The Cat Co beaches are a complex of three small, beautiful coves—Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, and Cat Co 3—located just a short distance from the center of Cat Ba Town on Cat Ba Island. They are the most accessible and well-known beaches on the island, famous for their golden sand, clear water, and dramatic limestone cliff backdrops.
General Overview and The Three Beaches
The three beaches are easily recognizable and are interconnected by a picturesque wooden boardwalk built along the side of the cliffs, making it easy and enjoyable to walk between them.
Cat Co 1 (The Lively Hub):
Vibe: The largest, most spacious, and most vibrant of the three. It is often busy with local and international tourists.
Best For: Families, groups, and anyone looking for a lively atmosphere, readily available amenities, and social interaction.
Amenities: Features the most comprehensive facilities, including restaurants, bars, sunbed rentals, changing rooms, and water sports activities.
Cat Co 2 (The Tranquil Retreat):
Vibe: The smallest and quietest cove, offering a more serene and secluded atmosphere.
Best For: Couples, solo travelers, and those seeking peaceful sunbathing, reading, or simply listening to the waves.
Amenities: Facilities are more limited than Cat Co 1, offering basic sunbeds and a quiet café.
Cat Co 3 (The Modern Spot):
Vibe: Often considered the most modern and developed, as it is adjacent to a major resort complex.
Best For: Visitors who prefer professional services, resort facilities, and a mix of relaxation and water-based activities like jet-skiing and canoeing (which are more common here due to slightly stronger waves).
Culture and Nearby Attractions
Historical Connection: The area is close to the Cannon Fort (Pháo đài Thần công), a historical military vantage point situated above sea level. This fort offers the best panoramic views of Cat Ba Town, the Cat Co beaches, and the stunning Lan Ha Bay.
Best Time to Visit: The peak season is summer, from April to October, when the weather is ideal for swimming. Note that the beaches can get very crowded during this time, especially on weekends and public holidays.
Safety Note: Visitors are strongly advised to avoid swimming after due to high tides and strong currents that can become dangerous after sunset.
Practical Visitor Information
Location: Just a few hundred meters southeast of Cat Ba Town center.
How to Get There: Easily accessible by foot (a to -minute walk depending on the specific beach), by electric car (taxi), or motorbike taxi from Cat Ba Town.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Admission Fee | Generally Free for entrance to the beaches themselves. |
| Sunbed Rental Cost | Approx. 50,000 VND to 80,000 VND (approx. $2 - $3.50 \text{ USD}$) per day. |
| Opening Hours | Open all day, but swimming is restricted after 6:00 PM. |
| Cannon Fort Fee | Approx. 50,000 VND (approx. $2.20 \text{ USD}$) per person. |
| Contact/Phone | There is no single public tourism number. Inquire at your hotel for local services or contact the Cat Ba Tourist Information Center. |
