Cat Ba, the pearl island in the Gulf of Tonkin

Not far from the natural wonder of Halong Bay, which seems classic to admire breath-taking landscapes, Northern Vietnam also has other nice surprises to quench the thirst for adventure between sea and mountains. Its beaches, island and caves so beautiful and pleasant, Cat Ba national park, Lan Ha Bay... Cat Ba offers you a journey combining relaxation and discovery in the middle of the wilderness but is still little invaded by tourist crowds.

Over an area of 300 km2, the Cat Ba archipelago has 367 limestone islands and islets including Cat Ba Island, located South of Halong Bay. Its numerous rocks erected in a dream setting should not be ashamed of comparison with those of the famous Halong and Bai Tu Long bays.

What to visit on Cat Ba Island?

Pretty beaches

Treat yourself to a day of relaxing feet in the water while enjoying the sun on one of the three beautiful beaches of Cat Ba, Cat Co 1, 2 and 3 linked by a beautiful bridge bordering the mountainsides. Not too large, they are however all surrounded by a curve of fine white sand, calm and transparent waters that will please everyone. Regarding the exhilarating atmosphere of Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2 beach is prized for its beautiful surrounding landscapes while Cat Co 3 is ideal for those seeking relaxation in a wild and peaceful setting.

         >> Read more: Enjoy the enchanting beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay

Khi Island (Monkey Island)

Do you want to lounge on the most beautiful beach in Cat Ba? Take a boat or kayak to reach Khi Island (Monkey Island), just 10 minutes from the Beo pier in the suburb of Cat Ba. Far from the troops in the plain, it is with freshness and total tranquillity that the Chi island welcomes you in a little-visited stop where about twenty monkeys play. Turquoise waters, a long stretch of sand, this small oasis 3 km in diameter is very nice and reassuring for relaxation, whether with the family or in a group.

The picturesque Cai Beo fishing village

The charming Cai Beo floating village

Swimmers can lounge by one of the Cat Dua 1 and Cat Dua 2 beaches, which, in the shape of a curve, are as magnificent as each other. Don't miss a great stopover on a cruise to Khi Island from the Cai Beo floating village, one of the oldest in the country. In the heart of the limestone rock, visitors will have the opportunity to discover the peaceful life of Cai Beo, hosting more than two hundred fishing families. End of the day, what a pleasure to feast on fresh seafood after observing the catch of fish, squid….

Cat Ba National Park

Panoramic view of Cat Ba National Park

In addition to a coastline teeming with beautiful resorts, Cat Ba also owes its reputation to its Cat Ba National Park, a world biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO. Endowed with abundant and varied fauna and flora, the park is known in particular for its langurs, a primate very rare in the whole world. Walking along its many mystical trails, from its Ngu Lam peak, you will have a panoramic view of all the forests covered with a green carpet as far as the eye can see.

The wild Lan Ha bay

To the East of Cat Ba Island is revealed a paradise that Mother Nature generously blesses, Lan Ha Bay. It is acclaimed for extremely wild beaches, the beauty of which must eclipse that of its big sister in Halong. On the crystal clear waters of Lan Ha, a magical painting of 400 limestone peaks unfurls, embellished by a hundred beaches where you can easily find a quiet bathing area. In addition, its aquatic treasure rich in coral reefs has something to attract divers, especially under the waters of the Van Boi and Van Ha beaches... The numerous superb caves also contribute to the intoxicating charm of Lan Ha where a kayak tour is to be done without hesitation for live exciting moments.

         >> Read more: Lan Ha Bay, paradise of the Tonkinese Sea

Location of Cat Ba Island

Cat Hai Island District, 30 km from Haiphong City to the East, 25 km from Halong City (Quang Ninh Province)

When to go?

Two main trends observed

+ Vietnamese holidaymakers: between April - October

+ International tourists: between November - March

A circuit of 2 days and 1 night is enough to visit Cat Ba but an extended discovery is also worth it during your stay.

How to get to Cat Ba?

You will find all answers on how to get to Cat Ba in the following article:

>> How to transfer from Hanoi city to Cat Ba Island?

Related articles:

>> Excursion in Cat Ba in 2 or 3 days, what to see and do?

>> Trung Trang cave, a jewel of Cat Ba Island

>> Top 5 things to do on Cat Ba Island