1. Checking in to the Cat Ba Blue Sea Festival is an attractive tourist experience
1.1. Large-scale festival space in the Central Bay
The Cat Ba Blue Sea Festival takes place in the Central Bay, considered the heart of the new tourist area on the pearl island. Con So Square along with the vast coastal square system is designed like a giant outdoor stage, where visitors can both participate in the festival and enjoy the natural beauty of the sea and islands.
During the day, this place stands out with its blue sky, clear sea, and modern buildings facing the bay. When night falls, the entire space is illuminated by artistic lighting systems, creating a shimmering scene no different from an outdoor film set. The continuous changes between day and night have created countless beautiful photo opportunities for visitors.
Cat Ba Central Bay in Summer 2026 with many entertainment and recreational activities lasting until night. (Source: Collected)
1.2. The combination of art, music, and light
The festival space becomes special thanks to the combination of music, street art, and modern performance technology. From late afternoon, continuous performances take place with the participation of DJs, violinists, live bands, and many interactive art performances.
The lighting system is designed in sync with the stage and festival streets, creating outstanding visual effects. No matter where visitors stand in the Central Bay area, they can easily capture vivid moments full of the summer island atmosphere.
2. The most outstanding check-in spots at the Blue Sea Festival
2.1. Check-in with a colorful art parade
One of the festival's biggest attractions is the art parade featuring a host of special characters. Mermaid dancers in ocean-inspired costumes stand out in the crowd. Alongside them are glowing LED robots, towering stilt walkers, and colorful giant inflatable puppets.
Not only performing, but the artists also continuously interact with visitors. Moments standing next to the tall LED robots or taking photos with the brilliant mermaid parade have become widely shared images on social media this summer.
Stilt walkers interact with tourists during the Blue Sea Festival Cat Ba. (Source: Collected)
2.2. Seashell Square and Central Bay
Seashell Square is currently a new symbol of Cat Ba and a popular spot chosen by many tourists to capture the most beautiful photos. The structure stands out with architecture inspired by the image of a seashell facing the sea, creating a unique highlight amidst the Central Bay area.
During sunset, the golden sunlight covers the sea and the bayfront structures, creating a poetic scene. This is also an ideal time to capture panoramic shots combining sea, sky, architecture, and the vibrant festival atmosphere.
3. Unmissable Experiences When Checking In at the Blue Sea Festival
3.1. Admire artistic fireworks by the bay
Tourists enjoy Sun KraftBeer beer and check-in with a sky full of brilliant fireworks. (Source: Collected)
The festival atmosphere was brought to a climax with artistic fireworks displays by the Central Bay. Currently, the fireworks program is held periodically at 9:30 PM on Fridays and 9:00 PM on Saturdays in the bay area in front of Sun Bavaria Cat Ba restaurant.
As the first fireworks burst into light, the entire sky seemed to be covered by vibrant colors. The light reflected on the water surface created a shimmering, emotional scene. This is always the moment most eagerly awaited by tourists during their journey to explore Cat Ba.
3.2. Explore Cat Ba VUI-Fest Night Market
VUI-Fest Night Market with many sparkling beautiful check-in spots. (Source: Collected)
After the main performances, visitors can continue the fun at VUI-Fest Cat Ba Night Market. Inspired by the fantasy legend of Saint’s Island, where people come to enjoy freedom and joy by the sea, the night market offers a colorful entertainment space.
The "messengers of the land" appear in costumes inspired by the ocean with sparkling light effects, creating energetic performances. Interspersed are DJ sets, fire dancing, violin, and live band performances that run continuously from dusk till late night.
Not only music, VUI-Fest also offers creative activities such as recycling workshops, painting, exchanging old books for green plants, or participating in programs promoting a green lifestyle. All create a space that is both vibrant and rich in experiential value.
3.3. Enjoy cuisine at Sun Bravia Cat Ba
Located right by the central bay, Sun Bravia Cat Ba is an ideal destination to combine dining and sightseeing. The restaurant boasts one of the most beautiful sea-facing locations in the area, allowing visitors to dine while admiring the festive atmosphere unfolding before their eyes.
A prominent highlight here is the Sun KraftBeer craft beer, produced using modern German technology. Combined with a menu of local seafood and European-style dishes, Sun Bravia Cat Ba offers a captivating culinary experience amidst the spacious island sea.
4. Suggested Itinerary for a Complete Check-in at Cat Ba Blue Sea Festival
4.1. Morning check-in at Cat Co Beach
To make the exploration of the Cat Ba Blue Sea Festival complete, visitors can start their day by experiencing the Cat Hai Phu Long cable car, a modern 3-wire cable car line 3.955 m long connecting the mainland to Cat Ba Island. In just about 15 minutes, the cabin will take visitors gliding over the vast sea, opening up spectacular views of Lan Ha Bay with its limestone islands covered in greenery, peaceful fishing villages, and the characteristic jade-green waters of the Cat Ba archipelago.
From the moment they step into the cabin, the journey becomes a memorable sightseeing experience. From above, the entire northeast sea and sky panorama appears spacious and majestic, offering completely different perspectives compared to traveling by land or water.
Cat Ba Cable Car offers a majestic sea and island view experience from above. (Source: Collected)
After arriving on the island, the Cat Co beaches are ideal stops to enjoy the summer atmosphere. Cat Co 1 stands out with its spacious and lively atmosphere, Cat Co 2 offers a more peaceful vibe with its nature-close scenery, while Cat Co 3 impresses with its long sandy beach, clear blue water, and modern service system.
Here, visitors can freely swim, stroll along the fine white sand, or capture photos full of island colors. The combination of blue sea, majestic limestone mountains, and poetic coastal roads makes the Cat Co area one of the most beautiful check-in spots in Cat Ba before continuing the journey to explore the vibrant atmosphere of the festival in the afternoon and evening.
4.1. Relaxing afternoon at Cat Ba Beach
Before immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Blue Sea Festival, visitors can spend the afternoon enjoying the beauty of Cat Ba Beach, located near the central bay area. With its long stretch of fine white sand, clear blue water, and spacious island scenery, it is an ideal stop to rest and recharge after exploring the island.
Visitors can freely swim, stroll along the shore, or find sea-facing check-in spots to capture summer-themed photos. The period from 4 PM to 6 PM is considered the most beautiful time of the day when the sunlight gradually softens and the sea surface begins to turn into vibrant yellow-orange hues. This is also the ideal time to watch the sunset, enjoy the cool sea breeze, and prepare for the journey to explore the festival activities taking place in the central bay as the coastal city lights up.
Brilliant and peaceful sunset at Cat Ba beach. (Source: Collected)
4.2. Evening immersion in the artistic parade
Lively night atmosphere at VUI-Fest Cat Ba. (Source: Collected)
As the coastal city lights up, the journey continues with dinner at Sun Bravia Cat Ba before participating in entertainment activities. Artistic parades with LED robots, mermaid dancers, stilt walkers, and special characters will appear throughout the festival streets.
Visitors can freely take photos, interact with artists, and immerse themselves in the vibrant summer atmosphere. Then comes the moment of watching fireworks by the Central Bay and exploring the VUI-Fest Cat Ba night market before concluding a fulfilling day on the pearl island.
5. Tips for taking beautiful photos at the festival
The best time for photography is from 5 PM to 8 PM. This is when natural light harmoniously combines with the festival's artistic lighting system, making photos stand out more. Visitors should also check the performance schedule in advance to not miss the most special moments.
Brightly colored outfits such as white, sea blue, or light yellow will suit the island scenery. Sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, or summer-style accessories will also make photos more prominent. Don't forget to prepare your phone or camera with a full battery, as just one evening at the festival will offer many moments worth capturing.
More than just a summer entertainment event, the Cat Ba Blue Sea Festival also offers countless unique photo opportunities amidst the vibrant sea and island space. From colorful artistic parades, explosive music stages to brilliant fireworks against the backdrop of the Central Bay sky, every moment can become a memorable highlight of your journey to discover the pearl island. If you want to capture impressive photos and immerse yourself in the youthful festival atmosphere, don't miss the chance to check-in at the Blue Sea Festival this summer.
