Vietnam’s Cat Ba Island has received high praise from the authoritative National Geographic Traveller, which featured the destination as an “ideal playground” for adventure seekers. This includes enthusiasts of rock climbing, cave exploration, and conquering the majestic limestone cliffs that dramatically overlook the sea.
In its recent publication, the renowned US travel magazine included Cat Ba (Vietnam) on an exclusive list of the eight most wonderful islands to explore across Southeast Asia. It strongly recommended Cat Ba as a premier destination for genuine adventure expeditions.
“From the rich, multicultural cuisine of Penang (Malaysia) to the raw, untamed beauty of the majestic limestone cliffs of Cat Ba (Vietnam), the islands scattered across this region still hold a vast and thrilling abundance of discoveries waiting to be uncovered,” the influential magazine stated.
The Cat Ba archipelago is a natural wonder, encompassing 367 islands and islets situated south of the globally famous Ha Long Bay. Covering over 260 square kilometers, Cat Ba Island itself is the main hub, attracting tourists with its signature scenery: towering limestone mountains rising from the sea and tranquil, deep emerald-green waters.
While many visitors treat the island as a brief, one-day stopover, those who crave adventure and immersion in nature often choose to fully immerse themselves, extending their stays significantly to explore the island’s rugged offerings.
As highlighted by National Geographic, the colossal limestone rock faces and mountains that define Cat Ba’s coastline are widely regarded as the ultimate “ideal playground” for rock climbing enthusiasts. A particular hotspot is the picturesque Butterfly Valley. This area features an intricate system of sea caves and vertical rock faces that extend directly over the water. It is globally famous for the thrilling activity of deep-water soloing (DWS), involving free climbing over water without a safety rope.
For tourists seeking a safer, yet equally rewarding experience with spectacular views, alternative activities are abundant. Visitors can challenge themselves by hiking to the summit of Ngu Lam Peak within the protected confines of Cat Ba National Park. Alternatively, tourists can embark on a guided kayaking journey at night, where the sea is often transformed by the magical, ethereal spectacle of bioluminescent plankton, creating a truly unforgettable nocturnal marine experience.
Cat Ba’s undeniable appeal is rapidly transcending adventure travel and entering the mainstream global tourism scene. Concrete evidence from major booking platforms like Agoda confirms that Cat Ba is consistently ranked among the top destinations in Vietnam most eagerly searched for by foreign tourists.
Furthermore, on Tripadvisor, the destination garners high-volume, exceptionally positive feedback from international visitors. Tourists often reserve their highest praise for the pristine, undeveloped beauty of Lan Ha Bay, the rich biodiversity carefully preserved within Cat Ba National Park, and the pervasive sense of peace and tranquility the island provides. The island’s profile received a massive global boost in 2020 when the internationally recognized actor Leonardo DiCaprio shared a compelling video of Lan Ha Bay on his Instagram account, accompanying it with a descriptive caption that poetically likened the stunning natural scene to a genuine “paradise.”
Complementing the focus on Cat Ba, National Geographic Traveller also highlighted seven other standout island destinations:
- Koh Chang (Thailand): Celebrated for its diverse and beautiful beaches.
- Penang (Malaysia): A certified culinary haven, famous for its fusion of Chinese and Indian food cultures.
- Komodo (Indonesia): The rugged home of the massive giant Komodo dragons.
- Panay (Philippines): The cultural birthplace of the vibrant Ati-Atihan festival.
- Isla Verde (Philippines): A dedicated diving sanctuary, recognized as the center of the world’s highest marine biodiversity.
- Java (Indonesia): A sacred and historical island, home to immense Buddhist and Hindu architectural legacies like Borobudur and Prambanan.
- Don Khong (Laos): A unique “inland island” on the Mekong River, perfectly suited for leisurely, tranquil bicycle tours.
The US magazine concludes its guide by advising that the absolute best time for exploring these diverse Southeast Asian islands is during the dry season (December through April). Resourceful travelers can visit during the less crowded wet season (May through October) to secure highly preferential deals on flights and hotel accommodations.
(According to National Geographic)
