Cat Ba Island, or Pearl Island, is the largest one in the total of 1,969 islands in Halong Bay. Covering an area of nearly 300 square kilometers, Cat Ba is an archipelago of 367 small and big islands including Cat Ba Island – the largest and other small islands such as Cat Ong, Cat Duoi, May, Quai Xanh, Tai Keo, etc. Administratively, Cat Ba Archipelago belongs to the territory of Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City. It is located to the south of Halong Bay, about 30km from the center of Hai Phong City and 25km from Halong City.

In 2004, Cat Ba Archipelago was recognized as the World Biosphere Reserve in order to protect its multiple terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems as well its diverse plant and animal life. The total area of Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve is more than 26,000 hectares including two core zones, two buffer zones, and two transition zones. The Biosphere Reserve has the full convergence of tropical rain forests on limestone islands, mangroves, coral reefs, lawns, and especially caves system. Nearly 60 rare and endemic species in the island are listed in Vietnam Redbook, for example, crows, golden langur, Delacour’s lamgur, Podocarpus fleurii, Ardisiaspp, Chukrasia tubularis, etc.

With emerald sea waters, alluring beaches, thick jungles, and amazing caves, Cat Ba Island deserves to be your next destination this summer. Regarding to the most well-known beaches in Cat Ba Island, it will be a huge omission without mentioning Cat Co Beaches, Cat Ong Beach, Duong Danh Beach, and Cat Dua Beach. These beaches are small but secluded and beautiful with white sand and crystal-like waters. In addition, Cat Ba Island has a diverse cave system with many stunning caves like Trung Trang Cave, Hung Son Cave, and Phu Long Cave. The island is also well-known for its high biodiversity in Cat Ba National Park and dreamy seascapes in Lan Ha Bay, which is voted as one of the world’s most beautiful bays.

Nowadays, the development and the enhancement of infrastructure make it easy to visit the island and lead to the significant increase in tourism. Many premium resorts are open to serve travelers such as Monkey Island Resort (on Monkey Island), Nam Cat Resort (on Nam Cat Island), Cover Beach Resort (on Vach Da Island), and so forth. In addition to water-based sports such as swimming, kayaking, scuba-diving, and squid fishing, tourists should not miss a sightseeing boat tour in Lan Ha Bay and its ancient floating fishing villages, a visit to Monkey Island, and a trek to Cat Ba National Park. Besides, travelers can also enjoy climbing, camping at a deserted beach, admiring the brilliant moments at sunset, and sampling special fresh seafood. Truly amazing place to be in harmony with nature!