Showing posts with label cat-ba-island. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cat-ba-island. Show all posts

Saturday, 15 February 2020

Beautiful beaches in Cat Ba

Cat ba is the biggest island out of the 366 islands on Lan Ha Bay. It is a tourist spot, attractive for its natural beauty and wonders endowed by nature.
By Cat Ba, visitors are immersed in the sea air fresh island adjacent to Lan Ha Bay, the limestone mountains of majestic green trees interspersed beaches of golden sand.
Especially cave system on the island of Cat Ba creates mystery as the Army Medical Corps, Central page, Thien Long, Marble…
This Island is considered home to some nice patches of beach such as Cat Dua, Cat Dai, Monkey Island beach, Cat Co beach

1. Cat Co Beach 1, 2, 3

In Cat Ba, there are hundreds of large and small beaches, but Cat Ba beaches (Cat Co 1, 2, 3) are tourists’ favorite destinations because of the diverse and natural landscape.
Cat Co 1 beach is the widest beach, surrounded around by mountains, and there are waves all year round, with fresh air and clear blue water.
This is the most popular beach. Cat Co 2 beach, however, is a little serenity and mystery. Cat Co 3 beach is very different from the other two.
After swimming, and relaxing on sandy beaches or enjoying drinks and seafood specialties, tourists will feel all the beauty of the sea, especially at sunset.


2. Monkey Island beach (Cat Dua 2)

Monkey Island is located about 2 km from Cat Ba town. The beach is about 1 kilometer in length, located on Monkey Island; its name is Cat Dua.
This is the beautiful beach of Lan Ha Bay. From here, tourists can swim in the bay, with the absolutely pure and clean.
To get to Monkey Island, tourists often take a boat from Beo dock, it takes about 10 minutes to go through the Cai Beo fishing village and through several small islands. In Monkey Island, there is one smaller beach called Cat Dua 2.
This beach is mainly intended for VIP guests, including Vietnamese and international visitors. There has Resort-Monkey Island Resort with traditional houses (built from bamboo leaves).
If you do not want noise, this place is the best choice for you.


3. Tung Thu Beach

This is the first beach at Cat Ba Island which has been designed and constructed to meet international standards and provide tourists with a variety of entertainment services.
The water here is much calmer and quieter than Cat Co beaches. It is about 2 km away from Cat Ba town, on the way to the Cat Ba jungle.

In addition to the above main beach, visitors can rent a boat to visit Lan Ha Bay and had to shower at the beach in the islands Bay of Islands Van Boi beach (with beach scenery but not too deep is gorgeous), Van Boi beach island and beaches Three Peach, Nam Cat island beach …

Cat Ba Island Vietnam

Cat Ba Island is the largest island in Halong Bay and is home to plenty of hotels, restaurants, and bars.
Just about every tour company in Hanoi offers daily trips to the island, attracting travelers looking to enjoy a day of sightseeing during their holiday.
Located off the coast of Hai Phong City, its beaches (named Cat Co 1 and Cat Co 2) are great for sunbathing and swimming during the summer months.
If you’re not a fan of crowds on the beach, you can charter a speedboat or rent a kayak to Monkey Island and Lan Ha Bay, where the beaches are cleaner and quieter.

Best Time to Go

The best time to go to Cat Ba Island is during the summer, between April and November. It’s also peak tourist season in Halong Bay, with numerous boat tours stopping on the island.
The beaches can be very crowded with fellow tourists so we recommend heading there early to find a good spot.
Make sure to book well in advance as hotels are also pricier this time of the year.
For better deals, visit from September to November as crowds are significantly smaller as the climate on Cat Ba transitions into monsoon season.

Getting to Cat Ba Island

Getting to Cat Ba Island by boat is relatively easy, as there are plenty of tour agencies in Hanoi that offer one-way trips to the island.
Priced at US$18 upwards per person, it’s inclusive of hotel pickup in Hanoi by van and a speedboat trip to Cat Ba Town.
Alternatively, you can buy a ticket from Luong Yen Bus Station, which costs VND 250,000.
After a three-hour bus ride to Hai Phong City, you board a hydrofoil to Phu Long Pier which takes about 30 minutes.
From there, it’s another hour-long bus ride to Cat Ba Town.

Getting Around Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island is relatively easy to get around as motorcycle taxis are quite affordable.
If you’re staying near the harbour, you’ll find that many hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars are easily accessible on foot or bicycle.
Renting a motorcycle is advisable if you’re planning on exploring remote areas such as Cat Ba National Parks.
Daily rates cost between VND 80,000 and VND 100,000 – just make sure you have a valid driver’s license and travel insurance.

Cat Ba Island Attractions

Cat Ba Island’s expansive beaches are relatively clean despite the growing numbers of resorts, hotels, restaurants, and tourist facilities.
Swimming, snorkeling, and diving are the most popular things to do on the island.
Travelers can also enjoy a day of trekking, caving, and rock-climbing on Cat Ba Island, specifically at the Cat Ba National Park.
There are also an old fort on a hilltop, which houses several bunkers and rooms filled with war remains and propaganda posters.

Cat Ba Island Restaurants

Seafood is a must-try when you’re visiting Cat Ba Island. There are plenty of local eateries nearby the ferry terminal, serving a variety of local specialties such as geoduck clam, mantis shrimp, and oysters at affordable prices.
Alternatively, make your way to Nui Ngoc Street, where you can find restaurants that cater mostly to international travelers.
Local beers cost VND 15,000 while imported labels are about VND 45,000 upwards.

Cat Ba Island Nightlife

Nightlife on Cat Ba Island is understandably limited due to its reputation as a place for rest and relaxation.

However, there are several expat-owned bars and bistros in the main town, where you can enjoy drinks and live music until late.

Saturday, 7 September 2019

Cat Ba tour 3 days 2 nights

Cat Ba, the largest island in Halong Bay, has experienced a tourism surge in recent years. The central hub of Cat Ba Town is now framed by a chain of low-rise concrete hotels along its once-lovely bay, but the rest of the island is largely untouched and as wild as ever.
With idyllic Lan Ha Bay just offshore you'll soon overlook Cat Ba Town's overdevelopment.
Almost half of Cat Ba Island were declared a national park in 1986 to protect the island’s diverse ecosystems.
Most of the coastline consists of rocky cliffs, but there are some sandy beaches and tiny fishing villages hidden away in small coves.


ITINERARY CAT BA TOUR 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS

DAY 1: HANOI - CAT BA ISLAND (Lunch, Dinner)

7.45 - 8.15: Pick up at your hotel around Old Quarter and then departure to Cat Ba on Hanoi - Hai Phong highway.
10.15: Arrive at Got station, take an Express boat to Cat Ba Island.
10.45: Transfer to Cat Ba town by bus.
11.30: Have lunch and check-in hotel.
Afternoon, free time to relax and swimming at Cat Co beach I, II, III.
19.00: Have dinner.
Free time to relax and overnight at Cat Ba hotel.

DAY 2: LAN HA BAY (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

6.45: Breakfast will be served at your hotel.
Then our bus'll pick you up at your hotel to Beo Dock
8.00: Check-in boat. Start cruising through Cai Beo fishing village - the largest and the most traditional fishing village in the North of Vietnam, passing Monkey Island (We do not stop at Monkey Island).
Then the boat reaches the heart of Lan Ha Bay with thousands of unique shaped karst towels and emerald water.
9.30: Stop at Di San Floating House to visit a family fish farm to see the local’s life, take a photo of the huge "Happy fish" Afterward, the boat continues cruising to the magnificent landscapes before parking at Dau Be Island.
Then, discovering the bay on your own way with a double-sharing kayak at Ba Ham Lake, you will explore the beauty of nature in the hidden lagoon with lots of stalactites hang down from the ceiling cave creates strange shapes and sizes.
This option depends on the tide level of the bay.
Just in case, the tide is too high we will do 2nd option: Cruising through Cua Van Floating Village, passing Rang Dua Island, Frog Island,…Then go kayaking through Dark Cave, Bright Cave).
12.30: Lunch with seafood and traditional Vietnamese food will be served while the boat keeps cruising.
After lunch, our captain will choose the best area to anchor. You will have time to relax then take part in interesting activities: jumping from the top of the boat or swimming in Ba Trai Dao Beach.
14.30: Start cruising back to the harbor.
15.45: Arrive at Dock. Come back to your hotel.
19.00: Have dinner and overnight in the hotel.

DAY 3: CAT BA NATIONAL PARK - TRUNG TRANG CAVE - HANOI (Breakfast, Lunch)


7.00: Breakfast will be served at your hotel
8.00: Pick up to Cat Ba National park, have a short trekking
On the way back, visit the unique cave named “Trung Trang”
11.00: Enjoy lunch. Check out hotel.
12.30: Returning Hanoi by bus and Express boat.
16.30: Arrive at Hanoi, drop off at your hotel.
PRICE: USD/ PAX
 HOTELS IN CAT BA DOUBLE ROOM SINGLE ROOM
 Catba 2 stars hotel155182
 Catba 3 stars hotel175225
 Catba 4 stars hotel: Bungalow Monkey Island245325
 Catba 4 stars hotel: Bungalow Catba Beach Resort255337
 Catba 4 stars hotel: Catba Island & Spa265355
 Catba 5 stars hotel: Sunrise Resort285385

TOUR INCLUDES:

- Transportation: airconditioned-bus Hanoi ↔ Got station, Express Boat Got station ↔ Cai Vieng, boat in Lan Ha bay
- English speaking guide
- Entrance fees and sight-seeing fees, Kayak
- Meals as mentioned (3 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts)
- Hotel room in Cat Ba( 2 or 3 pax/ room)

TOUR EXCLUDES:

- Drinks, travel insurance.
- Tips and others not clearly mentioned above.
Note:
- Children under 4 years old are FOC, sharing a room with parent/s. Only one (01) child under 4 years old sharing room with two (02) adults is allowed for FOC.
The second child (under 4 years old) are charged 75%
- Children from 5 to 9 years of age are charged 75%, sharing a twin/ double room
- Children from 9 years old will be considered adult
- Surcharge 20% on above rates for check-in on holidays: 30/4, 1/5, 2/9, 1/1, Lunar New Year
- Surcharge 200.000 vnd/ pax on Friday, Saturday from 1 Jun to 30 Aug
- Surcharge 440.000 vnd/ pax (gala dinner) on Saturday - at Cat Ba Island & Spa from 28 Apr to 1 Agu.
- Surcharge 700.000 vnd/ pax (gala dinner) on Saturday - at Sunrise Resort from 1 Jun to 30 Agu.
- The hotels don't have share room.

Cat Ba tour 2 day 1 night

Proud to be one of the leading travel service companies in Vietnam with hundreds of visitors each year, including both Vietnamese and international visitors, through a wide range of tours. In order to meet the demands of visitors to Cat Ba islandCat Ba Expresss brings the Cat Ba island 2 days 1-night tour with details as below.

Cat Ba tour 2 days 1 night

Leaving from Hanoi, Cat Ba island tour within 2 days and 1 night of Cat Ba Express brings visitors the experience of living harmoniously and getting close to the pure and pristine nature by traditional means of transport to enjoy the entire beauty of this majestic nature.

Detail Itinerary for Ha Noi – Cat Ba Tour 2 Days 1 Night

Highlights:
  • Tourist bus and boat trips.
  • English speaking tour guide.
  • Stay at hotel in Cat Ba Island.
  • Cat Ba Island.

Day 01: Ha Noi – Cat Ba island – Lan Ha Bay


Bus Hanoi to Cat Ba Island
Bus Hanoi to Cat Ba Island

  • 7:30 Tour guide pick up you at your hotel in the old quarter for coach trip to Dinh Vu port.
  • 10:20 You get on high-speed boat to Cat Ba Island.
  • 11:50 Check-in hotel and lunch will be served
  • 14:00 We transfer to a refurbished wooden sailing boat for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay for visiting Monkey Island and do kayaking (if weather permits).
  • 19:00 Dinner will be served at your hotel and free time
  • Stay overnight in CatBa island.

Day 02: Cat Ba National park – Hanoi (B/L)


cat-ba-national-park

  • 07:00 Breakfast will be served at hotel.
  • 2 hours trekking through the Kim Giao forest (which provides the wood for chopsticks) to the viewpoint on top of the mountain where you can see a breathtaking view of valleys. Bird watching and if you are lucky, you will see some wild animals: Squirrels, snakes, frogs, thousands of butterflies…
  • 11:30 Check out hotel. Lunch will be served and free time.
  • 15:00 Coach pick-up you from hotel to harbor take high-speed boat to Hai Phong.
  • 17:00 Get on coach and come back Ha Noi
  • 19:00 Arrive at Hanoi. Tour ends.
PRICE
TYPE
ADULT COST (10 – 99 AGES)CHILD COST (5 – 9 AGES)SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (PER ROOM)
Standard Type-2*
Superior Type – 3*
Deluxe Type – 4*
$120.00
Standard Type-2*
$135.00
Superior Type – 3*
$200.00
Deluxe Type – 4*
$90.00
Standard Type-2*
$101.25Superior Type – 3*
$150.00Deluxe Type – 4*
$19.00
Standard Type – 2*
$30.00
Superior Type – 3*
$68.00
Deluxe Type – 4*

Friday, 6 September 2019

How to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island is the biggest and one of the most visited islands in Ha Long Bay.
Ha Long Bay and nearby islands (eg. Cat Ba Island) are one of the most visited places by foreign tourists in northern Vietnam.
It is a fascinating place but sometimes overcrowded by visitors.
There are 4 ways how you can travel to Cat Ba Island. The best and fastest way is to take a direct bus from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, or you can go to Ha Long City and from Tuan Chau Island (10 km from Ha Long city center) you have to take a ferry/boat to Cat Ba Island or you can go to Hai Phong and there you can take a speedboat to Cat Ba Island.

How to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island.

Speedboat from Hai Phong goes directly to the southern part of the Cat Ba Island, to the town of Cat Ba.
There are many hotels or homestays in the southern part of this island. In my opinion, a direct bus from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island or speedboat/ferry from Hai Phong to the town of Cat Ba is the best and fastest way how to reach Cat Ba Island.
NEW – from September 2017 it is possible to travel by a direct bus from Hanoi over the longest sea-crossing bridge in Southeast Asia – Tan Vu-Lach Huyen (opened in September 2017). Book your bus+ferry tickets from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island online.

1. BUS from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island

– The fastest and cheap way how to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island by bus
– Travel by a direct bus from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island takes about 3,5-5 hours
– Bus companies: Inter Bus Lines, Cat Ba Express, Hoang Long, Sapa Express…
– Cheap bus tickets to Cat Ba Island, prices are about $9-17 (seat)
– Group tour, Hoang Long have cheap bus tickets > ticket costs about $11-12/pp
– The bus is going over the longest sea-crossing bridge in Southeast Asia – Tan Vu – Lach Huyen (opened in September 2017)
– The bus is going directly to the Cat Ba town on the island over the Cat Hai Island
– A short boat transfer of bus (10 minutes) from the Got Port (Bến phà Gót) to the Cái Viềng port

2. TRAIN+SPEEDBOAT from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island

1.Step – Train from Hanoi to Hai Phong (LP3, LP5, LP7, HP1)

– Travel by train from Hanoi to Hai Phong takes about 2,5 hours
– Train ticket price is about $3-4 (hard or soft seat)
– Railway station in Hanoi – Gia Lam Railway Station (481 Ngọc Lâm)
– Railway station in Hai Phong – Hai Phong Railway Station (75 Lương Khánh Thiện)


Train to Hai Phong

2.Ttep – Speedboat from Hai Phong (Pha Binh port) to Cat Ba Island

– Travel by speedboat from Hai Phong to the Cat Ba Island takes about 1 hour
– Pha Binh port in Hai Phong (4 Bến Bính)
– This boat goes to the Cat Ba Pier (Cat Ba Island)
– Boat/ferry ticket price is about $10
ben binh
ben-tau-binh

3. BUS+SPEEDBOAT from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island

1.step – Bus from Hanoi to Hai Phong

– Travel by bus from Hanoi to Hai Phong takes about 2,5 hours
– The one-way bus ticket from Hanoi to Hai Phong costs only about $4-8
– Verified bus company: Hoang Long (express tourist bus or luxury limousine)
– The bus station in Hanoi – Nước Ngầm Bus Station (Km số 8 – Đường Giải Phóng)
– The bus station in Hai Phong – Niem Nghia Bus Station (275 Trần Nguyên Hãn)
– Read all current information on Baolau or 12go.asia, before you buy tickets
The bus of Hoang Long – come to ticket boot of Hoang Long (Hanoi Nuoc Ngam Station, 2nd floor) and present your voucher to change for a bus ticket. PLEASE ARRIVE AT THE STATION AT LEAST 1 HOUR (60 MINUTES) BEFORE DEPARTURE TIME BECAUSE HOANG LONG MAY CHANGE DEPARTURE TIME AND WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE IF YOU MISS THE BUS IF YOU ARRIVE LATE AFTER THIS (more info on 12go.asia, Baolau).

2.step – Speedboat from Hai Phong (Pha Binh port) to Cat Ba Island

– Pha Binh port in Hai Phong (4 Bến Bính)
– This boat go to the Cat Ba Pier (Cat Ba Island)
– Boat/ferry ticket price is about $10

4. FLIGHT from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island (Seaplane)

– several direct flights from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island, operated by Hai Au Aviation
– Tuan Chau Island is about 10 km north of the Cat Ba Island
– from Tuan Chau Island you can take a boat/ferry to Cat Ba Island
– there will be opened a new Ha Long Bay Airport in December 2018 (more information)
– this new airport will be somewhere around the Van Don Island (50 km from Ha Long)


pha tuan chau

The Best things to do in Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay features the magnificence of the small and large islands with many interesting shapes in Cat Ba Island. Not being well-known to tourists like Halong Bay, but Lan Ha Bay is also one of the most beautiful bays in Vietnam. This promised to be an attraction for tourists who want to discover beautiful Vietnam.


Lan Ha Bay

I. Some Attractions In Lan Ha Bay

1. Nam Cat Island

Nam Cat Island is an ideal destination for those who adventurous travelers. Nam Cat Island attracts tourists by four surfaces of nature, exotically charming forests and sea surroundings.
The beach’s length is about 500m with white sand and calm water, which is suitable for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and scuba diving safely. In addition, there are 3 large wooden stilt houses and 6 bamboo motels allowing you to immerse yourself with nature here.
You can have an opportunity to enjoy the seafood of Cat Ba and also explore the serene waters with small fishing villages here. Nowadays, tourism in Nam Cat Island is developing, which contribute to preserve and honor the hidden beauty of the island.


Nam Cat Island Resort
Nam Cat Island Resort

2. Monkey Island

Taking a boat from Ben Beo for 10 minutes, you can reach Monkey Island (also called Cat Dua Island in the past). At present, there are more than 30 monkeys here under the range of Cat Ba National Park. Tourists can play with them, feed them with bananas, apples, or candies. The monkeys are very funny to climb and play with those who visiting Monkey Island.


Monkey island
Monkey island

3. Van Boi Beach

Van Boi is one of the great places to relax with white sand and clear water you can see to the bottom. The waves are rather quiet, which is good to dive the coral and swimming. Also, you can relax by bathing on the beach and watching the beauty of the coral. You may feel impressed by this natural landscape and the surrounding cliffs. The beach seems to be escaped from the modern life with noise and bustle.

Van Boi Beach
Van Boi Beach

4. Rua Island (Turtle Island)

Opposite to Van Boi Beach, there is a small island with the shape like the turtle swimming on the water surface. It is like a masterpiece in the “forgotten paradise”.

Rua Island - Cat Ba
Rua Island – Cat Ba

5. Cannon Fort

Built from 1942 as a look-out point, Cannon Fort is at a 177-meter high hilltop overlooking Lan Ha Bay. It is an ideal place for trekking up to see the panorama view of Lan Ha Bay. From Cannon Fort, you will have a chance to see the scenic views of the bay in particular, and of Cat Ba Island in general with tiny houses and fishing boats.
Opening time: 8.00 am – 5.00 pm daily
Services in Cannon Fort:
+ Entrance fee: for adults: VND 40,000/person; for children: VND 20,000/person
+ Electric car fee: VND 40,000/person
+ Sightseeing fee by the observatory: VND 5,000/person

Canon Fort
Canon Fort

II. Things to do in Lan Ha Bay

1. Kayaking

With hundreds of small sandy beaches and islets, Lan Ha Bay is one of the paradises for kayaking. Those who love kayak will be interested in clean and calm water and the wild nature of Cat Ba Island. Some popular places for kayaking in Lan Ha Bay are Cai Beo Floating Village, Van Boi Beach, or Monkey Island… Discover the wild nature here and have the best experiences in the bay.

Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay
Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay

2. Swimming in Lan Ha Bay

When visiting Lan Ha Bay, swimming is one of the best activities that you should not miss. There are a lot of small lovely beaches such as Van Boi Beach and Monkey Island for you to enjoy swimming. Clear and warm water will bring you comfortable feelings in the beautiful bay.

swimming-lan-ha-bay
Swimming in Lan Ha Bay

3. Rock climbing in Lan Ha Bay

Touching the limestone by rocky climbing is an interesting experience when visiting Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. Even you are a beginner or intermediate and advanced climbers, the guides will set up the rope and all protective equipment, and follow you on the routes to ensure that it is safe. You will get the most adventurous experience during your wonderful trip in Vietnam.

Rock climbing in Lan Ha Bay
Rock climbing in Lan Ha Bay

4. Visiting fishing village and floating market

Located on Cat Ba Island, Viet Hai Fishing Village has about 80 households, which is surrounded by mountains. The villagers mainly live on fishing, farming and breeding. It is developed to become an eco-tourism and cultural tourism for both Vietnamese and foreign tourists coming to visit. Visiting the village, you will have a chance to experience the fishing life in Lan Ha Bay.
Move to Cai Beo Floating Village, near Ben Beo Harbor, it is the oldest and the most remarkable floating village in Lan Ha Bay. The village consists of about 300 floating houses living mainly by fishing and seafood farming. You can get there by a small boat or kayaking. Taking a closer look and experiencing the local life here is very interesting and memorable in your trip to Lan Ha Bay.

Visiting fishing village
Visiting fishing village

5. Playing and staying at a private beach

If you prefer relaxing to discovering the bay, you can choose for yourself one of a few private beaches including bungalows to stay overnight. You can book a tour package on a cruise or just book a room to have much more time for relaxing activities such as sunbathing, playing beach football, playing beach volleyball, swimming, or kayaking.

Van Boi Beach
Van Boi Beach