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Cat Ba Island, located 145 km east of Hanoi, is the main island in Northern Vietnam and the second-largest island in the country, after Phu Quoc. Cat Ba Island – This beautiful destination has it all, from stunning landscapes and beaches to exciting outdoor activities. Discover the best experiences Cat Ba below.

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1. Hiking Cat Ba National Park

Hiking in Cat Ba National Park is a favored activity among the top things to do in Cat Ba for adventurous souls. The trails here wind through diverse ecosystems teeming with wildlife. Whether you prefer exploring caves or ascending peaks, Cat Ba National Park offers a rich tapestry of natural wonders for visitors to behold.

2. Lan Ha Bay

Once belonging to Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay was named an independent Archipelago in an effort to maintain the natural biodiversity.

It is quite a surreal experience to cruise amongst the ageless cliffs and let your eyes explore the picturesque horizon.

Traveling as a group, including children and seniors, is best done by booking a bay tour, which typically includes swimming. However, this option is significantly more expensive, costing around 1.1-1.3 million VND.

3. Soak in Viet Hai village

The largest floating village in Vietnam (Cai Beo) can be accessed via the Cai Beo port.

The floating houseboats and inviting smiles of local villagers will be an everlasting memento.

The local might invite you to visit their houses or mingle with you to experience the unique way of life here.

You should visit the mountain village of Viet Hai and do your very own walking tour around.

Here you will learn about the local lifestyle and the surroundings, bringing more meaning and appreciation to what you experience in Cat Ba.

There are three ways to enter the village: Doing a kayak, using a boat, or trekking throughout the Cat Ba National Park.

4. Go swimming

On a scorching summer day, one of the most exciting things to do in Cat Ba is diving into the clear, blue waters of Cat Ba Beach. While the popular Cat Co beaches can get crowded, there are secret spots for a more peaceful swim. Tourists can hire boats to move to Monkey Island or Tung Thu Beach to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and gentle waves. For the adventurous, the wild beaches at Lan Ha Bay offer a chance to connect with nature. Whether it is tranquility or excitement you seek, being immersed in the sea here will definitely be one of the most unforgettable experiences in your Cat Ba trip.

5. Observe langurs’ life in Monkey Island, Cat Ba

Monkey Island, once known as Cat Dua Cat Ba Island for its wild pineapples, offers a chance to observe langurs in their natural habitat. With unspoiled beauty and over 20 friendly monkeys, it is rightly called Monkey Island. Here, you can play, feed, and watch these intelligent creatures perform tricks. It is a unique and enchanting experience that brings you close to nature and the island’s inhabitants.

6. Try night squid fishing 

Trying squid fishing at night in Cat Ba adds an interesting twist to your entertainment options, though it can be a bit pricey at around 500,000 VND for a short trip. To give it a shot, you can ask your hotel to set it up or approach the local rafters and boat folks at the town’s main wharf. As the sun sets, the waters come alive, offering a unique chance to enjoy the serene beauty of the nighttime sea and perhaps even catch some squid.

8. Experience Cat Ba rock climbing

Cat Ba Island offers tourists some great spots to experience Cat Ba rock climbing. Among the favorites are Dau Be Island and Ben Beo Mountain Cliff, conveniently located near the town center. For a unique experience with stunning sea views, it is suggested that you check out the cliffs at Ba Trai Dao Island, a bit further down. You can rent climbing gear here, but if you are new, it is smart to have a certified guide. They will make sure that you are safe and have a good time.

7. Watch the sunset at Cannon Fort

One of the most popular things to do in Cat Ba is watching the sunset from Cannon Fort. Situated on a strategic hill, it offers a stunning 360-degree panorama, especially during sunrise and sunset. The hill’s historical importance adds depth to the experience. You can reach the fort by motorbike, car, or a short walk. The fort is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, with an entry fee of 40,000 VND per person.

9. Explore mystic caves in Cat Ba Island

Another activity that attracts numerous tourists is discovering the mysteries of Cat Ba Island’s enchanting caves. Two remarkable ones, Hospital Cave and Trung Trang Cave, have stories to tell. Quan Y Cave was a wartime field hospital built from 1963 to 1965. Inside, you will find a surprising layout with 17 rooms across three floors, including treatment and rehab areas and even a movie room. The bomb-proof door design is a relic from those times.

Trung Trang Cave, in the same direction, stretches about 300 meters through the mountain. You will be in awe stepping into a world of sparkling formations made by dripping water over 6 million years. Plus, there are fascinating stalactites and stalagmites of all shapes. The cave also holds ancient Vietnamese remnants that add to its allure.

10. Enjoy a feast of fresh seafood

When on Cat Ba Island, tourists should not miss out on the seafood feast. There are a bunch of yummy options like geoduck clams, lobster, snapper, and more. You can get them grilled, stir-fried, or steamed at the restaurants, or you can savor these tasty dishes at Cat Ba Market. For a special experience, you can try dining on rafts by the sea. Imagine enjoying seafood while feeling the sea breeze – it is not just a meal, it is a whole island vibe on your plate.

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Dien Bien Phu is a city in northwestern Vietnam, best known for the decisive Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954, which marked the end of French colonial rule in Indochina and led to the Geneva Accords, dividing Vietnam into North and South. Dien Bien Phu is renowned for its historical significance and natural beauty.

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Today, the city is a growing regional hub with improved infrastructure, tourism, and a deeper emphasis on preserving its wartime history.

Here are some top attractions to consider during your visit:

1. Dien Bien Phu Victory Museum

The museum, located on Võ Nguyên Giáp Street in Điện Biên Phủ City, houses thousands of documents and artefacts associated with Việt Nam’s historic victory over French troops in 1954, which “resounded across the five continents and shook the globe”.

The exhibition area is arranged on the first floor of the museum on a space of 1,250sq.m. It houses nearly 1,000 documents, artifacts, photographs and maps, making it a modern exhibition space.

The highlight of the museum is a large panoramic artwork, one of the world’s largest war-themed oil paintings, depicting the Điện Biên Phủ battlefield at different times from late 1953 to May 7, 1954.

The extraordinary circular oil on canvas is 132m long, 20.5m high and 42m in diameter. Featuring 4,500 characters, the artwork depicts the entire army going to battle, the opening combat at Him Lam Hill, the A1 Hill battle, and the final triumph.

It was created by nearly 200 painters, architects, musicians and technicians, starting in November 2019 and completed in May 2022.

2. A1 Hill (Eliane 2)

In the spring of 1954, the Battle of Điện Biên Phủ raged in northwestern Việt Nam as Việt Minh, or the Vietnamese Resistance forces, besieged French troops entrenched in a valley surrounded by mountains.

Among the fiercest fights was the assault on Hill A1 (identified as Strongpoint Eliane 2 by the French), a heavily fortified outpost that General Võ Nguyên Giáp [commander-in-chief of the Vietnam People’s Army] described as “the key” to breaking the French “Hedgehog”.

The 56-day and night siege of Điện Biên Phủ ended in a decisive French defeat leading to the Geneva Accord restoring peace in Indochina. But victory came at a tremendous cost, with the brutal struggle for Hill A1 exemplifying the sacrifice required to prevail against colonial forces.

3. Colonel de Castries’ Bunker

Located on Hill A1 of the Dien Bien Phu stronghold, the De Castries bunker was built with the sturdiest materials of the time capable of withstanding various types of firepower and surrounded by barbed wire. The bunker served as the working and living quarters for General De Castries and his French command staff.

After 56 days and nights of heroic combat, at 17:30 on May 7, 1954, Company 360 of Regiment 209, Division 312 captured the French General De Castries in his bunker.

Today, the bunker is preserved as a national historical site, attracting visitors to learn about the Dien Bien Phu victory.

The De Castries bunker stands as a testament to the resilient spirit and unity of our people and soldiers during the war against French colonialism. It is a must-visit for those who want to explore and understand the nation’s heroic history.

4. Dien Bien Phu Victory Monument

A grandiose monument was installed on D1 Hill in Dien Bien City on the 50th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory (1954-2004), to remind the viewers of this significant historical event. Generations of Vietnamese people will have a chance to enjoy this artistic work while recalling the merits of their forefathers, who, half a century ago, filled more glorious pages in the nation’s history.

The monument is 16.2 m high (the sculpture is 12.6 m and its base, 3.6m). It was re-produced according to the original statue by famous sculptor Nguyen Hai, which has been displayed at the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts and was awarded three national-level prizes. At present, it is the biggest bronze statue in Vietnam.

5. Muong Thanh Bridge

Muong Thanh Bridge, also known as “Prenley” bridge by the French military, is a bridge across the Nam Rom River, built by the French. The bridge is a military project located in the central subdivision of the Dien Bien Phu base group.

Initially, Muong Thanh bridge was built by the French after parachuting to occupy Dien Bien Phu. In the end, the bridge became a means of guiding the way for our soldiers to attack, planting the Decisive Victory flag on the roof of the bunker of defeated General De Cat.This was the biggest victory in the long resistance war against the French colonialists and American interventionists, and also the most famous victory in the history of the Vietnamese people against foreign invaders.

6. Pa Khoang Lake

Located in Muong Phang commune, Dien Bien district, the position of Pa Khoang lake is very convenient, near the road 279, about 20 km from Dien Bien Phu city, linking Dien Bien Phu city with Muong Phang historical and cultural forest where the relics of the Command of Dien Bien Phu compaign remains.

The total area of 2,400 ha, in which 1,320 ha of forest area, 300 ha of farming land, 150 ha of basic construction, and 600 ha of water surface area (the lake contains about 37.2 million m3 of water), the Pa Khoang tourist complex has many favourable conditions for tourist activities such as diverse plants, various topography, mountainous tropical weather, etc.

7. Pha Din Pass

Pha Din Pass has a total length of 32km. It’s located on Highway 6, which is divided between Son La and Dien Bien provinces. The old Lai Chau (now Dien Bien) and Son La also handed down a story about dividing the two provinces by a horse race over Pha Din.

The highest point of the pass is 1648m above sea level. The terrain of the mountain is very dangerous, uneven, one side is steep and one is deep. The contiguous place between the land and sky, according to the language of the Thai people. It’s also the beginning of the journey of dragging high-level artillery with the strength of the Vietnamese soldiers in the campaign that led to the victory of Dien Bien Phu history. 7-5-1954.

Pha Din is also a pass with a great slope from 12% to 19%. The mountain pass is meandering in figure 8. There are many sleeves with high slope and curve radius of less than 15m. Geology here is also very weak in the rainy season often occurs sliding, blooming, slipping and landslides. And it is challenging the adventurous people to get the beauty that is hard to resist on the top of the pass.

These attractions provide a blend of historical depth and natural beauty, ensuring a memorable experience in Dien Bien Phu.

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The Ngo Mon Gate, also known as the Meridian Gate, is closely linked to the Hue Imperial Citadel, and both locals and expatriates believe that studying this ancient citadel offers valuable insights into Hue’s culture and Vietnam’s history. Widely regarded as a masterpiece in many ways, the gate, along with the Truong Tien Bridge, the Flag Tower, and the Thien Mu Pagoda, is considered one of the most iconic landmarks of Hue City. It is also a key part of the Complex of Hue Monuments, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Location: Hue Imperial Citadel Complex, Phu Hau, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue
Opening hours: Everyday from 7:00 to 17:00

I. History of Ngo Mon Gate

1. Construction

Ngo Mon Gate, the primary southern entrance to the Hue Citadel, is considered the symbol of the Imperial Wall and the feudal dynasty. It was constructed during the reign of King Minh Mang, the second emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty.

In 1833, alongside the renovation of the Nguyen Dynasty’s palace, King Minh Mang commissioned the construction of the Ngo Mon Gate, the main southern entrance to the Imperial City. Prior to this, several structures occupied the site, all of which were dismantled to make way for the new gate. During the Gia Long Era, the area featured Nam Khuyet Dai, a viewing platform, atop which stood Can Nguyen Palace, a place for sightseeing. On either side of this platform were two doors: Left Doan Mon and Right Doan Mon.

In 1968, following the Battle of Mau Than in Hue, Ngo Mon Gate was heavily damaged. It wasn’t until 1970 that the gate, along with several other affected structures, was repaired.

2. The name

According to Kinh Dịch, the King always sits facing south to govern the world. As a result, the entire Imperial Citadel was constructed based on the principle of “Toa can huong ton” (Northeast-Southwest) to reflect this alignment. The Imperial Wall has four gates, with Ngo Mon being the largest. The term “Ngo” in the gate’s name refers to the south, the direction it faces. Although some might confuse Ngo Mon with Noon Gate (since “Ngo” can also mean noon in Vietnamese-Chinese), it is more accurately translated as the Meridian Gate.

According to the compass, the south is associated with the “Ngo” direction on the “Ty-Ngo” (north-south) axis. Therefore, the name “Ngo Mon” refers to space and direction, rather than time. (In Vietnamese-Chinese, “Ngo” also means noon.)

Although Ngo Mon Gate was the main entrance, it was rarely used for its symbolic purpose. It was primarily reserved for the King and his entourage when entering or leaving the Citadel, as well as for welcoming important delegates.

3. Function

Functionally, Ngo Mon Gate serves not only as the entrance to the Imperial Wall but also as a ceremonial gateway leading to a key structure within the Citadel – the Ky Pedestal.

The Ngo Mon Gate has borne witness to significant events in Vietnamese history, including the Truyen Lo ceremony, where martyrs who earned the Doctor title were honored, the Ban Soc ceremony, during which the King distributed calendars, and various parades. However, the most momentous event to occur at Ngo Mon Gate was the abdication of King Bao Dai, the final monarch of Vietnam’s feudal dynasty, on August 30, 1945.

4. Meaning and Values

Having endured 180 years of time, nature, climate, and wars, the Ngo Mon Gate remains standing strong to this day, becoming a lasting symbol of Hue.

Dr. Phan Thanh Hai, the former Director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, remarked on the Ngo Mon Gate: “Amidst the shade of trees, flowers, and water, the Ngo Mon Gate in Hue evokes a sense of calm and tranquility. Perhaps this is why the image of this gate has naturally become a symbol of Hue.”

The Ngo Mon Gate embodies the enduring values of the aristocratic society. Transcending political and temporal influences, it has become a symbol of Hue, forever standing as a beautiful representation of the ancient capital.

II. Highlights of Ngo Mon Gate

Ngo Mon Gate, a gate constructed in the southern directions, has long been renowned for its massive scale and unique architecture. Ngo Mon is actually referred to as the location of the gate instead of midday or noon translated from some sources. Understanding its true meaning is of great importance as it serves as a hint about the position of Ngo Mon gate in the overall architecture of Dai Noi.

This is a very convenient location for visitors to appreciate the scenery of Hue Citadel because Ngo Mon Gate is the main gate to the Imperial City in Thua Thien Hue province. As a first-time tourist, I highly recommend you join a guided sightseeing tour of Hue Citadel to have a firm grasp of famous tourist attractions. As regards ones who have already visited here or adventurous tourists, it is worth trying exploring this citadel on their own for new experiences.

1. Architecture

The Ngo Mon Gate is a quintessential example of ancient architecture, representing the spirit of both Mount Ngu Binh and the Perfume River, which are central to the identity of Hue. Despite enduring more than 150 years of war and natural disasters, the gate has withstood the test of time due to its masterful construction techniques and architectural artistry. Its enduring significance and intangible cultural value remain as cherished as ever.

The Ngo Mon Gate is architecturally impressive and sophisticated. In fact, it is often compared to the Ngo Mon Gate at the Beijing Palace due to its resemblance, yet it distinctly showcases traditional Vietnamese architectural styles. Beyond its unique design, the gate also serves as a historical landmark, evoking memories of Vietnam’s long feudal past, as guided by the detailed explanations of its tour guides.

This building is located in a unique terrain. From the Ngu Phung Pavilion, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Hue Citadel. The most striking feature is the Flag Tower, topped with a red flag adorned with a yellow star. This monumental structure is a significant historical landmark. On August 23, 1945, the flag of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was raised here for the first time, symbolizing the end of the monarchy. Further ahead, visitors can cross the Trung Dao Bridge over Thai Dich Lake to reach the Thai Hoa Palace and continue toward the Dai Trieu Nghi courtyard.

Ngo Mon Gate deservedly earns a place in the toplist of the best art works of Nguyen Dynasty in particular and of Vietnamese age-old architecture in general. Despite years of ups and downs, as a witness of many revolutionary historical changes, Ngo Mon Gate still retains unique architectural features of primitive times. It is not only a symbol of the ancient capital but also a representation of engineering construction techniques in the past. Ngo Mon Gate is a harmonious combination of domestic and foreign materials and old hands’ skills, which greatly contributed to a well-established architecture for many centuries. 

2. Structure

As regards its structure, Ngo Mon Gate comprises two main parts: the ground level – Dai and the upper level – Ngu Phung Pavillion. The former resembles a fortress made of brick and stone, whereas the latter has a much more elaborated structure. 

The Dai has a perpendicular U-shaped structure, of which the length and the width are 57.77 metres and 27.06 metres respectively. The ground level constructed of brick and stone, together with durable bars made of brass, is nearly 5 metres high, occupying an area of more than 1,560 square metres. This part serves as a firm foundation as it is very thick with an almost vertical slope, enabling the whole structure to maintain its shape over time. Be that as it may, this ground level still brings a stately feeling to its appreciators. 

The Dai has five entries in total, each of which is exclusive to a particular position in the dynasty. For instance, the central main entrance (Ngo Mon Gate) was, as far as I’m concerned, reserved for the King only, mandarins, soldiers followed by horses and elephants were allowed to use two small U-shape side entries, and the rest including commoners could only use two outermost entrances. The top of all five entrances looks like a big high arch strengthened by brass crossbars. Furthermore, the exterior is copper foil laminates to add an air of aesthetics to the appearance of Ngo Mon Gate.

Above the group level is Ngu Phung Pavilion – Five Phoenix Pavilion consisting of two floors, and the frame structure is entirely made of iron wood with even 100 pillars. The name has its origin from the elegant appearance of the pavilion – five phoenixes flocking together. 

There are 13 rooms with 5 roofs built in a row. What makes Ngu Phung Pavilion unique is that 5 roofs are divided into 2 lines, each of which is made of 2 roofs. The lower roof is connected, running along the ground level to serve as a shelter to cover the corridor. The upstairs roof is divided into 9 sets including the central roof set – Yellow-tiled roof and the remaining eight sets – Green-tiled roof. These all factors complement one another in the seemingly impeccable pride of Vietnamese architecture. 

I am certain that you will be impressed by Ngo Mon Gate due its architecture which is completely a far cry from the contemporary one. Don’t forget to bring a camera while visiting here because you may want to take some photos of the breathtaking scenery in Ngo Mon gate – a part of The Complex of Hue Monuments. During the opening hours, rarely do I drop by without seeing a crowd of people in front of this complex.

III. Facts and Tips

Ngo Mon Gate has been restored to its former glory, and the conservation center of the Complex of Hue Monuments will continue working on research into reliving meaningful past events to provide tourists with an excellent memorable trip.

Visiting Hue affords a great many opportunities of gaining hands-on experience about residents’ life and enjoy the hustle and bustle which is pretty typical of cities in Vietnam. You can drop by some vibrant and bustling local markets and if you feel interested and curious, I will highly recommend Dong Ba Market – a very popular one in Hue.

Hue Festival usually takes place around April to May every year, so this is the busiest and most crowded time of the year, for quite a few extremely attractive cultural and artistic activities are organized here. However, if you travel to Hue during this time, you should have a thorough plan, and it’s best to book in advance. One more thing to note is that prices will also increase much higher during tourist seasons.

To enter the Ngo Mon Gate, you will have to buy an entrance ticket outside the Imperial City. Each person is required to hold it in hand, enabling an easy control. As a visitor, you should dress politely, not wear underarms or short clothes, especially when visiting places of worship in the palace and sanctuary areas. Regulations state that filming and taking pictures in these places are also not allowed. In addition, do not carry explosives and flammable substances in any circumstances, and smoking is forbidden inside palaces or places of worship.

Hopefully, these fundamental and mandatory things give you an overall view about this tourist attraction. Let’s visit Ngo Mon Gate for a fun trip and the most enjoyable experience.

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