The name Cat Ba means ‘Women’s Island’. Legend says that many centuries ago, three women from the Tran Dynasty, were killed, and, their bodies flowed all the way to Cat Ba Island. They were found by local fishermen. The residents of Cat Ba built three temples for the three women. The island soon became known as Cat Ba.
The biggest island of the Cat Ba Archipelago, Cat Ba is located off the coast of Northern Vietnam. The Island is known for its beautiful natural scenery, including lush forests, magnificent caves, and pristine beaches. It is a popular destination for adventure tourism. Visitors can go kayaking, hiking, swimming, or even rock climbing.
Cat Ba was inhabited by Viet-Chinese fishermen and was largely influenced by the French and American Wars. During these wars, the island became a strategic look-out point. The heavy bombing forced local residents to hide in the island’s many caves. Today, the island is a tourist attraction. Two prime examples are Hospital Cave and Cannon Fort.
Hospital Cave was a secret, bomb-proof hospital during the American War. The three-storey feat of engineering was in use until 1975. Hospital Cave is close to Cat Ba Town, about 10km north. Cannon Fort sits high up on a peak at 177 meters. It offers visitors a chance to see old bunkers and a helicopter landing station.
Cat Ba is slowly gaining popularity as an alternative to the crowded Ha Long Bay Town. It has become a major travel destination for foreign and Vietnamese visitors alike.
Đình Chùa Tiêu Dao
Have you ever wondered what serenity truly feels like? Find it here at Đính Chùa Tiểu Dao in Ha Long.