If you’re looking for interesting destinations in Cat Ba, don’t miss the chance to explore Lan Ha Bay, Monkey Island, Cat Ba National Park, and the ancient fishing village of Cai Beo. Each destination has its own unique charm, from the pristine beauty of Lan Ha Bay to the biodiversity of Cat Ba National Park and the historical significance and distinct culture of Cai Beo fishing village.
Lan Ha Bay
Located on the eastern side of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay is one of the most beautiful and peaceful tourist spots, featuring untouched beaches that have yet to be heavily developed. You can easily travel to Beo Wharf and purchase tickets for sightseeing or rent a local resident’s motorboat to explore the bay. In addition to swimming and diving, you can engage in exciting experiences such as kayaking and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the bay.
Monkey Island
Formerly known as Cat Dua Island, this small island was renamed Monkey Island due to its abundance of friendly monkeys. Despite its small circumference of about 3km, it offers a long stretch of white sandy beach and two crescent-shaped bathing spots, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers. You can have fun, swim, and admire the adorable monkeys, but be cautious not to provoke them to avoid being bitten.
Cat Ba National Park
Cat Ba National Park, a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve since 2004, is a lush and captivating destination when visiting Cat Ba Island. It preserves and develops a variety of ecosystems such as mangrove forests, coral reefs, and diverse rare plant and animal species. This not only provides visitors with exciting experiences but also enhances awareness and environmental protection consciousness.
Cannon Fort
Standing at a height of 177m above sea level, Cannon Fort is one of the highest and most interesting attractions on Cat Ba Island. From here, you can enjoy the stunning panoramic view of Cat Ba, with its picturesque and romantic landscapes.
Cannon Fort features various areas for sightseeing, including observation decks, cannons, command bunkers, and traditional houses, providing a deeper understanding of the painful wartime history and the Vietnamese people’s efforts to defend their homeland.
Cai Beo Ancient Fishing Village
Cai Beo is one of Vietnam’s unique ancient fishing villages, with over 500 households specializing in fishing and fish farming in the bay. From a distance, this fishing village resembles a familiar Northern Vietnam village, with floating houses arranged closely together, connected by small bridges spanning across.
What’s special here is that you can directly experience the life of the fishing village’s residents and enjoy delicious fresh seafood right on the fish rafts. With the absence of industrial feed, the fish here are sweet and firm. Additionally, you can indulge in enticing dishes made from shrimp, crabs, and other seafood. This place offers you a unique culinary and cultural experience.
Trung Trang Cave
Trung Trang Cave is located in the valley of the same name, about 15km northeast of the Cat Ba town center. It is a natural cave with a length of approximately 300m, famous for its unique stalactite formations inside. The cave’s climate is always cool and fresh due to its proximity to the surrounding primeval forest of cinnamon trees. If you want to escape the scorching heat of summer, Trung Trang Cave is an attractive destination to explore.
Each stalactite formation in Trung Trang Cave carries an intriguing legendary story, making visitors feel like they are lost in a mysterious world. Furthermore, the cave is also home to various wildlife species such as insects, birds, reptiles, and bats, promising wonderful experiences for visitors.
