Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong

A must visit destination if coming to the north region Situated a few hours from the capital, Cat Ba Island is an amazing place with a number of activities to do and sightseeing including a ever-green national park ( NP ) having very good views and treks, an amazing promenade giving the city view, a few beaches, i.a. The most popular ( and the cheapest and feasible ) way to reach here is by a bus ( and then a boat, and then again by a bus ) which comes as a whole package, which run regularly from Hanoi. However, I took a way which can be called a long-cut but it allowed me to explore both the cities more and get a experience of the Vietnamese trains. It took me about 2.5 hrs to reach Haiphong, and then a mile-walk to the ferry station, only to come to know that ferries weren't working on that day. However, taking a ferry means more requirement of transfers and extra walk, as they won't go as close the boats go and take long time. Boat transfers by private agencies are about three per day, and it took me around 12.00 pm to reach the Cat Ba town. Ideally two to three days are recommend to explore here, one whole day for Cat Ba national park and the two caves, one day for the rock climbing and other sea activities, the beaches and local village sightseeing, and one for Lan Ha Bay tour. I did former and latter including a visit to just 1 beach. The slopes are sharp at most of the places in the city centre although the main road is wide and good to ride on. A night walk along the long promenade is recommended, and it allows one to immerse in fresh air and take a good view of the city. The island has something for all the budgets including good hostels and hotels from as low as c $5 and c $12 respectively, and from street food to decent to fancy restaurants and bars all along the main road. Public transport is very limited, however getting a bicycle or motorbike on rent is easy and at very good rates. The plush hotels are situated a bit away from the city centre and have private beaches. Overall, its a refreshing and affordable destination.

If you're planning for retirement,please reconsider to this island everything was affordable inclusive of property. People are friendly quiet environment,beaches and mountain surrounding this wonderfull paradise.