Cat Co beaches on Cat Ba Island: A complete travel guide

Contents

1. What are Cat Co beaches famous for?

On Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong, Cat Co beaches are must-see attractions. Located just a few hundred meters away from the town center, they are three of the most famous Cat Ba beaches. This beach trio consists of Cat Co 1 Beach, Cat Co 2 Beach, and Cat Co 3 Beach. Each is surrounded by the lush mountains of Lan Ha Bay, maintaining a pristine beauty. A wooden walkway along the mountainside connects these three beaches, creating a scenic trail perfect for sightseeing and photography.

Cat Co beaches are three beautiful, unspoiled beaches (Source: Collected)

Cat Co 1 Beach is the largest of the three, and it is usually bustling with visitors. Cat Co 2 Beach is more secluded and quieter, perfect for visitors seeking peaceful moments. Cat Co 3, with its deeper waters and stronger waves, is suited for experienced swimmers and snorkelers. These Cat Co beaches are surrounded by greenery and rocky hills, making them a true highlight of Cat Ba Island.

2. Detailed reviews of Cat Co beaches

2.1. Cat Co 1 Beach

Cat Co 1 Beach is the most popular in Cat Ba Town, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Nestled between the mountains and the sea, it offers a gorgeous blend of nature. The beach gently slopes into the sea, with the fine white sand and crystal-clear water ideal for swimming and sunbathing. This Cat Co beach is also the largest of the three, its natural charm having been appreciated since the French colonial period. 

Cat Co 1 Beach often gets crowded, especially during the peak tourist season. With a 15-minute walk from the town center, visitors can reach it easily. When the tide rises, the beach can become submerged. In summer, strong waves are common. A wide range of services is available here, including water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and banana boat riding. Food stalls, seafood restaurants, and scenic photo spots complete the experience. 

Cat Co 1 Beach stands out with its fine white sand and crystal-clear water (Source: Collected)

2.2. Cat Co 2 Beach

Among the three Cat Co beaches, Cat Co 2 Beach offers a more relaxed vibe compared to its bustling neighbors. Known for its long shoreline and stunning surroundings, this beach is divided into two sections by a rocky hill with a small cave passage connecting them. The outer section features softer sand, while the inner section has more pebbles and is affected by stronger winds during summer. Further away from town, Cat Co 2 Beach is perfect for those seeking peace and privacy.

The scenery is ideal for nature lovers, with panoramic views of nearby attractions like Lan Ha Bay, Trai Tim Island, and Hon Guoc Island. Offshore, visitors can spot Hon Thot, an island named for its cutting-board-like shape. Popular activities here are swimming, kayaking, or simply sunbathing. Many also enjoy climbing the nearby hills for a sweeping view of the coast. After your beach day, you can visit Cat Ba Market, just 1 kilometer away, to taste or buy the freshest local catches. 

This Cat Co beach is perfect for those seeking peace and privacy (Source: Collected)

2.3. Cat Co 3 Beach

Cat Co 3 Beach stands closest to Cat Ba Town and is surrounded by hotels and well-developed tourist services, making it one of the most accessible beaches on the island. Although smaller in size, this beach features soft sand and clear water, blending natural charm with a modern touch. It. About 100 meters offshore lies Hon Cap Bu Gie, a rocky islet that adds to the scenic view. 

This Cat Co beach is a favorite for many thanks to its wide range of activities. Here, you can swim, sunbathe, kayak, ride banana boats, snorkel, and scuba dive. For those seeking more relaxed adventures, the walking trails in the surrounding mountains offer a chance to spot local wildlife and enjoy panoramic views of Cat Ba Island. At night, a beachside stroll makes for a memorable end to the day. 

Cat Co 3 Beach perfectly blends convenience, water sports, and stunning scenery (Source: Collected)

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

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3. Essential tips for visiting Cat Co beaches, Cat Ba

3.1. Directions

From Cat Ba Town, follow Road 1 Thang 4, then continue on Cat Tien Road to reach Cat Co 1 Beach and Cat Co 2 Beach. To get to Cat Co 3 Beach, turn right at the end of Road 1 Thang 4 and follow the mountain road. These beaches are easily accessible by resort buggy or motorbike taxi. If you are up for a short walk and want to take in the scenery, going on foot is also a great option.

More on: How to get to Cat Ba Island? All you need to know

3.2. Best time to visit

The best time to visit Cat Co beaches is summer from April to October. During this time, the weather in Cat Ba Island is pleasantly warm, perfect for enjoying beach activities. If you are planning to visit in July or August, you should check the weather forecast in advance to avoid potential storms. The island is less crowded from November to March, making it a wonderful time for those looking for a peaceful retreat.

The best time to visit Cat Ba is from April to October (Source: Collected)

3.3. Notes

Here are some useful tips for a memorable visit to Cat Co beaches:

• The hill near Cat Co 1 Beach and Cat Co 2 Beach is home to the Cannon Fort, a historical site that stands 177 meters above sea level. From the fort, you can enjoy panoramic views of Cat Ba Island. Note that there is an entrance fee to the fort.
• Don’t worry if you forgot your swimsuit – rental services and changing rooms with freshwater showers are available on the beaches.
• Avoid swimming after 6:00 PM due to high tides.
• Try seafood dishes including geoduck clams, lobster, red snapper, grouper, sea snakes, and horseshoe crab. You can enjoy these delicacies at seaside restaurants.

4. Nearby attractions

Beyond Cat Co beaches, Cat Ba Island offers a variety of other attractions to enrich your trip:

• Tung Thu Beach: Surrounded by rocky cliffs and lined with golden sand, Tung Thu Beach has calm, clear water perfect for relaxing. Here, you can enjoy the breezes under coconut palm trees or drift on a boat while soaking up the peaceful vibe.
• Cai Beo Fishing Village: Known as the oldest fishing village in Vietnam, Cai Beo is home to 500 households living off aquaculture. Visitors can experience local life, tour fish farms by boat, and sample freshly caught seafood right on the spot.
• Hospital Cave: A symbol of Vietnam’s wartime resilience, the Hospital Cave was built between 1963-1965 as a field hospital. Inside the cave are 17 rooms across 3 levels, including treatment rooms, recovery rooms, and even a movie room.
• Trung Trang Cave: One of the largest caves in Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, Trung Trang Cave dazzles visitors with its millions-of-years-old limestone formations. Visitors can also wander through the surrounding rainforest of Cat Ba National Park filled with old trees and exotic wildlife.

Cai Beo Fishing Village is a must-see on Cat Ba Island (Source: Collected)

Cat Co beaches are must-visits for anyone traveling to Cat Ba Island. With their blend of natural beauty and exciting activities, they offer something for every tourist. Whether you are looking to relax on the sand, explore the sea, or enjoy the stunning views, Cat Co beaches promise an unforgettable experience.

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