1. Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay
2. Swimming on Cat Co beach
3. Scuba diving to see corals at Ba Trai Dao Island
4. Enjoying the beautiful scenery on a cruise
5. Biking to Viet Hai Village
6. Hiking in Cat Ba National Park
7. Rock climbing in Lan Ha Bay
8. Exploring Monkey Island
9. Visiting Cat Ba fishing villages
10. Camping on Cat Ba Island
11. Watching the sunset at Canon Fort
12. Enjoying Cat Ba Island’s seafood
1. Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay
One of the best ways to explore the beauty of Lan Ha Bay is by kayaking. You can paddle your own kayak through the limestone islands, mysterious caves, and pristine beaches. You can also meet local people living in floating houses and enjoy delicious seafood. Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay is an exciting and memorable experience for anyone who loves nature and adventure.
2. Swimming on Cat Co beach
If you want to sunbathe and swim on Cat Ba Island, you cannot miss Cat Co Beach. This is one of the three most famous beaches on the island, located in the south of Cat Ba town. Cat Co Beach has fine white sand, clear blue water, and gentle waves. You can rent sun loungers, umbrellas, or swimwear here. Cat Co Beach is also an ideal place to watch the sunset and take photos.
3. Scuba diving to see corals at Ba Trai Dao Island
Ba Trai Dao Island is one of the most attractive destinations of Lan Ha Bay, famous for its white sandy beaches and colorful coral reefs. You can join a scuba diving tour to observe fish, coral, and other marine creatures here. You can also try snorkeling, a recreational activity that is easier and safer than scuba diving. Ba Trai Dao Island is a paradise for those who love the sea and wildlife.
4. Enjoying the beautiful scenery on a cruise
Another way to explore Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island is on a cruise. You can choose a cruise tour from one to three days, depending on your time and budget. You will enjoy the beautiful scenery of the islands, cliffs, fishing villages, and beaches on the bay. You can also participate in activities such as kayaking, scuba diving, fishing, cooking, and entertainment on the cruise. Going on a cruise is a great way to enjoy the relaxing and romantic atmosphere on Lan Ha Bay.
5. Biking to Viet Hai Village
Viet Hai Village is a small village located in the east of Cat Ba Island, about 18 km from Cat Ba town. It’s an ideal place for you to experience the local life, immerse yourself in nature, and learn about the culture and history of the island. You can bike from Cat Ba town to Viet Hai Village, through winding roads, rice fields, forests, and mountains. You can also visit places like Hai Quan Temple, Viet Hai Museum, and traditional liquor factory. Biking to Viet Hai Village is both a sport and tourism activity, providing you with unique and unforgettable experiences.
6. Hiking in Cat Ba National Park
Cat Ba National Park is one of the most important biosphere reserves in Vietnam, home to many endemic and rare species of flora and fauna. You can take hiking in Cat Ba National Park to explore the primary forests, lakes, waterfalls, and caves of the island. You can also encounter animals like Cat Ba langurs, wild pigs, deer, birds, and butterflies. hiking in Cat Ba National Park are a good way to exercise, respect nature, and learn about ecology.
7. Rock climbing in Lan Ha Bay
If you are an adventure lover and like to challenge yourself, you should not miss the opportunity to rock climb mountains in Lan Ha Bay. Lan Ha Bay has many high and steep limestone islands, suitable for climbing. You can join climbing tours organized by professional travel companies, with the guidance of experienced guides and safe equipment. You will climb up the mountain peaks, admire the beautiful landscape of the bay, and feel the excitement and pride when overcoming challenges. Rock climbing in Lan Ha Bay is not for the faint-hearted, but it will leave you with indelible memories.
8. Exploring Monkey Island
Monkey Island is a small island about 10 minutes by boat from Cat Ba Island. It is home to hundreds of wild monkeys, who are friendly and curious towards visitors. You can play and feed the monkeys with bananas or peanuts that you bring along. In addition, you can also climb to the highest peak of the island, from where you can admire the panoramic view of Lan Ha Bay and the surrounding islands. Monkey Island also has a beautiful beach, where you can swim, lie on the sand, or play water games.
9. Visiting Cat Ba fishing villages
Cat Ba not only has beautiful beaches and islands, but also unique fishing villages, where you can learn about the life and culture of the local people. You can participate in eco-tourism tours, during which you will be taken to fishing villages such as Cai Beo, Van Gia, Viet Hai… You will see stilt houses floating on the water, colorful fishing boats, cages for raising fish, shrimp, crabs… You can also chat with the local people, learn about their skills and experience in fishing and aquaculture.
10. Camping on Cat Ba Island
If you want to have an experience close to nature and enjoy the fresh air of the island, you can choose to camp on Cat Ba Island. You can rent tents, cooking utensils, and necessary equipment at tourist shops or hotels on the island. You can choose a suitable location to camp, such as the beach, forest, hill… You will hear the sound of the sea waves, the birds singing, the wind rustling… You can also grill delicious food by yourself, sip a glass of wine, and gaze at the twinkling stars in the sky. Camping on Cat Ba Island will be an unforgettable memory in your trip.
11. Watching the sunset at Canon Fort
Cat Ba Fortress is a military structure built during the French colonial period, located on the highest mountain of Cat Ba Island. It’s an ideal place to enjoy panoramic views of Cat Ba Island, Halong Bay, and Lan Ha Bay. In particular, you should not miss the opportunity to watch the sunset here, when the sky is dyed red, yellow, and purple, creating a beautiful and romantic scene. You can also visit the fortresses, shelters, history museum, and war relics here.
12. Enjoying Cat Ba Island’s seafood
One of the things you can’t miss when traveling to Cat Ba Island is enjoying the fresh and diverse seafood. You can choose to buy seafood at markets, fishing villages, or restaurants on the island. You can see lively and heavy fish, shrimp, crab, clams, snails… You can request to have them cooked to your liking, or cook them yourself where you stay. You will taste the rich and sweet flavor of the seafood, combined with the spices and sauces characteristic of the coastal region. Enjoying Cat Ba Island’s seafood will be a memorable culinary experience for you.
Cat Ba Island is an ideal tourist destination for those who love nature and want to experience new things. With the 12 things to do that I’ve introduced for tourists visiting Cat Ba Island, you will have an impressive and unforgettable trip. Cat Ba Island will surely satisfy you and leave you with beautiful memories when visiting this island.
