(VOVworld)-The 2013 National Tourism Year with the theme “Red River Delta Civilization” hosted by Hai Phong city creates an opportunity for Hai Phong to introduce new tourist products, and create a breakthrough in improving the quality of tourist services. In Hai Phong, major events will be held on Do Son and Cat Ba island.

Located 100 km from Hanoi, Hai Phong is a popular destination for tourists. Visiting Hai Phong in spring, you can participate in local festivals, visit temples, pagodas and historical relics. In summer, tours of Do Son beach, Cat Ba island, Bai Tu Long Bay and Ha Long Bay are the most popular. If you are interested in folklore cultural activities and the buffalo fighting festival in Hai Phong, autumn is the best time. In winter, visitors to Hai Phong are inspired to climb up the mountain to visit Cat Ba grotto and Voi mountain. Easy transportation is one of Cat Ba’s attractions. Doan Duy Linh, Director of Hai Phong’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, says: “Hai Phong is the main coastal city in the north. Hai Phong is accessible by waterways, railways, road and air, so it’s easy for the city to promote its tourism. Hai Phong has Cat Bi airport, which will be upgraded to an international airport with the government’s approval in 2007. In November, 2012, the government agreed to develop Cat Bi into a two-runway airport which can receive big aircraft and open new international routes”.

Do Son is one of the biggest attractions in Hai Phong. Located 22 km southeast of Hai Phong, Do Son attracts tourists with its fresh air, beautiful beaches and beautiful landscapes. Along the Do Son beach, there are different services, an ancient villa, where Bao Dai, the last King of the Nguyen Dynasty lived, and Pagodon ancient pagoda. Cat Ba island is the most popular destination in Hai Phong. Le Quang Dao, Director of Vietvision Travel says: “Foreigners like Cat Ba because of its quietness and tranquility and Vietnamese tourists are interested in beaches and the national park. Cat Ba island is surrounded by more than 300 other islets. The traveling to Cat Ba is as easy as to Ha Long Bay. From Hai Phong to Cat Ba, tourist can go by road, ferry or speed boat in about 1 hour. Going by ferry from Tuan Chau to Cat Ba is a good alternative for tourists".

Cat Ba island is a meeting place of sea and forests. Cat Ba National Park is a must-see for any tourists to Cat Ba. In addition, Cat Ba is famous for beautiful islets and white sandy beaches. Nguyen Gia Khanh, who works for the Hai Phong Tourism Information Center, says: “The town is very near the beach. We can walk or go by electric van. The beach in Cat Ba town is very nice and there are about 100 such beaches in Cat Ba. The beaches in Cat Ba are small but the water is clean and cool, and the sand is white".

At this season, most of the visitors are foreigners. Le Quang Dao, Director of Vietvision Travel, says: “It’s important to pack warm clothes and sports shoes if you want to visit Cat Ba and Hai Phong in this season. You shouldn’t wear sandals while visiting Cat Ba because Cat Ba is a rocky island. So, what you pack for your trip depends on the time of the year that you visit the island.

For beach and forest lovers, Cat Ba is an ideal site. A trip to Cat Ba will give you an opportunity to mingle with nature and flee the hustle and bustle of city life.

Lan Anh