A very different Cat Ba after many returns
For many people, Cat Ba has long been a familiar name on the list of summer destinations. Cat Co Beach, Lan Ha Bay, fresh seafood or seaside resorts... all have created the image of a familiar resort island. Chien Thang - a backpacking enthusiast has also been to Cat Ba many times with that familiar schedule. But it was not until this trip in mid-July that he had the opportunity to explore a different perspective: trekking through Cat Ba forest, then floating in the middle of the bay to watch the sunset.
“At first, we only planned to go swimming, but when we learned about the trekking route through the National Park, I found it extremely attractive. This is the off-season for mountain climbing, so the feeling of breathing in the mountain air in the middle of an island like this is really pleasant and very different,” Thang shared.
Cat Ba weather in summer is cooler than the mainland thanks to the sea breeze and lush green forests.
Even though it was a short trip, Thang’s group still spent a lot of time preparing. From looking at the map, checking the weather conditions to choosing the schedule, everything was carefully calculated to ensure the smoothest experience. “In the summer, everyone thinks of the sea, but we wanted to find a trip that included trekking and the sea, and Cat Ba is one of the few places that can do both,” Thang said.
Cat Ba in July is quite hot during the day but the weather is generally favorable to the group: no harsh sunlight, clear blue sky, thunderstorms only come late at night and quickly stop the next morning. The air after the rain makes Sunday cooler, ideal to end the journey with some light swimming.
“What surprised me the most was the diversity of vegetation in Cat Ba National Park. There were many large old trees and plants that I had never seen when climbing in the Northwest,” he said. However, Thang also humorously added: “The strongest impression was probably… a lot of mosquitoes. But actually, that is also an interesting part of the tropical forest.”
On the trekking route through the forest, Mr. Thang's group admired the rich primeval vegetation.
Trekking through the forest - from Ao Ech to Viet Hai ancient village
Thang's group departed from Hanoi at 6am on July 12 and arrived in Cat Ba at noon. Without resting for too long, they started their trekking journey that same day with an entrance fee of 160,000 VND/person to the National Park. The entire route is about 12km, clearly marked with signs, suitable even for beginners to trekking if they are in good health.
The first 6 km is quite flat, the dense forest trees provide shade, the path is mainly dirt and stone steps, not much of a challenge. But when passing Ao Ech - a natural swamp deep in the forest, the terrain begins to change: many sharp rocky slopes, slippery and narrower roads. Travelers need to be careful, save energy and bring enough water because the forest is very hot, almost windless. The temperature is not high but the feeling of heat due to the high humidity, sweat pouring out without time to dry makes everyone quickly tired.
It took the whole group 5 hours to cross the forest in Cat Ba National Park.
“Although there were no leeches like when going to the forests in the Northwest, I occasionally saw snakes crawling across the road,” Thang said. He felt like he was truly entering a wild world.
After nearly 5 hours of trekking through the forest, the group arrived at Viet Hai ancient village - a special village located in the middle of the jungle, and the jungle is located in the middle of the ocean. Completely isolated from the outside world, Viet Hai has almost no motorbikes, people mainly ride bicycles or walk. The houses are simple, the atmosphere is peaceful, with only the sound of wind and the chirping of insects.
Cross the flooded forest to reach the ancient village of Viet Hai
“Coming here is like being transported to another world. I was really captivated by the simple beauty that is almost impossible to find anywhere else in Vietnam,” Thang said.
The village has only a few dozen households, mainly engaged in eco-tourism and forest protection. Mossy stone walls, small fish ponds in front of the houses, rows of bamboo swaying in the wind, the scenery is so rustic. If not for the tight schedule, the group would have chosen to stay one night to fully enjoy the atmosphere here.
From Viet Hai, the group hired a boat (VND 500,000/trip) to return to Cat Ba center. They were just in time to reach the sea when the sun set, spreading the last golden rays of sunlight on the sea surface, the scene like in a gentle oil painting. The water surface glowed orange-red, reflecting the last rays of light of the day, making everyone stunned.
“While drifting on the boat watching the sunset, all the fatigue of the trekking journey seemed to disappear. I felt so small in the midst of such majestic and peaceful nature,” Thang recalled.
Sunset on Cat Ba beach
Kayaking in the blue bay, visiting Phoenix peak
The next morning, the group chose to relax gently at Cat Co 2 beach - one of the most beautiful beaches on Cat Ba island, famous for its fine sand and turquoise water. There is a kayak rental service for visitors who want to explore the small caves and rocky crevices hidden between the sea and sky.
“When I rowed the boat in the clear water, I forgot all about the hot weather of the previous day. The tired feeling after 12km of trekking through the forest also disappeared, leaving only peace and relaxation,” Thang said.
Visitors can combine kayaking and swimming on Cat Co 2 beach.
At around 2 p.m., the group left Cat Ba via Gia Luan ferry, ending the two-day journey with experiences full of nature. Before returning to Hanoi, the group stopped by Phuong Hoang peak - located in Bac Son ward, Uong Bi city, Quang Ninh province, also known as Ba Tang mountain. Although they did not stay at the campsite as originally planned, the group still took the opportunity to climb up to see the panoramic view of the 500 m high hill, pine forest and the vast grass carpet. "Looking down from here, I see only lush green. If you did not know in advance, you might think you were in Europe," Thang said jokingly.
Check in at Phoenix Peak (Quang Ninh) before returning to the city
The journey was short but enough for Thang to clearly feel the change in the way he looked at Cat Ba - not just a simple summer destination, but a place that harmonizes wild mountains and forests with the liberal sea and sky.
“I will definitely come back, maybe for a camping trip at Phuong Hoang peak, or a night stay in Viet Hai village. Cat Ba is not only about the sea but also about the amazing forest roads waiting for me to come back,” he shared.
