Monkey Island (Cat Dua Island)

Monkey Island, also known as Cat Dua Island, is a small island in Lan Ha Bay off Cat Ba Island in Cat Hai District, Hai Phong. It is known for its two crescent-shaped sandy beaches, Cat Dua 1 and Cat Dua 2, clear turquoise water, limestone karst backdrop, and a troop of semi-wild monkeys. Accessible only by boat from Cat Ba Town, it is a popular day-trip stop on Lan Ha Bay tours.

Visitors arrive by boat from Cat Ba Town or Beo Wharf to a small island with two sandy beaches separated by a short trail. Expect a beach area with swimming and kayaking, a troop of free-roaming monkeys near the beach and resort area, simple beachfront bungalows and a restaurant, and a short but steep hike over limestone rocks to a viewpoint overlooking Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago.

Originally called Cat Dua Island after wild pineapples (cat dua) that grew abundantly on the island. It became known as Monkey Island after monkeys were brought to the island and now live semi-wild, becoming its defining feature for tourism.

Located within the Cat Ba Archipelago UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Lan Ha Bay scenic area, the island represents the natural island heritage and ecotourism identity of Hai Phong and northern Vietnam's coastal region.