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What to Do in Cat Ba Island: A Complete Travel Guide
Cat Ba Island, part of the Cat Ba Archipelago with 367 islands, is located south of Ha Long Bay. Among them, Cat Ba Island stands out as a captivating destination, boasting the distinctive landscape of Ha Long Bay with its limestone mountains and tranquil blue sea.
Best Time to Visit Cat Ba Island
The ideal time to visit Cat Ba Island is during the summer months from April to October when the weather is pleasant and suitable for leisure activities and beach bathing. The peak season is from May to July.
If you plan to visit the island in July and August, it’s essential to check the weather forecast several days in advance to avoid any storms. From November to March, the island is relatively less crowded, making it an excellent time for nature exploration and relaxation.
Getting to Cat Ba Island
From Hanoi, visitors can take a private car to Hai Phong and then a ferry from Tan Vu Bridge to Got Ferry. The ferry will dock at Cai Vieng in Cat Hai district, and from there, it’s about a 20 km drive to the island’s center, Cat Ba town. The cost for a car under 9 seats includes bridge tolls of 210,000 VND and a ferry fee of 190,000 VND. The ferry fee for a motorbike is 45,000 VND per vehicle.
Alternatively, travelers can opt for a bus ride from Hanoi to Got Ferry for about 150,000 VND, and then take the ferry to the island for 12,000 VND per person. There are also direct bus services to the island’s center for around 250,000 VND per person.
For a time-saving option, the Cat Hai – Phu Long Cable Car takes only 10 minutes compared to a 20-30 minute ferry ride. Visitors can access the cable car station from the direction of Got Ferry after crossing Tan Vu Bridge.
Top Attractions on Cat Ba Island
- Lan Ha Bay: Located in the east, Lan Ha Bay is a member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club. It features calm and clear waters. Tour options include visiting the bay and ancient fishing villages, swimming, and kayaking.
- Cai Beo Ancient Fishing Village: Considered the oldest fishing village in Vietnam, visitors can witness the traditional lifestyle of the locals from thousands of years ago by stepping onto their boats and exploring the floating houses.
- Monkey Island (Dao Khi): Famous for its monkeys, the island offers two beautiful crescent-shaped beaches, Cat Dua 1 and Cat Dua 2, where visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere and various water activities.
- Cat Ba National Park: A biosphere reserve, the park offers several hiking routes ranging from 2 to 8 hours. Travelers can explore the lush green Kim Giao forest, climb Nguc Lam peak for panoramic views of the national park, and discover caves with ancient Vietnamese relics.
- Hospital Cave (Hang Quan Y): This unique destination, located about 8.5 km from the town center, was a wartime hospital built between 1963 and 1965. Visitors can explore the three-story cave and learn about its historical significance.
- Trung Trang Cave: Located along the way to the national park, this 300-meter-long cave features beautiful stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years, as well as ancient Vietnamese archaeological remains.
- Than Cong Fortress: This historical site, also known as the 177 Peak, offers a panoramic view of the bay. It’s a perfect spot to witness stunning sunrises and sunsets.
- Beautiful Beaches: If you don’t have time to explore the islands outside the bay, you can enjoy the central beaches. Cat Co and Tung Thu beaches are popular choices, with their calm waters and easy access.
Important Tips when visit Cat Ba Island
- Avoid swimming after 6 PM due to high tide.
- Choose to take the cable car during weekends to avoid the crowded Got Ferry.
- Some day tours might skip certain points like less-visited beaches and small islands due to high tides.
- Before shopping or dining, always inquire about prices to ensure fair pricing.
- If you’re planning a trip to Cat Ba Island, follow this comprehensive guide for a memorable experience in this beautiful part of Vietnam. Enjoy the stunning landscapes, delicious seafood, and unique cultural attractions that Cat Ba Island has to offer.
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