9 should-do things when visiting Cat Ba Island are:

1.    Swimming

From central town of Cat Ba, you can walk or take a motorcycle taxi or electric car to Cat Co 1 beach, Cat Ca 2 beach, Cat Co 3 beach – the most fresh and beautiful beaches in Cat Ba. These beaches are linked with a small track on the mountain side. Among the three, Cat Co 1 is the largest but also the most crowned. If you love peaceful and quite atmosphere, you should choose Cat Co 2 and 3. Remember never swim after 18h30 because around this time, the tide rises very quickly.

2.    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 colorful flocks of fish. If you have chance to dive into the sea, you will be amazed by the fantastic and marvelous beauty of undersea world. Joining a diving tour at Diving Center in Monkey Island Resort is a unforgettable experience in you trip.

3.    Sightseeing from Cannon Fort

Not far from the central of Cat Ba town is Cannon Fort – an era fort that was used in naval defense of Hai Phong during the Vietnam War. It is a interesting historical sight, which bring to you more understanding about Vietnam War and Vietnamese history. The fort is located on the top of mountain, so you can have an impressed view to see everything from high distance. The view can hold every detail of Cat Ba Island, from mainland to the sea. Cannon Fort is also a perfect place to see sunset.

4.    Strolling along the sea at night

You can hire a bike or motorbike or take an electric car to go along the seaside, get some fresh air and feel the ease in your soul. However, visitors prefer walking by their foot along the track with ocean on a side and mountain another side. If you visit with your partner, it would be very romantic and lovely.

5.    Visiting to Ha Lan Bay

The landscape of this bay is as similar as Ha Long Bay, but many travelers choose it over Ha Long Bay because of its pristine condition. In Ha Lan bay, you can swim on small sandy beaches, sit on the boat for sightseeing and visiting caves, go kayaking by yourselves, visiting local floating village where you can fishing and exploring pearl-making.

6.    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. You nowadays can stay in Monkey Island Resort, located in Cat Dua 2 beach, with over 30 equipped bungalows and a lot of seafood restaurants.

7.    Rock climbing

 
This is an activity for venture lovers. They open climbing tours which instruct you the best place to climb or provide facilities. The best place for climbing is Butterfly Valley and Ben Beo Wall as well as Offenheimer’s Creation and Slo Pony at Tiger beach.

8.    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, bile, 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 order to see rare animals. In addition, visitors will also taste natural produce such as: wild honey, pink tea…

9.    Visiting caves

The most popular cave in Cat Ba is Da Hoa Cave, which is located in Gia Luan commune, on the north of Cat Ba, next to Ha Long Bay. The cave lies on the height of 50m comparing to the water level. It still remains the original and primeval beauty, with multi-shaped stalactites and a small magical stream running through the cave.
Besides, there are a lot of other caves that attract your interest, including Quan Y cave (Hospital cave), Trung Trang cave, Hoa Cuong cave, Phu Long cave.