Cat Ba archipelago is comprised of 388 large and small limestone islands rising from the sea (including the Long Chau archipelago), covering an area of 345 sq km, located east of Hai Phong city, about 150 km southeast of Hanoi. The archipelago belongs to Cat Hai district, Hai Phong city. This place has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve.

As the largest and most beautiful island among the total of 1,969 islands in Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba is known as the “emerald island” of the Gulf of Tonkin. With its location “leaning against the mountains facing the sea”, the view encompassing mountains and ocean, Cat Ba island possesses a captivating and enchanting landscape. This place is fortunate to have both the general climate characteristics of the Red River Delta and the climate characteristics of a coastal limestone island, mild and pleasant year-round.

If you are planning a trip to Cat Ba island, don't miss these wonderful experiences.

SWIMMING IN CAT BA
The beaches on Cat Ba island are famous for their clear blue water, soft, clean sand, and are an ideal swimming destination in Northern Vietnam. In Cat Ba, there are hundreds of large and small beaches, but the Cat Co beach cluster, including Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, and Cat Co 3, is the most visited by tourists because of its rich natural scenery.

Cat Co 1 is the widest beach, curving along the mountain with clear blue water and waves year-round. Cat Co 2 has a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia (according to Thrillist). Cat Co 3 has a modern and vibrant atmosphere with luxurious hotels and resorts, fully equipped.

Cat Dua beach on Monkey Island is also one of the extremely beautiful pristine beaches in Cat Ba, an ideal destination for nature lovers. Cat Dua beach is far from the main island, so the water is very clear, and the wide sandy beach is suitable for swimming and playing for families.

EXPERIENCE THE WORLD'S MOST MODERN THREE-ROPE CABLE CAR
One of the experiences not to be missed when traveling to Cat Ba is the world's most modern three-rope cable car system along with a modernly designed station system, bearing the breath of the port city, belonging to Sun World Cat Ba Cable Car Tourist Area.

The Cat Hai – Phu Long three-rope cable car line has a total length of 3,955m, connecting from the center of Cat Hai island to near the Cai Vieng wharf area on Cat Ba island, including 60 cabins with a capacity of 30 passengers/hour. The cable car line is implemented under the advice and design of the world's number 1 cable car manufacturer Doppelmayr, with a capacity of up to 4,500 passengers/hour, halving the travel time, and contributing to reducing the overcrowding of Cat Ba tourism during holidays. The Cat Hai – Phu Long cable car ticket costs VND 150,000/one way (Applicable from June 6, 2020 – December 31, 2020)

Experience the Cat Hai – Phu Long Cable Car Line

The cable car is a modern "high-altitude means of transportation", not only protecting the environment and saving time but also bringing you extremely wonderful experiences. Soaring on the longest cable car line in the world, you can freely admire the scenery, admire the pristine beauty of Cat Ba nature from above, capturing the charming view of the jade island of Bac Bo Bay.

ADMIRING THE BEAUTY OF LAN HA BAY
Located in the east of Cat Ba island and a connecting link between Cat Ba island and the world wonder of Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay is likened to a graceful silk strip woven from clear blue sea water and lush green vegetation.

Admire the beauty of Lan Ha Bay

Unlike Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay boasts 139 small, charming, golden sand beaches with many safe and ideal swimming spots for tourists. Here, visitors can also immerse themselves in the clear, calm waters, or snorkel to admire the vibrant coral reefs at Sen Island, Cu Island, Monkey Island, etc. Thanks to its natural, pristine, and tranquil beauty, Lan Ha Bay is now being developed as an attractive tourism and resort destination for both domestic and international tourists. Although not yet widely known, Lan Ha Bay is considered one of the most beautiful bays in Vietnam.

KAYAKING TO EXPLORE CAVES
For those who love outdoor activities, especially kayaking, Cat Ba is a paradise. In Lan Ha Bay, you can kayak and swim anywhere you want. The Sang Cave and Toi Cave areas are the most exciting spots for this sport. Besides that, there are many deserted islands with caves and sandy beaches formed from coral remains, and mysterious lagoons waiting for you to explore.

Kayaking exploring Cat Ba Island

EXPLORE MONKEY ISLAND
On the bay tour, visitors will visit Monkey Island. Monkey Island has two sides, one side is a resort for foreign guests to stay, and the other side is a swimming area for everyone (including Cat Dua 1 and Cat Dua 2). The water at Monkey Island is very clean and clear, an ideal place for swimming and relaxation.

At Monkey Island, adventurous visitors can climb to the top of the mountain to have a panoramic view of Lan Ha Bay with hundreds of large and small islands rising on the clear water, dotted with long, white sandy beaches.
Especially, this island will be a favorite destination for children because there is a herd of several dozen monkeys. Because they often meet tourists, they are bold enough to tease tourists. Please note that you should not hit or chase them because monkeys are animals with high vigilance and herd protection.

VISIT CAT BA NATIONAL PARK
Cat Ba National Park, recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve, boasts a rich and unique biodiversity, perfect for visitors to explore, relax, and discover. Cat Ba National Park is considered one of the most biodiverse areas in Vietnam, featuring various ecosystems such as mangrove forests, limestone mountain forests, and coastal forests with coral reefs…

This is a must-see trekking spot for adventure enthusiasts. The ideal time to visit Cat Ba National Park is from April to October, when you can enjoy exciting mountain climbing or explore the diverse natural ecosystem. Notably, Cat Ba National Park features Ngu Lam Peak; from there, you can observe the majestic mountains, one of the most stunning viewpoints on Cat Ba Island. Trekking through the tropical forest canopy and climbing limestone mountains can be challenging but offers incredible experiences.

WATCH THE SUNSET AT THAN CONG CANNON FORTRESS

The Than Cong Cannon Fortress, situated at an altitude of 177 meters, is a historical site built by the Vietnamese army in the 1940s. It still preserves two large cannons, each weighing tens of tons.
From the Than Cong Cannon Fortress, visitors can admire the scenery of the Cat Ba archipelago from various perspectives, enjoying the breathtaking pristine beauty of deserted islands and romantic beaches… At this height, Cat Ba Island appears vibrant and bustling with hundreds of fishing boats and floating houses at sea.

Especially as the sun sets, the sun, like a glowing ember, peeks behind the mountains, and visitors can enjoy the tranquil, romantic atmosphere of the evening on the sea. You will be truly amazed by the exquisite lines that nature has painted against the blue sea, creating a picture that is unparalleled.

ENJOY CAT BA CUISINE AND SPECIALITIES
Seafood in Cat Ba, and Northern Vietnam in general, is renowned for its sweetness, firmness, and chewiness, the best in the country. This is because the region has high mountains and many rivers and streams flowing into the sea, creating brackish water; the closer the seafood is to the river mouths, the tastier it is. The best seafood in Cat Ba is in Phu Long Commune, right by Cai Vieng Ferry.

Delicious and nutritious seafood dishes such as lobster, steamed squid, tu hai (a type of clam), grilled oysters with scallions, song fish (a type of fish), steamed fish with fragrant herbs… to rustic dishes with a strong local flavor such as bun tom (vermicelli with shrimp), Cat Hai fish sauce, and Cat Ba forest honey…