Cat Ba is the perfect mix of luxury and adventure. This is a tiny snapshot of Cat Ba Island, featuring a tour of Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam. Reviews are based on my September 2024 travels, as you’ll see from some of the images they were recovering from the impacts of a recent typhoon.
TRANSPORT
Cat Ba is usually Accessible by Cable Car, but in the wake of the typhoon this was not an option for us. From Hai Phong we caught a taxi, which eventually boarded a ferry and then took us to the hotel. This is not particularly luxurious, and there is traffic, but it’s a great way to see some of the local businesses, homes and surrounds that you won’t experience from a resort.
On our way off the island we took a shuttle organised by the hotel, which drove us to a small boat which we boarded on foot, and sailed back to Hai Phong.
HôTEL PERLE D'ORIENT
This is without a doubt the most beautiful hotel I have ever stayed in. Literally perched on cliffs by a local beach, the tall, French style architecture sits beautifully within Vietnam’s stunning coast line.
While Google currently lists the hotel as permanently closed, and we almost canceled due to confusion around this, as of early 2025 it thankfully remains open.
The rooftop pool features beautiful views of the surrounding sea, boats and mountains. The cocktails aren’t the most exceptional you’ll ever try, but the surrounds more than make up for that. Beyond the pool and bar are massage salons, saunas and spas. We had the most incredible couples foot treatment and full body massage.
As you enter the hotel lobby, an immaculate floor to ceiling vintage style bar awaits. Beyond which is the international restaurant where we enjoyed the likes of Jellyfish salad, cucumber cocktails and good Whiskey.
This location is also where the buffet breakfast is served. Pick a nook in this expansive and beautifully designed area and fill up our plate with crepes, noodles, fresh fruit, yoghurt, pastries, eggs and virtually anything you can imagine, all cooked to perfection. The hotel offers cooking classes too, but I wasn’t there long enough to try them.
The room we stayed in was beautifully designed and maintained, perfectly cool in temperature, and ideally positioned to overlook the beach. Pictures don’t do it justice, even in the gloomy weather it was paradise.
SERENITY PREMIUM DAY CRUISE
You know those days you look back on in your life and think ‘that was one of the best’ – this was one of those days.
Because our hotel wasn’t accessible by bus, we were picked up from the lobby on motorbikes and whisked away to a bus that transported us to the port. The tour guide ‘Happy’ and staff make the day a great experience. The three level boat only had around ten guests during our September visit, so at any point in the day there was a deck with lounge chairs, a cool breeze and beautiful views all to ourselves.
Lunch is a great chance to catch up with other guests from around the world and enjoy really fresh seafood, fruits and local dishes. There’s also tea and fruit in the afternoon, and a bar open all day.
The boat slowly cruises by a floating village that’s been in existence for more than 400 years. Their swift recovery from the recent typhoon is testament to their resilience. Although we only passed by, it was incredible to get a glimpse into a different way of life.
Next we kayaked through caves, and sited rare monkeys. According to the websites, during low season the tide is normally too high to be able to kayak into the caves, so I guess we were just lucky with the weather. The caves were a huge highlight, but I’d say the cruise is still worthwhile even if the weather doesn’t permit you to do all the activities.
While the boat idles, those brave enough can jump right off the top of the boat. But you can also ease into the water from the lowest deck if you’re less game or less mobile. From there you can swim and visit tiny isolated beaches, or get back in the kayak. The water temperature is refreshing and, even after a typhoon, it was very clean.
The day wraps up late afternoon, so we were back at the hotel in time for a rooftop sunset. It’s really the perfect amount of time to enjoy a day out.
CAT CO 3 BEACH
An early walk across the beach and surrounding cliffs didn’t feature a visible sunrise (but you would get a brilliant sunset on an afternoon walk), nonetheless it was beautiful. Being in the aftermath of a Typhoon, back from the beach the natural surrounds were in a bit of mess, but walkways were clear and the atmosphere was tranquil.
On a stroll you’ll occasionally pass locals getting some exercise, experience the fresh air and ocean views. It feels very safe. On the small beach itself there are deck chairs to relax on.
