Cat Ba Island in the Morning

Cat Ba Island in the Morning: The tranquility I, Mr.Hotsia, never want to leave

This time, I, Mr.Hotsia, had the opportunity to visitCat Ba Islandwhich is the largest island in Halong Bay, Quảng Ninh Province, Vietnam. I stayed on this island for 4 nights because the atmosphere and scenery here are too special to rush to other places. In the morning, I had a room on the 6th floor overlooking the vast sea and the mountains surrounding the island beautifully. The morning sunlight streamed through the window, making me feel like I was inside a living painting.

My morning routine here is simple. It starts with a walk to Cat Ba Beach, which is not far from my accommodation. I enjoy strolling while feeling the sea breeze and the fresh scent of the ocean. Then I stop by a beachfront restaurant to order hot fried rice with strong Vietnamese coffee or sometimes a big bowl of pho with a mild flavor. I eat while enjoying the atmosphere and watching locals and Vietnamese tourists walking along the beach in the morning. This kind of atmosphere, I, Mr.Hotsia, must say if it weren’t for work, I could stay here for months. Plus, if the accommodation isn’t too expensive, it’s even more delightful.

Cat Ba Fresh Market: The vibrant life and fresh seafood

Another charm of the morning on Cat Ba Island isCat Ba Fresh Marketwhich is lively and colorful. This market is a hub for fresh seafood just caught from the sea in the morning. I walked around admiring fresh fish, shrimp, crabs, and squid beautifully displayed. Especially the fried squid sold in front of the market, its fragrant aroma is mouthwatering. I, Mr.Hotsia, didn’t miss buying some as a snack along the way.

Cat Ba Market is not just an ordinary seafood market but a center of islanders’ and fishermen’s lifestyles who still strongly preserve their traditional ways. I enjoy observing how the locals live simply but warmly. The fresh seafood from Halong Bay is the heart of delicious meals on the island.

Lifestyle and travel connected with Halong and Quảng Ninh

Cat Ba Island is part of Quảng Ninh Province, which has Halong City as an important tourism hub of Vietnam.Quảng Ninhfamous for the beautiful Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are hundreds of small islands scattered in the sea, and the photos I, Mr.Hotsia, took show these small islands nestled in the emerald green sea impressively.

For traveling to Cat Ba Island, I chose to take a bus from Hanoi to Halong and stayed overnight there because Halong is the main connection point. Then in the morning, I hired a taxi to the ferry pier to cross to Cat Ba Island. This way of traveling allowed me to fully experience the atmosphere and culture of both cities.

Recommended activities and tours for visitors

Besides relaxing and walking along the beach, Cat Ba Island offers many interesting tours, especially a one-day tour that takes you to see the beauty of Halong Bay from morning to evening. It includes lunch on the boat, kayaking, snorkeling, cave visits, and a stop at Monkey Island, which I, Mr.Hotsia, have tried and was very impressed with. If you like convenience and want to experience all aspects of Halong Bay, this tour is very worthwhile.Halong Bay TourThis place may differ from home in terms of snorkeling, but the beauty of the islands and the surrounding sea is truly unmissable.

Taste fresh seafood on Cat Ba Island

A trip to Cat Ba Island is incomplete without tasting fresh seafood from Halong Bay. I, Mr.Hotsia, had the chance to try many seafood dishes at small beachfront restaurants, including grilled squid, baked crab, and grilled shrimp. The taste was fresh and sweet with a clear sea aroma. The freshness of the ingredients and the careful preparation made each dish unforgettable.

If you love seafood, I recommend readingHalong City Seafoodwhich I have written about to give a deeper understanding of the seafood and fishing lifestyle in this area.

Recommended clips: Vietnamese Grilled Button Squid and authentic Vietnamese food

For those who want to see authentic Vietnamese food fresh and live, I, Mr.Hotsia, recommend the clipVietnamese Grilled Button Squidwhich captures the fun atmosphere of eating seafood, or you can watchVietnamese Chicken BiryaniandVietnamese Nem Fangfull of bold flavors and the essence of authentic Vietnamese hometown cuisine.

Summary

Cat Ba Island in the morning is the tranquility I, Mr.Hotsia, truly connect with. It’s not just the beautiful sea and mountain views but also the local lifestyle, the lively fresh market, and the fresh seafood, as well as the connection with Halong City and Quảng Ninh Province that gives this island its unique character. If you experience it yourself, I believe you will fall in love with Cat Ba Island just like I did.