Travel Guide
Paradise Island In Asia Has Cheap Hotels & Authentic Culture
Mar
With the likes of Bali, Phuket and Koh Samui all being dominated by foreigners, and Bali in particular crumbling under the weight of overtourism and digital nomads, it’s only natural that travelers who seek authenticity instead of Instagram photo ops have had their fill.
After all, you’re not flying all the way to Southeast Asia to pay exorbitant rates for a seaside villa, nor do you find the same crowds of obnoxious Westerners you’re eager to escape from yourself.
Luckily, there is a Garden of Eden lying just off the Vietnamese mainland that has yet to be touched by the masses and where you can still experience some of that undeniable oriental flair.
This Is One Of The Fastest-Rising Destinations In Asia
Before you try to play smart, no, this is not yet another article on an increasingly popular Phu Quoc: according to new Agoda research, one of the most searched destinations in Vietnam right now is a secretive Cát Bà.
Cát Bà is one of those rare island getaways in the island that haven’t yet folded to big developers.
With a population of around 18,934 permanent residents, it is located within Lan Ha Bay, the lesser-known yet equally beautiful biosphere reserve neighboring the world-famous Ha Long Bay.
And as those who have been to Ha Long Bay before will know, this means you should expect monumental limestone karsts rising out of emerald waters, jungle-clad peaks home to diverse wildlife, and unspoiled beaches that barely see any littering.
As Vietnam News has reported, Cát Bà is ‘gradually’ rising as a destination, attracting tourists from far and away not due to its luxurious hotels but mainly its ‘raw’ beauty.
So This Is Why Tourists Can’t Get Enough Of Cát Bà
This year alone, the island hosted over 280,000 tourists, with an overwhelming 64% of those (or roughly 180,000) hailing from abroad.
Numerous reviewers on TripAdvisor have praised Cát Bà for its laid-back atmosphere, peaceful environment, friendliness of locals, and overall sense of exclusivity.
Located within short driving distance of Cát Bà Town, the main settlement, the string of Cát Cò beaches, numbered 1 to 3, are becoming highly sought-after for their pristine white sands, turquoise seas, and breathtaking ocean views.
They’re connected via a scenic coastal path, backed by some verdant nature, and the further you walk, the quieter it gets, passing by a well-frequented Cát Cò 1, a tranquil Cát Cò 2, and finally, a truly wild Cát Cò 3, hugged by tall waves.
The whole of the island is also a protected natural preserve, forming the Cát Bà National Park, where delineated trails lead to stunning viewpoints, boasting vistas of the coast, as well as the karst-dotted bay in the distance.
On that note, one of the best views on the island is up Cannon Fort, a French colonial fortification perched on a prominent hill.
You heard it here first.
Authentic Native Culture Like You Haven’t Experienced Before
Natural wonders aside, Cát Bà is criminally underrated for its culture: a tight-knit island community, family ties here run deep, and visiting will feel more like being welcomed into someone’s home, with genuine smiles and hearty food.
Found at the end of a cycling path leading from the small capital, Viet Hai is a sleepy village preserving the Vietnamese way of life without the excesses of the modern world.
Though you might have some issues communicating with locals, as their English-speaking skills are often non-existent, rest assured, you’ll feel their hospitality.
One of the island’s many ‘floating’ villages, Cai Beo, is one of the oldest settlements of its kind in Vietnam, where humble wooden dwellings are built directly over the water.
Cát Bà Town itself shouldn’t be overlooked, with its affordable, family-run eateries serving $1 pho soup and other Vietnamese delicacies, and a plethora of tourist-friendly venues:
For fresh seafood and the best sea bass you’ll probably have in your life, make sure you pop by The Three M.
How Actually Affordable Is This Island?
Speaking of affordability, you may be wondering how actually cheap this island is to visit, considering how remote it is, tucked away in the clear, calm waters of Lan Ha Bay, and only accessible by boat from the Northern Vietnamese mainland.
To our surprise, despite its paradisaical appeal, it is just as cheap, if not cheaper, than other tropical hotspots in Southeast Asia.
Overnight at the top-rated Cat Ba Papillon Garden Bungalows & Resort, right on the waterfront, will set you back by a mere $25 per night this April for 2 adults (so in reality, you’ll be paying $12.50 each).
Prices are even lower than usual this season, as a room in this landmark property would usually cost you $51 per person.
The average nightly rate seems to be between $15 and $20: over at the Phoenix Flower Hotel, a deluxe double room with a side sea view costs $22, while the modest-but-comfy Secret Garden Cat Ba has listings from an even-cheaper $17
In other words, it’s a steal of a deal!
Before you go, make sure to check the entry requirements for U.S. citizens traveling to Vietnam, and plan your trip in advance.
Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
