I've got about 8 days at the end of May and I'm torn between spending it on Cat Ba or Con Dao. I like chilling on the beach, rock climbing, kayaking, diving, and hiking around if it's not super hot! Generally stay in budget to midrange accommodation right on a swimming beach if possible. I'll be in Hanoi before, so Cat Ba is easier/cheaper because I don't have to fly there, and it has climbing, but no diving. But Con Dao has good diving from what I hear.
Anyone been to both and can help me decide? Is one of them better than the other for a solo traveler? Is one of them generally cheaper for accommodation and food? Is the water cleaner and better for swimming at one over the other? Will they both be crowded at that time of year?
Any advice appreciated!
Anyone been to both and can help me decide? Is one of them better than the other for a solo traveler? Is one of them generally cheaper for accommodation and food? Is the water cleaner and better for swimming at one over the other? Will they both be crowded at that time of year?
Any advice appreciated!
2
8 days is a lot for either. Cat Ba would allow you to see Ha Long Bay and has better accommodation and food options than Con Dao. Mooslie is right that CD has much better diving although it's not in the same class as Thailand or Indonesia. I've not heard of any climbing in CD5
thanks for all your help. An honest question: is Cat Ba overrun with tourist this time of year? I really want a chill place to spend some time on the beach and do some climbing, not a crowded touristy spot, and I'm hearing Cat Ba can be just that. Dothe junk boat tours stop at Cat Ba and let people off for the day?What about Cham islands near Hoi An? Nice beaches? I hear there is diving there but not great. Not sure if there's climbing, but I don't think so.
Are there other less touristed islands in the northern area with decent beaches?
