Cat Co 1 Beach: A slice of paradise on Cat Ba Island

Contents

1. Overview of Cat Co 1 Beach

Tucked away in the center of Cat Ba Town, about 40 kilometers from Hai Phong, Cat Co 1 Beach stands proudly as the largest among the famous trio of Cat Co beaches on Cat Ba Island. This beach stretches gracefully over 142 meters, cradled by lush hillsides. Its blue water gently kisses the fine sand, welcoming a soothing symphony of waves and winds. 

Cat Co 1 Beach charms visitors with its turquoise water (Source: Collected)

According to local folklore, long ago, when the heavens and the earth were still close, celestial maidens often descended to this spot in the form of white storks to frolic and marvel at its beauty. Today, Cat Co 1 Beach maintains a pristine charm, untouched by the rush of modern development.

Explore: Cat Ba beaches: Top 8 spots to relax amidst nature

2. Top things to do at Cat Co 1 Beach

2.1. Swim & bathe

Cat Co 1 is the liveliest beach among the Cat Co beach trio for good reason. The water here is exceptionally clear, cool, and inviting. Whether you visit during the balmy summer or the crisp days of early spring, the ocean’s embrace remains welcoming. The gentle yet playful waves are perfect for swimming, splashing, or simply floating away the stresses of daily life. During peak tourist seasons, the beach is filled with laughter and chatter, as travelers from all walks of life converge to experience the healing power of the sea.

Tip: For the most tranquil swimming experience, come in the early morning when the beach is quieter, the sun is softer, and the entire bay feels like your private retreat.

2.2. Snap pictures of the awe-inspiring views

If you are passionate about photography, Cat Co 1 Beach is an absolute dream. The scenery here effortlessly provides perfect backdrops, from the shimmering waters reflecting the sun’s golden rays to the majestic mountains framing the beach. The romantic bridges connecting Cat Co 1 to Cat Co 2 and Cat Co 3 meander along the cliffside and offer panoramic views of the emerald sea, rugged cliffs, and endless sky. Standing on these bridges, you will feel like you’re part of a living postcard, with every angle providing a new masterpiece.

Cat Co 1 is known as the largest beach in Cat Ba (Source: Collected)

2.3. Enjoy exciting water sports

Cat Co 1 Beach is also a hub for thrilling water sports. Adventure seekers can rent kayaks to explore Lan Ha Bay with its labyrinth of limestone islets and hidden caves. For a burst of adrenaline, jet-skiing across the sparkling water lets you feel the rush of speed against the backdrop of endless blue. Prefer something more relaxed? Try surfing! Cat Co 1’s gentle slope and manageable waves make it an excellent choice for beginners looking to catch their first wave. With plenty of equipment rental shops and instructors available near the beach, it’s convenient to jump into the fun.

2.4. Relish a banquet of fresh seafood

Cat Co 1 Beach is surrounded by a variety of seafood restaurants and floating houses offering mouth-watering dishes made from the freshest catches of the day. You can expect an abundance of choices: grilled squid, steamed clams, oysters, shrimp, geoduck, scallops, crab, and more. Each dish is seasoned simply with fresh herbs and local spices that allow the natural flavors of the sea to shine through.

Enjoying seafood is a must once you get to Cat Co 1 Beach (Source: Collected)

Check out: Things to do in Cat Ba: Top 15+ experiences not to be missed

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3. Helpful tips for visiting Cat Co 1 Beach

3.1. How to get there?

There are two convenient ways to go from the city center of Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island:

• By road & ferry: Drive across Tan Vu – Lach Huyen Bridge (Vietnam’s longest sea-crossing bridge) to reach Dong Bai Ferry Terminal. From there, take a Cat Ba ferry, then a short drive to Cat Co 1 Beach.
• By road & speedboat: From Hai Phong’s city center, take Road DT363 and follow the Hanoi – Hai Phong Expressway (CT04/QL5B) and Tan Vu – Lach Huyen Bridge toward Nghia Lo. Continue for another short drive to reach Binh Wharf. From there, catch a speedboat to Cat Ba Island. 

Once on Cat Ba Island, reaching Cat Co 1 Beach is easy as it’s only about 500 meters from the town center. You can walk along the beautiful coastal road, rent an electric car, or even arrange a stylish mini-cruise to the beach for a luxurious touch.

For a more detailed guide, check out how to get to Cat Ba Island!

3.2. When to visit?

Cat Co 1 Beach welcomes visitors year-round, but based on the weather in Cat Ba, the best times are:

• Spring (January – March): Mild weather, vibrant festivals like the Elephant Festival and the Nui Doi Festival, and lush landscapes make this season perfect for culture buffs.
• Summer (April – October): This is the peak tourist season! Expect sunny skies, lively beaches, and perfect conditions for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

*Note: Summer weekends can get crowded, so if you prefer a quieter experience, aim for weekday visits.

The lively spirit of Cat Co 1 Beach (Source: Collected)

3.3. What to note?

A trip to Cat Co 1 Beach promises unforgettable memories for any visitor. Just be sure to keep a few important tips in mind:

• Swimming after 6:30 PM is discouraged due to rapidly rising tides.
• Stay within designated swimming areas marked by buoys; don’t venture too far offshore.
• Essentials include sunscreen, a swimsuit, sunglasses, hats, and reusable water bottles.
• Always carry a small trash bag, pick up after yourself, and avoid single-use plastics to protect the environment.

3.4. What to explore nearby?

Once you have explored Cat Co 1 Beach, the surrounding attractions are just as enchanting:

• Cat Co 2 Beach (350m away): A quieter beach offering a more laid-back vibe with stunning cliffside views.
• Cat Co 3 Beach (1.2km away): A beach known for its peaceful atmosphere, golden sand, and spectacular sunsets.
• Tung Thu Beach (2.1km away): This beach is perfect for family outings, with calm water ideal for safe swimming.
• Cai Beo Floating Village (3.1km away): One of Vietnam’s oldest floating fishing villages, where you can witness the local life and sample fresh seafood.

All the 3 Cat Co beaches are worth visiting (Source: Collected)

The blend of natural beauty and vibrant life at Cat Co 1 Beach makes it one of the top must-visits not only in Cat Ba but also in northern Vietnam. So, pack your bags, bring your camera, and get ready for an amazing journey to this stunning coastal paradise!

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