Overview:

Cat Ba Island is a large limestone island in the northern part of the Gulf of Tonkin, in the province of Hai Phong, Vietnam. The island is also part of a larger Cat Ba Archipelago of 366 islands. The archipelago covers an area of over 1,000 square kilometres and is a popular tourist destination for those visiting Vietnam. Notable attractions on the island include Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Cat Ba National Park. The island also has a number of beaches, caves, and waterfalls that are great for swimming and exploring. Cat Ba Town is the centrally located town on the island, and is a great spot for tourists to base their exploring from. Cat Ba Town has a variety of restaurants, hotels, and shops for visitors to explore. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Vietnam
Prominent Features:

1. Cat Ba National Park: Cat Ba National Park is the largest protected area of biosphere in northern Vietnam. It is home to a vast array of habitats and biodiversity, including limestone forests, beaches and lagoons, and is an important destination for both local and international visitors. The park is particularly renowned for its caves, which offer a unique insight into the geology of the area. 2. Cat Ba Town: Cat Ba Town is the gateway to Cat Ba Island and region. Located on the eastern side of the island, it is a bustling tourist destination with plenty of hotels and restaurants, with the waterfront being a popular spot for visitors to relax and take in the views. 3. Cat Ba Archipelago: Cat Ba Archipelago consists of 366 islands and islets, making it the largest such archipelago in Vietnam. This region is renowned for its beautiful scenery and untouched nature, making it a perfect area for nature lovers. There are also many fishing villages in the archipelago. 4. Lan Ha Bay: Lan Ha Bay is located to the south of Cat Ba Island and forms part of the Cat Ba Archipelago. It is known for its stunning scenery, with limestone islands scattered throughout the bay and untouched jungle vegetation. There are also a number of natural beaches here, making it an ideal spot for swimming, kayaking and other water activities. 5. Monkey Island: Monkey Island is a small island located near the southeastern tip of Cat Ba Island. It is known for its population of macaque monkeys, which are a big draw for visitors to the area. This national monument of Vietnam portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Cat Ba Island is a large island located off the coast of Vietnam’s northern city of Hai Phong. This island is the largest of the more than 300 islands in the archipelago of Halong Bay. Cat Ba Island has been inhabited since early millennia and today it is part of the Cat Ba National Park. In ancient times, Cat Ba Island was mainly populated by the local ethnic Cham people. Since the 11th century, the island had come under the Chinese control and was an important part of their tributary system. During the 14th century, the area was incorporated into the Jiaozhi Commandery under Vietnamese rule. In the 18th century, the island became part of the Nguyen dynasty’s domain. The Nguyen rulers encouraged settlement on the island, making it a strategic outpost and an important trading port. During this period, the development of communication between the island and the mainland was established. During the 19th century, Hai Phong City and Cat Ba Island were at the forefront of the Tonkin Campaign of the French colonial period. The French established fishing camps and military outposts on the island to keep watch of external threats. Since then, Cat Ba Island has become a popular tourist destination due to its stunning scenery and beauty. Tourists from all over the world visit the island to experience its stunning views, visit the national park, and explore the coastal villages. The island is also preserved as part of the Cat Ba National Park which is home to a variety of biodiversity including one of the largest populations of white-headed langurs – an endangered primate species. Despite its long and interesting history, Cat Ba Island remains largely undeveloped and deprived with amenities for the local inhabitants. Despite this, Cat Ba Island is still a treasured part of the Vietnamese archipelago – a reminder of its rich history and an integral part of the fabulous scenery of Halong Bay. You must visit one of these historical places in Vietnam on your Vietnam tour

Interesting facts:

1. Cat Ba Island is the largest of the 366 islands that are in Hai Phong, part of the Cat Ba Archipelago. 2. Cat Ba Island was originally an isolated fishing village but is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. 3. Cat Ba National Park covers over half of the island and is home to 312 species of plants, 24 mammal species, and more than 101 species of birds making it a great spot for bird watching. 4. Cat Ba is known for its beautiful beaches, especially Cannon Fort Beach and Cat Co Beach. 5. The waters surrounding Cat Ba Island are filled with coral reefs making it a scuba and snorkeling hotspot. 6. Cat Ba Island is home to Monkey Island, a private island inhabited by hundreds of monkeys. 7. There is an ecotourism camp located on the island which offers visitors the chance to learn about the local environment and explore the island’s many caves and waterfalls. 8. Cat Ba Island is home to a national hospital for endangered primates, the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project (CBL), which works to protect the endangered langur. Visit one of the famous monuments of Vietnam with your friends and family.