Located in the famous Halong Bay just over 170 km from Hanoi we can find the incredible island of Cat Ba. Declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2004, with its little more than 300 square km, Cat Ba is the ideal destination with incredible landscapes that form the characteristic karstic formations that abound in the area.
If Cat Ba island is your pocket list, you can check out the following main things to do in Cat Ba. We hope you spend some incredible days on the island.
WHAT TO DO IN CAT BA
1-day excursion to visit Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay: Without doubt the main attraction of the island and the reason why so many tourists go to visit Cat Ba every year is the opportunity to get to know the nearby Halong Bay and especially the Lan Ha Bay . From Cat Ba we can hire excursions where we can see the landscapes of the area, go kayaking and know some of the surrounding virgin beaches.
Visit Hospital Cave :
Located inside the park is Quan Y Cave or the Hospital Cave. Named for having served as a field hospital during the Vietnam War, Quan Y Cave is ideal to give you the idea of the hard life that the Vietconguerrillas lived during the fighting years. The complex is divided into 3 floors with different rooms that served for all kinds of typical tasks of a hospital, rest and recreation areas. Among them, you can find a cinema and even a swimming pool. It is advisable to hire a guide to know all the history hidden in its walls.
Visiting the Cannon Fort:
One of the most popular activities to do in Cat Ba is to visit Cannon Fort , a fort built in 1942 during the French occupation. Although it is a visit of historical interest, the main reason why you should visit Cannon Fort is because of the splendid views that this place offers, thanks to being located 177 meters high above sea level.
Get to know the Cat Ba Natural Park : The Cat Ba Natural Park occupies almost the entire length of the island. In the park we can enjoy trekking and get to know the natural beauty that it hides, especially Lake Ech. Some of the species that we can observe are the famous languits of Cat Ba, endemic primates of the area. Another of the main places to see in Cat Ba is the Cat Ba National Park. You can do 2 different trekking . One of them, up to Dinh Kim Gial, is 2 kilometers (it takes about 2 hours), while the other has 6 kilometers . You have to go well prepared for any of the two trekking, as they are quite hard. Of course, the views will be worth it.
Relax on the beaches of Cat Ba: One of the main things to do in Cat Ba is to relax on some of its beaches. Located on the outskirts of the town we can find the beaches of Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2 and Cat Co 3. You have chance to relax on beautiful pristine beach with incredible views.
Practice climbing: Little by little Cat Ba is becoming one of the most important climbing spots in Vietnam. Thanks to its karst formations , the climbing is of a good level and the best you can practice psychobloc. In fact it is compared to Tonsai in Thailand.
