1. Overview of Cat Co 1 Beach
1.1. Geographical location of Cat Co 1 Beach
Cat Co 1 Beach is located in the center of Cat Ba Island, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City, about 45 km from the city center. Thanks to its convenient location, tourists can easily travel from the ferry terminal, high-speed boat pier, as well as famous tourist attractions in Cat Ba to this beach in a short time.
Cat Co 1 is considered the most beautiful and vibrant beach among the three Cat Co beaches, boasting a fine white sandy shore that curves gently along the limestone mountains and cool, clear blue water.
Cat Co 1 is a famous beach on Cat Ba Island. (Source: Collected)
1.2. Reasons to explore Cat Co 1 beach
Cat Co 1 beach attracts tourists with its harmonious natural landscape of blue sea, white sand, and the characteristic fresh air of Cat Ba Island. With clear water and a wide sandy beach, the beach suits most tourist needs, from relaxing vacations and swimming to exploration and outdoor activities.
An interesting point is that Cat Co 1 is connected to the other two beaches via a wooden bridge along the mountainside, making it convenient for tourists to move easily and experience different sea spaces within the same trip.
2. How to get to Cat Co 1 beach
2.1. Traveling to Hai Phong
To get to Cat Co 1 beach, tourists first need to travel to Hai Phong city, then continue their journey to Cat Ba Island. From Hanoi and northern provinces, the most popular means of transport is a coach or limousine bus. These bus companies usually pick up passengers in the central area of Hanoi and take them directly to the cable car station, ferry terminal, or high-speed boat pier.
The average travel time from Hanoi to Hai Phong ranges from 1.5 to 2 hours, before continuing the journey to the island.
The cost for the Hanoi – Hai Phong route by coach or limousine bus ranges from 150,000 to 300,000 VND/trip (depending on the bus company and your departure location).
Tourists who prefer freedom on their journey can drive their own car via the Hanoi – Hai Phong expressway. This route is flat and easy to navigate, significantly shortening travel time and offering a proactive, convenient experience for drivers.
For tourists coming from further away, flying is an ideal option. Flights land at Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong), from where tourists can continue to Cat Ba Island by taxi, bus, coach, etc., depending on their time and needs.
2.2. Traveling to Cat Ba Island
Sun World Cat Ba Cable Car is an ideal choice for tourists who want to shorten travel time and fully enjoy the island's bay scenery from above. The entire journey takes about 15 minutes, with smooth cabin operation, providing a comfortable and safe experience.
From the height of the cable car route, you can admire the majestic Cat Ba archipelago with its undulating limestone mountains, turquoise waters, and gently winding small bays between the sea and sky.
Cat Hai cable car station is modern and large-scale. (Source: Collection)
Besides the cable car, ferries and high-speed boats are also suitable options for tourists who want to bring their personal vehicles. The sea journey offers a different experience with the cool, refreshing breeze and expansive views, allowing tourists to relax and fully immerse themselves in the sea air. Travel time by ferry or boat is usually about 30 minutes, depending on weather conditions and the day's operating schedule.
3. Interesting experiences at Cat Co 1 beach
3.1. Unique natural scenery of Cat Co 1 beach
Cat Co 1 beach possesses a beauty that blends blue sea, white sand, and limestone mountain ranges embracing the soft, curved coastline like a silk ribbon. The fresh natural space, abundant sunshine, and cool sea breeze help tourists easily find a sense of relaxation amidst the vast sea and sky.
The fine sand and gentle waves of Cat Co 1 beach. (Source: Collected)
3.2. Characteristics of seawater, sand, and year-round climate
The seawater at Cat Co 1 beach is clear and calm, with gentle waves, very suitable for the whole family, especially young children. The white sand is fine, clean, and stretches widely, allowing visitors to comfortably play or stroll leisurely along the coast.
Cat Ba has a mild climate, pleasant all four seasons, with summer bringing beautiful sunshine and being the ideal time to immerse yourself in the cool water. Thanks to the favorable weather conditions year-round, Cat Co 1 beach is always an attractive choice for a short getaway or a family trip.
3.3. Beach activities
At Cat Co 1 beach, visitors can enjoy many diverse entertainment activities. Swimming and watching the sea at sunrise or sunset are always popular experiences.
Those who enjoy physical activity can participate in water sports such as kayaking, swimming, or snorkeling. The beach also has areas for picnics, resting huts, and spacious areas for group activities, suitable for young groups or families with small children.
4. Accommodation and resort services near Cat Co 1 beach
The table suggests some luxurious and convenient hotels and resorts near Cat Co 1 beach:
Unique design of Flamingo Cat Ba Beach Resort. (Source: Collected)
5. Cuisine and attractive dining spots around Cat Co 1 beach
5.1. Must-try island delicacies when visiting Cat Co 1
Cat Ba cuisine always impresses visitors with the freshness and richness of local seafood. When visiting Cat Co 1 beach, tourists can enjoy many famous specialties such as grilled sea snails with scallion oil, diversely prepared horseshoe crabs, salt-roasted mantis shrimp, steamed grouper with soy sauce, and various types of oysters and clams caught daily. The seafood here is simply prepared to preserve its natural sweetness, creating an unforgettable experience while enjoying the breezy sea and sky.
Fresh and delicious seafood, full of sea flavor, that tourists should try when visiting Cat Co beach. (Source: Collected)
5.2. Restaurant and eatery recommendations near the beach
The area around Cat Co 1 beach has many restaurants and eateries serving tourists with diverse menus, comfortable spaces, and stable quality. Many beachfront restaurants offer direct sea views, providing an experience of enjoying seafood amidst beautiful natural scenery:
Phuong Phuong Restaurant: located on Nui Ngoc street in the center of Cat Ba island. Specializes in fresh and delicious seafood, with a clear sea view.
Green Mango Cat Ba restaurant is located on the way to Cat Co 1 beach, near the resort and beach area. This is a suitable choice for tourists who want to experience international-style cuisine right in the center of the island.
Bien Dong Cat Ba restaurant: located at 8 Nui Ngoc, Cat Ba center, Hai Phong. This is a top seafood destination in Cat Ba, with a spacious restaurant and fast service.
6. Notable destinations near Cat Co 1 beach
6.1. Cat Ba National Park
Cat Ba National Park is an ideal destination for nature lovers and those who enjoy exploring the unique ecosystem of the archipelago. It boasts rich flora and fauna, with many rare species, including the famous Cat Ba langur. The lush green forest, winding forest trails, and elevated viewpoints allow visitors to fully enjoy the island's pristine beauty.
6.2. Cannon Fort
Cannon Fort is located on a high hill, not far from Cat Co 1 beach, offering panoramic views of Cat Ba island and Lan Ha Bay. The structure bears historical significance with its system of bunkers, cannons, and a valuable archive display area. Visitors can combine sightseeing with sunset viewing here, as the evening light descending upon the bay creates an incredibly impressive scene.
6.3. Lan Ha Bay
Magnificent nature of Cat Ba archipelago. (Source: Collected)
Lan Ha Bay is considered one of the beautiful bays in Vietnam with hundreds of large and small islands covered in greenery, clear blue sea, and fresh air. From Cat Co 1 beach, visitors can easily move to the piers to join the journey to explore the bay.
Popular activities include kayaking, swimming at small beaches in the bay, visiting fishing villages, or relaxing on a cruise.
7. Useful tips for traveling to Cat Co 1 beach in 2025
During the peak summer months, visitors should book accommodation early to avoid fully booked situations. When preparing outfits, visitors should prioritize comfortable, easy-to-move-in clothing made of quick-drying material for convenience when participating in water activities.
Outfits in bright colors or with a beach vibe like white, turquoise, or light yellow will also help visitors get outstanding photos against the backdrop of the blue sea and white sand of Cat Co 1 beach . Besides, sunglasses, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and a light jacket are essential items when traveling during the sunny season.
Concluding the island visit, Cat Co 1 beach appears as a beautiful, unforgettable impression, where the blue sea, fine sand, and cool air combine to create a rare sense of relaxation. This is always an ideal stop for you to immerse yourself in nature and capture the most peaceful moments of your journey.
