Buzz
Cat Ba Archipelago, located in Hai Phong, consists of 367 small islands, among which Cat Ba Island (also known as Pearl Island) is the most famous tourist destination. Despite being well-known, Cat Ba still retains many beautiful natural landscapes thanks to its isolation. With fresh air, an average temperature of only 25°C, beautiful beaches, and pristine forests, Cat Ba Island is not only a great resort but also suitable for adventurous travelers. If you have the chance to visit Cat Ba Island, make sure to try these interesting tourism activities.
1. Beach Bathing
From the center of Cat Ba town, you can walk or hire a motorbike or electric bike (costs around 10,000VND) to get to Cat Co I, Cat Co II, and Cat Co III beaches. These beaches are not too large but are secluded with crystal clear water. They are connected by a small road along the mountainside. Cat Co I beach is quite spacious but often crowded, while beaches II and III are narrower and quieter. After 6:30 PM, there will be no one at the beaches to ensure safety as the tide rises rapidly.
2. Scuba Diving to Admire Coral Reefs
Under the underwater reefs around the island, there are red coral clusters with precious marine species such as abalone, pearls, lobsters, along with colorful schools of fish, creating rare and brilliant beauty. If you ever dive into the depths of the ocean, you will be amazed by the stunning scenery that you usually only see on TV or in documentaries on Discovery Channel. Join diving at Monkey Island Resort Diving Center (on Monkey Island). Diving includes instructor guidance, lasts 30 minutes, price: 1 million VND; snorkeling with breathing tube costs 600,000 VND.
3. Panoramic View from Thien Cong Fortress
You can hire a motorcycle taxi to Thien Cong Fortress (also known as Post 177), near Cat Co I, II, III beaches, to get a panoramic view of Cat Ba Island from above. From there, you can see Cat Ba Island with its sea, mountains, valleys, and stunning scenery. Cat Ba Bay is visible with scattered dots of boats. As the sunset approaches, the red sunlight shines behind the mountains, creating a beautiful natural masterpiece with the evening glow and the shadows of boats stretching across the water.
4. Evening Seaside Stroll
You can rent electric bikes, bicycles, or motorbikes to ride along the seaside streets and breathe in the fresh air. A bicycle for 4 people costs 30,000 VND per hour. However, on weekends, all vehicles are prohibited here, and you can only walk. Some tourists enjoy leisurely walks along the mountain roads connecting the 3 main beaches in the evening to immerse themselves in the coolness of the night sea.
5. Explore Lan Ha Bay
This bay consists of islands protruding from the sea and many cave systems similar to Ha Long Bay. However, many tourists find exploring Lan Ha Bay more fascinating because the scenery here retains more pristine features compared to Ha Long Bay. During this time, you can also visit fishing villages or try a kayak trip on the beautiful sea of Hai Phong.
6. Explore Monkey Island
This place is home to a lively group of monkeys, making it perfect for groups with children. Monkey Island also has Cat Dua Beach, the most beautiful satellite beach of Cat Ba Island, with absolutely clear water. In front of the beach are rugged mountain ranges creating a unique coastline. However, before reaching the island, you have to cross a stretch of sea with quite long waves, about 2 km as the crow flies.
7. Mountain Climbing
This is an adventurous type of tourism that appeals to brave travelers when visiting Cat Ba. Preferred mountain climbing spots include: Dau Be Island after a 2-hour boat ride from Cat Ba tourist port, the cliffs at Ben Beo (2 km from the center of Cat Ba), Ba Trai Dao Island (22 km south of the tourist port along the crow fly route)...
8. Visit Cat Ba National Park
The Cat Ba National Park, part of the world biosphere reserve, with its rich and pristine flora and fauna, is an unmissable attraction when traveling to Cat Ba Island. You can experience walking in the forest, cycling on forest roads, immersing yourself in nature to unexpectedly encounter rare animals such as red-headed monkeys, gibbons... In Cat Ba National Park, you can also taste natural products such as forest honey, orchid tea...
9. Explore the Caves
The Stone Flower Cave is located in the northeastern mountain range, the residence of the community of Gia Luận commune, north of Cat Ba Island, is a famous tourist destination. Although not far from the residential area, the Stone Flower Cave is almost intact and is a familiar landmark in archaeological tourism journeys. Other fascinating caves include: Trung Trang Cave (in Trung Trang valley, 15 km northwest of Cat Ba), Quan Y Cave... with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.
Source: Compiled from the Internet
Cat Ba Island Hotels
MytourJune 25, 2014
