1. Xanh Island is becoming the new summer tourist hotspot of the North
1.1. Xanh Island possesses a prime location in the central Cat Ba Bay
Located in the central Cat Ba Bay area, Xanh Island is considered the new heart of the pearl island's tourism. From here, visitors can easily connect with iconic landmarks, resorts, beachfront restaurants, the marina, and a host of modern entertainment and recreational activities.
What's special is that despite being invested in as a high-end resort and entertainment destination, Xanh Island retains the characteristic beauty of Cat Ba with its blue sea, limestone mountains, and open spaces directly facing the bay. The interplay between pristine nature and modern life has created a unique charm that few island destinations currently possess.
Thousands of tourists flock to Xanh Island during the Cat Ba sea festival season. (Source: Collected)
1.2. The attraction of the festival atmosphere lasting throughout the summer
If before Cat Ba was mainly known for its beautiful beaches and the poetic Lan Ha Bay, now, Xanh Island is bringing a completely new look with a series of events taking place continuously during the summer.
According to records from the Cat Ba Sea Festival 2026, about 30,000 tourists flocked to the Central Bay area and Con So Square within just 2 days of the event. The streams of people stretching along the coastal roads, families participating in community activities, and groups of young people excitedly checking in created a rare vibrant atmosphere in the North during the summer.
The festival space is designed with multiple points, connecting traditional island and sea cultural activities with modern entertainment programs. This combination has helped Xanh Island become a destination that attracts a large number of tourists of all ages.
2. Experiences that make young people fascinated at Xanh Island
2.1. Immerse yourself in the vibrant sea festival atmosphere
The vibrant atmosphere at Xanh Island bay at night. (Source: Collected)
Every summer, Xanh Island becomes a grand stage for a series of community activities and unique sea festivals. A prominent highlight is the traditional fish stocking ritual of the Cat Ba fishermen. In the golden sunset light covering the sea, small boats cut through the waves to the middle of the bay to perform a ritual praying for a favorable fishing season. This activity, deeply imbued with local cultural identity, is skillfully integrated into the modern festival space.
In addition, there are art parades, giant bubble performances, street entertainment, and numerous interactive activities for visitors. The bustling atmosphere lasts from afternoon until night, making it easy for anyone who sets foot here to be swept up in the positive energy.
2.2. Party hard at the Ngoc Trai stage
Lively DJ show brings an explosive atmosphere amidst the Cat Ba night sea. (Source: Collected)
Located on the central bay shore, the Ngoc Trai stage is where the most young tourists gather when night falls. Lively DJ music nights with pop, hip hop, and electro house melodies turn this area into the entertainment hub of the pearl island. Thousands of spectators immerse themselves in the music in an open space facing the sea, creating an atmosphere no different from a large-scale summer music festival.
What makes the experience here special is the combination of modern performance technology with the natural scenery of the Cat Ba night sea. Music, lights, and sea breeze blend together to create unforgettable moments for tourists.
2.3. Admire brilliant fireworks by the central bay
Colorful fireworks reflect shimmering on the sea surface. (Source: Collected)
One of the most anticipated activities at Xanh Island is the weekend art fireworks displays by the bay. From May 11, 2026, fireworks will be performed periodically twice a week in the Central Bay area in front of Sun Bravia Cat Ba. The specific schedule is at 9:30 PM on Friday and 9:00 PM on Saturday.
When the first fireworks burst into the sky, the entire Central Bay space seems to be lit up by thousands of colors reflecting on the water surface. That moment makes many tourists exclaim at the beauty that is both vibrant and romantic.
The most popular spots to watch fireworks are the Seashell Square area, the coastal road, and the square in front of Sun Bravia Cat Ba. These are also the places where tourists gather in large numbers every weekend.
3. What is there to do at Xanh Island from morning till night?
3.1. Check in at new iconic structures
No need to go too far, right at Xanh Island , tourists can find a series of impressive check-in spots. Seashell Square stands out with its sea-inspired design, becoming the venue for many major events. The coastal road brings a youthful feeling with photo opportunities directly facing the bay. When night falls, the entire area is illuminated by an artistic lighting system, creating a modern and vibrant scene.
3.2. Swim at famous beaches
Besides the vibrant festival atmosphere at Xanh Island , the famous beaches of Cat Ba are also an experience not to be missed on the journey to explore the pearl island. Most notable is the cluster of beaches Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, and Cat Co 3, located just a few minutes away from the Central Bay area. Each beach has its own beauty but all possess clear blue waters, fine golden sand, and the characteristic limestone mountain scenery of the Cat Ba archipelago.
Cat Co 1 is the liveliest beach with a spacious area, many entertainment services, and often attracts a large number of tourists in the summer. Meanwhile, Cat Co 2 is more peaceful, suitable for those who want to enjoy a relaxing space amidst nature. Cat Co 3 impresses with its modern beauty, integrated service system, and wide open sea view.
3.3. Explore VUI-Fest Cat Ba Night Market
Tourists explore food and souvenir stalls at VUI-Fest Cat Ba. (Source: Compiled)
As the sun sets, the VUI-Fest Cat Ba night market becomes an unmissable rendezvous. The space here is a combination of cuisine, shopping, and street art performances. Tourists can enjoy local specialties, explore souvenir stalls, or immerse themselves in entertainment programs lasting until late at night.
A special highlight is the performance series inspired by the legend of Saint’s Island. Artists appear in dazzling light costumes, combined with DJs, violins, fire dancing, and a live band, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere throughout the evening.
3.4. Enjoy craft beer and cuisine at Sun Bravia Cat Ba
Sun Bavaria Cat Ba offers an ideal sea-facing space for relaxation after your exploration journey. (Source: Collected)
After hours of exciting fun, Sun Bravia Cat Ba is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the night sea air. The restaurant boasts a distinctive Bavarian architectural style with a direct view of the central bay. In the open space filled with sea breeze, visitors can enjoy Sun KraftBeer along with many attractive dishes, from local seafood to European cuisine.
The combination of music, craft beer, and coastal scenery makes this a favorite stop for many tourists after participating in festival activities.
4. Experience exploring Xanh Island during summer
4.1. The best time to visit Xanh Island
The period from May to August is considered the most beautiful season to explore Xanh Island . This is when the weather is favorable, the sea is clear blue, and the most entertainment activities are organized throughout the year. The ideal time to experience is from late afternoon to evening. Visitors can watch the sunset over the bay, participate in festival activities, and continue to explore the vibrant nightlife.
4.2. How to get to Cat Ba Island
Cable car cabins offer spectacular views of Cat Ba archipelago from above. (Source: Collected)
One of the most exciting ways to begin your journey to explore Xanh Island is to experience the 3,955m-long Sun World Cat Ba cable car route. The cable car route connects Cat Hai Island with Phu Long station on Cat Ba Island, helping tourists move conveniently and save significant time to the central tourist area of the pearl island.
As soon as the cabin slowly leaves the station, a vast natural picture unfolds before your eyes with lush green mangrove forests, peaceful coastal fishing villages, and hundreds of majestic limestone islands characteristic of Lan Ha Bay. From an ideal height, the turquoise sea stretches endlessly, blending with the green of the mountains and the sky, creating a spectacular scene that makes many tourists marvel.
For tourists who want to explore the island independently by personal vehicle, the ferry remains a suitable option. Currently, the Dong Bai – Cai Vieng ferry route allows the transport of both motorbikes and cars to Cat Ba Island. After docking at Cai Vieng, it only takes about 20 to 30 minutes of driving to reach the Central Bay area and Xanh Island. This method is particularly convenient for families, groups of friends, or tourists who need to bring a lot of luggage and want flexibility in their sightseeing itinerary.
4.3. Notes for a complete trip
Summer is the time when Xanh Island attracts a large number of tourists, so booking accommodation in advance is essential. Tourists should also follow the event schedule and fireworks schedule to proactively arrange a suitable itinerary. Comfortable clothing, shoes convenient for walking, and a camera or phone with a full battery will help you capture all the beautiful moments of your exploration journey.
More than just a simple sea and island destination, Xanh Island is bringing a new look to Cat Ba tourism with a combination of nature, local culture, and modern entertainment ecosystems. From vibrant sea festivals, music nights by the bay to the Cat Ba VUI-Fest night market and spectacular weekend fireworks, every experience at Xanh Island creates its own unique appeal for young tourists. If you are looking for a destination with both blue seas and a lively festival atmosphere this summer, Xanh Island is definitely a place worth planning to explore.
