Buzz
The Cat Ba Archipelago consists of 367 small islands, with Cat Ba Island being the most renowned destination when discussing Hai Phong tourism. Despite its long-standing fame, Cat Ba has preserved its natural wonders, including forests, seas, rivers, mountains, valleys, and sandy beaches, thanks to its isolation. With its fresh climate, stunning beaches, and pristine forests, Cat Ba serves as both a perfect retreat and an ideal spot for exploration. Blessed with enchanting natural beauty, Cat Ba is recognized as one of the nation's top eco-tourism hubs, attracting both domestic and international visitors.
Exciting recreational activities to enjoy in Cat Ba
Beach swimming
To reach Cat Ba Island, travelers can take a high-speed boat for about an hour or travel by road for approximately 60 kilometers from Hai Phong city, followed by two ferry rides to arrive at Cat Ba.
Once on Cat Ba Island, the first experience visitors should try is swimming at Cat Ba's beaches. The island boasts numerous pristine and stunning beaches, not overly large but charmingly secluded, with simple and memorable names like Cat Co I, Cat Co II, and Cat Co III. Travelers can explore all three beaches simultaneously as they are connected by a small path winding along the mountainside.
If comparing the three beaches, visitors will notice distinct differences: Cat Co I is larger and often crowded with tourists, while the other two are narrower and quieter. Travelers should avoid swimming after 6 PM, as the tide rises quickly and can be dangerous.
Snorkeling to admire coral reefs
When discussing beach tourism, snorkeling to admire coral reefs is an activity that cannot be overlooked. At Cat Ba, beneath the island's base lie submerged rock reefs, home to a vibrant array of colorful coral species. This thriving ecosystem supports precious marine life like abalone, pearls, lobster, and schools of multicolored fish, making Cat Ba's marine biodiversity exceptionally rich. When visiting Cat Ba in Hai Phong, don’t miss the chance to dive and uncover the surprising secrets of this underwater paradise.
Currently, Cat Ba has only one diving center offering guided snorkeling experiences for visitors: Monkey Island Resort (located on Monkey Island). Guests can enjoy a 30-minute diving session for 1 million VND.
Admire Cat Ba from Cannon Fort
To reach the fort, visitors can take a motorbike taxi on the island, as the site is located near Cat Co I, II, and III beaches. At Cannon Fort, a historical landmark of Hai Phong, travelers can enjoy panoramic views of the Cat Ba Archipelago and the stunning Lan Ha Bay from above.
Cannon Fort sits atop a hill 177 meters above sea level. From this vantage point, visitors can gaze far into the horizon, marveling at Cat Ba's breathtaking landscapes, including its pristine islands, romantic beaches, and historic sites steeped in legends and history.
Explore Lan Ha Bay
Without setting foot in Lan Ha Bay, many travelers might mistake it for Ha Long Bay when seeing pictures. Lan Ha Bay, a renowned destination linked to Cat Ba tourism in Hai Phong, features a seascape similar to Ha Long Bay, with countless small islands rising from the water and majestic cave systems.
However, many visitors find Lan Ha Bay even more captivating due to its more untouched and pristine beauty compared to Ha Long Bay. When visiting Cat Ba on a domestic tour, don’t miss the chance to explore Lan Ha Bay, where you can immerse yourself in the stunning natural scenery, visit fishing villages, or try kayaking on the bay's serene waters.
Visit Cat Ba National Park
Recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve, Cat Ba National Park boasts a rich and pristine ecosystem of flora and fauna. It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Cat Ba Island.
When visiting Cat Ba, travelers can immerse themselves in relaxation by walking or cycling through the nearly 17,300-hectare tropical forest, which includes 570 hectares of primeval forest home to rare wildlife. Additionally, exploring Cat Ba National Park offers the chance to taste natural local products like forest honey and rosehip tea.
Explore the caves
Da Hoa Cave, located in the northeastern mountain range of Cat Ba Island, is a famous attraction and home to the Gia Luận village community. The cave has retained its pristine beauty, making it a fascinating spot for exploration and research. Additionally, during a budget-friendly trip to Cat Ba, visitors can explore other stunning caves like Trung Trang Cave and Quan Y Cave, each adorned with breathtaking and uniquely shaped stalactites.
