If you’re anything like me, seeking the best panoramic views is a must for any destination. And let me tell you. Halong Bay is no exception!

You may be familiar with Halong Bay and its picturesque emerald-colored waters and scattered limestone rocks. And if you’re not familiar with this Vietnamese wonderland, don’t fret. After this post, you will be!

The most popular way to see Halong Bay is on a cruise, but I’m here to tell you that there is another way to see Halong Bay and it’s one I highly recommend: from the top of an island!

Fun fact: the wide area of water that is commonly referred to as Halong Bay is actually a mix of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Lan Ha Bay is an area where the limestone karsts are more spread out.

If you’re looking for the best panoramic view of Halong Bay, then visit Canon Fort on Cat Ba island.

Fun Facts About Cat Ba Island

If you are interested in visiting Halong Bay, you can access this natural wonderland from anywhere in Vietnam! Cat Ba Island is located 45 minutes by boat from Haiphong, Vietnam. This is convenient because there is an airport in Haiphong, and yup, the low-cost airlines fly there!  Cat Ba is also accessible from Halong city. This is also a great convenience because many of the tour buses from Hanoi arrive there.

Cat Ba Island is the largest island in Halong Bay. It is also one of the only islands in all of Halong Bay that is habitable!

There are many fishing villages nearby to Cat Ba Island, and what’s awesome is that there is a great system in place for the kids to get their education. The kids are taken to Cat Ba town by boat before the start of school and are taken back home when school is finished for the day. How cute is that?!

Visiting Canon Fort on Cat Ba Island

Canon Fort is essentially an outdoor museum. Dating back decades, this fort was used by the Vietnamese and French military to protect Halong Bay and Haiphong city in times of war.

Another fun fact: Cat Ba island is actually part of Haiphong – a major industrial city in Vietnam.

At the entrance of Canon Fort, there is a map to show you the walking path. Don’t worry about getting lost because you will find signs pointing you in the right direction. You’ll be following the path to a beautiful viewpoint of the fishing boats on the bay and a U-shaped tunnel. You will also get to see helicopter landing stations, cannons, bunkers, and other interesting artefacts in the small museum.

It’s not a long hike! As you continue making your way through the fort, you are thaaat much closer to the top.

 

Reaching the Top of Canon Fort

Located near Cat Ba town, Canon Fort provides you with stunning views of Halong Bay, the fishing boats which surround Cat Ba island and the lush-green jungles displayed on endless hills.

Once you reach the top of the fort, you will find that there is plenty of space to relax and enjoy the view. There is also a cafe if you would like to have a drink as you take in the panoramic view.

How to Get to Canon Fort

Hike

Located just a couple kilometers from Cat Ba town, it is possible to walk to Canon Fort. However, you should plan for this to take about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your speed and if you will make stops for photographs. Importantly, the walk to Canon Fort is a steep uphill, so it’s best to pace yourself.

Taxi

You can take a taxi from Cat Ba town to the fort. If you decide to do this, make sure the taxi driver waits for you at the top of the fort. You will most likely want to take the taxi back down. You won’t find any taxi stand up there.

Entrance to Canon Fort

Whether you hike or take a taxi to the fort, you will have to pay an entry fee. If you take a taxi, the driver goes in for free.

The entry fee is 40,000 VND.

 

Halong Bay is a surreal natural landscape! While many people ditch it purely because of the high tourism, it’s still quite impossible to deny its beauty.

Have you been to Halong Bay yet? If no, is it on your wish list? If yes, what was your experience? I’d love to hear from you!