Cat Ba Island, Vietnam
Cat Ba Island: Nature's Oasis in Northern Vietnam
May 2023Cat Ba Island is a stunningly beautiful destination located in northern Vietnam. It is the largest island in Ha Long Bay and forms part of the Cat Ba Archipelago. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, lush greenery, and crystal-clear waters, Cat Ba Island attracts nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers from around the world.
The island is renowned for its diverse and rich ecosystem. It is home to Cat Ba National Park, which covers a significant portion of the island. The national park features dense forests, limestone karsts, caves, and a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Cat Ba langur, which is one of the rarest primates in the world. Exploring the national park offers visitors a chance to hike through lush trails, witness stunning panoramic views from mountain peaks, and discover hidden treasures within its caves.
For those seeking adventure, Cat Ba Island offers rock climbing and deep-water soloing opportunities. Its towering limestone cliffs provide an exhilarating challenge for climbers of all levels. The island also offers boat tours and cruises, allowing visitors to experience the mesmerizing beauty of Ha Long Bay, with its iconic karst formations and emerald waters.
Looking at the distant Karsts, Cat Ba Island
The main town on Cat Ba Island is Cat Ba Town, which is a lively hub offering a range of accommodation options, restaurants, and bars. The town has a vibrant atmosphere, blending traditional Vietnamese culture with a laid-back beach vibe. Overall, Cat Ba Island is a nature lover's paradise, offering a unique combination of stunning landscapes, biodiversity, and outdoor activities.
How did I get here & where did I stay?
Before arriving at Cat Ba Island, I spent two nights exploring the captivating Mua Caves in Ninh Binh and its surrounding areas. From there, I travelled by taxi, bus, ferry, and another taxi to reach the main town of Cat Ba Island. As soon as I set foot on the island, its vibrant vibe, charming atmosphere, and Hawaiian-like allure instantly stole my heart. It was love at first sight, a feeling that lingered throughout my stay.
I stayed at Secret Garden Hostel in Cat Ba. I wholeheartedly recommend this place without hesitation. The staff here is absolutely amazing, providing exceptional service. My private room was spacious, impeccably clean, and had everything I needed. The attentive staff went above and beyond to fulfill any requests I had. The food offered at this place is truly heavenly, surpassing all expectations.
Once again, I hired a motorcycle and thoroughly explored every corner of the island during the next three days. To provide you with precise information, I'll include the coordinates in the caption of each photo. By copying and pasting those coordinates into Google Maps, you can easily discover the exact locations I visited and where these stunning photos were captured.
20.815, 106.976
20.715, 107.051
20.772, 107.018
20.759, 107.031
20.716, 107.049
20.724, 107.055
20.805, 106.936
20.840, 106.984
20.715, 107.049
20.770, 106.970
I had great time in Cat Ba Island. Everything was beyond my expectations, the people, the eco system and very unique landscape. Cat Ba Island was a perfect destination for nature lovers like me, and I hope to come back someday. I did not have to put any effort in finding my ride back to Hanoi. I just spoke to the reception, and they arranged everything from the hotel door in Cat Ba to my accommodation in Hanoi. To find out how I spent my time in Hanoi click next button that says Hanoi. And from there I flew back home with so many great memories.