Top 12 Things To Do In Cat Ba Vietnam
Here are 12 of the Best Activities in Cat Ba, Vietnam.
Cat Ba, a little island off the coast of Vietnam, is a veritable postcard, with picture-perfect views and exciting adventures around every corner.
Looking for some ideas for your time in Cat Ba? Do not fret; I will see to your needs. This guide will assist you in finding the most enjoyable activities on Cat Ba Island. You can use this to plan your trip and get insider information to make the most of your experience.
Cat Ba is one of the top 20 best tourist attractions in Vietnam which has several exciting activities that will make your pulse beat faster and your camera's shutter work overtime, such as sunbathing on deserted beaches and exploring breathtaking bays.
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Enjoy the sun on Cat Ba's sandy shores.
Taking a nap in the sun on the beautiful beaches of Cat Ba was one of the most restful experiences I've ever had. Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, and Cat Co 3 are my three favorites among the island's many stunning beaches. All of them can reach the heart of town in a few minutes by foot or bike.
Each beach provides a secluded area for some R&R, as they are all tucked away between the surrounding mountains. When the beaches were less crowded in the morning, I felt most at peace. For the rest of my life, I shall remember the sunrise I saw while strolling peacefully along the connecting route.
Expert advice? You won't want to miss the breathtaking sunrise, so get up early, pack your camera, and head to the beach.
However, after 6:30 p.m., fast-rising tides can make swimming dangerous. I recommend learning the tide times and consulting with locals on this.
Visit Monkey Island, Tung Thu Beach, or one of the calm beaches in Lan Ha Bay if you're seeking peace and quiet. These areas have fewer visitors, so you may relax on the beach without being bothered by other people.
Read more: Top 10 Best Beaches In Vietnam 2024
Take in the wild splendor of Lan Ha Bay.
If you're visiting Cat Ba Island, you must spend at least one day traveling to Lan Ha Bay. After declaring its independence from Ha Long Bay, this breathtaking region has become something of a hidden gem, drawing far fewer tourists than its more well-known neighbor.
Read more: Taxi Hanoi to Cat Ba
If you'd rather have a structured trip, guided tours of the bay can be arranged. It's a great way to see all that Lan Ha Bay has to offer, from the breathtaking scenery to the exciting activities.
Kayaking, swimming at the white sand beaches, a trip to Monkey Island, and taking in the stunning karsts and limestone structures are common activities on these tours.
And don't fret if you're in Hanoi; tours to Lan Ha may be arranged with little effort.
Come scuba diving off of Monkey Island.
Monkey Island is not only a stunning destination with breathtaking beaches but also the gateway to a marine life-rich underwater world.
Abalone, pearls, dragon shrimp, and brilliantly colored fishes are just a few of the fascinating creatures that may be found below the waves.
You may snorkel for about $30,000 at Monkey Island Resort or scuba dive with a certified instructor for about $50,000 for 30 minutes. Remember that costs could go up or down.
In addition to snorkeling, visitors can relax on the island's gorgeous beaches while taking in views of the striking karst and limestone formations. Hiking to the peak of the mountain is another option.
Pay a visit to the floating village.
One of my favorite things to do in Cat Ba is to visit Cai Beo Fishing Village, one of the country's most important prehistoric floating towns.
Consider this: almost 300 houses float gently on the water's surface, primarily supported by fishing and aquaculture. It's a distinct way of life that you simply cannot miss when in Cat Ba.
Cai Beo's elaborate network of interconnected boathouses, floating cottages, and fish cages piqued my interest. It was a joy to simply go from one house to the next, taking in the scenery and speaking with the locals.
And, hey, did you just guess? Some of the best seafood you've ever tasted can be found at one of these floating restaurants. The scenery of the bay and the locals give excellent photo opportunities for your travel photos.
Cai Beo Fishing Village is not hard to get to. Whenever I visit Lan Ha Bay, I go on a guided tour that always makes a stop at the Cai Beo floating town. You can also rent fishing vessels from Ben Beo harbor.
Read more: All Thing Need To know Before Travelling To Tan Lap Floating Village
Go on an adventure in Cat Ba National Park.
I could spend a full day in Cat Ba National Park, one of the 10 best places to travel in Cat Ba, and not realize how swiftly it went by.
Any outdoor enthusiast's heart would skip a beat at the prospect of exploring this natural paradise, which features countless hiking trails, excellent opportunities to see native wildlife, and breathtaking vistas.
The Cat Ba langur is the most famous of the indigenous species found in the park. Spotting this critically endangered animal on a hike would be an incredible opportunity.
When going on a hike, you should always be prepared with lots of water and snacks. Long-distance hikers may want to consider hiring a local guide to help them navigate the terrain. They are not only knowledgeable about the trails but also have interesting information to share about the park's flora and fauna.
Read more: Top 10 Best Vietnam National Parks
The caves should be explored.
I've had some of the best vacations ever exploring the caves of Cat Ba. After each visit, I learn something new about the island and its natural beauty and have a deeper respect for them.
The Trung Trang Cave and the Hospital Cave are two of my favorites in Cat Ba National Park, and they're both close to the park headquarters.
Mystical and beautiful, Trung Trang Cave is home to stalactite and stalagmite structures that have mesmerized me for years. Nearly 300 meters in length, the cave is a labyrinth of interconnected chambers. Just keep a flashlight or headlamp on hand to help you see.
On the other hand, the Hospital Cave sheds light on the island's role in World War II. It served as a secret hospital and safe house for high-ranking Viet Cong officers throughout the American War. It's an odd and sobering feeling to walk down halls that were once alive with secret activity.
Hoa Cuong Cave and Thien Long Cave are also worth a visit due to the unique geological features and historical stories they contain. Sturdy footwear is recommended due to the slick nature of cave floors. I would also recommend taking a guided tour if it is your first time there.
Eat some delicious seafood.
As a seafood aficionado, I am always on the lookout for the day's freshest catch, and Cat Ba never fails to deliver.
The restaurant's proximity to the water ensures that its seafood is always served at peak freshness. Many a night has been spent in Cat Ba town, hopping from one local cafe to the next to sample their respective takes on the day's catch.
Some of my favorite dishes include steamed clams with lemongrass, grilled mackerel with dill, and deliciously seasoned sea snails. Don't miss out on the local hotpot, a perfect group meal for chilly evenings.
If you want to get closer to the action, I suggest buying seafood from the native fisherman in the floating village. You won't find anything newer than this anywhere else! Never be scared to negotiate a lower price while making a purchase; doing so is customary.
Read more: The Ultimate Vietnamese Street Food Guide: 30 Delicious Dishes
Go to cooking school.
Cat Ba Island is a foodie's heaven because of its abundance of fresh seafood, which may be explored further with a cooking session. This is more than just a matter of following directions; it's an opportunity to learn about the culture and history of the island through its food.
With the guidance of your knowledgeable local guide, you'll discover how to choose the best seafood at the market. The fish market is a fascinating place, pulsating with the sights, sounds, and activity of the island's bustling food economy.
You'll have a great time while learning how to make a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in your cooking class. Cooking a dinner from scratch, especially one made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, is a very rewarding experience.
Read more: Top 10 freshest and most delicious seafood dishes in Vietnam
Cannon Fort Panorama of the City
One of my favorite spots is Cannon Fort on Vietnam's Cat Ba. Located 177 meters above sea level, this monument is a physical reminder of Vietnam's turbulent past and its crucial role in the wars against the French and the Americans.
When I take a stroll about the fort, I can't help but think of the battles that must have been fought there and the stories that must have been told. The underground tunnels and gun emplacements have been kept very well, making for an evocative glimpse into the past.
Cannon Fort isn't all introspection, though. Cat Ba town, rolling hills, faraway beaches, and the beautiful bay can all be seen from the peak.
Several times I've gone there in the evening to watch the sun go down and paint the sky with oranges and pinks. I never get tired of seeing that!
Explore the island on two wheels.
One of the best ways to see all that Cat Ba Island has to offer is on the back of a bicycle. The island's compact size and well-maintained roadways make cycling an appealing mode of transportation.
You may see the island at your own pace while cycling around it. You may go for a swim in the ocean, try some Vietnamese coffee at a local cafe, or just sit back, relax, and take in the sights and sounds of the area.
My suggestion is to schedule your bike ride for the wee hours of the morning or the late hours of the afternoon. Don't forget the hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen!
The Viet Hai Village is worth a trip
My trips to Viet Hai Village are like time travel. A nice break from the usual island routine may be found in this picturesque fishing village hidden in the heart of Cat Ba National Park and surrounded by verdant mountains.
The area is very peaceful and quiet, and the traditional Vietnamese houses dotting the landscape are a sight to behold.
The village is best explored on two wheels. The beautiful hike through the lush countryside is not only a treat for the eyes but also a great chance to get a feel for the culture of the area. The friendly locals, who may be seen most days on the land or mending their nets, are a big part of what makes the village so appealing.
Read more: The Best Ham Ninh Fishing Village Travel Guide
I'll never forget making the ascent of Hai Quan Hill, the highest peak in Viet Hai. The ascent may be challenging, but the reward is a breathtaking vista of the surrounding landscape and the blue sea.
I suggest spending the night if you really want to experience the local culture. Homestays in the village offer inexpensive, comfortable lodging and the chance to sample delicious, authentic local cuisine. These connections between the people and the land make Viet Hai Village an essential part of every trip to Cat Ba.
Get some elevation!
Do you want to get your heart racing? You can go rock climbing at Cat Ba.
Many great places to climb can be found all across the island. Popular tourist spots include Dau Be Island and Ben Beo Mountain Cliff, both of which are easily accessible from the heart of town. The cliffs on Ba Trai Dao Island, though further south, offer a special climbing experience with stunning ocean views.
Your own well-being should always come first. You can rent climbing gear on the island, but if it's your first time you should probably hire a guide.
Just how do I get to Cat Ba?
Cat Ba Island is situated between the busy cities of Hai Phong (at a distance of 30 km) and Ha Long (at a distance of 25 km). It's very easy to get there by car, boat, or plane.
I have traveled to Cat Ba island from Hanoi via bus and boat on multiple occasions. The hike is not difficult at all, and it features beautiful scenery. The trip takes about 4 hours and buses leave Hanoi several times a day.
You can also take a ferry or speedboat from Hai Phong to Cat Ba to get to the island. The speedboat is the best option because it will get you to Cat Ba in half the time, in only 45 minutes.
Once you've arrived on Cat Ba, there are a number of different routes you might take to explore the island. You may rent an electric car and zip about town in style. If you'd rather go at your own pace, rent a motorcycle or bicycle. Take extra care when driving and always wear a helmet.
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