Discover Cat Hai Special Zone: Strategic Location, Nature & Potential

If you thought Cat Hai was just a "transit point" to Cat Ba, it's time to rethink that. Today, the Cat Hai Special Zone is awakening with a brand-new look: a hub for seaports, green industries, and a place where nature, people, and tourism converge. As a local guide, I’ll take you on a tour of this "dynamic ecosystem" – where each island cluster is a piece of the future, and every step of development is tightly connected to the sea and sky of the homeland. You will find not only breathtaking landscapes but also strong investment potential, outstanding special zone policies, and a charming, peaceful way of life. Let’s "decode" Cat Hai through the summary table below to discover why this place is worth visiting and building a long-term connection with.

Summary of Key Points

Where is the Cat Hai Special Zone and What Makes It Unique?

Introduction to the Location and Geography

Picture Cat Hai Special Zone as a hidden gem located in the eastern part of Hai Phong – where the land gently descends into the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. It serves as a strategic gateway linking land and sea, as well as a point of convergence between ecological tourism, seaports, and modern industries.

Administratively, the special zone is formed based on the original status of Cat Hai District, covering nearly 287 km² and a population of over 71,000 people. While not expansive, its geography is highly unique: a mix of islands, peninsulas, channels, and the sea, offering a comprehensive advantage for both tourism and logistics development.

Here are the key geographical factors that make the Cat Hai Special Zone stand out on the Northern development map:

Prominent Islands You Will Visit

When you arrive in Cat Hai, you won't just step onto one island but into an entire magnificent world of islands, including three prominent clusters: Cat Hai, Cat Ba, and Long Chau. Each offers a unique charm, from bustling industries to pristine nature.

1. Cat Hai Island – The Starting Point of Transformation

• • Administrative and infrastructure center of the special zone.
    
  • Key projects like:
    
    • Lach Huyen International Port
      
    • VinFast Automotive Manufacturing Complex
      
    • Xuân Cầu Industrial Park & Free Trade Zone
      
  • Flat terrain ideal for heavy industries and logistics.
    
  • A great destination for investors looking to access the most modern seaport infrastructure in Northern Vietnam.
    

2. Cat Ba Archipelago – The “Green Heart” of the Special Zone

• • Comprising 366 islands, with Cat Ba Island being the largest and most vibrant.
    
  • Key attractions:
    
    • Cat Ba National Forest
      
    • Cát Cò Beach
      
    • Lan Ha Bay, serene and scenic
      
    • Traditional fishing villages and marine ecological exploration.
      
  • UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2004.
    
  • If you love nature, fresh air, and pristine beauty, Cat Ba is an experience you won’t want to miss.
    

3. Long Chau Archipelago – Pristine Beauty & Strategic Importance

• • Located about 15 km southeast of Cat Ba.
    
  • Includes 22 limestone islands, sparsely populated.
    
  • Key features:
    
    • Long Chau Lighthouse (built in 1895)
      
    • Magnificent limestone landscape and deep blue seas.
      
  • Plays a significant role in maritime security.
    
  • A quiet escape for nature explorers and history enthusiasts.
    

In conclusion, if you view Cat Hai Special Zone as a living entity, Cat Hai Island is its brain, Cat Ba is the heart of tourism, and Long Chau is the watchful eye guarding the sea and sky. Together, they form a dynamic ecosystem, poised for sustainable development, attracting both tourists and investors.

Cat Ba – The Green Lungs of the Special Zone

Why UNESCO Recognized it as Vietnam’s Most Valuable Biosphere

If you’ve ever stood atop the Ngự Lâm Peak and looked down, you’ll understand why Cat Ba Archipelago is often called the “green lungs” of the Cat Hai Special Zone. Not only is it a breathtaking sight, but it also holds exceptional ecological value, earning its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status in 2004.

The archipelago consists of over 388 limestone islands, intertwining dense forests, deep seas, and brackish water ecosystems, making it one of Vietnam's richest biodiversity regions. Over 3,000 species of flora and fauna call it home, with the Cat Ba Langur being a particularly rare and endangered species found only here.

Beyond its conservation value, Cat Ba’s ecosystems play a crucial role in climate regulation, air purification, and coastal protection—contributing to the sustainable living environment of the Northern Coastal Region.

Here are some must-try experiences in Cat Ba:

• Cat Ba’s Primeval Forest
  Spanning over 17,000 hectares, with rugged limestone mountains, valleys, and caves. Home to hundreds of wildlife species, it's perfect for trekking, wildlife watching, and exploring ancient caves.
  
• Lan Ha Bay – A Pearl on the Sea
  Located to the east and south of Cat Ba, this bay has more than 400 islands, clear waters, and pristine sandy beaches. Experience kayaking, boat tours, diving, or relaxing on luxurious cruises.
  
• Cát Cò Beaches
  With Cát Cò 1, Cát Cò 2, and Cát Cò 3, these beaches offer fine sand, crystal-clear water, and gentle waves, ideal for families and those looking for peaceful relaxation.
  

Cat Hai’s Growth Post-Special Zone Status

Visible Changes in Infrastructure, Services, and Tourism

After becoming an official special zone on July 1, 2025, Cat Hai has entered a new phase of rapid transformation, with a new vitality that’s reshaping its economic and tourism landscape.

The most noticeable change is in transportation infrastructure. The Tan Vu – Lach Huyen Bridge, the longest sea bridge in Vietnam, connects Hai Phong city center directly to the special zone in just a few minutes. Gone are the days of waiting for ferries—now, there’s a direct, smooth road leading right to the sea. Internal roads, ports, and transportation systems on the islands have been modernized, creating an advanced network linking the islands quickly.

In terms of social infrastructure, the government has ramped up investments in public amenities, urban renewal, and service upgrades. These improvements not only enhance the living quality for the 71,000 residents but also attract workers and investors to settle here.

For tourism, accommodation and entertainment services have seen impressive growth, with high-end hotels, resorts, beachside cafes, and activities expanding to welcome domestic and international visitors. Cat Hai is no longer an isolated island—it is now a modern, welcoming, and promising destination.

Zoom in on Key Large Projects: Lach Huyen Port, VinFast, High-End Tourism

Let’s look at some of the big projects that are bringing new life to Cat Hai Special Zone and turning it into the "investment magnet" of Northern Vietnam.

These projects aren’t just infrastructure—they lay the foundation for Cat Hai to become a multi-industry economic hub combining high-tech industries, logistics, and ecological tourism.

Investment Incentives: What Does the Special Zone Offer to Investors and Businesses?

When speaking with investors who have visited Cat Hai, I’ve learned that what impresses them most isn’t just the stunning natural beauty, but also the strong and flexible incentive policies—something rare in many regions.

Starting July 1, 2025, Cat Hai will benefit from a series of breakthrough mechanisms:

These policies will not only help investors reduce costs but also accelerate project implementation, saving time and effort in running businesses.

What Will the Future Hold for Cat Hai in 5–10 Years?

If you ask me, "What will Cat Hai look like in the next 5 to 10 years?" The answer is clear: it will become the leading blue economy hub—clean, modern, and advanced in Northern Vietnam.

Suggested 2D1N Itinerary

Day 1: From Hotel to Beach – Forest – Fishing Village – Bay – Night Market

• 12:00–14:00: Arrive at Cat Ba town, check-in at a central hotel. Relax and prepare for an exciting journey ahead.
  
• 15:00–15:30: Meet the local guide. Start the journey to Lan Ha Bay.
  
• 15:40–16:10: Visit the Cái Bèo fishing village, one of the oldest in Vietnam.
  
• 16:10–16:50: Explore Lan Ha Bay’s 139 stunning sandy beaches.
  
• 16:50–17:30: Enjoy activities like swimming, kayaking, and water sports.
  
• 17:30–18:00: Watch the sunset on the bay, a picture-perfect moment.
  
• 18:30–20:00: Return to the hotel, dine on fresh seafood.
  
• 20:00 onwards: Explore Cat Ba Night Market and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
  

Day 2: Early Beach – Relax – Light Check-out

• 07:00–08:00: Enjoy breakfast at local spots.
  
• 08:00–10:00: Relax at Cát Cò Beach.
  
• 10:00–11:00: Return to the hotel, pack up.
  
• 11:30: Check out and leave, taking home unforgettable memories of Cat Hai.

Conclusion: Explore Cat Hai Special Zone

With its stunning landscapes, economic growth, and exceptional investment opportunities, Cat Hai is becoming a leading destination in Northern Vietnam. Whether for leisure or business, it’s a place to experience, invest in, and return to.