(VOVWORLD) - Cat Ba island, part of the Cat Hai special zone of Hai Phong city, has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in northern Vietnam.
 Cat Co 1 beach in Cat Ba island (photo: The Hung/VOV5) |
From downtown Hai Phong city, Cat Ba island is 30km by road and another 30 minutes by ferry or cable car over the sea. What makes Cat Ba so attractive is its well-preserved wilderness and responsible tourism development.
Tourists say: “This is one of the most beautiful places in the world.”
“It’s like a beautiful scene in a movie.”
Cat Ba is more crowded in the summer months, but still retains its peaceful charm.
 Ca Ba is one of the most popular beaches in northern Vietnam. (photo: The Hung/ VOV5) |
Kieu Van Thang and his wife Nguyen Thi Tinh of Lai Chau have brought their children to Cat Co 1 beach to watch the sunrise. For the children, who are used to the mountains and forests of Lai Chau province, this trip is like a dream—a journey that will leave lasting memories of seawater, ocean breezes, blazing sunshine, and the calls of seagulls in the sky above.
Their father Kieu Van Thang said: “Our kids live in the mountains, so they’re really excited to play at the beach. They wake up early to go swimming. They love it. They never get tired of being in the water.”
Their mother Nguyen Thi Tinh said: “We decided to come here because Cat Ba is so beautiful. The seafood is fresh, and the people are friendly. There are six of us. We’ve been here for two days already, enjoying the beach, sightseeing, and cruising around the bay. My kids love it. They live in the mountains, and only get to come to the sea once a year in the summer, so they’re super excited.”
 It takes about 30 minutes to travel by ferry to Cat Ba island. (photo: The Hung/ VOV5) |
As the sunlight fades on the horizon, the shimmering lights of Cat Ba’s nightlife begin to awaken. This summer, seven travel companies, members of the Hanoi UNESCO Travel Club, have launched a new tourism product that combines sightseeing, guided tours of historical sites, cuisine, and art performances.
The highlight of the tour is a light show called “Symphony of the Green Island”. This spectacular show, which takes place on a 50,000 square meter stage on the sea, features music, lights, fireworks, and jet-ski stunts.
Jet-ski performer James Curtis said: "It’s gonna be bigger, better than anything we have done before. People will just go wow. What is it? What am I looking at.”
Cat Ba is a great place for travelers seeking a slower pace of life, a closeness to nature, and well-organized services.