Cat Ba Island

 

View looking out from Trung Trang cave on Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island, the largest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to Cat Ba National Park where there are diverse ecosystems including tropical rainforests, mangroves, and coral reefs. It is a critical habitat for the golden-headed langur (which we unfortunately did not see).

Much to everyone's collective relief, our excursion to the Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island was a go! Our tender boat efficiently ferried us to the island, where a waiting bus whisked us away to the cave entrance. In all honesty, the cave itself was a bit of a letdown. Having explored more spectacular underground formations in my time, navigating through this one in a single file like dutiful ants, coupled with the cave's less-than-pristine condition, wasn't particularly inspiring. On the practical side, access requires 150 steps up at the beginning and 60 steps down at the end. Certain sections of the cave are low, narrow or both!

We returned to the main boat by 9:00am, just enough time for a quick shower, some last-minute packing, and a speedy "brunch" before disembarking at 10:45am. Our bus was waiting for us back at the port, ready to transfer us directly to Hanoi Airport for our Vietnam airlines flight to Da Nang. The flight itself was blessedly uneventful, always a relief. We departed close to time and arrived close to time. Upon arrival, we were swiftly whisked away for a quick dinner before continuing our journey by road to Hoi An.

Our hotel for the night was the Allegro Hoi An, a relatively new property that instantly impressed with its beautiful design and welcoming ambiance. By this point, exhaustion had well and truly set in for the entire group. I'll post more photos tomorrow when I've had a chance to recharge and truly appreciate this charming spot!

 

Noodle station at breakfast

Omelette station

Breakfast buffet

All the boats parked. This was low season, I shudder to think what high season would look like

The tenders of the various boats took turns to unload their passengers

A bus was waiting for us. 

Entrance to Trung Trang Cave

We filed in a single line on this path

Cooling down at a lounge at Ha Noi airport. Thank you priority pass

The central well of Allegro Hoi An

My very spacious and luxurious room

Like a second wedding

welcome cake!

Love the big and new bathrooms!