Sunday, September 16, 2007

Vietnam (Catba Island, Vietnam) May 2007 D-4




After a good rest last night, we woke up early and took a morning stroll around the Catba village port. Here, we could see a number of small fishing boats anchoring around the port area. Others were seen peddling their small boats toward the coaster area offering their fresh seafood catches to local residents.

Catba town is fast growing and is now a popular summer destination for Hanoi residents. The amenities in the town and the main streets were well maintained. Cars from Hanoi could make use of the ferries and land via Cat Hai.

In the 70's, we were told that many wealthy Vietnamese from Catba, in escaping the harsh communism regime, made an exodus from the Catba Island and most landed as "boat people" or refugees in neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Hong Kong and Thailand. Many were perished in the open sea.

After the morning walk, we had our breakfast at the hostel. At around 8.00am, we departed Catba Island and headed back to Halong Bay for transfer to a bus to take us back to Hanoi. Bye bye Catba ! What a wonderful place to unwind and relax in this sleepy fishing village port !








Return Boat journey from Catba Island to Halong Bay










" Ho Chi Minh visited Catba Island in 1 April 1951 (during the April Fool day !) - so if you ever visit Halong Bay, take a junk boat to Catba Island and you will never regret coming here ! "

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