Cat Ba Island is home to several beautiful beaches that offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Here are some of the most popular beaches on Cat Ba Island:
- Exploring the beaches
- Best time to visit
- Cat Co Beach
- Tung Thu Beach
- Cat Dua Beach
- Ba Trai Dao Beach
- Moody & Tiger Beach
- Secluded beaches
Exploring the beaches of Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island boasts a diverse array of beaches for every taste. While some beaches are easily accessible, others are hidden away on the island or even located on the smaller surrounding islands, that requirs a kayak or boat to reach. The popular beaches tend to get crowded on weekends and holidays, but it’s worth noting that most Vietnamese prefer visiting the beach in the late afternoon when the sun is milder.
For a more secluded experience, exploring the lesser-known beaches can be rewarding, offering you a chance to enjoy the beach with fewer people around. However, it’s important to be aware that like many other beaches in Vietnam, some of the secluded beaches on Cat Ba Island may suffer from pollution and litter issues.
Best time to visit the beaches of Cat Ba Island
The best time to visit the beaches of Cat Ba Island is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is generally sunny and dry, with pleasant temperatures and low humidity. This makes it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities.
In particular, the months of March and April are a great time to visit the beaches of Cat Ba Island. During these months, the weather is typically warm and sunny, with clear skies and low chances of rain. The water is also usually calm and clear, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
1. Cat Co Beach
Situated conveniently next to Cat Ba Town, Cat Co Beach on Cat Ba Island offers three picturesque beaches—Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, and Cat Co 3—all adjacent to each other. These beaches are the most accessible ones on the island, making them the most popular choice. The stunning views from the shores are captivating, and you can find hotels and resorts right on the beach, allowing you to wake up to the sight of the ocean and easily stroll onto the sandy stretches.
The waters surrounding Cat Co Beach are generally calm, thanks to their location within a bay. This makes swimming and water activities enjoyable. Moreover, a very nice scenic walk, known as the Rock trail, connects Cat Co 3 and Cat Co 2. Along this trail, you can see the panoramic views of Cat Ba Beach as well as the breathtaking scenery of Lan Ha Bay.
2. Tung Thu Beach
Tung Thu Beach is also easy accessibility from Cat Ba Town. While popular, it tends to attract fewer people compared to the well-known Cat Co beaches. This creates a more relaxed atmosphere if you are looking for a more peaceful beach time.
Nestled within its own bay, the beach benefits from the surrounding cliffs, resulting in calm waters perfect for swimming and soaking up the sun. Additionally, it is also beautiful to see these towering cliffs as a scenic backdrop.
There are a few cafes, restaurants, as well as restrooms and showers close to the beach. In additional, the beach is also kept clean.
3. Cat Dua Beach
Cat Dua Beach, also known as Monkey Island Beach, is located on Monkey Island, just a boat ride away from Ben Beo Harbour. This idyllic beach offers a range of activities and attractions for you to enjoy.
One of the main highlights of Cat Dua Beach is the opportunity to stay on Monkey Island itself. The island offers various accommodation options, including a resort and cozy homestays.
For those seeking adventure, renting a kayak is a popular choice. This allows you to paddle your way to other nearby beaches, exploring the scenic coastline and discovering hidden gems along the way. Alternatively, you can climb to the viewpoint, from where you can admire breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.
As the name suggests, Monkey Island is also home to a population of monkeys. While it’s undoubtedly fascinating to observe these playful creatures, it’s important to exercise caution and avoid excessive interaction with them for both your safety and the monkeys’ well-being.
4. Ba Trai Dao Beach
Ba Trai Dao Beach, also known as Three Peaches Beach, is situated on a separate island next to Cat Ba. Accessible only by boat, it is a popular stop for cruises through Lan Ha Bay. The beach’s small size is compensated by its stunning scenery, offering panoramic views of turquoise waters and majestic limestone karsts. It’s an excellent spot for kayaking, allowing you to explore the bay’s intricate network of islets and caves.
5. Moody & Tiger Beach
Moody Beach and Tiger Beach, located close to each other on Cat Ba Island, are renowned as the premier rock climbing spots in the area. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, these beaches offer fantastic opportunities to engage in this exhilarating activity. The diverse rock formations provide an exciting challenge for climbers of all skill levels, with routes tailored to accommodate various abilities.
6. Secluded beaches of Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island offers a handful of secluded beaches that provide a tranquil escape from the crowds. One such beach is located in front of Woodstock Beach Camp, offering a small yet picturesque shoreline. With stunning views and the option to rent kayaks, you can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings and explore the coastline at your own pace. Hammocks on the beach add an extra touch of relaxation.
Another secluded beach worth mentioning is the private beach at the abandoned Bayview Resort. As the resort is no longer operational, there is a high chance of having the beach all to yourself. However, it is unfortunate that due to the abandoned nature of the area, the beach may suffer from pollution and trash issues.
While most beaches on Cat Ba Island are concentrated in the southern region, there are some areas in the north where you can still find access to the water from the rocks or opt to rent kayaks for further exploration.
