha Bay) | Titov Island (Ha Long Bay) |
| Vibe | Rugged, wild, and very peaceful. | Iconic, paved, and very social. |
| Wildlife | Famous for its macaques and over 200 species of birds. | Minimal wildlife. |
| Hike style | A natural limestone scramble over sharp rocks. | A climb up 450 man-made stone steps. |
| Water clarity | 8m – 25m of visibility (seasonal). It is excellent. | Standard bay visibility. |
| Snorkeling | High quality, with beautiful coral reefs. | Low quality. |
Conclusion
A visit to Monkey Island is a call to your adventurous spirit. It is an experience that trades paved paths for rugged trails, curated crowds for wild macaques, and simple sightseeing for a thrilling scramble to a breathtaking summit. It is a destination that rewards a little bit of effort with an incredible sense of accomplishment and a feeling of having discovered a truly authentic and untamed corner of the archipelago. For the traveler who seeks an adventure that is as real as it is beautiful, Monkey Island is the perfect answer.
Your travel story deserves to be a rich and exciting one. Allow Vietnamstory to be your guide. We specialize in crafting seamless Tour Packages from India that are filled with these kinds of diverse and memorable adventures. Reach out to us, and let’s start writing your incredible Monkey Island story together.