Cat BaIsland & Lan Ha Bay guide

04Beaches

Cat Co 1 beach

Cat Co 1 is the biggest and busiest of the three coves over the headland from town. In summer it is the island's social beach, with loungers, cafés, water sports and families everywhere.

  • 2 min read
  • Last checked

Fact sheet

From town
≈ 10–15 min on foot
Sand
Pale, coarse, with some rocks
Facilities
Cafés, loungers, toilets, rentals
Crowds
Very busy on summer weekends
Swimming
Calm water, lifeguards in season
Entry
Free

Short answer

A convenient, lively beach 10–15 minutes' walk from town. Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday crowds in summer.

01The beach

A curved cove between two rocky headlands, with pale sand and gently shelving water. Resorts and hotels rise behind it, and part of the beach front is used by a hotel. On summer afternoons it fills with Vietnamese families and groups; out of season it is quiet and some services close.

02Getting there

From the harbour, follow the road south over the hill towards the Cat Co beaches, or take an electric cart for a few dozen thousand dong. The walk is steep in parts but short.

03Tips

  • Arrive before 10:00 or after 16:00 in summer
  • Bring cash for drinks and loungers
  • Combine with Cat Co 2 for a quieter swim
  • Stay for sunset, then walk back into town for dinner

Where it is

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Pins mark approximate locations.

Open the island map

?Questions people ask

Is Cat Co 1 beach free?

Yes, the public beach is free. Loungers and umbrellas are rented separately.

Is Cat Co 1 good for kids?

Yes, with calm, shallow water on most summer days and facilities nearby.

Read next

  1. Cat Co 2The quietest of the town coves, with a more natural feel.
  2. Cat Co 3A small cove closest to town, overlooked by hotels and resorts.
  3. Beach & island resortsResorts above the Cat Co coves and bungalows on islands in the bay.