Located in Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City, the Cat Ba Archipelago consists of 388 islands, with Vietnam Adventure Guide: Conquer Son Doong, trek Sa Pa, canyon Đà Lạt, and dive Nha Trang's reefs. Your ultimate journey through wild, untamed Asia largest being Cat Ba Island itself, lying to the south of Ha Long Bay, off the coast of Hai Phong and Quang Ninh provinces. In 2005, Cat Ba was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve, affirming its global ecological significance.
Pristine nature of Cat Ba Island – where sea, sky, and limestone merge in harmony.Cat Ba is a fascinating destination for ecotourism and relaxation, offering a remarkably diverse ecosystem. Nearly half of its islands feature beautiful beaches that draw countless visitors each summer. Here, travelers can immerse themselves in white sandy shores, swim in crystal-clear waters, or engage in a wide range of adventurous activities such as rock climbing, scuba diving, and overnight cruises. Among the most popular experiences are tours to Lan Ha Bay, Monkey Island, Cat Ba National Park, and the Cannon Fort.
Lying on the eastern side of Cat Ba Island and adjacent to Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay is a serene, crescent-shaped bay dotted with numerous limestone islets of varying shapes and sizes. Together, they create a breathtaking natural panorama. The bay features more than 100 untouched golden-sand beaches, many of which are nestled between steep cliffs, sheltered from large waves, and perfect for a peaceful swim. Visitors can kayak through emerald waters, exploring hidden lagoons and secluded coves scattered among the islands.
As part of the Lan Ha Bay tour, travelers often stop at Monkey Island, a small mountainous island famous for its long, sandy beaches and playful monkeys. The island boasts two stunning natural beaches—Cat Dua 1 and Cat Dua 2—with exceptionally clean and transparent water, ideal for swimming and relaxation. Adventurous visitors can climb to the island’s summit for a panoramic view over Lan Ha Bay, where hundreds of limestone karsts rise from the turquoise sea, dotted with bright sandy stretches below.
Continuing the journey across the island, visitors will reach Cat Ba National Park, a must-visit for trekking enthusiasts and nature lovers. The best time to visit is from April to October, when the weather is pleasant for hiking, mountain climbing, and discovering the park’s extraordinary biodiversity. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including several rare species, and offers trails that lead deep into the heart of the island’s tropical forest. Beyond its natural wonders, the park also preserves cultural and historical relics, adding depth to the exploration.
For a sweeping view of Cat Ba from above, head to the Cannon Fort, perched on a hilltop about 177 meters above sea level. From this vantage point, visitors can admire the breathtaking beauty of the entire archipelago—its scattered islands, hidden coves, and pristine beaches. Below the fort lie two of Cat Ba’s most beautiful beaches, Cat Co 1 and Cat Co 2, perfect for an afternoon swim or a leisurely walk at sunset.
A quiet, untouched beach where the sea meets the skyToday, Cat Ba retains its untouched charm and captivating natural beauty while preserving centuries-old legends and cultural heritage. The island remains a source of endless inspiration, where nature’s harmony and vivid colors come together to create one of Vietnam’s most enchanting destinations.
