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- Destinations
- Asia
- Vietnam
- Hanoi
- Cat Ba island
Cat Ba island
For most, a trip in Halong Bay means at least a night on Cat Ba
Island. Many enlist for a package tour of one night on the island
and one on a boat, but Cat Ba is worth extra time to discover. This
54 sq mile (140 sq km) island houses equally impressive beach
relaxation and hardcore outdoor activities including kayaking,
trekking, and world class rock climbing. For those wishing to
relax, three beaches, within walking distance of town, are spacious
and each are protected inlets with views of Halong islands. Beaches
one and three are the most secluded and their short walk along
cliff lines provide beautiful views. For those looking for
something more rugged, the many limestone cliffs dotting the island
make dream rock climbing. Hotels located on the town's main strip
offer guides and gear. Various treks range in length but most are
fairly steep and a give bird's-eye-view of the island's national
park which is also home to the rare Cat Ba Langur. All hotels can
arrange excellent boat tours of the surrounding islands which
include visits to deep caves with stalagmites and stalactites,
secluded swimming holes, floating fish farms and kayaking. The tour
is the same no-matter whom it's booked through so the cheaper the
better. For relaxers or adventurers alike the day must end at the
bay's floating restaurant for the best seafood in Vietnam.
Information & Facts
Language
The official language in Vietnam is Vietnamese. Some
Chinese, English and French are spoken. Tour guides can also speak
Russian and Japanese. Numerous ethnic languages are also spoken in
parts.
Money
The official currency is the Dông (VND). There are no smaller
denominations. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de
change, hotels and on the black market. Visa, MasterCard and
American Express are becoming more widely acceptable, particularly
in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but it is best not to rely on them
elsewhere. It is recommended that visitors bring travellers cheques
in US Dollars, which can be cashed at major banks in the main
cities and tourist areas. US currency acts as unofficial tender and
is useful as a back-up when banks won't cash travellers cheques
outside the main cities, but notes must be relatively new and
unmarked. Dông can be withdrawn from ATMs, which are becoming more
widespread.
Time
Local time in Vietnam is GMT +7.