Top 6 must-do things when visiting Cat Ba Island
As having a long Vietnam holidays, you may consider spending some quality times in Cat Ba Island aside from Halong Bay.The activities below will offer you a different experience from Halong Bay as Cat Ba Island owns several unique nature features.
1. Diving to see coral reefs
Under the water around the island, there are a lot of red coral reefs with varied rare sea creatures such as abalone, pearl, lobster and colourful flocks of fishes. Diving into the sea, you will be amazed by the fantastic undersea beauty. You can have the insight from local people to see which is the best spot for diving as not all places in and around Cat Ba Island have truly clear water suitable for diving and snorkelling.
2. Sight seeing from Cannon Fort
Not far from the central of Cat Ba town is Cannon Fort. It is an interesting historical sight. The fort is located on the top of mountain, so you can have an impressed view to see everything from high distance. Cannon Fort is also a perfect place to see sunset.
3. Visiting Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay is similar to Halong Bay but a bit more pristine. Here, you can swim on small sandy beaches, sit on the boat for sightseeing and visiting caves, go kayaking, visiting local floating village where you can fishing and exploring pearl-making.
4. Visiting Monkey Island
Monkey Island is one of the most beautiful islands near Cat Ba Town. It has friendly funny monkeys living here. It also has Cat Dua beach, which is considered as the best beach in Cat Ba with very clean blue water and strengthened white sand.
5. Discovering Cat Ba National Park
Cat Ba National Park takes the east part of the island, with a pristine abundant biodiversity. There are varied kinds of rare animals and plants such as chamois, cao cat, kingfisher, yellow monkey… as well as a lot of imposing landscapes such as freshwater ponds, marshes, coastal mangroves, caves and coral reefs. Coming to the Cat Ba national park, you can try experiencing the feeling of walking in the forest, biking and immersing in nature. In addition, visitors will also taste natural produce such as: wild honey, pink tea…
6. Visiting Hospital Cave
This cave has a historical significance, as it served both as a secret, bomb-proof hospital during the American War and as a safe house for VC leaders. Built between 1963 and 1965 (with assistance from China), this incredibly well-constructed three-storey feat of engineering was in constant use until 1975. A guide (with basic English) will show you around the 17 rooms, point out the old operating theatre and take you to the huge natural cavern which was used as a cinema (and even had its own small swimming pool). The cave is about 10km north of Cat Ba Town on the road to the Cat Ba National Park entrance.
