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Cat Ba Overview

Cat Ba is likened to the Pearl Island of the Gulf of Tonkin. This place attracts many tourists by the wild beauty of the blue sea, white sand and golden sunshine.

Cat Hai island district is an archipelago with 367 large and small islands. Cat Ba is the name of the main island about 100km² wide, 30 nautical miles from Hai Phong port, located in the south of Ha Long Bay, creating an archipelago of islands and caves in the sea that attracts tourists.

Coming to Cat Ba, visitors can feel that this place has a cool and temperate climate. The seasons here are clearly shown, the atmosphere makes people feel comfortable. July and August often have storms, strong southerly winds, heavy rain and fog in the last month of the year.

In addition, this place is also confirmed by archaeologists as the cradle of ancient people. Excavation shows that 15 places have traces of ancient Vietnamese people but Eo Bua, Tung Ba, Bo Da, Khoan Mui, Ang Giua caves. Therefore, here visitors can find some traces left from thousands of years ago.

Cat Ba is a beautiful and poetic island, located at an average altitude of 70m above sea level (ranging from 0–331 m). On this island, there is Cat Ba town in the southeast (overlooking Lan Ha Bay) and 6 communes: Gia Luan, Hien Hao, Phu Long, Tran Chau, Viet Hai, Xuan Dam. The inhabitants are mainly Kinh people.

Legend has it that in the past, the island's name was Cac Ba, which was the rear for the Ong to follow Saint Giong to fight the An invaders. In Cat Ba town, there is now Cac Ba temple. Administrative maps of the French colonial period (such as the map of 1938) also recorded as Cac Ba. So perhaps the name Cac Ba was misread as Cat Ba.

Previously, Cat Ba island belonged to Cat Ba district, in 1977, it merged with Cat Hai district to form a new Cat Hai district. Previously, the island belonged to Quang Yen province, then it belonged to Hong Quang area, and in 1956, it was moved to Hai Phong city.

On the main island of Cat Ba, there is a primeval forest on limestone mountains, which is a place that is being promoted to develop eco-tourism. To the southeast of the island is Lan Ha Bay, to the southwest is Cat Gia Bay, which has some small but clean sandy beaches, not large waves, convenient for the development of swimming and resort tourism. In the sea, there are many beautiful limestone mountains similar to Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. In some small islands, there are also many beautiful beaches.
Cat Ba Island is a giant green carpet containing many mysteries and attractions. Cat Ba deserves to be the 3rd biosphere reserve in Vietnam, now recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve. The total area of Cat Ba biosphere reserve is more than 26,000 ha, with 2 core zones (strict conservation and no human impact), 2 buffer zones (allowing limited economic development but combined with conservation) and 2 transition zones (economic development). Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve is an area full of tropical rainforests on limestone islands, mangroves, coral reefs, seaweed mats and especially cave systems.

Cat Ba archipelago has tropical rainforests on limestone islands, mangroves, coral reefs, seaweed - seagrass beds, cave systems, and aquifers, which is a place full of diverse conservation values. biosphere, ensuring the requirements of the world biosphere reserve as prescribed by UNESCO. The road through Cat Ba island: 27 km long, with many winding steep passes, down to the river, across the lake, along the sea edge, through the national park, interesting scenery, charming mountains. Cat Ba National Park: has an area of 15,200 hectares, of which there are 9,000 hectares of forests, 5,400 hectares of sea creating an ideal ecological environment. Trung Trang Cave: Located 15 km from the town next to the cross-island road, there are many natural stalactites. This cave can hold hundreds of people. Hung Son cave: 13 km from town, on the way across the island. The cave is also called Military Medical Cave because during the Vietnam War, a hospital with hundreds of beds was built in the heart of the mountain. The newly discovered Phu Long (Cai Vieng) cave is said to be more beautiful than Trung Trang cave.

History of Cat Ba Island

Archaeological evidence shows that people lived in Cat Ba at least 6000 years ago. The relic that is believed to be the earliest settlement is Cai Beo, located about 2km from Cat Ba town, excavated in 1972, 1973, 1981 and 1983 by two French scientists. Hundreds of sites have been found such as pestles, grinding discs, wedges, conductors and axes... Many relics are made of pebbles, or crude ceramics from clay and sand. Fossil remains of human corpses were also found along with evidence of their whereabouts. Cai Beo settlement belongs to the ancient Ha Long culture that existed 6473-4200 years ago. According to folklore about Cat Ba island, these were the first people who came to occupy the northeastern territorial waters of Vietnam to exploit the sea and cultivate.

Cat Ba Island means 'Women's Island'. Legend has it that three Tran Dynasty women died and drifted to three different sandy beaches on the island. After that, the local people built temples on each beach to commemorate, since then the island is called "Cat Ba Island" with 3 shrines called "Cat Ba Temple". Opposite Cat Ba town is the small island of Cat Ong (the secret place for soldiers to hide weapons during the French colonial period). The French came to Cat Ba Island from 1947 to 1955. As a strategic coastal island, Cat Ba was very important to French soldiers, the local people struggled to keep the island. During this time, the locals often hide in caves, forests or mountains that scare the French. Currently on the island there is a monument commemorating the local people killed by the French colonialists.

During the anti-American resistance war, Cat Ba Island was a prominent place in history books. During many American bombing raids in the north, Cat Ba became the target of enemy bombing, to this day, several bomb craters can still be seen in many parts of the island. One of the prominent historical sites of the period of resistance against the invaders is "Quan Y Cave" - an important shelter in 1965 for the wounded in the war.

* Population of Cat Hai district: (June 2016): 30,668 people.

* People living on Cat Ba island (18.042)

In which, Cat Ba town is 11,984 people, including six villages (6,048), floating fishing village (890), and on Cat Hai island (11,649). There are two groups of people living on the island, the Vietnamese (the Kinh people) who moved to Cat Ba after 1979, the second group are the Vietnamese of Chinese origin, originating from the groups of fishermen who lived on Cat Ba. for many generations. Fishermen and farmers live in Pearl (the oldest and largest commune on the island); Gia Luan commune has farmers, fishermen and some hunters living; Phu Long commune has fishermen and salt farmers, Xuan Dam commune is a farmer. Viet Hai commune is the smallest commune of the island with more than 200 people living in simple houses, made of bamboo, wood, leaves and earthen walls, this is a small farming village with sincere and simple people. quaint and very hospitable.

*Economic Agriculture (lychea, Gia Luan oranges, honey); Aquaculture (Phu Long shrimp, fish, crab, salt and Cat Hai fish sauce)

The lifestyle of the people of Cat Ba

*Culturally:

Cat Ba is different from the way of life of Hanoians and many other places because of its Vietnamese-Chinese heritage, fishing community and fisherman culture.

Some annual events and major holidays:

On April 1 every year, Cat Ba people hold a traditional festival to celebrate the day President Ho Chi Minh visited Cat Ba fishing village in 1959. This is also the traditional day of Vietnam's marine industry and The tourist season begins in Cat Ba. At the festival, visitors will enjoy surfing and sailing races at sea.

Tourism

Lan Ha Bay.

Lan Ha Bay is located in the southeast of Cat Ba Island, overlooking the Van Gate, adjacent to Ha Long Bay. With an area of 7000ha, of which 5400ha is managed by Cat Ba National Park. This is a very peaceful bay in the shape of an arc with about 400 large and small islands creating a giant picture depicting the fairy scene. Different from Ha Long, all 400 large and small islands in Lan Ha Bay are covered with trees or vegetation, even if it is just a tiny island like a rockery.

The density of limestone mountains here is quite thick and still very wild, dividing the sea surface into small lagoons and bays. Many lagoons, bays and caves have not been discovered yet. There are hundreds of mountains with many shapes depending on the imagination of visitors such as: Hon Guo (like a clog). Bat island (like a bat) ... Stalactite caves, the typical features of Ha Long population are also present in Lan Ha, which are Ham Rong, Do Cung, Ca caves...

Unlike Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay has 139 small, beautiful and deserted golden sand beaches like "blue straits" inviting visitors to explore. Many sandy beaches stretching between two rocky mountains, quiet without big waves, are really ideal beaches. Under the clear blue water are colorful coral reefs such as Van Boi beach, Van Ha ... The calm waters such as Sen island, Cu island, Monkey island ..., is the place where visitors can dive and see the coral.

Cua Van fishing village is a familiar address for many tourists to visit, coming to this place you will hear and fully introduce the nature in Lan Ha Bay from the boat owner. Coming here, you will find the locals extremely friendly and hospitable. You can find many delicious food, great drinks and perfect service such as kayaking, visiting underground caves around the bay such as Dark Cave, Bright Cave..., swimming, snorkeling and watching corals. or mountain climbing in honor.

Before kayaking, you will be guided by the guide on how to paddle as well as notes when exploring the bay. You will have up to hours to explore the quiet and beautiful lagoons and lagoons through the rocky arches, all of which will create a very indescribable feeling, never to be forgotten.

If compared with Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay has a much more special thing: the green color of the vegetation covers everywhere, the dense density of limestone mountains with small bays and caves. unexplored, very unspoiled, quiet and retains the inherent natural look.

Enjoy fun among private beaches

We will have time to stop at some islands, at the foot of the mountain there will be a very clean and poetic beach and don't be too surprised to meet other friends from abroad. Western friends are extremely fond of the natural beauty bestowed on Vietnam. Honestly, the beauty from the rocky cliffs, the blue sea in Lan Ha Bay reaches an unbelievable level of perfection.

Cat Ba Nation Forest.

Cat Ba National Park is located 15km north of Cat Ba town. It was established in 1986. Cat Ba National Park covers an area of 15,200ha, of which 9,800ha is forest and has many particularly interesting caves. The primitive rainforest spreads over an area of 570ha, with extremely diverse vegetation and wildlife.

Cat Ba National Park is located on Cat Ba Island and on several nearby islets. Cat Ba National Park currently covers 98km2 with a total area of 54km2 of near-shore water. This is the first national park in Vietnam that includes both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. It is recognized nationally and internationally for its importance in biodiversity conservation, as it contains many different types of ecosystems and habitats. Cat Ba National Park has many species of flora and fauna.

Yellow-headed langur or Cat Ba langur is a rare animal that lives only on Cat Ba island. A special tree called Kim Giao Tree, a rare species of Cat Ba. In ancient times, kings and nobles only ate with chopsticks made from this wood, as the wood would turn from light to black when touched anything poisonous. There are 745 species of plants in Cat Ba Island, including 118 timber species and 160 trees of medicinal value. The national park is home to 32 types of mammals and more than 70 species of birds. In the garden there is a beautiful lake inside named Frog Pond, with a forest of water and wonderful landscape.

The vegetation system in Cat Ba National Park is really amazing with many unique landscapes. Blue water surface, blue sky, green forest is truly a "paradise" place for those who love virtual living. In the National Park complex, you will enjoy the wild nature with limestone forests, mangroves and the sea with colorful coral reefs.

In Cat Ba National Park, we cannot help but visit Cat Ba Flower Valley. There are many different types of flowers here, providing an impressive collection of vibrant colors. Every weekend, many tourists, especially young people, visit this place to take beautiful photos, full of spring colors.

To be able to have fun and take pictures with colorful flowers, visitors must buy an entrance ticket for 30,000 VND/person. This place is up to 2ha wide, promising to have unique shooting angles. In addition to enjoying the colors of flowers, this place also owns a rich system of up to 741 different species. That's why many people choose to take pictures with some white horses

Cat Ba flower valley is indeed an ideal place that can combine with fun, picnic, swimming, learn the richness and diversity of nature but also bring beautiful photos!

Travelers from far away to Lan Ha should go through Cat Ba national forest, where many precious animals live, including the rare white-headed langur and the forest of needles. Passing Ngu Lam peak, at the end of the journey is Viet Hai fishing village, the most unspoiled fishing village of Cat Ba island, where visitors can discover many interesting things about a north

Viet Hai Village.

Viet Hai village is located in the middle of the sea, surrounded by high mountains and old forests of Cat Ba National Park, in Cat Hai island district, Hai Phong. Very few people in the country come here, but Viet Hai is attracting a lot of foreign tourists.

Previously, Viet Hai was almost completely isolated from the outside world.

The people of Viet Hai still keep their "primitive" life as in the olden days. The whole commune has more than a dozen old Chinese motorbikes owned by the most well-to-do families in the village, used to run around a few kilometers on the newly opened concrete road.

Viet Hai is currently the most difficult and remote commune in Cat Hai district. But the people here seem to be very satisfied with their material poverty but rich in gratitude. Living and sharing together, without calculation, self-interest, getting rich between the mountains and the sea. Secretary of the Commune Party Committee Dinh Van Thuy confessed that it is also thanks to this cultural activity that foreign tourists come to visit more and more. Over the past few years, tens of thousands of tourists have crossed streams and mountain passes to visit. They heard the sound of a wild land in the middle of the world biosphere reserve, Cat Ba national forest.

A few houses on stilts, a few restaurants serving tourists have also just opened. Foreign guests who come here after visiting the mountains and forests, staying at the restaurant will place people to take charge of cooking services from the food of the people who grow and raise themselves such as chickens, ducks, green vegetables ...

Cat Ba Beaches:

3 famous beaches attract the most visitors of Cat Ba island tourism. The common point of all 3 is not too wide, but surrounded by green mountains, smooth waves, clear water and little wind. The most interesting is the 3 "brother" beaches connected by a small wooden bridge along the mountainside, extremely poetic.

Visitors like the bustling, fun atmosphere, can join the crowd at Cat Co 1 beach, the water here is clear, the beach is wide, the sand is fine, so it is loved by many people. If you are looking for a quieter space, you can follow the Cat Tien bridge to cross Cat Co 2 beach. This beach is narrower and quite empty.

If you want to try swimming and immerse yourself deep in the sea, then Cat Co 3 beach is the right choice. The water here is deep and blue, strong waves, surrounded by majestic mountains.

All 3 beaches are quite famous, so tourism services thrive, in addition to beautiful resorts along the mountains facing the sea, food services, umbrella rentals, sun loungers here are also diverse. thousand status..

Cat Co Beach

* Monkey Island Beach (Cat Dua Island)

Monkey Island is a small island located 2km from Cat Ba town. The beach is about 1 km long, located on Monkey Island, the beach is called Cat Dua. This is really a beautiful beach of Lan Ha Bay. Coming here, visitors have the real feeling of swimming in the bay because the sea water here is absolutely clear and clean.

Other beaches: In addition to the main beaches mentioned above, visitors can also rent a boat to visit Lan Ha Bay and visit the beaches on islands in the bay such as Van Boi island beach, Van Boi Con beach, Ba beach. Peach fruit, Nam Cat beach...

Cannon Fort

The cannon fortress on peak 177 is still quite new with many tourists coming to Cat Ba (Hai Phong). Once coming here, visitors can not help but be surprised by the impressive military works of the Cat Ba defense line. Also from this high point, visitors can admire and admire the spacious four-sided nature of Cat Ba.

The historical evidence is also recorded on this land, in addition to two cannons, there is also a complex system of observatories and trenches. Built right on the top of the mountain, the works are still almost intact despite going through war and time.

Many people who come here share the feeling of being close to nature, where heaven and earth, mountains and sea harmonize. The majestic and poetic scenery along with the pristine scenery, heroic evidences of people move every visitor's emotions.

From the center of Cat Ba town, about 10 minutes by car, visitors enjoy the winding road, one side is the mountains and trees, the other side is Cat Ba Bay, the green Beo wharf creates an interesting feeling for each tourist. guest.

Stepping to the top of the mountain, at the peak of 177, a cannon fortress is displayed almost intact by the unique, complex military trench system and observation system. In addition to the trenches covered with thick and rough stone blocks, the massive tunnels with domes going deep into the mountain have a large space, enough for the whole group to go through.

The tunnel leads directly to the management area and the bunker is built of solid concrete blocks. Built on the top of the mountain, the works are almost intact despite the war and time. This is a special thing for visitors, because many people know that because Cat Ba is located at the end of a strategic arc, the island is considered as a giant fortress day and night guarding the sea route to the Northeast of Vietnam. ta. But few people know, at this peak 177 is a vital position with the responsibility of guarding the sea and airspace of the Fatherland.

It is valuable that when deciding to turn this place into a tourist area, investors respect history. Relax, sip a cup of coffee on the top of the mountain, opposite emotions rise up in each person. Especially, this place is equipped with a large-sized binoculars so that visitors can enjoy the panoramic view of Cat Ba from above. Or else, you can also zoom in to enjoy the wonderful natural beauty of Cat Ba.

In particular, visitors can see Lan Ha Bay from above, one of the most beautiful bays located in the population of Cat Ba, Ha Long - a natural wonder of the world. Lan Ha from above is great, some people like it to the orchid of heaven in the lower world. Lan Ha from above gives the color of the turquoise sea water mixed with the color of the vegetation covering the limestone mountains, along with the shining sunlight, creating a fanciful look, adding a charming green color to Cat Ba.

From the observation deck of Cannon Fort Tourist Area, we can zoom out into the vast space ahead, fee

Military Cave

Quan Y Cave is located on Cat Ba Island, in Cat Hai Island District, Hai Phong City. The cave is located in Hung Son cave, on the side of the unique path across the island, 13km from Cat Ba town. Called Quan Y cave because during the war with the US, people built a hospital with hundreds of beds lying in the heart of the cave. The cave door is made of iron and steel alloy, over the years but still very solid.

Located right along the main road of Cat Ba National Park, Hang Quan y is a place you should go if you have the opportunity to visit this island district. Surely you will be surprised by the monumental scale of a field hospital in the heart of the mountain. From the center of Cat Ba town about 13km, it only takes about 30 minutes to get to Quan Y Cave and this cave is easy to find by the signposts located right on the roadside.

Military Medical Cave is also a historical place because it used to be a field hospital during the time when the US imperialists escalated their bombardment of North Vietnam in the years 1963 - 1965 with aircraft and warships. During this time, Quan and people on the island built caves based on natural limestone mountains to serve as a place to treat wounded soldiers, shelter and avoid bombs, local residents and residents evacuated from Bach island. Long Vy.