02/09/2015
Cat Ba attractions
Cat Ba is the largest of the 366 islands spanning 250km2 that comprise the Cat Ba Archipelago, which makes up the southeastern edge of Ha Long Bay in Northern Vietnam. Cat Ba island has a surface area of 250 km2 and maintains the dramatic and rugged features of Ha Long Bay. The island has a wide variety of natural ecosystems, both marine and terrestrial, leading to incredibly high rates of biodiversity.Types of natural habitats found on Cat Ba Archipelago include limestone karsts, tropical limestone forests, coral reefs, mangrove and sea grass beds, lagoons, beaches, caves, and willow swamp forests. Cat Ba Island is one of the only populated islands in Ha Long Bay, with roughly 17,000 inhabitants living in six different communes, and 3,000 more inhabitants living on floating fishing villages off the coast. The large majority of the population can be found in Cat Ba town, which is located at the southern tip of the Island (25 km south of the national park) and is the commercial center on the Island. Since 1997, Cat Ba town has grown rapidly and has become a tourist hub for both the Island and greater Ha Long Bay.
Sightseeing in Cat Ba Island
Beaches - A 15minute walk southeast from Cat Ba Town, the three beautiful Cat Co cove beaches boast white sand and good swimming. Cat Co 2, backed by limestone cliffs, is the beach to head for; here you’ll find a lovely sheltered sandy bay, a snack bar and some simple thatched beach huts. However, as developers have been eyeing up this beach for some time, check first to see if it remains a haven of tranquility. Cat Co 1 and 3 were once equally as attractive, but both have now been developed as resorts. On weekends in summer they get packed with Vietnamese tourists and litter becomes a real blight. The wooden cliffside walkway that once connected Cat Co 1 and 2 is broken.
Lan Ha Bay - The 365 or so karst islands of Lan Ha Bay are directly south and east of Cat Ba Town. Geologically they are very much an extension of Ha Long Bay, but geographically these islands lie in a different province of Vietnam. They share the same emerald sea, and the limestone pinnacles and scenery are every bit as beautiful as Ha Long Bay, but these islands have the additional attraction of numerous white sand beaches. Around 280 species of fish, 450 species of mollusk, 500 species of arthropod and numerous hard and soft coral live in Lan Ha Bay. Larger marine animals in the areas include seals and three species of dolphin. Sailing and kayak trips here are best organized in Cat Ba Town. Lan Ha Bay also offers superb rock climbing and is the main destination for adventurous tourists.
Hospital Cave - Built between 1963 and 1965, this incredibly well-constructed three-story feat of engineering was in constant use until 1975. It has historical significance, as it served both as a secret, bomb-proof hospital during the American War and as a safe house for Viet Cong leaders. Visitors will be shown around 17 rooms, the old operating theatre and take you to the huge natural cavern which was used as a cinema. The cave is about 10km north of Cat Ba Town on the road to the national park entrance.
Cat Ba National Park - Founded in 1986, it covers 18.176,5 ha including 10.835,5 ha of karst island and 7.341,0 ha of marine ecosystems. The park is located on Cat Ba archipelago (consists 366 islands) and is the heart of Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, about 150km southeast of Hanoi, 50 km east from Hai Phong city and next door with well-known Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba National Park differs from other national parks in Vietnam because of the great variety of landscapes and ecosystems, including tropical evergreen forests, mangrove, freshwater lake and streams, isolated sandy beaches, coral reefs, caves and grottos. The Park is a tourist attraction to millions of domestic and overseas visitors. Come to Cat Ba, travelers not only can worship the beauty of landscapes, seascapes, relax on isolated beaches in Lan Ha Bay or visit primeval forest but also have chances to discover many unique, precious species of fauna, flora and local culture.
THE CANNON FORT
Located in the World Natural Heritage Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island is famous for the legend of the jewels were released into the sea creating communities of Ha Long Bay. Blending of natural sea and forest, Cat Ba Island possesses unique scenery like no other.
Come to Cat Ba Island, you neither are immersed in the green as emerald waters and walk the pristine white sand beaches, nor explore the fanciful nature of space in the primeval forests. With favorable terrain other end of the arc strategy, Cat Ba Island as a giant fortress guarded into the sea northeast of our country day and night. 177 highest point on the Cat Ba Island is weak position to protect sea border.
177 highest point have known by other name Cannon Fort, located in Cat Ba Beach Resort, Cat Hai district, Hai Phong city. Cannon Fort is the historic relic at the top of the hill. Cannon Fort including the battle for two big guns and tunnel system, trench fortifications built in the late 40 of the 20th century. Due to the prime location, the observed protruding 3 the sea, the back based on mountains, the Cannon Fort became the Spirit accompany military history and Cat Ba people passed over two fierce wars against the French and Americans. At the Cannon Fort has preserve the historical record is 2 big guns.
From the Cannon Fort, you can enjoy scenic beauty of Cat Ba Island. There are many beauty beaches Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, many beauty Islands and casts village in Cat Ba Island.
The Cannon Fort has opened from 13/06/2010. Now, come to Cat Ba Island, you have more meaningful choice to return to nature.
Sunset on top of Catba
Sunset on the sea - great moment. Especially when at a highest point 177, looking toward the distance, the sea, mountains, clouds, ... all tidy in your eyes. That is the charm of "The sunset" on top of Cat Ba.
Once arrived, you will fully enjoy the moment interference between day and night, a mysterious beauty and romance.
Cat Ba Island likes as a beautiful girl at sunset time. Come to "sunset point" in The Cannon Fort, on top of Cat Ba to return to the history of ethnic heroes and enjoy the wonders of nature!
Memorial Room
Memorial room showcases remembrance of historical events with fighter models, weapons, devices from heroic struggles of Vietnamese.
It is not only a tourism area but also a place to educate historical traditions.
Historical artifacts
The historical remainders include a system of complex observatories and trenches in addition to two cannons. Built right on top of the mountain, the military complex, which has ingeniously designed, is hidden under canopies and threads along the mountainside. In addition, the complex is characterized by French architectural features, which make the complex unflourish but strong and stable. So, the work remains almost intact despite wars and the passage of time. Besides strategic trenches formed by big, thick and rought stones, bulky tunnels with vaults under the mountain are spacious enough to accommodate a group of people passing through. All these wild and rough features give sightseers a special impression of an intact historical relic.
Canon headquarter
The entire fort is under the direction of Headquarter. Orders from headquarter is emitted to all parts of fort. Activities of the fort commander and cooperation strategy meetings took place here.
No. 1 canon
The No. 1 canon of Canon Fort had full control gateway port of Hai Phòng. In the fight against the escalating war of America Air Force to Northern Vietnam, at the peak, Cat Ba Island army and residents had turned this place into a battlefield with 12.7mm canons and rifles. On the height of 177m battlefield, Cat Ba military and civilian shot down 6 U.S aircrafts, contributing to the glorious feat of arms.
No. 2 canon
Canon Fort was solidly built, including 3 canons placed in 3 directions toward the sea. Canon Fort has the underground tunnel system linked together by stone trenches with full infrastructure to serve daily activities at the site such as water tanks, electrical systems powered by diesel engines,... The canons were manufactured in France in 1910, 13.8 mm bore, driven by electricity, with a range of about 40 km.
During Vietnamese war against American army, transportation of the 3 giant canons weighing hundreds of tons to the height of 177m by only people’s manual force was an extremely arduous process and feats, dragging for months. Departments of canon were in turn pulled to the top by a system of rails fitted wheels and pulled-up by human effort. Over the years of history, the No.2 canons has been destroyed and left as remnants of war.
The former military airport was helicopter transport of French troops. In next time, when Cat Ba is allowed to open routes, it will be a small airport, a more convenient way for visitors to visit Cat Ba Island. Clement weather, favorable terrain will turn Cat Ba and the height 177m – Canon Fort to be one of the most attractive destinations in Vietnam.
Memorial Room
Memorial room showcases remembrance of historical events with fighter models, weapons, devices from heroic struggles of Vietnamese. It is not only a tourism area but also a place to educate historical traditions.
Amazing love space
This is the place for relatives to visit the soldiers on the battlefield. The room opened like a tremendous cheer spirit for the soldiers. It was a space to share feelings of family, sweet loves of their wives, children… From the sense, the room is called Love room.
Tunnel atomic bomb
Tunnel atomic bomb is also known as U-shaped tunnels for the reason this place was built to resemble the unique U-shaped. U-shaped tunnel was not only helps Vietnamese soldiers avoid enemy but coming here, you will know daily activities life in resistance. The tunnel can accommodate 500 people, with dining room, kitchen, meeting rooms, room for resuscitation of patients ... which was designed to direct exit to the airport area. Visitors can explore walking and touching the stone walls, to feel the cool air in the tunnel.
Tunnel atomic bomb is also known as U-shaped tunnels for the reason this place was built to resemble the unique U-shaped. U-shaped tunnel was not only helps Vietnamese soldiers avoid enemy but coming here, you will know daily activities life in resistance. The tunnel can accommodate 500 people, with dining room, kitchen, meeting rooms, room for resuscitation of patients ... which was designed to direct exit to the airport area. Visitors can explore walking and touching the stone walls, to feel the cool air in the tunnel.
Natural landscape
Geography favorable, harmonious nature has facilitated the wild pineapple on top of the Canon Fort, long leaves intertwined to form thick layers which protected soldiers during the war time. The thick pineapple leaf layers named “ghost pineapple forest” played an important role in Vietnamese resounding victory.
From the observatory, one can extend his eyesight onto the wide space ahead. People feel overwhelmed and adventurous by the space and scenery there. It is great to see the two most beautiful beaches of Cat Ba, namely Cat Co 1 and Cat Co 2, enjoy a bustling scene of hundreds of floating houses and fishing boats anchoring in the bay.
People who get close to nature feel relaxed and refreshed when they stand amid it. Coming to the Cannon Fort tourism area is coming to a place where space harmonizes with time. One can feel the sky, earth, sea and mountains.
The Thinh Linh Lake
Thinh Linh lake (Suddenly lake) Cat Ba Island
Trek from Cat Ba island through the Valley Ho Ma to come and suddenly discover a variety of flora and fauna and beautiful landscapes of Cat Ba national forest to the lake and then suddenly. This lake is located in the middle of the forest. You will find a rich variety of plants and trees that you never know, when you move towards the cave where the old stone tools from the Neolithic Age have been discovered. areas with dense vegetation and lake limestone. Discover the natural landscape of limestone as the system's incredible Karst caves and rivers have long disappeared. Keep your camera handy to capture the White Monkey Head, a rare animal found only in Vietnam. Enjoy kayaking and fishing on the Lan Ha Bay. Sail past pretty fishing villages and fishing-pearl, and experience a day in the life of a fisherman. This is a trekking tour from Cat Ba Island to Thinh Linh Lake (Suddenly lake) you can not miss.
The Ba Ham Lake
Ba Ham Lake - Ha Long Bay
Situated on the south-west side of Ha Long Bay, Ba Ham Lake is found on Dau Be Island (Calf Head Island) in Lan Ha Bay - Catba Vietnam. This island is part of the range of islands at the farthest end of Ha Long Bay, bordering the immense zone Long Chau Sea. Ba Ham Lake is situated in the middle of a narrow, rectangular area, with the all four sides enclosed by vertical cliffs.
The lake is a system comprising three wide and round pits, linked together by a narrow and meandering tunnel. Stalactites hang from the ceiling in a myriad of strange, coloured forms. The silence is disturbed only by the sounds of the boat’s oars. On the island are many species of plants such as orchids, benjamin figs, banyans and cycads, which blossom throughout the year. It is also the home of yellow-haired monkeys, birds, flying squirrels and bats. Under the deep blue surface of the water are the animated lives of shrimp and fish.
