Embark on a mesmerizing journey to Cat Ba: 12 Must-Try Experiences

You can't claim to have been to Cat Ba until you've explored Lan Ha Bay, paddled a kayak, discovered the national park, or camped on a pristine beach.

Indulge in the allure of Cat Ba: 12 Experiences You Can't Miss

Cat Ba stands out as the most beautiful island in Hai Phong, with Lan Ha Bay earning its spot among the planet's most stunning bays. Here, crystal-clear waters meet ancient forests, and the oldest fishing villages in Vietnam still stand to this day. This island is undoubtedly your next destination this summer.

Beach Bliss

Amidst the summer heat, nothing beats immersing yourself in the cool, azure waters. While Cat Ba town boasts popular beaches like Cat Co 1, 2, 3, they tend to get crowded. Opt for more secluded, serene beaches with even clearer waters, such as Monkey Island beach, Tung Thu beach, and the untamed beaches beyond Lan Ha Bay.

Discover the hidden beaches beyond Lan Ha Bay by heading to Ben Beo. Rent a motorboat for around 300,000 - 500,000 VND for 6 people. Besides swimming, you can combine it with a scenic tour around Lan Ha Bay.

For adventurous souls, rent a kayak from Quang Anh or Xuan Hong for approximately 200,000 VND per kayak per day. Paddle your way to Monkey Island or other secluded beaches beyond Lan Ha Bay.

Explore Lan Ha Bay

Once part of Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay has since become a distinct beauty. Its separation has preserved its pristine allure. Exploring the bay is an essential experience you shouldn't miss when traveling to Cat Ba.

Lan Ha Bay Exploration: If you're in a large group with children or seniors, it's best to charter a boat for a round trip around the bay (with a beach stop at Monkey Island). Prices range from 1.3 to 1.8 million VND for a trip.

For the young and adventurous, keen on the thrill of freedom, you can either paddle a kayak yourself or rent a boat to explore the wonders of Lan Ha Bay.

Kayaking and Sea Diving

You won't forget the sensation of paddling a kayak far into the open sea, navigating the gentle waves, then reversing towards the pristine islands in Lan Ha Bay for a refreshing swim. After a satisfying dip, continue paddling through the fishing village and past the rocky formations in the bay. Kayaking is undeniably one of the most unforgettable experiences in Cat Ba. Additionally, you can also indulge in sea diving to explore coral reefs with a mask (affordable) or with an oxygen tank (more expensive, around 1 - 1.5 million VND/person/trip).

Note: There are two ways to kayak - either rent a kayak for self-paddling or join a kayaking tour (combined with coral reef diving) for a day. Self-paddling allows you the freedom to explore the islands, while joining a tour takes you to the most beautiful spots in Lan Ha Bay for kayaking. You also get to participate in coral reef diving and enjoy a lunch for 390,000 VND/person.

Beach Time and Monkey Island Exploration

Monkey Island is not far from Cat Ba and is one of the most visited small islands. It features a resort area for international guests and a beach for everyone. Besides beach activities, you can climb to the top of the hill on Monkey Island and enjoy a panoramic view of Lan Ha Bay. To reach Monkey Island, you can paddle a kayak, rent a boat, or take a ferry.

Witness the Sunset at Cannon Fort

Sunset at sea is always romantic, especially in Cat Ba, where rugged rock formations emerge from the waters. The best spot to admire the sunset is the Cannon Fort, offering a panoramic view of the town from above. You can also arrive early to explore the remaining war relics.

Explore Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park is home to rare primates listed in the red book, along with a diverse range of flora. It's a chance for you to get close to nature. Notably, Ngự Lâm Peak in the park provides a breathtaking and unique panoramic view of the picturesque mountains, making it one of the most beautiful and distinctive spots in Cat Ba.

Savor Seafood Delights

Beyond dried squid and mackerel, Cat Ba is renowned for various seafood like razor clams, mantis shrimp, octopus, crabs, oysters, and more. You should try one of these seafood dishes. However, since tourism in Cat Ba is busiest in the summer, seafood prices during this season are higher than usual.

Note: Always inquire about prices before purchasing. You can buy seafood and find a secluded beach to organize a BBQ with friends.

Camp at a Secluded Beach

An ideal experience for a group of young travelers in Cat Ba is to rent a boat (or kayak), paddle to the deserted beaches beyond Lan Ha Bay, and camp overnight. The feeling of being a 'Robinson Crusoe on a deserted island' will undoubtedly be an unforgettable memory for any young adventurer in Cat Ba.

Rock Climbing

A favorite among adventure enthusiasts in Cat Ba is rock climbing. Popular rock climbing spots include Dau Be Island, a 2-hour boat ride from Cat Ba tourist port; the cliffs at Ben Beo, 2 km from Cat Ba's center; Ba Trai Dao Island, 22 km south of the tourist port. If you prefer less extreme adventures, you can also try rock climbing on Monkey Island.

Explore Cat Ba Town at Night

While daytime activities are vibrant and diverse in Cat Ba, nighttime activities are limited. Apart from small bars and pubs in the town center for those who enjoy nightlife, strolling along the beach at night is an interesting experience. The fresh sea breeze will surely make it enjoyable. You can rent a tandem bicycle, a 3-seater, or a 4-seater bike to stroll with your family. Additionally, the stairway connecting Cat Co 1, 2, 3 is one of the most romantic spots in the evening.

Squid Fishing

Night squid fishing in Cat Ba is an intriguing but somewhat expensive form of entertainment. A short fishing trip costs around 500,000 VND. You can ask the hotel owner to assist or inquire directly with local boat operators at the central pier.

Visit an Ancient Village

Perhaps you've passed by an ancient village while kayaking or boating around Lan Ha Bay. In Cat Ba, Cai Beo fishing village is the oldest and largest in Vietnam. The serene scene of paddling through the floating village, the stilt houses, and the radiant smiles of the women in the village is unforgettable. They are friendly and might even invite you onto their boats. Cai Beo village is near Cai Beo port, making it easily accessible. However, Cat Ba also has the ancient village of Viet Hai, famous for its ecological tourism. You can reach Viet Hai by kayaking, taking a boat for 300,000 VND/trip, or trekking through Cat Ba National Park.

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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour