Monkey Island is considered the shining gem of Cat Ba, preserving its pristine beauty and showcasing magnificent natural landscapes. It is home to intelligent monkeys, adding an element of novelty and charm to this tourist destination. For travel enthusiasts seeking a harmonious blend of nature and exciting experiences, Monkey Island is an unmissable destination. However, with limited transportation options and few tour operators exploring this gem, here are some essential tips for a safe exploration.
ABOUT MONKEY ISLAND CAT BA
Monkey Island in Cat Ba is a small island located in Lan Ha Bay, approximately 2km southeast of Cat Ba’s central area, accessible by an aerial route. True to its name, “Monkey Island” is the natural habitat of around 20 monkeys, released into the wild by local authorities.
Monkey Island, Cat Ba, has a circumference of about 3km, characterized by mountainous terrain and an extensive sandy beach. The island features two crescent-shaped beaches known as Cat Dua Beach 1 and Cat Dua Beach 2. These two stunning beaches, adorned with smooth white sand and deep blue waters stretching to the horizon, are an ideal choice for many beachgoers.
HOW TO GET TO MONKEY ISLAND CAT BA
Independent Travel
After arriving at the center of Cat Ba town, you can take a taxi to Cai Beo Pier and purchase a ticket to visit Lan Ha Bay for 80,000 VND per person. Following this, you’ll board a small boat operated by local fishermen from the fishing village to reach Monkey Island.
This mode of transportation is somewhat intricate as there are no guided instructions. It can be challenging as this location is not extensively developed, and there might be a lack of guidance.
If you don’t have your own means of transportation to Cat Ba, you can consider the following options:
Booking Monkey Island Discovery Tour in Cat Ba
Currently, there are very few tour operators taking tourists to Monkey Island to minimize the impact on the environment and protect the habitat of the monkeys. Daiichi Boutique Cruise offers 2 days 1 night and 3 days 2 nights overnight cruises that include a visit to Monkey Island.
Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to play and interact with intelligent monkeys, observing their unique behaviors. It’s important to be cautious as these monkeys can be quite curious and might attempt to snatch belongings.
Don’t forget to follow the trail to climb up the “Cat’s Ear” rock, where you can admire the panoramic view of Lan Ha Bay. The small islands dotting the azure waters create a vivid and stunning landscape.
Currently, entertainment activities on Monkey Island are still limited. Nevertheless, guests can also experience various other activities during Daiichi Boutique Cruise’s overnight cruise program:
| Kayaking | Cycling in Viet Hai Village |
| Swimming in the Bay | Visiting Fishing Rafts |
| Squid Fishing | Cooking Class |
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AROUND MONKEY ISLAND
Cat Dua Beach 1
This is the main and most beautiful beach on Monkey Island, where the scenery remains pristine with minimal human impact. The azure sea, long stretches of white, velvety sand invite visitors to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere. After a dip in the sea, visitors can sunbathe and savor a cocktail at a nearby restaurant. Despite the simple facilities, there are options to rent life jackets and kayaks for your enjoyment.
Cat Dua Beach 2
Although shorter than Cat Dua 1, Cat Dua Beach 2 boasts an equally stunning landscape, attracting visitors for a relaxing beach experience. Nestled to the right and concealed behind a tiger-shaped mountainous ridge, this beach features a vast garden spanning hundreds of square meters, cultivating various trees such as phoenix trees, white apples, and wild pineapples, creating a cool and lush environment. The serene atmosphere here is sure to provide you with a memorable experience
VIET HAI VILLAGE
Viet Hai Ancient Village is a charming ancient village nestled in the heart of the bay. Surrounded by Lan Ha Bay on one side and the Cat Ba National Forest on the other, this truly is a picturesque and tranquil land.
Here, you will feel as if you have stepped into a peaceful world, where relaxation takes the form of cycling through the village, exploring traditional caves, and observing ancient houses. It’s an opportunity to gain insight into the traditional lifestyle of the local community. A not-to-be-missed experience is the “fish massage” for your feet. The journey to explore Viet Hai Village is guaranteed to leave you enchanted and delighted.
NOTES FOR VISITING MONKEY ISLAND CAT BA
- Wear a hat, long sleeves, and apply sufficient sunscreen as there is limited shade in this area.
- Be cautious with personal items such as cameras, phones, and bags as mischievous monkeys may attempt to snatch them.
- If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare medication in advance, as the majority of the time will be spent moving on the bay.
- Avoid standing too close and teasing monkey groups, as they may react aggressively towards you.
