The New York-based travel site Thrillist has included Cat Co 2 beach on Cat Ba island, northern Hai Phong city, and Thom beach on Phu Quoc island, southern Kien Giang province, on its list of the best seaside getaways in Vietnam.

Thom Beach on
Phu Quoc Island. (Photo: VNA)
Situated 45km to the east of Hai Phong, Cat Ba boasts
crystal-clear waters, jungles and ancient fishing villages, but has managed to
keep a relatively low profile despite being just south of the world-famous Ha
Long Bay.
The travel site described Cat Co 2 as "the most relaxed of Cat Ba’s three
beaches” and a place where travellers can take in a panoramic view of the amazing
island surrounded by spectacular limestone mountains.
It described Thom beach on Phu Quoc island as "Nested in the forest that
dominates this island, Thom beach is too far off the beaten track for coach
tourists but brings in enough intrepid backpackers to sustain the local snack
shacks and their surprisingly delicious homebrewed beer.”
Cat Ba island is set to become an eco-smart island and a national tourism site,
according to Hai Phong’s tourism development plan period 2017-2020.
Located 150 kilometres from Hanoi, Cat Ba consists of 366 large and small
islands, beaches and limestone mountains. In 2004, Cat Ba island was recognised
by the UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve
Meanwhile, Phu Quoc, 40km west of southern Kien Giang province, is dubbed the
"pearl” island.
Phu Quoc features a monsoon tropical climate. It has two seasons, the dry
season from November to April and the rainy season from May to October. The
average temperature is 28 degrees Celsius, allowing visitors to enjoy the
island’s beauty at any time of the year.
The Phu Quoc National Park is one of the most attractive places in the
district. It is home to 929 plant species, of which 42 are listed in the
Vietnamese and world red books of endangered species. The park is part of the
Kien Giang biosphere reserve, which was recognised as a World Biosphere Reserve
by UNESCO in 2006.
Source: VNA
As the new year begins and festive spirit fills the air, visitors flock to Hoa Binh lake, often dubbed the "Ha Long Bay on land," to enjoy its breathtaking beauty and serene atmosphere. In spring, the lake comes alive with lush greenery and delicate blossoms, while boats carrying eager tourists glide across its tranquil waters.
With effective business operations, significant increases in the number of visitors at weekends and on public holidays, and being listed among the 71 most beautiful places to visit worldwide by the prestigious US travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller, Hoa Binh’s tourism is "spreading its wings" on its journey towards the targets of welcoming 4.9 million visitors, including 1 million foreigners, and achieving total tourism revenue of 5.4 trillion VND (211.89 million USD) in 2025.
On February 21, the Provincial People's Committee held a conference to implement the tourism plan in 2025 and meet with tourism businesses operating in the province. The event was chaired by Mr. Nguyen Van Toan, the Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee and the Head of the Provincial Tourism Steering Committee.
Tien Pagoda is located in the valley of Lao Noi and Lao Ngoai villages, Phu Nghia commune, Lac Thuy district; it is surrounded by two mountain ranges stretching like two giant dragons reaching for the blue sky. Every year, when spring comes, thousands of Buddhists and tourists from all over the country make a pilgrimage to Tien Pagoda. The relic complex of Tien Pagoda is ranked as a national relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism with 21 relic sites of many types: historical and cultural relics, scenic relics, and archaeological relics.
Cao Phong has paid due attention to developing tourism, creating impetus for socio-economic development towards completing the targets set in the resolution of the district’s 28th Party Congress for the 2020-2025 tenure.
A great number of visitors have flocked to tourist attractions in Hoa Binh province in the first lunar month every year to admire the beautiful scenery, fully enjoy the spring atmosphere, and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere in many localities.