Lan Ha Bay is made up of around 300 karst islands and limestone sea rocks and can be found southeast of Cat Ba Island. As a geological extension of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is equally as beautiful although it is less visited, less inhabited and therefore has the extra appeal of being a more peaceful place. Tra Bau area Tra Bau is encompassed by the jagged karst hilltops. Unlike other parts of the Halong Bay area, the karsts seem to form around this area, turning into its bay of sorts. The area is pretty much untouched. It is a wonderful place to catch the stars at night. It is one of the safest places for ships to anchor. The hills around protect Tra Bau from any ferocious winds. Most cruises around Lan Ha Bay will anchor overnight.

Cat Ba Island is the biggest of the 367 islands that form the Cat Ba archipelago. It’s approximately 32 miles (50 kilometers) from Hai Phong City, a trip which takes up to 1 hour to travel by speedboat. Cat Ba is also by far the biggest island in the whole of Halong Bay. Part of the island, along with the rest of the archipelago, is a designated National Park and the local government aims to protect Cat Ba’s great biodiversity. Visitors to Cat Ba can enjoy a varied landscape that is made up of mangroves, limestone karsts, green forests, white sand beaches, and coral reefs.

Nestled within the scenic landscapes of Hai Phong province, the serene Viet Hai village in Cat Ba presents a picturesque setting characterized by limestone mountains, pristine seas, verdant forests, and rich biodiversity. This underexplored gem promises a unique blend of tranquility and adventure, making it an unmissable part of any Hai Phong journey. Viet Hai Village, with its allure of simplicity and remoteness, offers an authentic and peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the typical tourist paths.v

30 min

The Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island is one of the largest caves in the Cat Ba archipelago, which is part of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Ha Long Bay in North Vietnam, and a popular tourist attraction on the island. When the backpacking husband and I visited Cat Ba Island in November as part of our fabulous travels through Vietnam, it was at the very start of the tourist season, there were no other visitors or tour groups at the cave, which added to our experience of exploration and adventure. If you are on holiday on Cat Ba Island and you don’t might climbing a lot of steps then I would urge you to explore the Trung Trang Cave. It’s well worth a visit and it’s really easy to get there.v

40 min