National Geographic has named Vietnam’s Cát Bà Island one of the best islands in Southeast Asia, describing it as an ideal destination for adventure travelers.
Part of the Cát Bà Archipelago in the northern port city of Hai Phong, the area consists of 367 islands, with Cát Bà being the largest. Located adjacent to UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, the island is surrounded by limestone karst mountains rising dramatically from turquoise waters, making it a popular setting for cruise tours and nature-based exploration.
“The limestone karst cliffs are a climbers’ playground; Butterfly Valley, rippling with caves and overhangs, is a popular spot for deep-water soloing (bouldering without ropes over deep water). A safer yet no less spectacular alternative is hiking Ngu Lam Peak, or paddling a kayak through bioluminescent plankton,” National Geographic wrote.
Cát Bà has also gained strong traction on major travel platforms. According to Agoda, it ranks among the most searched destinations in Vietnam by foreign tourists since early 2025. On Tripadvisor, the island consistently receives positive feedback from international visitors, who praise the untouched beauty of Lan Ha Bay, the biodiversity of Cát Bà National Park and the tranquil atmosphere of the island.
Alongside Cát Bà, National Geographic also highlighted other standout destinations in Southeast Asia, including Koh Chang (Thailand), Penang (Malaysia), Komodo (Indonesia), and Panay (Philippines).
Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam 