Buzz
In the Cat Ba archipelago with over 400 small and large islands, we cannot overlook Monkey Island. This place is considered the highlight of Cat Ba tourism due to its pristine, majestic, yet equally romantic natural beauty. This has attracted millions of tourists to Monkey Island every year, despite tourism services not being fully developed.
Where is Monkey Island located?
Monkey Island is a small island with a circumference of about 3km, an area of about 0.2km2, and is located in the southern part of Lan Ha Bay, part of the Cat Ba archipelago. The island is about 2km from Cat Ba town and approximately 60km from the city center of Hai Phong.
Photo by Tran Dinh Vui
Monkey Island was previously known as Pineapple Island. The island was abundant with wild pineapple trees, bearing tall and enticing fruits that, unfortunately, were inedible. Locals utilized these fruits for medicinal purposes, either by soaking them in water for consumption or drying them for diabetes treatment. Later, when forest rangers introduced 20 monkeys to the island for natural breeding, it was affectionately renamed Monkey Island.
Guide to getting to Monkey Island Cat Ba
To get to Monkey Island, first, you can travel to Hai Phong city by road (motorbike, bus, limousine), boat, or airplane. Then from Hai Phong, tourists have two options to get to Cat Ba town:
- Take the high-speed ferry directly to Cat Ba, ticket price 220,000 VND per person, travel time 45 minutes.
- Travel by road through two ferry crossings, total cost less than 20,000 VND, travel time approximately 2 hours.
Cai Beo Wharf (Photo sourced)
Next, to get to the island, tourists often choose a boat to Monkey Island Cat Ba departing from Beo wharf with a travel time of about 10 minutes. Ticket prices range from 80,000 to 100,000 VND per trip. Tourists can also purchase additional tickets to visit Cai Beo fishing village and some small islands for about 80,000 VND, and a shuttle boat ticket to the island for about 10,000 VND per person.
Exploring the Monkey Sanctuary Island
True to its name, the island is home to over 20 intelligent and friendly monkeys. When visiting the island, you can play and interact with these monkeys, feed them, and observe their antics. However, it's advisable to avoid direct contact, especially with monkeys carrying their young, to prevent any aggressive behavior.
Image sourced
Beach Day at Pineapple Cove
Cat Ba Monkey Island has a perimeter of about 3km with a mountainous structure and a stretch of sandy beach. This island boasts two crescent-shaped beaches, namely Cat Dua 1 Beach and Cat Dua 2 Beach. Among them, Cat Dua 1 Beach is longer and serves as the ideal spot for beachgoers whenever they visit.
The sea waves here are not too strong, making it quite safe for beach activities. Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the clear, cool seawater. Although the services here are relatively basic, they still meet basic recreational needs such as renting floats, swimsuits, kayaks, serving beverages at leafy shelters... This is also a suitable location for organizing team-building activities.
Image source
Marvel at the majestic scenery of Cat Dua 2 Beach
This is a rather fascinating activity that not every beach can offer. The diving activity is organized as part of a tour. Participants get to experience the diverse underwater ecosystem, including coral reefs and schools of fish swimming in vibrant colors.
The price for a diving tour is around 1,000,000 VND per session, each lasting 30 minutes. When joining the tour, you will be provided with all necessary equipment, safety gear, and a professional instructor to guide you on proper diving techniques and how to handle any unexpected situations for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Famous tourist destinations near Monkey Island, Cat Ba
Canon Fort Cat Ba
This is a historical relic site situated on a hilltop 177m above sea level, also known as Peak 177. It preserves two cannons weighing tens of tons as well as a system of tunnels and trenches built in the 1940s. From the Canon Fort, visitors can admire the panoramic view of Cat Ba Island with its picturesque beaches, and the myriad of small and large islands exuding a pristine beauty that captivates the heart.
Lan Ha Bay
Covering an area of over 7000m2, Lan Ha Bay is one of the most attractive tourist spots on the eastern side of Cat Ba Island. It is known for its pristine beaches with crystal-clear water. Visitors to the bay can experience various water activities, kayak through caves, and explore the life of fishing village residents.
Image credit: Personal collection.
Cat Co Beach
Cat Co Beach is divided into three sections: Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, and Cat Co 3. These beaches may not be very large but are incredibly tranquil, secluded, and surrounded by lush mountains. They are among the few beaches that still retain their pristine, unspoiled beauty.
Image credit: Personal collection.
In addition to exploring Monkey Island Cat Ba, tourists can also combine visiting attractions in the center of Hai Phong city such as: Do Son, Tuyet Tinh Coc, Cat Ba National Park, Viet Hai Village Cat Ba, Hai Phong food tour, ...
>> Reference: The Most Beautiful Places in Hai Phong
During your trip to Hai Phong, besides planning your itinerary for sightseeing and dining, choosing a good accommodation is also important. Travelers can consider staying in Hai Phong here.
