Floating next to Ha Long Bay,Cat Ba Islandis evolving greatly as a tourist destination. The three-cable ropeway that crosses the sea holdsa Guinness record as having the "world's tallest pylon,"certified pylons, connecting Cat Hai Island to the Phu Long area of Cat Ba Island in about 15 minutes. Aabout 1 km long,lined with palm trees has also been developed, adding the option of relaxing on a sandy beach to a journey spent gazing at the limestone islands.
In 2023, the Cat Ba Archipelago was added to the Ha Long Bay World Natural Heritage Site. The limestone islands rising from the sea, the forests, and the habitat of the rare Cat Ba langur (a type of primate) are the area's greatest values. Rather than rushing through the new facilities, it's worth leaving time in your itinerary to simply enjoy the views of the bay and forest.
A "world record" sea-crossing ropeway
The Cat Hai–Phu Long line, developed by Sun Group, is a tricable gondola lift stretching 3,955 meters in total. Its pylon, recognized by Guinness World Records, stands 214.8 meters tall. According to the operator, the system has 60 cabins each carrying 30 passengers, with a capacity of 4,500 people per hour. The appeal of this mode of transport is the experience of looking out over the bay during the crossing. Note, however, that the roughly 15 minutes refers to the crossing time over the water; after disembarking, you will need to travel onward by car or other means to reach the center of Cat Ba Island, so it does not mean you will arrive at your accommodation in 15 minutes. If you plan to use the gondola on the return trip as well, check both the intra-island transport options and the time of the last departure.
Enjoy island time at the new palm-lined beach
Within the Xanh Island development zone being built by Sun Group, a new beach called "Các Bà," approximately 1 km long, has been created. The palm-fringed sandy shore offers a very different scene from a bay cruise among rocky peaks. Even if you don't plan to swim, you may find yourself wanting to take a breather by the sea. The operator also offers electric vehicles connecting Phu Long station to the development zone, as well as buggies within the zone. This does not mean the entire island has switched to electric transport only; it's best to look up the stops and schedules for the sections you want to use and plan accordingly.
Enjoyable at night too — night market and shows
Evening options include the "VUI-Fest" night market and "Sun Bavaria Cat Ba," where you can enjoy craft beer and food. A water show combining jet skis and fireworks, "Symphony of the Green Island," has also been introduced as one of the island's new tourism offerings. Rather than rushing back on a day trip, staying overnight on the island lets you take your time planning dinner through to a nighttime stroll. If the show is a highlight of your trip, don't assume it runs every night—check in advance whether there is a performance on the night you'll be staying.
Cat Ba Island highlights at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Off Hai Phong. The Cat Ba Archipelago forms part of the Ha Long Bay World Natural Heritage Site |
| Ropeway | Approx. 15 minutes between Cat Hai and Phu Long. Tricable system; 214.8 m pylon holds Guinness record |
| New beach | Palm-lined, about 1 km long |
| Nature | Limestone islands and forests, rare Cat Ba langurs |
| Nighttime enjoyment | VUI-Fest, Sun Bavaria Cat Ba, water show (confirm performance dates) |
Summary: an evolving island to tour together with Ha Long Bay
Cat Ba Island suits travelers who want to combine the bay's natural scenery with a seaside stay in a single trip. Cross the water by gondola, make your way into the island, and enjoy the beach and an evening stroll. Rather than cramming in every attraction, choosing a mix of time spent taking in the nature and time spent simply resting is likely to give you the most quintessentially Cat Ba kind of day.
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