Cat BaIsland & Lan Ha Bay guide

05Things to do

Sunset spots

Sunsets on Cat Ba light up the karsts in gold and pink. These are the best places to watch the show.

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Fact sheet

Classic
Cannon Fort
Beach sunset
Cat Co 2
West-facing
Xuan Dam
From the water
Overnight cruise
Best months
October to December
Bring
Torch for the way back

Short answer

Cannon Fort is the classic, Xuan Dam on the west coast gives you the sun dropping into the sea, and an overnight boat gives you the bay to yourself.

01The best spots

  • Cannon Fort. Panoramic views of town, the coves and the bay. Arrive an hour early.
  • Cat Co 2. A calm beach sunset with the headlands glowing.
  • Xuan Dam. West-facing, with the sun setting over the water towards Cat Hai.
  • Monkey Island. From the beach or the viewpoint, but arrange your boat back.
  • A boat deck. The quietest, most magical option.

02Tips

  • Check the sunset time; it ranges from about 17:15 in winter to 18:45 in summer
  • Winter haze can dim the colours, autumn is often clearest
  • Bring a torch for paths and steps after dark

?Questions people ask

Where is the best sunset on Cat Ba?

Cannon Fort for views over town and the bay; Xuan Dam for the sun setting into the sea.

Read next

  1. Cannon FortWartime guns, tunnels and the best sunset view over Cat Ba Town.
  2. Xuan Dam beachA quiet west-coast beach for sunsets, away from the tourist strip.
  3. Overnight cruisesSleeping on the bay: what one night in Lan Ha Bay is like and how to choose.