January
17.4°C ~ 63°F
8 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
Cat Ba
Hospital Cave
A secret cave hospital from the Vietnam War, with rooms built into the limestone.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Entry fee
- 40,000 VND
- Best months
- Sep – Nov
- Best time
- Midday heat or rainy days (indoors)
Overview
Hospital Cave, or the Military Hospital Cave, was built in the 1960s as a secret hospital and shelter for the Vietnamese army. It has three floors with about 17 rooms, including an operating room, wards, a cinema and a swimming pool.
A guide walks you through the concrete rooms and explains how doctors worked here. The visit takes about 45 minutes, and it is a good counterpoint to the nature stops on the island.
Highlights
- Walk through the 17-room cave hospital
- See the operating room and wards
- Learn about wartime medical care
- Visit with a guide
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Daily, about 7:00 – 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | 40,000 VND per adult Children: about 20,000 VND |
| Time needed | 45 minutes |
| Best time of day | Midday heat or rainy days (indoors) |
| Good for | History fans, families |
| Accessibility | Steps and narrow passages inside the cave |
| Facilities | Toilets, small stall, parking |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Cat Ba by month.
February
17.8°C ~ 64°F
7 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
March
20.8°C ~ 69°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
April
24°C ~ 75°F
11 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
May
27.2°C ~ 81°F
17 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
June
29.3°C ~ 85°F
18 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
July
29°C ~ 84°F
21 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
August
28.6°C ~ 83°F
24 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
September
27.9°C ~ 82°F
22 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
25.6°C ~ 78°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
22.9°C ~ 73°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
December
18.7°C ~ 66°F
6 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
How to get there
From Cat Ba centre
The cave is about 15 minutes by motorbike or taxi from Cat Ba town, on the road toward the national park. It is easy to combine with other sights on the island.
Tips before you go
- Go with a guide for the story
- Wear shoes with grip
- Bring a small torch or phone light
- Combine with Cat Ba National Park on the same trip
Location
Hospital Cave, Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong
About 10 km from Cat Ba town
More attractions in Cat Ba
FAQs
How much is the ticket?
Guides list 40,000 VND for adults and 20,000 VND for children. Confirm at the gate.
Is it suitable for kids?
Yes, but the cave is dark and has steps. Keep children close.
How long do I need?
About 45 minutes with a guide.