A tour of Cat Ba island, belonging to the Cat Ba archipelago in the northern port city of Hai Phong, is exclusively designed for youngsters passionate about exploring and experiencing. Familiar destinations are renewed and connected to offer participants fresh feelings in their two-day journey. With 367 islands, more than 300 beaches, and a diverse, rich ecosystem, the Cat Ba archipelago in Cat Hai district is an attractive destination to both domestic and foreign tourists all year round. The fantastic landscapes are characterised by limestone cliffs, coral reefs, lagoons, beaches, and mangrove forests. In 2004, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recognised the archipelago as a World Biosphere Reserve. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
The journey often starts at Got ferry port in Hai Phong in the early morning. Visitors can take a ferry or use a cable car to reach Cat Ba island, the largest among the 367 islets of the Cat Ba archipelago. Cat Ba has been included on the bucket list of many nature-lovers who wish to explore its variety of natural ecosystems. In 2004, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recognised the archipelago as a World Biosphere Reserve. Cat Ba National Park has 4,500 hectares of primeval forests, providing habitat for many rare flora, fauna, and animals listed in the Red Book of Vietnam, such as langurs and black squirrels. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
The journey begins with trekking through the Cat Ba National Park. The Cat Ba archipelago, offshore of Cat Hai district in the northern port city of Hai Phong, comprises 367 islets and boasts white sand beaches and deep clear water. The site received UNESCO's recognition as a world biosphere reserve in 2004. Cat Ba is viewed as a ''pearl'' of the Gulf of Tonkin, boasting charming ecotourism and sports tourism network. It is a tourist destination favoured by both those at home and abroad. Its Lan Ha Bay was among the most beautiful in the world, housing hundreds of magnificent mountains and ancient caves. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
Endowed with diverse and rich ecological resources, trekking has also thrived and attracted many tourists, especially young people, to Cat Ba. The routes they favour are those passing low mountain terrains or valleys with beautiful, unspoiled natural landscapes and cultural-historical heritage sites like Quan Y Cave or Trung Trang Cave. The trekking runs through the forest with a total length of more than 10 kilometres. Trekkers must pass four mountains with peaks rising some 500 metres above sea level. To protect and adequately exploit the archipelago's natural resources, the Hai Phong administration is making a dossier seeking UNESCO's recognition of Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba archipelago as a World Heritage site. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
Explorers are advised to choose the trekking routes in the Cat Ba National Park on sunny days, as their terrains are mainly slippery limestone mountains. Established in 1986, the Cat Ba National Park was once named among the 11 national parks worldwide that "you need to add to your bucket list as soon as possible" by the American website BuzzFeed. Cat Ba was the only Southeast Asian representative to break into the list. According to BuzzFeed, Cat Ba is a popular tourist site for small cruises, where limestone karsts abound. Besides, the UNESCO-recognised national park is also a biosphere reserve home to various diverse plants and wildlife. The news site recommends that the best time to visit the national park is between April and May or from September to November. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
The Cat Ba special-use forest houses 1,585 plant species covering many precious trees. These include the Chitta gong wood (Chukrasia tabularis), Peltophorum pterocarpum, Desmos Chinensis, and Annamocarya, which are found only on the Himalayas which separates the plains of the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau and has some of the planet's highest peaks, including Mount Everest. In addition, the park is home to 30 mangrove, 102 seaweed, and 400 phytoplankton species. Due to the area's topographical, geological, climatic and hydrological conditions, a tropical moist evergreen closed-leaved forest has taken shape in the Cat Ba archipelago. Explorers are advised to choose the trekking routes in the Cat Ba National Park on sunny days, as their terrains are mainly slippery limestone mountains. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
A few decades ago, the forest covered most of the land on the island. The natural forest area has been greatly affected, with profound changes in its structure, composition, and canopy. However, it is still considered a unique forest on the limestone mountains of the northeastern sea of Vietnam. Due to the area's topographical, geological, climatic and hydrological conditions, a type of tropical moist evergreen closed-leaved forest has taken shape in the Cat Ba archipelago. Meanwhile, due to topographical, soil and water conditions, there are several sub-forests here, including limestone, island mangroves, and mountain freshwater forests. Established in 1986, the Cat Ba National Park was once named among the 11 national parks worldwide that "you need to add to your bucket list as soon as possible" by the American website BuzzFeed. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
On the first part of the trip, the guide can stop for lunch with grilled chicken prepared in advance. The meat is made simply, ensuring its original and delicious taste. Reaching the stop, trekkers have already completed two-thirds of the distance in the forest. The trekking is sure to bring them completely close to nature. The forest houses 1,585 floral species which cover many precious trees such as the Chitta gong wood (Chukrasia tabularis), Peltophorum pterocarpum, Desmos Chinensis, and Annamocarya. It is also home to 30 mangroves, 102 seaweed, 400 phytoplankton species, 53 mammals, 160 birds, 46 reptiles, and 21 amphibian species. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
The remaining trip distance will lead visitors to another stop, the Viet Hai fishing village. The expected time of arrival is about 2 pm. Viet Hai is located in the eastern part of Cat Ba – the third largest island in Vietnam. Apart from the 12 km trekking route through the Cat Ba National Park, visitors can reach the commune by crossing Lan Ha Bay on boats that depart from Beo wharf, about 2 km from the centre of Cat Ba town. Off the beaten path, Viet Hai village attracts and amazes holidaymakers for its unspoiled scenery and sincere and hospitable residents. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
Following a rest after setting foot in Viet Hai village, if visitors still have enough energy, they can get on a bike to explore the location with fellow travellers. Together they can cycle through roads lined with green trees and filled with fresh air. The village has a history dating back more than 100 years. According to local elderly, fishermen while fishing on Lan Ha Bay encountered a strong storm in the past. They took refuge in the area, discovered fresh water, settled, and formed the village. A decade ago, Viet Hai was still a world separated from modern life because there was no electricity. Now, the commune has been connected to the national grid. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
At the end of an afternoon trekking through the forest and cycling to explore the island commune, visitors may feel tired, but it is time to relax by dropping their feet into the water where schools of fish will be around and massage their feet only a few seconds later. The arrival of tourists has brought about a new livelihood for locals through operating accommodations, tour guides, and transport services. In the past, most did fishing and farming. With tourism growth, their incomes have increased, and so have their living standards. Locals are amiable, honest, and hospitable. Their houses are open around the clock without the fear of theft. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
After a night in Viet Hai, the journey continues on an overnight boat. This is an option for a group of visitors who wish to enjoy a fully private space together to explore Lan Ha Bay, a tourist magnet located east of Cat Ba Island. Remaining unknown to many, Lan Ha is one of Vietnam's most beautiful bays. Linking Ha Long Bay of the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh with the Cat Ba archipelago, Lan Ha is like a silk ribbon made from green mountains, blue sea and diverse fauna and flora. Unlike Ha Long Bay, all of its 400 islets in Lan Ha are covered with vegetation. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
A view of a room on the overnight boat. A cruiser of this kind offers between 3 and 4 bedrooms for a small group of six to 10 guests at a cost ranging between 18 million VND (758.37 USD) and 20 million VND (838.22 USD), excluding the cost of four meals and tips for the crew and staff. Autumn is the best time to visit Lan Ha Bay, a tranquil and curved body of water featuring about 400 islands, because the weather at this time is lovely with pleasant sunshine, cool breezes, and clear blue sky and ocean. At a beach on the bay, a stop seems completely separate from the hustle and bustle. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
After having lunch and resting on the boat, it is ideal for the passengers to go kayaking together to explore uninhabited islands in the afternoon or the following day. Lan Ha Bay spreads more than 7,000 hectares, including 5,400 hectares under the management of Cat Ba National Park. Its tranquil and curved body of water features about 400 islands, all covered with vegetation. The bay's attractiveness lies in limestone mountain ranges that divide the sea into smaller bays, lagoons and caves, many of which are unexplored. Hundreds of limestone mountains get their names from their shapes, similar to clogs or bats. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
Holidaymakers are also advised to join kayaking races at sea while cruising the bay. To fully enjoy the beauties of limestone islets and the landscapes of Lan Ha Bay, tourists should travel by kayaks. Using transport, they can obtain new experiences that cannot be experienced on cruise ships. Snaking through islets and small caves, kayaks can access the foot of the rocky mountains, giving visitors a view of the world under the blue crystal water. Autumn is the best time to visit the bay because the weather at this time is wonderful, with pleasant sunshine, cool breezes, and clear blue sky and ocean. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
Lan Ha Bay is endowed with many islands and beautiful beaches. It boasts 139 small and quiet sandbanks, many of which are located between two rocky mountains – a feature bringing peace and ripples, making these sandbanks ideal bathing beaches. The bay's attractiveness also lies in limestone mountain ranges that divide the sea into smaller bays, lagoons and caves, many of which are unexplored. Its popular stalactite caves and caverns include Ham Rong Cave, Do Cung Cave and Ca Cave. Visitors are often astonished at nature and feel at peace while being around the bay, a silk ribbon made from green mountains, blue sea and diverse fauna and flora. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
An aerial view of a beach on the bay – an ideal place of blue sea, white sand, golden sunshine and a quiet space where only the sounds of waves and breezes are heard. Lan Ha Bay is a tourist magnet located east of Cat Ba Island. Unknown to many people, yet Lan Ha is one of Vietnam's most beautiful bays, linking Ha Long Bay of the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh with the Cat Ba archipelago. It is endowed with 139 small and quiet sandbanks, many of which are located between two rocky mountains – a feature bringing peace and ripples, making these sandbanks ideal bathing beaches. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
Visitors pose for a group photo at Mieu beach on Lan Ha Bay. Located on Dau Be island, the quiet beach is far from the mainland. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach the place on a boat from Beo wharf, which is about 2 km away from the centre of Cat Ba town. The outlying area includes a beach, a cave, and a shrine. Locals consider it a spiritual destination to pray for a peaceful year of good fishing trips offshore and bumper harvests. Usually, tourists come here to kayak, take photos, and to rest. As one of the 139 small and quiet sandbanks of the bay, the beach is between two rocky mountains – a feature that brings peace and ripples, making it ideal for bathing. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
A view of a long, smooth sand beach on Lan Ha Bay. Located east of Cat Ba Island, the northern city of Hai Phong, Lan Ha Bay has become a tourist magnet thanks to its unique beauty. It spreads more than 7,000 hectares, including 5,400 hectares under the management of Cat Ba National Park. Its tranquil and curved body of water features about 400 islands, all covered with vegetation. Its pristine scenery of soft sandy beaches stretches between two rocky mountains, calm sea and light waves which are difficult to find anywhere else. The bay's attractiveness also lies in limestone mountain ranges that divide the sea into smaller bays, lagoons and caves. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
Lan Ha Bay is located off the coast of Hai Phong and about 30 km from the centre of the northern port city. It boasts 139 small and quiet sandbanks, many of which are located between two rocky mountains – a feature bringing peace and ripples, making these sandbanks ideal bathing beaches. Under the crystal, clear and blue water are colourful coral reefs such as Van Boi and Van Ha reefs which are good for diving. Calm sea areas like those off Sen Island, Cu Island and Khi Island are also places where vacationers can swim and dive to enjoy the view of corals. Some rocky islets with favourable natural conditions have also been used to develop leisure tourism activities. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
At a beach on the bay, a stop seems completely separate from the hustle and bustle. Autumn is the best time to visit the bay because the weather at this time is wonderful, with pleasant sunshine, cool breezes, and blue sky and crystal clear ocean. Its tranquil and curved body of water features about 400 islands, all covered with vegetation. The bay's attractiveness lies in limestone mountain ranges that divide the sea into smaller bays, lagoons and caves, many of which are unexplored. Many of the hundreds of limestone mountains get their names from their shapes such as clogs or bats. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
Islets around the bay offer unique experiences for vacationers. Under the clean blue water are colourful coral reefs such as Van Boi and Van Ha reefs, good for diving. Calm sea areas like those off Sen Island, Cu Island and Khi Island are also places visitors can swim and dive to enjoy the view of coral reefs. Some rocky islets with favourable natural conditions have also been used to develop leisure tourism activities. Cat Dua Island, also known as Khi (Money) Island, is worth visiting. Many leisure tourism activities have been offered on this island, luring many foreign holidaymakers in recent years. The waters around Cat Dua harbour pearl farms are also interesting places to see. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
Groups of tourists who prefer privacy often spend the night on the bay with a small boat instead of staying on a large crowded ship where they have to share their space with dozens of strangers. A small cruiser offers between 3 and 4 bedrooms for a small group of six to 10 guests at a cost ranging between 18 million VND (758.37 USD) and 20 million VND, excluding the cost of the four meals and tips for the crew and staff. Autumn is the best time to visit Lan Ha Bay because the weather at this time is extremely beautiful with pleasant sunshine, cool breezes, and clear blue sky and ocean. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
On their ship, a group of tourists can immerse themselves in the beautiful sunset on Lan Ha Bay. They can also enjoy cocktails on the deck while watching the moon floating in the vast ocean and dancing to melodious music. Looking at the bay as the sun sets is a different experience. Autumn is the best time to visit Lan Ha Bay because the weather at this time is extremely beautiful with pleasant sunshine, cool breezes, and clear blue sky and ocean. A big part of its attractiveness lies in limestone mountain ranges that divide the sea into smaller bays, lagoons and caves, many of which are unexplored. Hundreds of limestone mountains get their names from their shapes, similar to clogs or bats. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
The next day, also the second of the two-day tour around the bay, is perfect for travellers to welcome the sunrise together. Unknown to many people, yet Lan Ha is one of Vietnam's most beautiful bays. It spreads more than 7,000 hectares, including 5,400 hectares, under the management of Cat Ba National Park. Linking Ha Long Bay of Quang Ninh province with the Cat Ba archipelago, the bay is like a silk ribbon made from green mountains, blue sea and diverse fauna and flora. It is a tranquil, curved body of water featuring about 400 islands, all covered with vegetation. Islets around the bay offer unique experiences for vacationers. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
After enjoying the sunrise, it is time for them to visit the Cai Beo floating fishing village, one of the oldest of its kind with an enormous scale in Vietnam since prehistoric times. The destination is also the last of their three-day-and-two-night tours. Housing traditional cultural values up to 7000 years, the village now is where more than 500 households live. Their main livelihoods are fishing and fish cage farming on the bay. Cai Beo is often dubbed as a miniature city with floating houses. Thanks to its rich natural scenery, peaceful space, and fresh sea specialities, this ancient fishing village has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. (Photo: VNA) 
Foreign visitors in Cai Beo floating fishing village, which has significant cultural values. Cai Beo is often considered a miniature city with floating houses close together. Housing traditional cultural values up to 7000 years, the village now is where more than 500 households live. Thanks to its rich natural scenery, peaceful space and fresh sea specialities, this ancient fishing village has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. A typical tourism product on the bay is touring fishing villages like Cai Beo and local farm specialties such as Asian green mussel, clam, cobia, crab, abalone and grouper. Many aquaculture farms supply tourists with fresh seafood when they set foot on Lan Ha. (Photo: VietnamPlus) VNA
