The bus from Hanoi dropped me off right in front of the Woodstock Beach Camp, which is set in a quiet beautiful lagoon right next to the serpentine main road. As you have already probably guessed from the name, this place got a hippie vibe going and is an accommodation ideal for backpackers and travelers on a budget.

• bungalows
• tents
• dorms 

Because it was January and deep into the off-season, I was the only person in my dorm and so I stayed for 3 nights to enjoy my own company, a good book and a beautiful white beach view: it was too cold to swim.

I booked my Ha Long Bay boat tour from here. I was the only one to go on one that day, so I was taken on a fast and exhilarating motorbike ride along the curving coastline to the ferry by one of the owners.

What makes this place great are the people who work there and volunteers that are very friendly and really chill. Don’t expect a 5-star beach bungalow but do come for the vibes and to take it easy for a couple of days. Many volunteers stay here for months and for them this is not a job but a home.

There is a chill beach bar where everyone gathers around happy hour. It is a much livelier place in the summer but I totally did not mind my quiet winter stay.

To really explore the island you need to rent a motorbike though, which you can do here. Many come to Cat Ba to hike in its beautiful National Park and for that, you do need to rent one.

• Woodstock Beach Camp serves food
• there is a local restaurant 2-minute walk away
• bring fruit & snacks with you 

Cool eco-friendly policy: bring a big bag full of beach trash and get a free beer. Well, if you can find trash because when I was there the beach was very clean, which is a bit different from my experience with other shorelines in Vietnam.

GET HERE:

By Bus: I booked with HiHi Travel (Hanoi), which I highly recommend
By Ferry: from Bến phà Tuần Châu and hire a taxi (car or bike) to take you across the island.

For prices & availability chick here: WOODSTOCK BEACH CAMP CAT BA ISLAND