VI
EN
Cat Ba looks very different after many visits.
For many, Cat Ba has long been a familiar name on their list of summer destinations. Cat Co Beach, Lan Ha Bay, fresh seafood, and beachfront resorts… all contribute to the image of a beloved resort island. Chien Thang, a passionate backpacker, has visited Cat Ba many times with the same familiar itinerary. But it wasn't until this trip in mid-July that he had the chance to discover a different perspective: trekking through the Cat Ba forest and then cruising in the bay to watch the sunset.
“Initially, we only planned to go to the beach, but when we learned about the trekking route through the National Park, I found it extremely attractive. It's the off-season for mountain climbing right now, so the feeling of breathing in the mountain air in the middle of the island like this is really pleasant and very different,” Thang shared.
The weather in Cat Ba during summer is cooler than on 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 checking maps and weather conditions to choosing an itinerary, everything was meticulously planned to ensure the smoothest experience possible. "In the summer, everyone thinks of the beach, but we wanted to find a trip that included both trekking and the beach, and Cat Ba is one of the few places that can offer both," Thang said.
Cat Ba in July is quite humid during the day, but the weather is generally favorable: not too hot, clear blue skies, thunderstorms only come late at night and quickly subside by the next morning. The post-rain air makes Sunday even cooler, ideal for ending the trip with some relaxing time swimming in the sea.
“What surprised me most was the diversity of vegetation in Cat Ba National Park. There were many large, ancient trees and plant species I had never seen when hiking in Northwest Vietnam,” he said. However, Thang humorously added, “The most striking impression was probably… the abundance of mosquitoes. But actually, that’s also an interesting part of the tropical forest.”
During their trekking trip through the forest, Thang's group had the opportunity to admire the rich, pristine vegetation.
Trekking through the forest - from Frog Pond to Viet Hai ancient village
Thang's group departed from Hanoi at 6:00 AM on July 12th and arrived in Cat Ba at noon. Without resting for long, they began their trekking journey that same day, having paid 160,000 VND per person for the national park entrance fee. The entire route, approximately 12 km, was clearly marked with signposts, making it suitable even for beginners with good fitness.
The first 6 km are relatively flat, shaded by dense forest trees, and the path is mainly dirt and stone steps, posing little challenge. However, after crossing Frog Pond – a natural swamp deep in the forest – the terrain changes: sharp rocky slopes, slippery paths, and narrower lanes are necessary. Hikers need to be cautious, conserve energy, and bring plenty of water because the forest is very humid, with almost no wind. The temperature isn't high, but the humidity is intense, and sweat quickly drains, leaving everyone exhausted.
The entire group spent 5 hours crossing the forest in Cat Ba National Park.
"Although there weren't any leeches like when we went into the forests of Northwest Vietnam, we occasionally encountered snakes crawling across the road," Thang recounted. He felt like he was truly stepping into a genuine wild world.
After nearly five hours trekking through the forest, the group arrived at Viet Hai ancient village – a unique village nestled in the middle of an old-growth forest, and that forest in turn lies in the middle of the sea. Completely isolated from the outside world, Viet Hai has almost no motorbikes; the people mainly travel by bicycle or on foot. The houses are simple, the atmosphere is peaceful, with only the sounds of wind and the chirping of insects.
Crossing through the flooded forest to reach the ancient village of Viet Hai.
"Arriving here feels like being transported to another world. I'm truly captivated by the simple beauty that's almost impossible to find anywhere else in Vietnam," Thang said.
The village has only a few dozen households, mainly engaged in ecotourism and forest conservation. The moss-covered stone walls, small fish ponds in front of the houses, and rows of bamboo swaying in the breeze create an incredibly rustic scene. If it weren't for our tight schedule, we would have chosen to stay a night to fully enjoy the atmosphere here.
From Viet Hai, the group hired a boat (500,000 VND/trip) to return to the center of Cat Ba. They arrived at the beach just as the sun was setting, casting its last golden rays on the sea, creating a scene like a gentle oil painting. The water shimmered with an orange-red hue, reflecting the last rays of light of the day, leaving everyone mesmerized.
“While drifting on the boat watching the sunset, all the fatigue from the trekking journey seemed to vanish. I felt so small amidst the incredibly majestic and peaceful nature,” Thang recalled.
Sunset over Cat Ba beach
Kayaking in the turquoise bay, visiting Phoenix Peak.
The following morning, the group chose to relax at Cat Co 2 Beach – one of the most beautiful beaches on Cat Ba Island, famous for its fine sand and turquoise waters. Kayak rentals are available for visitors who want to explore the small caves and rocky crevices hidden amidst the sea and sky.
“When paddling the boat myself in the crystal-clear water, I completely forgot about the sweltering heat of the day before. The fatigue after 12 km of trekking through the forest also disappeared, leaving only peace and tranquility,” Thang recounted.
Visitors can combine kayaking and swimming at Cat Co 2 beach.
At around 2 PM, the group departed Cat Ba via the Gia Luan ferry, concluding their two-day trip filled with nature-filled experiences. Before returning to Hanoi, they visited Phuong Hoang Peak – located in Bac Son ward, Uong Bi city, Quang Ninh province, also known as Ba Tang Mountain. Although they didn't stay camping as originally planned, the group still took the opportunity to climb up to admire the panoramic view of the approximately 500-meter-high hill, with its pine forest and sprawling grasslands. "Looking down from here, all you see is lush green. If you didn't know beforehand, you might think you were in Europe," Thang joked.
Check in at the top of Phoenix Mountain (Quang Ninh) before heading back to the city.
The short trip was enough for Thang to clearly feel the change in his perspective on Cat Ba – not just a simple summer destination, but a place that harmoniously blends wild mountains and expansive seascapes.
“I will definitely come back, maybe for a camping trip at Phoenix Peak, or a night's stay in Viet Hai village. Cat Ba is now not just about the sea, but also about the fascinating forest trails waiting for me to return,” he shared.
