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Enjoy a swim at Cat Co beach and admire the panoramic view of Cat Ba from above.
In Cat Ba, there are three beaches that attract the most tourists: Cat Co 1, 2, and 3, due to their crystal-clear water and proximity to the town center. Of these, Cat Co 1 beach is the largest, almost entirely surrounded by rocky mountains on three sides. Cat Co 2 and 3 are smaller but quite peaceful. The beaches are connected by a small road that winds along the hillside.
From the town center, tourists can walk or hire a motorbike taxi or electric vehicle to reach one of these three beaches. If you don't bring swimwear, you can rent it at the shops along the beach. There are also changing rooms and freshwater showers. You should get out of the water before 6:30 PM because the tide rises and the waves are very strong.
At this time, you can spend time going up to Than Cong Fortress near the beach to admire the panoramic view of Cat Ba under the crimson sunset. This is also an opportunity to visit historical relics that have been preserved to this day, including two cannons, an observation tower system, and a complex network of trenches and tunnels. Note that you will have to buy tickets to enter this area and pay a fee if you use the observation tower to enjoy the view.
Visit Lan Ha Bay
Visitors to the island often spend a day renting a boat to explore the pristine beauty of Lan Ha Bay. Located south of Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay shares many similarities with the World Heritage site, with its surrounding rocky mountains and small islands. From the boat, visitors can easily spot the strange shapes of the mountains, which locals have given familiar names like Hon Guoc (Shoe Island) and Hon Rua (Turtle Island). If you want to fully appreciate the bay's beauty, you can rent a kayak to get closer to the limestone islands and water caves hidden within the rocky mountains.
Monkey Island (Cat Dua Island) is a must-see stop on any trip to Lan Ha Bay. It's home to a playful troop of monkeys, making it ideal for groups with young children. If you prefer to immerse yourself in the ocean, you can swim at Cat Dua Beach or join a snorkeling tour at a center located right on the island. Guided snorkeling tours cost around 1 million VND for 30 minutes.
Take a boat ride through Cai Beo fishing village.
In Cat Ba, the most famous place is undoubtedly Cai Beo fishing village. While not as bustling as the pier leading to Lan Ha Bay, Beo pier offers a diverse range of boats and ferries ready to take visitors to explore the tranquil beauty of Vietnam's oldest fishing village - Cai Beo.
If traveling in a group, tourists often rent large boats, but to truly experience the life of coastal residents, nothing is more enjoyable than riding in a small boat. While admiring the picturesque beauty of Cai Beo and listening to the rhythmic sound of oars, visitors can also enjoy interesting and intimate stories about the fishing village shared by the boatman. You can also stop at local households to admire a variety of seafood, from familiar to exotic species.
Island tour
Cat Ba Island is not only attractive for its beautiful beaches but also for its rich forest resources. Therefore, it would be a shame to miss out on a self-organized tour around the island. While domestic tourists often rent motorbikes, foreign visitors prefer cycling.
The journey will begin from the town center along a winding coastal road, then through the mountains to the remote villages on the island. Cat Ba National Park and Trung Trang Cave are two popular stops, however you can stay anywhere you like to enjoy the lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere.
Enjoy the specialties of Cat Ba
Cat Ba boasts many famous delicacies made from various seafood such as geoduck clams, lobsters, snapper, grouper, sea bass, sea cucumbers, sea snakes, and horseshoe crabs. Depending on your preference, you can choose to have them grilled, stir-fried, or steamed at the restaurants in the town located on 1/4 Street or Nui Ngoc. Cat Ba Market is also a great place to explore delicious and affordable local cuisine. Alternatively, you can try dining on floating restaurants near the sea, enjoying the food while breathing in the sea breeze.
Take a walk on the beach in the evening.
In the evening, Cat Ba becomes quieter with couples strolling hand in hand along the beach. Somewhere, the lively laughter of groups of friends riding bicycles can be heard. However, the characteristic mode of transportation for a leisurely stroll through Cat Ba's nightlife is the mini cyclo. Not only children but also adults staying overnight enjoy this type of vehicle. You can rent one to cycle along the main road, about 2 km long, in the town center, to enjoy the cool night sea breeze and have a good night's sleep.
