Cat Ba: When the island learns to tell stories to the world

According to a report by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a destination that wants to go global cannot rely solely on landscape or climate. The lasting appeal of a place is determined by three pillars: unique natural and cultural resources, convenient connecting infrastructure, and unique tourism products that can shape the experience. In an era where international tourists are looking for more than just “beautiful photos”, a destination needs to be able to awaken emotions, so that each return visit is different.

The amazing nature of Okinawa Island, Japan

Just like Jeju (South Korea) gradually escaped the shadow of being a "satellite" destination of Seoul thanks to knowing how to "tell" stories associated with nature, people and indigenous culture; like Okinawa (Japan) developing a tourism line connecting sea, music, and cuisine; or like Siargao (Philippines) becoming a global destination for wave lovers thanks to "surfing" experiences associated with the community. All of these islands do not choose the direction of "showing off" but follow the path of "personalizing the experience".

In Vietnam, an island is following that journey - quietly but steadily, gradually escaping its "cocoon" to become a name more commonly known to the world: Cat Ba.

Leverage from the language of nature

Located in the core area of ​​Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba, which was recognized by UNESCO as the first inter-provincial World Natural Heritage of Vietnam, Cat Ba has no shortage of beauty to conquer any lens. More than 360 large and small islands, primeval forests stretching to the water’s edge, pristine beaches and the extremely rare Cat Ba langur – all like a symphony of creation.

2-sided beach, Cat Ba

But in a world of mouse clicks and thousands of destinations with the same promise of “blue sea – white sand – golden sunshine”, nature alone is not enough. So how to tell about that beauty, in a way that makes global tourists listen – and want to step inside the story.

The change of Cat Ba starts from the approach. If in the past, going to the island was a challenge that made many domestic and international tourists hesitate, then the appearance of the three-wire cable car line across the sea holding the record of "The cable car line with the highest cable tower in the world" from the mainland to the island has "changed the game". The travel time is not only shortened to 15 minutes but also brings one of the most beautiful experiences of viewing the bay from above in Vietnam. This is not just "infrastructure", but "an experience right from the start".

Cat Ba is responding to the world's green tourism trend.

On the island, the electrified transportation system within the Green Island Central Bay City, developed by Sun Group, is a systematic step towards green tourism. According to a report by Booking.com, 76% of international visitors prioritize destinations with sustainable elements. And Cat Ba is responding to that trend, not only with slogans but also with actions: electric buses, electric buggies, public spaces without plastic waste, and infrastructure planning associated with ecosystem conservation.

New chapters told in entertaining and artistic language

For a destination to “speak” to the world, it needs to have “universal” languages: music, lights, performances, cuisine.

Cat Ba will have more large-scale entertainment and art experiences from this summer.

In the summer of 2025, Cat Ba will launch "Symphony of the Green Island", a Jetski fireworks show with the largest scale ever held on the sea in Vietnam. The total investment is nearly 200 billion VND. 20 Jetski athletes performing fireworks simultaneously will participate to aim to set a Guinness World Record on the opening night in May. But what makes this show different is the story content with strong Asian colors - the legend of the Cat Ba crane fairy through the flow of the five elements. A fairy tale told through sound, light, fire, water and body movements of the world's extreme sports "superstars". No CGI, no post-production effects, everything is real - on a splendid stage of the ocean.

A "tourist lifestyle" is taking shape on Cat Ba Island

Not stopping at a show, the new experiential ecosystem at the Green Island Central Bay City is shaping a "new tourism rhythm" for the island. The morning opens at the "brand new" Ba beach, nearly 1km long, on the island with a towering "coconut forest", a rare sight on northern beaches. In the evening, visitors can "get drunk" at Sun Bavaria Cat Ba Gastro Pub with a glass of craft beer while watching fireworks on the sea and the VUI-Fest night market with music, street food and a true festival atmosphere.

Cat Ba is learning to do what many successful destinations have done: turn experiences into emotions. Turn trips into stories. Instead of welcoming groups of visitors who arrive and then leave in a hurry, Cat Ba is inviting them to stay longer, to experience every beat of the day. And when an island tells a story, the world listens.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/cat-ba-khi-hon-dao-hoc-cach-ke-chuyen-cho-the-gioi-nghe-20250327170030927.htm