Vung Vieng Village - all beaches

While the view is impressive, I can't say the same for the island as a whole. The hike is quite difficult, so it's important to bring enough water. Unfortunately, the beach is both crowded and unclean. The island is a prime example of how over-tourism can negatively impact a location. Despite these drawbacks, the island is undeniably beautiful.

The beach surroundings are quite dirty with trash scattered all over the place. Personally, I would never consider swimming here. However, it can be enjoyable for a morning or evening stroll. The presence of the large hotel somewhat spoils the view.

We had planned to spend a few days on Cat Ba to take in the stunning beaches we had seen on Google and in our Lonely Planet guide. Unfortunately, when we arrived, we were greatly disappointed to find the beaches had been taken over by the large hotels. The beaches are now privately owned by the hotels, so if you're looking for a tranquil spot, this isn't the place for you.

The trip was amazing, but I should mention that the hike to the summit is quite risky. I wouldn't advise doing it in sandals, and it's essential to be physically fit beforehand since it's more or less like rock climbing. The monkeys were entertaining and playful, but it's important to be cautious as they can become aggressive.

This beach is a great spot to visit - it's clean and well-maintained. While entry is free, it seems that renting a beach chair will set you back around 80,000 dong. The swimming area is clearly marked with buoys, making it a safe place to take a dip. During peak season, it's likely that vendors will be selling snacks and refreshments.

We arrived around 1 pm and were pleasantly surprised to find the entire beach to ourselves! It's a lovely, well-maintained beach with great amenities.