Tiếng Việt
The Cat Ba archipelago, located south of Halong Bay, comprises 367 islands. Among them, Cat Ba Island stands out for its breathtaking landscapes and exceptional resort facilities, including the renowned Cat Ba cruise. This attraction features picturesque limestone mountains and crystal-clear waters, offering visitors the serene ambiance that Halong Bay is famous for.
Introduction to Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island, a popular tourist destination in Northern Vietnam, is a perfect place for nature lovers and those seeking new experiences. It’s located in the Cat Ba island district which comprises 367 big and small islands. The island is situated south of Halong Bay and serves as a gateway to the renowned Ha Long Bay, attracting visitors with its sea, islands, and caves. Cat Ba Island is about 60 km away from Hai Phong city center and is known for its fresh air and beautiful landscapes, making it an ideal choice for summer trips or weekend getaways. The island is often referred to as Pearl Island or Cac Ba, which originated from a historical anecdote. Cat Ba Island has a unique ecosystem, spanning over 26,000 hectares and is recognized as the third biosphere reserve of Vietnam by UNESCO.
Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve is home to diverse ecosystems, including tropical rainforests on limestone islands, mangroves, coral reefs, seaweed beds, and cave systems. The reserve also features the Cai Beo Halong cultural site where humans lived over 6000 years ago.
The garden boasts a diverse topography with limestone mountains containing fascinating caves and beautiful white sand beaches for swimming. The limestone mountain range has an average height of 150m, and the Cao Vong peak rises 322m above sea level. Cat Ba’s poetic beauty stems from the primeval forests on limestone mountains floating on the sea.
Ideal Time to Travel to Cat Ba Island
With an average annual temperature of 25-28 degrees Celsius, Cat Ba Island has a relatively comfortable climate throughout the year, making it a suitable destination to visit at any time. However, the best time to go is between April to October, especially during the summer when the weather is mild, perfect for swimming and relaxation. The island is most crowded from May to July, so visitors who prefer peace should avoid this period or come on weekdays.
From November to March, the weather is cooler and less busy, making it a popular time for foreign tourists. This time is ideal for enjoying cruises around Cat Ba Island.
Getting to Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island, a popular tourist destination, can be easily reached by various means of transportation. Apart from taking the Cat Ba cruise ship, tourists often prefer exploring the island on their own.
From Hanoi to Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba is approximately 156 kilometers away from Hanoi and there are several ways to reach the island from the capital city including buses and private vehicles. Taking the bus costs around 230,000 to 300,000 VND per way and includes ferry fees.
- Private car: Take the 5B highway from Hanoi to Hai Phong, cross the Tan Vu bridge, and board the ferry to Cai Vieng Wharf before reaching the center of the island. Alternatively, take the Hai Phong highway to Ha Long and then the Tuan Chau ferry.
- Tourists from southern provinces can fly to Cat Bi airport or Noi Bai airport (Hanoi) and then take a bus or taxi.
From Halong to Cat Ba Island
Traveling by sea from Hai Phong to Cat Ba takes about 45 minutes. You can also travel by road and combine modes of transportation such as ferries and speedboats. Renting a car from Hai Phong to Cat Ba is a popular option amongst tourists.
Visitors have the option of taking a speedboat to get from Hai Phong to Cat Ba. For those who prefer the bullet train, it is important to check the location of the piers to find the most suitable schedule. There are various high-speed piers available including Hai Phong – Ben Binh – Cat Ba town, Hai Phong – Dinh Vu port – Cat Ba town, and Hai Phong – Cat Hai – Phu Long – Cat Ba town line. It is recommended to select the route that suits their schedule and budget. Renting a car from Hai Phong to Cat Ba is the most popular option.
Explore Outdoor Adventures on Cat Ba Island
- Swimming:
Take a dip in the cool waters to beat the heat and enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
- Kayaking:
Navigate through the scenic karst formations and sea caves, such as Dark Cave, Bright Cave, Trung Trang Cave or Three Peach Beach Cave, for an exciting kayaking adventure.
- Cat Ba National Park:
Experience the stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and conservation efforts of Vietnam’s natural heritage at Cat Ba National Park.
- Visiting Floating Village ( Viet Hai Village ):
Immerse yourself in the unique culture and lifestyle of a bustling fishing community by visiting the floating fishing village of Viet Hai. Sample freshly caught seafood prepared in the traditional culinary style.
Exploring Viet Hai Village
- Hiking: Explore the natural beauty of Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay on foot with a trekking adventure. Whether you choose to trek on Cat Ba Island or Bai Tu Long Bay, you’ll be rewarded with stunning landscapes and hidden wonders.
- Overnight Cruise: Experience the magic of Halong Bay at night on an overnight cruise. Enjoy a candlelit dinner under the stars with live music and dancing, indulge in local and international cuisine, and retire to your comfortable cabin for a peaceful sleep before waking up to a breathtaking sunrise.
- Monkey Island: Visit Monkey Island in Halong Bay to see and interact with playful monkeys.
- Squid Fishing: Join a squid fishing adventure in the calm waters under the starry night sky, equipped with a fishing rod, bait, and expert guide. Anticipate the thrill of chasing calamari and witnessing the underwater world come alive.
Paradise Vietnam Cruise – The Ultimate Luxury Experience
For the past 15 years, Paradise Vietnam has established itself as a leading provider of 5-star cruises and suite hotels, with its Paradise Sails and Paradise Elegance products sailing around Halong Bay. If you’re looking for a lavish resort experience while cruising through the bay to admire the natural beauty this summer, then Paradise’s 5-star offerings are a must-try.
What sets Paradise Cruises apart is its expertly crafted itineraries that showcase the best of Halong Bay. Knowledgeable tour guides lead excursions to hidden caves, floating villages, serene lagoons, and various water activities. The friendly staff ensures that every moment of your journey is filled with wonder and discovery.
Paradise Vietnam’s newest offering is the Paradise Grand, which departs from Tuan Chau Island in Halong Bay and takes visitors to Lan Ha Bay-Cat Ba Island. The cruise features 39 rooms, including Grand Balcony, Executive Grand Balcony, Grand Suite Balcony, and Captain’s View Grand Suite, all equipped with private balconies offering stunning views of the bay.
The restaurant, bar, four spa rooms, and lounge + sundeck provide exceptional facilities to make your visit comfortable. One major highlight is the cuisine on board, which features traditional Vietnamese and Western fusion dishes prepared by a Michelin 2-star chef.
For more information about Paradise Vietnam’s Cat Ba cruise discovery service, including cost, time, tour routes, and more, please visit their website at https://www.paradisevietnam.com. If you have any inquiries or doubts, feel free to contact Ha Long Travel Guide right away.