Cat Ba - a 'paradise' waiting to be awakened.

Often described as a symphony of majestic mountains and vast seas, Cat Ba boasts seven diverse ecosystems with breathtaking landscapes, a refreshing climate, and countless fascinating experiences.

VietNamNet•19/02/2025

International tourists enjoy exploring the natural beauty of Cat Ba Island. (Image source: Shutterstock)

Amazing nature and invaluable green ecosystems

Thielmann (a 28-year-old German tourist) traveled thousands of kilometers to Cat Ba Island just to climb cliffs and jump into the water, but was unexpectedly captivated by the island. The "deep water soloing" activity that Thielmann pursued is one of the experiences favored by foreign tourists visiting Cat Ba. In addition, over 3.6 million visitors came here in 2024 to swim, sightsee, relax on the bay; trek 10km through the primeval forest; visit the ancient Viet Hai fishing village; explore Monkey Island; and watch the sunset at the Cannon Fortress…

The travel experiences in Cat Ba are considered incredibly unique, but not yet perfect, with gaps in high-end accommodation and resort services that need to be filled. Nevertheless, no one can deny that Cat Ba's natural beauty and "green" ecosystem are truly a treasure present in the Gulf of Tonkin, possessing immense value.

The Cat Ba archipelago boasts a unique natural ecosystem that is among the best in the world . Image source: Shutterstock

The Cat Ba archipelago, located in Cat Hai district (Hai Phong city), comprises 367 islands spread over an area of approximately 300 km2. It is home to the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, Cat Ba National Park (a World Heritage site covering 22,250 hectares), the largest marine forest in Vietnam with an area of over 17,000 hectares, and diverse ecosystems.

The Cat Ba Archipelago Heritage Area is a prime example of typical tropical and subtropical marine-island ecosystems in Asia, featuring seven interconnected and successive ecosystems: the primary rainforest ecosystem on Vietnam's largest limestone island; the most developed coral reef ecosystem in the Gulf of Tonkin; the largest mangrove forest ecosystem on a Vietnamese island; the tidal zone ecosystem with unique and rare attached biomes; the saltwater lake ecosystem; the terrestrial cave and freshwater underwater cave ecosystem; and the Cat Ba seabed ecosystem.

The approximately 1,045 hectares of primary forest on Cat Ba Island is one of the key factors contributing to the ecological value and biodiversity of the heritage site. In particular, the Cat Ba langur is a rare species listed in the World Red Book, found nowhere else in the world. Furthermore, researchers have discovered many endemic plant species here, adapted only to living on limestone islands, and not found anywhere else in the world.

Cat Ba Island possesses significant potential for developing high-end, high-spending tourism. (Image source: Pexels)

In September 2023, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee recognized the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago complex as a World Natural Heritage Site. This has given Cat Ba tourism further opportunities for breakthroughs and accelerated growth in a new phase.

To seize that opportunity, in addition to promoting the value of its natural "treasures" and expanding year-round tourism experiences to attract visitors, Cat Ba also aims to develop into a world-class "green" tourist destination.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Do Cong Thung, possessing the "giant green lung" of Cat Ba National Park, spanning over 26,000 hectares, Cat Ba itself already has the capacity to reduce pollution and purify the air. However, that is not enough for sustainable development and to reach the higher goal of becoming an ecological and smart island.

"Therefore, Cat Ba needs a comprehensive master plan, a standardized plan for long-term and sustainable tourism development, closely linked with other sectors to unify common goals and actions on pollution reduction. That is the first priority."

To transform Cat Ba into Vietnam's first carbon-neutral tourist island, the government and major investors are expected to collaborate in the near future to facilitate the use of environmentally friendly transportation options such as cable cars, electric vehicles, and bicycles for all residents and tourists. A comprehensive public electric vehicle system will be planned across the island, with designated stops, parking areas, and charging stations to ensure convenience for both locals and visitors. This is considered one of Vietnam's pioneering tourism projects aimed at achieving carbon neutrality and dedicating significant space to the community.

A treasure waiting to be awakened.

According to experts, the title "green jewel" of Vietnamese tourism is well-deserved for Cat Ba, especially with the six national and international titles this archipelago possesses. However, to transform Cat Ba Island – the tourism hub of Hai Phong – into a true "paradise," it will require the right strategy, direction, and worthy investors. This is reminiscent of the journey of the Maldives, from the smallest island nation in Asia to one of the world's most luxurious resort destinations.

Lan Ha Bay boasts many pristine sandy beaches hidden among limestone mountain ranges. (Image source: Shutterstock)

Before the Maldives became the paradise it is today, things would have ended if it weren't for the meeting between the Italian explorer George Corbin and a Maldivian man, Ahmed Naseem. Together, they ushered in a new era for the Maldives, believing that it could develop into a "tourist paradise" based on a single factor: the sea here is exceptionally unique. It boasts pristine white sand beaches formed from dead coral. The seawater, though very salty, is crystal clear because even the largest island lacks the minimum space for even the smallest stream to be called a river, so there is no sediment or sand deposited, preventing the water from becoming murky. And most notably, the seawater has many shades of blue, including deep blue, light blue, and turquoise…

Cat Ba Island needs to further improve its high-end tourism services to truly break through and live up to its reputation as the "pearl" of Vietnamese tourism. Photo: Anh Duong

The exquisite beauty and unique secrets of nature, unlike anywhere else, are what Cat Ba possesses. Even Lan Ha Bay, located to the east of Cat Ba Island and adjacent to Ha Long Bay, is considered a hidden paradise. A tranquil, arc-shaped bay with numerous islands of varying sizes and shapes creates a picturesque landscape. The bay boasts over 100 pristine golden sandy beaches inviting visitors to explore. Many stretches of sand nestled between rocky mountains, peaceful and without large waves, are truly ideal swimming spots for tourists to enjoy.