Cat Ba Island: 9 Things That Make It the Best
Nestled in the tranquil waters of Lan Ha Bay, just a short journey from the mainland, Cat Ba Island is a rising star on Vietnam’s travel map. Known for its towering limestone cliffs, hidden beaches, and lush national park, the island as a result offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and local charm.
Whether you’re kayaking through emerald waters, hiking forest trails, or savoring fresh seafood by the sea, this green pearl island never fails to impress.
Yet beyond the well-known attractions, there are stories, places, and experiences that make this island truly stand out. Some are so unique that, surprisingly, even the locals might not think to tell you. So, to help you uncover the island’s finest treasures, let Cat Ba Local introduce you to: Cat Ba Island: 9 Things That Make It the Best.
Top 9 “The Best” of Cat Ba Island
Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba – One of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World
Lan Ha Bay earned its place on the global map of extraordinary beauty by meeting strict criteria to become a member of the prestigious “Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World”.
- Represents significant geological processes in Earth’s history (Criterion A).
- Reflects ongoing ecological and biological processes, with the development of a diverse and unique ecosystem, including flora and fauna in both terrestrial and marine environments (Criterion B).
- Showcases natural phenomena or sites of exceptional beauty (Criterion C).
- Serves as a natural habitat for the conservation of flora and fauna, including endangered species (Criterion D).
- In May 2020, Lan Ha Bay was officially recognized as a full member of this esteemed association.
Lan Ha Bay – One of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World
Cat Ba Langur – The Only Endemic Animal in the World
The Cat Ba langurs, or Golden-headed langurs, are found only on this green pearl island in the Gulf of Tonkin, off the coast of northern Vietnam. They are one of the world’s most critically endangered primates. With just approximately 70 individuals, these langurs are across the limestone islands of Cat Ba National Park.
Cat Ba Langur – The Only Endemic Animal in the World
Male and female Cat Ba Langurs have a similar appearance but vary slightly in size. The body is a dark chocolate brown to black with a silvered band of hair forming a ‘V’ that runs from the thighs up to the base of the tail. On the head, the hair forms a yellowish white to the golden-yellow crest that darkens down to the shoulders. Males weigh on average 8-9.5 kilograms and females 6.7-8 kilograms; the average head and body length for both sexes is 53 centimeters. Females possess a distinctive ‘pubic patch’ of white fur and pale skin anterior to the callosities.
The Highest Sea Cable Car Tower in the World
The Cat Ba cable car system spans an impressive 21 km and includes five main stations connecting Cat Hai Island to Cat Ba Island. Among these, the three-rope cable line from Cat Hai to Phu Long is the longest in the world, measuring 3,955 meters. The system has 60 cabins, each capable of carrying up to 4,500 passengers per hour.
SunWord Cat Ba Sea Cable – The Highest Sea Cable Car Tower in the World
The tallest tower on the Cat Ba cable car line reaches 214.8 meters, earning it a place in the Guinness World Records as the “Highest Cable Car Tower in the World.”
The Longest Sea Bridge in Southeast Asia
The Tan Vu-Lach Huyen Bridge stretches 15.63 km, with its main sea bridge measuring 5.4 km. It is the longest sea bridge in Vietnam and one of the longest in Southeast Asia.
Tan Vu-Lach Huyen Sea bridge – The Longest Sea Bridge in Southeast Asia
The Tan Vu-Lach Huyen bridge project when put into use, breaking the “three zero” islands of Cat Hai, and opening up great opportunities for Cat Hai and Ho Chi Minh City. Hai Phong, as well as the Northeastern provinces, exploit the sea advantages to the maximum for socio-economic development.
Top 10 Friendliest Destinations in Vietnam
In 2023, Cat Ba was named one of the top 10 friendliest destinations in Vietnam. Coastal cities still remain the most popular, with six destinations known for their beautiful beaches.
Kayaking on the middle of Lan Ha Bay with Cat Ba Local
In addition, this is the first time Cat Ba (Cat Hai district, Hai Phong) has been honored in this category, replacing Mui Ne in the 2022 rankings. Other top cities include for example Phong Nha, Ninh Binh, Hoi An, Hue, Mai Chau, Tuy Hoa, Con Dao, Dong Hoi, and Sa Pa.
The Only and Largest Car Manufacturing Plant in Vietnam
Furthermore, VinFast is the first car manufacturing plant in Vietnam, equipped with a fully integrated, highly automated production process.
VinFast Manufacturing Plant – The Only and Largest Car Manufacturing Plant in Vietnam
The engine workshop, which spans 50,000 m² and has an annual production capacity of 250,000 engines. As a result, VinFast has brought the Vietnamese automobile industry to a new level, achieving self-sufficiency in production and mastering the global value chain under the VinFast brand.
The Best Seafood in Vietnam
Cat Ba not only impresses with its beautiful natural landscapes and captivating beaches but also has delicious seafood. Surrounded by the ocean, the rich natural environment has blessed the archipelago with both abundance of diverse and high-quality seafood, thus making it one of the best seafood destinations in Vietnam.
Cat Ba SeaFood – The Best Seafood in Vietnam
Thus, visitors can enjoy a wide range of fresh seafood, including sea urchins, sandworms, shrimp, grouper, oysters, and more. And if you’re also curious about the best seafood, don’t miss our guide – Cat Ba Food Tour: Top 5 Must-Try Dishes You Can’t Miss by Cat Ba Local.
The Cat Ba Archipelago with the Most Natural Bays and Beaches in Vietnam
The Cat Ba Archipelago consists of nearly 400 islands, both large and small, and is home to 139 natural beaches with fine white sand nestled between mountains.
Cat Ba Archipelago – The Archipelago with the Most Natural Bays and Beaches in Vietnam
Cat Ba Island, the largest of the archipelago (about 100 km²), is often especially called a green pearl. Indeed, land, sea, forest, and water blend harmoniously. As a result, they create the unique beauty that defines this green pearl island.
The Most Beautiful Coastal Flower Road in Northern Vietnam
Cat Ba coastal road, about 25 km long, stretches from Got ferry to the town center and is truly stunning. Moreover, it belongs to Route 356 and officially opened on March 31, 2002, with a 6.5-meter-wide surface.
Cat Ba Coastal Road – The Most Beautiful Coastal Flower Road in Northern Vietnam
Especially through each bend, a blue sky and sea unfold – like stepping from one painting or surprise to the next.
Best Tours in Cat Ba Island
- Lan Ha Bay – Ha Long Bay Full Day Cruise and Kayak
- Sunset & Night Kayaking with Glowing Plankton
- Perfect 2 Days 1 Night on Floating Homestay and Discover Beautiful Lan Ha Bay
Especially, Cat Ba Island has something for everyone. Whether you love food, adventure, history, shopping, or relaxing, Cat Ba offers something for everyone to enjoy. So, don’t forget to travel with local experts by reaching out to Cat Ba Local for unforgettable experience!
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Ready to adventure and enjoy natural
By choosing Cat Ba Local, you are not just booking a tour; you are investing in an authentic, hassle-free, and enriching travel experience led by locals who are passionate about sharing the beauty and culture of their homeland. Here are the key reasons:
1. Authentic experience
Our tour guides possess a unique understanding of indigenous cultures and the local history. Their deep knowledge and passion for the region ensure that you get an authentic and immersive experience. By booking with Cat Ba Local, you gain access to hidden gems and local secrets that typical tours might miss. Our guides are locals themselves, offering the warm of a family and and sincerity that make you feel at home while discover new perspectives of life.
2. A seamless experience
We keep our high standard for all of your touchpoints. We partner with the best service possible for any need of yours, from transportation, accommodations , and best restaurant for all destinaions. This guarantees a reliable and seamless experience for you.
3. Convenience and Time Saving
We handle all the arrangements, from flights and hotels to transfers and activities. This saves you significant time and effort, allowing you to relax and enjoy your vacation without the stress of planning. With everything pre-arranged, you can avoid the hassle of contacting multiple service providers. Our streamlined process ensures a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
4. Socialize Opportunities
Our tours are designed to foster social interaction, allowing you to meet and connect with people who share your interests. Whether you prefer family-friendly tours or adult-only experiences, we have options that cater to your social preferences.
5. Best Price Guarantees
By having an excellent logistic chain, we deliver you the best experience in a price that
We offer competitive pricing due to our ability to bulk buy package deals, passing the savings onto you. This allows you to enjoy a cost-effective travel experience without compromising on quality. Our packages often include all meals and trips, reducing uncertainty about additional costs. This helps you budget accurately for your trip, avoiding any unexpected expenses.
Travel with Local Experts” it is about the authentic local experience that make us different.
Our tour guides are natives with an intimate knowledge of the local culture, history, and landscapes. This local insight ensures that you experience the true essence of Cat Ba, beyond the typical tourist spots.
They also share unique perspectives; personal stories and cultural nuances that you won’t find in guidebooks, offering a deeper understanding of the region. One more thing, you will have a playful local friend after the trip.
Yes, we always trike towards to give you the best possible exprience contact us to design your vacation together for free
Yes, our tours are designed to be suitable for both children and older adults. We have several special offers for children as follows:
– Infants (under 2 years old): Free
– Kids (From 2 to 4 years old): just must to pay 25% tour value
– Child (From 5 to 9 years old): just must to pay 50% tour value
– Teenagers (From 10 to 13 years old): just must to pay 75% tour value
We are ready to provide special diets that suit your needs if you inform us when booking your tour. Most of our meals include seafood and local cuisine, so if you are vegetarian or have any allergies, please let us know in advance. This way, we can ensure your dietary requirements are met throughout your journey.
You have 2 options to pay: Online & Offline
For your convenience, we offer multiple payment options. You can pay in cash or by credit card (with a 3% service charge). Alternatively, you can use applications like PayPal or WISE, and we will cover the service fees for these apps – less fees transfer.
Please let us know your preferred payment method. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out.
In the event of weather-related issues, such as storms or heavy rain preventing boats from setting sail, we have the following policies:
– If the tour needs to be rescheduled due to adverse weather conditions and you’re still on Cat Ba Island during the rescheduled period, we will postpone the tour to the following day. If you’re no longer on Cat Ba Island during the rescheduled period, we will provide a full refund of the tour cost if you’ve already made payment.
– In the case of unexpected events originating from guests: If you cancel before 7 days prior to the tour, you are eligible for a refund. If you cancel 5 days before the tour, we will refund 80% of the deposit; if you cancel within 3 days, a 50% refund will be provided. Cancellations made after this period will result in forfeiture of the deposit.
In other special cases, our customer service department will provide individualized support to guests.
No, accommodations are not included in the experiential tours. However, our sales staff will assist you in booking accommodations if you provide them with clear descriptions of your room preferences, budget, and other requirements. Additionally, you will receive a discount voucher for accommodations when booking our experiential tours.
No, international flights are not part of the experiential tour package. However, our sales team will aid you in arranging international flights upon receiving clear descriptions from you.